The Lake - By Nora E. Inso

Written By: Nora E. Inso

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Nora E. Inso presents a gripping narrative titled "The Lake" in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The story delves into themes of family, love, and the search for justice, set against the backdrop of a serene yet mysterious lake. This competition, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, offers a platform for writers worldwide to share their creative expressions and explore universal themes through their unique voices.

About the Work

"The Lake" by Nora E. Inso is a haunting tale that combines elements of mystery and tragedy. The story unfolds with rich imagery and a reflective tone as it explores the profound impact of loss on a family. Through vivid depictions and emotional depth, Inso captures the essence of maternal love and the relentless pursuit of truth, leaving readers with a resonant message about justice and forgiveness.

Short Story

Original Submission by Nora E. Inso

The Lake

“ Mary!!! Hurry up and watch this! I saw this car a week ago while I was on my way to the town. That plate card, that car with two young men. Jesus! They murdered a young lady?” The couple both in their seventies as they watched the news on the television.

John, the witness of the crime.

The story happened 12 years ago. I grew up in Goa. Landed a job as a teacher in a secondary school in my state. While, working I met Frank, my husband a soil specialist who did his research in my country. We were sweethearts for seven years before tying the knots and blessed with only one child, Maya.

After our marriage, Frank and I decided to start our life as husband and wife in his country. He petitioned me and I left my state and started my new life in Minnesota. I got pregnant two years after our marriage. I was hesitant to apply for a job because of the discrimination. So, I was a full time housekeeper and I was already pregnant to my only child, Maya. I love my life. I love the place where we lived. We were surrounded with lakes and valleys. On weekends, Frank would drive me to the lake admire its breath-taking beauty. And we would paddle a small boat to catch fish. We do picnics with neighbours but the most beautiful place that really caught my eyes is the lake.

On September 7, 1986 at 3:13 early in the morning, I gave birth to a robust baby girl. Frank and I named her Maya. Maya, the name of my great grandmother from my mother side. It was a dream come true for me and Frank to have our first born. Frank, resigned from his job and he became a private consultant working at home on his small office. Frank also ran a small garage he inherited from his father, where he and one mechanic repaired and towed vehicles. We lived a simple but contented life. Our greatest priority was giving our only child the best education possible.

We were grateful as we aged. We were so blessed to have our only daughter Maya. She graduated and landed a job as a young professor teaching history in a University in Minneapolis. Maya had curly hair and inherited her father’s blue eyes. She was tall, beautiful, and full of promise. One time, we had our conversations at home. The three of us. She was joking to us as she was talking to Frank. “ Dad, why only me? I mean a brother or a sister?” I caught Frank’s eyes he paused for a moment and replied to Maya. “Because you are the best gift from God, and you are enough.”

At the age of twenty, Maya landed her first teaching job. She dreamed of earning a PhD someday. Maya driving an old sedan from her dad. As a gift to her Frank and I decided to apply for a car loan. She had never asked us for anything since she was a child.

On her 21st birthday, we surprised her a black Land Rover Suv type car, it was the choice of her dad. I saw how tears flowed out from her eyes as Frank handed her the key of the car. “I want to see your boyfriend, ok?” “Dad not my priority yet, I want to pursue with my Doctorate, I’m still young.”

A year after.

“We can go on the nearest way, so take that road.” “Man stop taking pictures on me! I’m disturbed!”

“Don’t speed up, ok? It’s foggy, can’t see clearly the way!”

“Heeey!!! Watch out!!!”

“You hit the car!!! Told you not to speed up!”

“I lost my way, ok? Told you to stop taking pictures, I was disturbed by the flash of your camera!”

“Wait, let’s check the other car!”

Two young men were driving on the road, on a foggy morning of December. Two were brothers. The younger was driving the car while, the older brother on his camera

The older brother is on photography. They met an accident while on the road. They hit the car on the opposite lane. Crashed and wrecked on the ditch.

“She’s dead! She’s not breathing!”

“ We’ll call 911 to report this!”

“No!! Are you fucking out of your mind??”

“Then, what?? What to do huh? Hey, hey, somebody is coming I heard some cars!”

“Go get back inside the car, hurry up I’ll handle this!”

“Guys, you need some help? What’s going on?”

“ No sir, we can manage this. My younger brother just got his license and he hit my car. It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“ No worries, we can handle this.”

“What now? What the old man said?”

“No time for long talks and discussion. Help me take the body and place it inside the boot.

“What??? No way!!!”

“Do as I said, if you don’t want to get in trouble!”

“Now drive the car, I’ll meet you halfway. I’ll take care of this and please shut up your fucking mouth! Now, go, go drive!”

December 10, 2008

Wednesday’s sorrowful day!

It was foggy Wednesday morning. Weather is cold as Christmas Day is just around the corner. Maya, on her white long sleeve and denim jeans, a brown cardigan, driving her way to work to submit some reports. That was the last time I ever saw my daughter alive. She gave me a hug, kissed me on my forehead, and waved goodbye as she got inside the car. “ Mom, see you tonight, and dad at the steak house. My treat for dinner.”

We arrived ten minutes before our reservation and waited for over an hour. When Maya still hadn’t arrived. We decided to go home. Maya is not home, we can’t even contact her on her mobile. She’s out of reach! My heart pounded. Deep inside, I knew something terrible happened to our daughter. Frank and I, went straight at the nearest police station. We reported the incident. I gave every details of the car and Maya as well.

Three days, one week, no news. Frank’s younger sister helped us and introduced us to the manager of a local network and we got interviewed, and I was appealing to the public, begging for help, asking for mercy, and justice. Showing the picture of my daughter and the car she was driving on. I was hoping against hope. There were talks like, “what if Maya was kidnapped?” I was so exhausted. We went home, hopeless. I was resting at the couch. My mind was thinking about Maya. I was asleep. And I had this dream. “Mom, the lake, go to the lake mom.” I was awakened and I really thought it was real. I heard and saw Maya, but her image was fading bit by bit. It was just a dream but I couldn’t figure it out what she meant by telling me about the lake.

December 31st before the new year, Frank received a call from the police officer. John, the witness showed up at the station and narrated to us how he accidentally met the two young men driving on the road with the car of Maya wrecked and thrown into the ditch. “ I came up to help when I found out that it was the car of your daughter. I saw on the television and you have my sympathy. I’m really sorry.”

The following day, the car was recovered from the lake. I was trembling. Frank lost his breath. A 911 took him and drove Frank to the nearby hospital in town. No tears came out from my eyes, not even a single word from my mouth. I kept on praying until the boot was opened, and the dead body of my daughter was placed like rotten banana. I fainted, I couldn’t bear the pain, seeing my own flesh and blood lying inside the compartment of her own car. It was Maya. My only Maya. I took her hand, embraced her cold body, I don’t mind her awful smell. I noticed my tears. I want to scream, but I was helpless looking at her.

We buried Maya. Two days after her memorial, two police officer came and handed us the cartographic sketch of the murderer of our daughter. The autopsy arrived as well. Maya, was struggling, catching her breath while the young men placed her body inside the boot of her car.

Justice then, was served. I remember, the dream. The lake. I was awakened by Maya. I remember how she joked to her dad why she doesn’t have a brother or a sister? Maybe, it was the sign that she is leaving us, so soon?

One week after Maya’s memorial, it was the first time that I got the courage to get inside her room. I’m missing her so much. My attention was caught. Seeing an envelope on her table. I checked it and opened. Three tickets. She booked a flight for us, the three of us going to Goa, my hometown, to celebrate the new year, and to meet my family.

It’s easy to say, I already forgiven them? If only? If only. A deep sigh in me.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed event that gathers writers from across the globe to showcase their literary talents. This competition celebrates the art of storytelling and poetry, encouraging participants to explore diverse themes and styles. It serves as a creative platform for writers to gain recognition and share their unique perspectives with a broader audience.

Thank you, Nora E. Inso, for sharing your poignant short story, "The Lake," with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights the profound themes of love, loss, and justice. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing more of your evocative storytelling 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.