The Devil Likes Oranges - By Chris Dino Belacho

Written By: Chris Dino Belacho

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Chris Dino Belacho's "The Devil Likes Oranges" is a captivating short story featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This imaginative narrative invites readers into a world where climate change and philosophical musings intersect with unexpected companionship. Belacho's work, crafted with a unique voice, delves into themes of introspection and the human condition, offering a fresh perspective on life and its complexities.

About the Work

"The Devil Likes Oranges" presents a contemplative exploration of personal reflection and societal challenges. The story's mood is both whimsical and profound, as it weaves an engaging dialogue between the narrator and an unexpected figure. Through vivid imagery and a touch of irony, Belacho deftly explores themes of regret, solace, and the small yet significant aspects of life that give it meaning.

The Devil Likes Oranges

Original Submission by Chris Dino Belacho

The Devil Likes Oranges

by Chris Dino Belacho

A long May summer sky had become a companion that over- stayed its welcome. It made matters worse when it brought along a drought that led to much indecision. You could say I was waging war against climate change by drinking at the bar every night. I was a waste of space, as my mother would say-compelled to do absolutely nothing and, at the same time, feel rather accomplished under the false pretense that I was a philosopher whenever I had a little too much to drink.

Everything is peachy on the right side of alcohol, they say.

I drove up to the mountainside where it was cooler. There, I was greeted by my friends. And by friends, I mean those I made up-I think. At the rest stop, there was a bench waiting for me. It sat under the sun next to an enormous fig tree, along with the rest that lined up quite evenly. There, I talked to the devil. He wasn’t as bad as everybody thought. He was just misunderstood, like most people I knew.

He said he was going to stick around until the end of summer. After that, it would be cool again-this he promised.

We ended up talking about a lot of things. I even invited him over to my place for more drinks, but he said he didn’t want to impose or give my parents a heart attack. I asked him if he regretted anything he had done. It took me a while to find the right words and the right timing; at first, he hesitated. But after a few slugs of whiskey, he answered anyway.

“We make bad decisions all the time. This happens to everybody. And if you’re in it for the long haul-believe me on this-I really think you’ll see through to the end of it. But that’s not the only consolation. You’ll find out eventually, and I hope it will appease you to know that there are little things worth staying for.”

I didn’t realize until then that the devil was consoling me. It couldn’t have been more ironic.

“I know what you’re trying to tell me. I know I should be glad- grateful, even-but truthfully, I’m not,” I said ruefully.

“There’s a festival coming up,” he said, pointing to the summit. “Right there between the two peaks.

I think you should definitely come. It’s for St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things.”

“Sure, I’ll check my calendar,” I said with a friendly scoff.

“And also, if you can be so kind as to loan me a book. I haven’t found the time to buy one.”

He confessed that he was a slow reader. In return, I told him I could never find the guts to smoke in front of my mother.

“You’ve always been a slow reader-so what? You literally made world domination popular.”

I peeled an orange and handed him a slice. He told me it was the most refreshing thing he’d had in a long while. We sat there, exchanging thoughts until twilight.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in literature, showcasing exceptional works from around the world. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique stories and poetic expressions, fostering a global community of writers and readers alike.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris Dino Belacho for his contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "The Devil Likes Oranges." This engaging short story offers readers an opportunity to ponder life's intricacies through a creative lens. We look forward to more insightful narratives from Chris 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.