The Garden That Grew from Him - By Elissa Rossouw

Written By: Elissa Rossouw

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Elissa Rossouw presents a haunting short story titled "The Garden That Grew from Him." This tale, set against a backdrop of mystery and fantasy, captures a young boy's journey through fear, captivity, and eventual transformation. Rossouw crafts a world where nature's embrace offers solace in the aftermath of human struggles. Her narrative invites readers to explore the delicate interplay between humanity and the natural world, leaving a memorable impact.

About the Work

Elissa Rossouw's story weaves a dark yet poignant narrative, blending elements of fantasy and reality. The tale explores themes of fear, control, and transformation through the eyes of Elias, a captive boy. The imagery is rich, with vivid descriptions of the natural world reclaiming what was lost. The mood shifts from tension to a serene acceptance of nature's power, as the garden metaphorically grows from the remnants of human experience, leaving readers to ponder the eternal cycle of life and death.

The Garder That Grew from him.

Original Submission by Elissa Rossouw

The Garden That Grew from Him.

By: Elissa Rossouw

The wind howled through the branches of the snow-covered pine trees of the mountain, as a young boy named Elias ran up the mountain, shaken with fear, searching for shelter for the night. The full moon shone brightly in the night sky, and the light shone through the branches, casting strange and eerie shadows. Elias found a dark cave he hurried inside, curling up in a corner, trying to keep warm as tears streamed down his cheeks along with broken sobs. He looked up at the cave entrance with squinted eyes- a flash of lightning illuminated the entrance where a dark figure stood staring directly at the young boy. Terrified, Elias scrambled backwards, eyes filled with pure horror; he did not dare make a sound- the next thing Elias remembered was the figure charging at him before it went dark.

Elias’ eyes fluttered open; he had no idea how long he had been out, but it felt like days. He looked around, hoping to find himself in his bed at home, hoping it all was just a nightmare, but he found himself in a tower cell, thick, heavy chains around his wrists and ankles connecting at his stomach to one long chain connected to the floor just outside of the metal bars of the cell gate.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the hall. Not knowing what to do, Elias fakes sleep on the old mattress he was lying on. A deep, raspy voice spoke, making a shiver run down the boy’s spine: “Don’t even try to fool me, human,” the voice spoke from the shadows. The boy trembled as he sat upright and squinted into the darkness, trying to locate the person speaking. Seeing only darkness, he hesitates- and with a trembling voice he asks, “St- stay back!” he stutters out. A low, sadistic laugh broke through the air: “Mortal human, do you have any idea who you’re talking to?!” the voice shouted, his voice laced with amusement. “I am Maxamus! The beast of the mountain and you dare trespass on my land?!” The voice was now filled with anger as his bright yellow eyes glowed faintly.

The figure finally stepped into the light, revealing a dashing fae-like being with goat horns growing from white silky hair, a scarred face with glowing golden goat-like eyes stared back at Elias, who was too stunned to speak. Elias felt like nothing compared to him; he was short, sickly pale, with brown eyes and black hair.

Elias trembled in fear on the floor. “I- I’m warning you, st- stay back!” The taller man’s expression went blank before flashing with anger. “What gives you the right to give me orders?” he pulled on the chain, forcing Elias to stumble forward on his hands and knees. “I’m in charge, human; you do not give me orders.”

Over the following days, Elias slowly began seeing the beast, even though he was constantly beaten and punished. One night, after not being allowed to eat, he looked up at the taller man. “You never told me your name,” Elias said as he lay on the floor where his mattress had been before it was taken as punishment for asking for food. The taller man’s calm face immediately turned into a scowl. “What makes you think I’ll give you my name?” Elias flinched at the harsh tone in which the man spoke, expecting another beating. He curled up, but the man simply walked away with his food.

Silence fell once more in the cell, a heavy silence, as if the air itself was watching him. But still, no blow fell. No cruel hand came out to grasp him. No voice called out in anger.

Finally, slowly, far too slowly, he raised his head.

The man had stopped in his tracks.

For a moment, a moment, the light of the torches danced across him, and long shadows fell across the walls. He had had his back turned to Elias, but there was something strange about the man, as if he were torn between leaving and doing something completely different. Elias’s frown was a mixture of confusion and fear. “...Why?” he had whispered, the word escaping his lips despite himself. The man had not turned to face him. You starve me. You chain me. You... yet you do not finish it. “There was a moment of silence. And then, at last- “I do not kill what is mine. “The words were spoken almost absent-mindedly, but they were a blow. A blow is harder than any blow. Elias’ entire body was frozen.

Mine.

The chain on his wrists seemed heavier.

A month has passed since Elias was captured. The beatings and torture subsided over time, but the tall man had slowly become infatuated with the small boy, but he did not know if Elias felt the same. He did, but he had not told the man; yet he just complied, showing his love by obeying him.

But in the end, the beast was no master of his own heart. For what he did not understand, he tried to silence. And thus, in a moment of quiet desperation, he took the life of the boy with a blade swift and deliberate, as if he were cutting something he feared to face. The boy had no more than time to breathe before the light went out of him. The stillness that followed was far worse than any struggle. He took him down the mountain to where a small stream ran clear over smooth stones. There, he buried him beneath the earth. There was no marker to show where he lay. Only the whisper of the water and the wind through the leaves remained.

Time went by.

For where death had been, life had begun to sprout. Roots had grown gently through bone. Vines had curled through the hollow of his ribs. Pale blossoms had bloomed above him. Fed upon what remained. And thus, he was no longer alone.

The forest had taken him in quiet beauty. Wrapped him in green and soft petals. Held him safe at last as the beast had never been able to.

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About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talents in poetry, short stories, and creative writing. It celebrates diverse voices and encourages innovative storytelling. Participants from various backgrounds come together to share their unique perspectives, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic literary community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Elissa Rossouw for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her short story, "The Garden That Grew from Him." Her evocative narrative invites readers to reflect on the themes of transformation and the enduring power of nature. We look forward to seeing more of her creative endeavors 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.