Silenced - By M. N. Haniya

Written By: M. N. Haniya

Category: short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

M. N. Haniya presents "Silenced," a compelling short story that delves into themes of communication and belonging. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative captures the silent struggles of an individual striving to find a voice in a world that speaks a different language. Through vivid storytelling, "Silenced" invites readers to explore the profound impact of language on identity and connection.

About the Work

"Silenced" is a thoughtful exploration of the isolation felt by those who cannot communicate in conventional ways. The story is imbued with a sense of longing, capturing the protagonist's yearning for understanding and acceptance. Vivid imagery of nature contrasts with the societal barriers they face, evoking a deep sense of empathy. The narrative style is both poignant and reflective, emphasizing the universal need for language and connection.

Silenced

Original Submission by M. N. Haniya

Silenced

Everyone Knows Something That I Don't

Their mouths were moving again.

Dad opened his mouth too wide.

Mom frowned.

My brother laughed.

I smiled because everyone else did.

I searched their faces for an answer that lay hidden between their lips. And I smiled because everyone else did.

____________________________________________________________________________________ Memory

What I remembered was hands, not what was speaking, but hands pointing, hands pushing, and the ones that pulled me away.

I remember everyone running in the distant mountains, wording things that I never could put into words, like they were using something that I never knew.

I watched their mouths every day.

Everyone else knew what came next.

But I never knew.

I loved watching the beach, the mountains, the grasslands and daisies, the forests when we went on road trips, and the feeling of when the soft morning sunlight gently touched me. It was all I knew. Because the clouds never expected me to answer. Neither did the waves. And the winds never became frustrated or worried when I couldn't understand.

Nature was kinder than people ever were.

I love watching the rain, and the smell that arose from the ground when it rains... The little raindrops that fell to the ground, hugging each other, was what I loved.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Something Isn’t Right

As time passed, I saw mom and dad looking worried about me, but I never knew why. They never told me why.

And slowly, people ignored me too. I never had friends at school, either. And my teacher seems worried too. Why don't they tell me?

____________________________________________________________________________________ The Little Girl in Disney World

It was the weekend, and a long holiday came up. Me, my brother Scott and my sister Zelda, along with my parents, we all decided to go to Disney World.

There were beautiful princes and princesses, and all the cartoon characters had come to life!

Then I saw something that I've never seen before. Something that amused me the most. A princess raised her hands.

Her fingers danced through the air.

The little girl laughed before moving her own hands back at the princess. But they weren't waving.

They were talking.

All this time, they had been speaking, in a voice That nobody told me. And if I had one chance to look back... ...I wouldn't ask for another life. I'd ask for a language, because every story begins with words.

Mine never did.

____________________________________________________________________________________ "For some, signing is a choice. But for others, it's the whole world.

It's more than words. It's where a child learns that they exist.

Every child deserves a language. Every child deserves to be heard."

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary excellence. It showcases a diverse array of voices and stories from around the world, encouraging participants to express their unique perspectives. This prestigious platform provides an opportunity for writers to engage with a global audience, highlighting the power of words in bridging cultural and linguistic divides.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to M. N. Haniya for their moving contribution, "Silenced," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your story sheds light on the importance of language and the human need to be heard, touching readers with its emotional depth. We are grateful for your participation and for sharing such an evocative piece with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.