Taking My Time on My Ride - By Adrienne Nichole O. Cabahug

Written By: Adrienne Nichole O. Cabahug

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Adrienne Nichole O. Cabahug invites readers on a whimsical journey in her short story "Taking My Time on My Ride," featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through the eyes of a young traveler, the narrative explores the interplay of imagination and reality during a long car journey. This story is a vibrant addition to the Short Story category, offering a glimpse into the endless possibilities of a child's mind.

About the Work

"Taking My Time on My Ride" paints a vivid picture of a child's imaginative world, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a slow journey. Adrienne creates a rich tapestry of fantasy, filled with candy landscapes and fairy-tale characters. The story captures the essence of youthful creativity and the longing for escape, while subtly hinting at deeper themes of longing and anticipation.

Taking My Time on My Ride

Original Submission by Adrienne Nichole O. Cabahug

Taking My Time on My Ride

“I wonder what’s inside that other van?” The seat is unfamiliar but comfortable nonetheless. I’ve been trying to will myself to be in dreamland for the past hour (or is it hours?) because Mr. Driver told me it will take me two sleeps before we get to our destination- maybe that’s ‘cause he’s driving too slow, even slower than grandma. I’d tell him this but I can’t right now. I’ve already counted a million sheep yet my mind remains awake and active. Recalling what I do with my mama on long drives, I decided to play a game.

As I close my eyes, I try to picture what’s inside the van of my dreams. Setting foot in my imagination, I can see clear boxes after boxes of candies and chocolates stacked atop each other.

Candies like different colored lollipops- huge circular lollipops that turn my tongue either an electric shade of blue, a vivid pink, or a deep purple. Aside from the lollipops are technicolored gummy worms of all sizes and sour tapes drizzled with sugar (which my mama won’t let me eat before big meals) and giant candy canes that are hung on each side of the car like it’s christmas!

The seats are made out of white and brown marshmallows, so fluffy that I bounce on my seat and the floor is all covered in rainbow sprinkles with scattered skittles! The image of ceilings made of white chocolate that never melts continues to fuel my fantasy even more, added with lights that

are made out of glowing jelly beans! I can imagine myself eating vanilla ice cream with

chocolate covered strawberries as I await to arrive at my destination. How I wish, how I wish I could be there right now! Returning to reality, I stare lovingly at the other van but Mr. Driver

starts the engine and drives the car away, my dream fading into nothingness. I took a deep sigh and continued to search for the next white van.

Twiddling my thumbs for a couple of minutes, the car halts for the second time. I see another white van waiting to be a part of my game! This time a human-sized teddy bear smiles at me, his brown paw waving as if beckoning me to join his journey. I waved my hand back, closed my eyes and further imagined what this car has in store for me. In my head, I am greeted by

Barbie and Ken, the former handing me a pink drink with a red and white striped straw. Drinking my juice, I noticed my glimmering princess-like clothes and a heavy weight on my head wherein a bejeweled tiara sits. As I imagine further, I see a princess wearing a yellow gown reading a book on the passenger seat. Aha! She’s reading The Little Prince, my favorite! And a warrior

princess who is in charge of driving the van, a red tiny dragon sat on her lap. At the very back is a beautiful sleeping princess with a rose between her hands, beside her is another about to bite an apple with skin as fair as snow, and on the furthest corner is a princess wearing a tattered dress clutching a destroyed pumpkin, a glass shoe on her lap. All of a sudden, fairies scattering pixie dust surround me, humming the lullaby that my mama sings to me every night before bed. Their giggles make different colored butterflies appear, smelling of sweet scented flowers. How I wish, how I wish I could be there right now! As I open my eyes once again, the light turns green and

the second white van leaves, taking my dreams away with it.

I waited so long for the third van but I am met with an endless view of grassland and trees. As the sky begins to darken, my silhouette starts to appear more vividly on the window

beside me. There I see a clear picture of my reflection- everything looks the same except for the brown tape covering my mouth. Mr. Driver put this to make me stop from asking too many questions. I hope my mama remembers our game the next time she sees a white van, I hope she imagines I’m in one of them.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms. This esteemed platform provides writers worldwide the opportunity to share their creative expressions, offering readers a diverse collection of poetry and prose. The competition is a testament to the power of words to transcend borders and connect hearts.

We extend our gratitude to Adrienne Nichole O. Cabahug for sharing her enchanting short story "Taking My Time on My Ride" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is greatly appreciated, and we hope to see more of your imaginative narratives in the future.

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.