The Kind Beauty of the Coral Reef - By Yasithma Amadoru

Written By: Yasithma Amadoru

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Yasithma Amadoru presents a captivating short story titled "The Kind Beauty of the Coral Reef" as part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this enchanting narrative, readers are invited to explore an imaginative underwater world where friendship, adventure, and creativity converge. The story's heroine, a mermaid named Mary, embarks on a transformative journey that intertwines her passion for fashion with an earnest dedication to environmental stewardship. Join us in celebrating Yasithma's imaginative contribution to this global literary event.

About the Work

"The Kind Beauty of the Coral Reef" is a tale that masterfully blends elements of fantasy and reality. Through vivid imagery and an engaging narrative style, Yasithma Amadoru crafts a story that captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and the power of creativity. The protagonist, Mary, exemplifies a commitment to environmental care and innovation, transforming waste into beautiful fashion pieces. This heartwarming narrative is not only a testament to ingenuity but also a gentle reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world.

The Kind Beauty of the Coral Reef

Original Submission by Yasithma Amadoru

The kind beauty of the coral reef, who became a fashion designer

In the deep blue Pacific Ocean, there lived a little beautiful mermaid named Mary. A beautiful glowing coral reef with orange and pink was her home. She had a golden heart and two caring parents. Mary can swim as fast as a shark. She has a sparkling mermaid tail, that is golden. Also, she has long beautiful pink and purple hair. Her voice is melodious and kind. Mary loves to play with little dolphins and fishes. She always helps other creatures and mermaids. She had two best friends named Michelle and Johnathan. They both were mermaids. The three loved going on mysterious adventures. And most of all Mary loves fashion designing. If her mom told her to make a dress for her, right away Mary start knitting. She made elegant dresses for her mom.

One cold day Mary and her friends decided to have a magical adventure. Johnathan said “Are you sure about going on this adventure? shouldn’t we go home?” “No, Johnathan, don’t be a scared cat “Mary screamed. “I’m not sure, but let’s just move on “Johnathan murmured. They swam through the freezing water. All the three were exhausted. They wanted to have a break. They swam to beach shore. The beach was amazing and three of them loved it. It was cold because it’s raining. They wanted to stay for a long time. But, back at home their parents were starting to worried why their children wasn’t still home. Then the parents decided to go and search where they were at. After the parents came to the shore, they saw the three were under the water just enjoying the cold water. They told their parents, that they want to go outside of the water and live. The parents laughed, “oh my god, your mermaids. You can’t live without the water. “The three didn’t hesitate and got out of the water. Then suddenly the three turns into humans. Their parents shocked and scared. “How we carry human children to our reef “they discussed. Then, the parents decided to go back without them and they sadly left them. The three of them were frustrated because their parents left. They feel scared and longlines. So, three of them decided to never break their friendship.

When they were young, they never broke their friendship. One day they saw a pile of garbage. Mary suggested that they should collect the garbage and make something out of it. Michelle and Johnathan disagreed. They said “Mary don’t be a cleaning lady. You’re not a cleaning lady and come with us to the cafe. But Mary said “No, we should help the environment first. Then have fun.” Johnathan and Michelle laughed and said, “Ok cleaning lady, we are ending this friendship.” “Oh no,” Mary disappointed and her eyes filled with tears. She said “can you remember our promise to be friends forever? “But they didn’t listen to Mary and said “well the friendship should come to an end.” Mary sadly steps up to the beach and stay for a long time.

A great idea sparked in Mary’s head. She thought of picking the garbage and making dresses for the poor people. First, she cleaned the garbage carefully. But after she was done some of the garbage were too wet. She felt very disappointed and failed and failed many times. But she never gave up. After falling many times, she finally made a dress with plastic bottles and polythene bags. She was on cloud nine. Then she saw an old woman with worn clothes and she gave her new dress to her. That old lady surprised and grateful about her new dress. She thanked “What a golden heart you have. You’re such a kind girl.” Mary decided to follow her fashion and make more fashionable dresses out of real fabrics.

After trying and trying, she made a comfortable and elegant dress named “Little Rosy.” She thought that making with dresses is difficult. So, she thought that make with only recyclable items to be environmentally friendly. One day she saw somebody putting their own fashion show. Mary thought foe a little, then she wanted to make one of her own. But she knew it was going to take lots of effort and hard work. Without thinking twice, she booked a place for the runaway show and sold out all the tickets. It was only little days far away. So, didn’t hesitate and started working on many dresses. The only difference was that her runaway show was environmentally friendly. Then it was the day of the runaway show.

All the dresses were neatly arranged. The models came out one by one. The all the people were disbelieved. One person said “how can she made that much clothes only just wastes?” After that runaway show Mary became one of the most popular fashion designers in history. She had big mansion. She had expensive cars and lots of beautiful homemade dresses at home. One day she heard that the most popular fashion designers could come to one studio and show off their dresses. It was the day of the show. Mary won first place so, she was on cloud nine. When she was going home in her car, she spotted Johnathan and Michelle sitting on the street lonely. She got out of the car and shocked to see they were homeless. Mary asked “Why are you homeless?” Michelle and Johnathan replied “Oh Mary, we missed you so much. We are homeless because a big storm hit us and we lost our home. Mary said “well you can stay at my home because it’s only me. “Johnathan and Michelle were so grateful.

When they got back home, they were so happy. For the rest of the days the three of them were designed lots of dresses with garbage. They soon had a big company and were so rich. One day they decided to meet their parents again. They went to same beach that they were humans to meet their parents again. Mary and her friends jumped into the water. Then they became mermaids again. They were surprised to see their parents. Their parents hug them tightly. “I missed you so much dear, I’m glad you safely made “Mary’s mother cried. Mary said “oh, dear parents would you like to come our beautiful big mansion. They parents said, “of course dear we would definitely like to come.” When they got there, they were shocked what a big mansion do you have. At the end they all were very happy.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in the world of literature. This competition invites writers from across the globe to share their unique stories and poetic expressions, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and inspiration. Participants engage with an international audience, showcasing their talents and contributing to a rich tapestry of literary art.

Thank you, Yasithma Amadoru, for sharing "The Kind Beauty of the Coral Reef" with us. Your imaginative storytelling and commitment to themes of friendship and environmental consciousness enrich the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We are grateful for your contribution and look forward to witnessing your continued literary journey.

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.