The Last Chance - By Leticia

Written By: Leticia

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Leticia's poignant short story, "The Last Chance," is a captivating entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In the realm of short stories, Leticia's work stands out as a deeply emotional narrative that explores themes of life, death, and sacrifice. This story invites readers into a world where a masquerade ball becomes a metaphorical dance with fate, offering a profound reflection on the choices we make for those we love. Leticia's narrative is a testament to her storytelling prowess, capturing the essence of human emotions in a beautifully haunting manner.

About the Work

"The Last Chance" delves into the human condition, examining the depths of sacrifice and the complexities of familial bonds. The mood is both somber and reflective, with rich imagery that brings the masquerade ball to life. Leticia weaves a narrative filled with tension and emotional conflict, drawing readers into a world where every decision carries weight. The story’s literary style is both engaging and thought-provoking, inviting readers to ponder the nature of life and the inevitability of death.

The Last Chance

Original Submission by Leticia

Chapter 1

I took a deep breath, my feet carried my body over the threshold into a ballroom full of masked people on autopilot. They might mask their nature, like me. Or they were simply fulfilling the rules of the invitation, everyone got. Everyone except for you.

Every single person in this room was on the verge of dying, I wasn‘t.

A few weeks ago, the annual ball that death hosted for the sick- Yes you heard right, death, the one helping humans to travel from our reality, to somewhere else, somewhere only he knew-was just a myth to me.

A bedtime story my mother told my sister and I before going to sleep.

>>Every year death holds a masquerade ball. People from all around the world are invited to join him whilst dancing, laughing and enjoying their final moments together, in comfort>But mama, who is death?>Oh Madison, death is a fine young man, he helps sick people pass over to their Paradise. Now he holds the ball to give them a way to move freely, energetic and proudly before they go.> And what is Paradise?>That my little princess, is a place where dreams come true. You can play, learn, draw, swim, whatever you want there. And maybe, just maybe, there are dragons and fairy’s there.>Wow>Is that really true?> Of course honey.>Now where were we.>The ball!>Right. The ball takes place in a grand hall. Sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceiling, the light reflecting all kinds of colors in its glass. Women are dressed in gorgeous, colorful dresses, with of course, matching masks. Men come in perfectly fitted suits, an->Are kids allowed there, mama?> Yes baby, but only few get to.> I wanna go mama!>Madds, I can finally fulfill the dream of the little girl inside me, isn’t that wonderful?>But you’re going to die.>Everybody’s going to die at some point. I’ve lived my life, do I feel sad that I’m dying at this age? Yes. Do I look back at the life and feel like I’ve missed out on things. No. Sure I’d like to have my own family and I’d love to spend more time with you guys, but I don’t regret anything in my life.>You got this.>I’m so sorry « I gasped, a hand on my racing heart. »It is alright dear. « she answered in a calm voice, smiling at me. Naturally, I smiled back, even though mine was a little crooked » What is a young girl like you doing here? « she asked. My smile faded as quickly as It came. » Cancer Ma’am «

» Oh darling, I meant why are you here alone and not in the crowd talking, dancing even.« my eyes turned to slits »What? «

»Well you shouldn’t be here all by yourself, have fun! « before I could stop myself I whispered bitterly » I shouldn’t be here in the first place. Not now, nor in 30 years.«

» Pardon? « the woman asked, her body automatically moving closer to hear better. I stifled a sigh, put on a fake smile, not too small nor too wide. » You are absolutely right, ma’am! I’ll go do that. Have a nice evening. « I exclaimed with enough energy that it hopefully seemed joyful. The woman smiled, I bet she felt proud of herself.

With a small nod of my head I rushed off as fast as I could without looking like I was running away. When I reached the other side of the room, a big space between me and the swarm of people established, I could finally breathe again. My shoulders relaxed. This spot left me with a good view of the room, now it was time to make out death. What gender was death? Were they dressed in all black? White or completely colorful? My brows knitted together as my gaze swept over the sea of people. Colors mixing together until all I could see was a disco ball of shades.

I closed my eyes, shook my head, one hand balled itself to a fist at my side without notice. My nails dug into my palms and I grit my teeth.

Breathe

This was not how I planned this night to go. I thought I would ask people where I could find Death, imagined him sitting on a throne or something. Yet I was standing in a corner, getting overwhelmed and nothing to work. » Care for a dance, miss. « a velvety voice sounded from in front of me. I pried my eyes open, confused.

A young man with black hair, dark skin and a black suit stood only a few feet away. He looked at me with expectant dark, almost black, eyes. The mask he was wearing was in all shades of the color pallet, yet black seeped into the them from the parts closest to his eyes. I swallowed, that couldn’t be, could it?

He was built athletic, not too eye catching. If you looked at the crowd he could be easily missed. But when your eyes did land on him, it was difficult to take your gaze off his inky, all consuming eyes. The man cleared his throat. I blinked.

Shoot, what was his question again?

Heat rose to my cheeks. Not in the pretty way, no in the red blotches all over my neck and face way. In an awful attempt to not sound so dumbfounded I repeated the word the woman in her yellow dress spoke, when she didn’t hear me. >>P..Pardon?>Would you like to dance?>What was your name again?>Where are my manners. I have many names. Some call me a savior, others the boogieman, most just say death to me.>I-Is there even space? I mean all around the room people and more people are distributed.>They will make space for us.>Why did you come to the ball.>What do you mean? I got an invitation.>What is your name?>Abbigail.>Look me in the eyes.>You came here with an invitation in Abbigail’s name.>So you are not Abbigail.>I->Why did you come here?>I can’t let my sister die.>Abbigail Lance and you are her twin sister Madison.>Yes. She shouldn’t die.>How come?>She is so full of life, she has so much to offer to the world. It is too soon for her to die.>You know the movie “Upside down”?>I do.>She is like joy to me. Just a little bit more carefree. She tries out everything she can. Makes friends wherever she goes. And even now, when her life is- when she-when you’re->Can you switch people, switch the time they have left?>I can change the one who has to die, but both parties have to agree.>How can we do that? Can you get Abby here?>Do you actually want to give up your life?>Yes, yes of course I do. If it saves my sister, yes.>I am not here to convince you that your own life matters, I do not care>I have come to know human beings pretty well. You are not the first to want to trade places with a sick loved one. It is human to have feelings, sometimes they are pretty inconvenient, unpleasant even, just like now. A switch won’t change much. Both your lives are broken, something will always feel wrong. Like a piece of a puzzle is missing, forever gone, never to retrieve. Some people will suffer, that is how humans work. At the same time both of your lives are insignificant looking at the bigger picture. Either you die now, or she does. Who cares. I personally don’t.>What?>Do you feel anything?>I don’t. I am not human, I help humans travel to the other side, but that is about it.>So how are you allowed to give me advice. You don’t fucking feel anything. You don’t know what it is like to have a family, people that care about you. You don’t know me! Feelings can be so overwhelming, so extreme, both good and bad. Sometimes I truly want to die, because..fuck.. I hold no importance to the world. Even for my family I will always be the second choice. The child they got extra. I wasn‘t intended. And I get it, I do. I am introverted, I question too much. I don’t have a special talent or passion and I am not prettier than average. I->I try to make up for all of it by being there for my sister whenever she needs me. She is the star, she will make it big some day. I won’t. I’m not special, I’m nothing.>Just fucking kill me and let her live okay!>Then everything’s going to be okay.>If she doesn’t give her consent, I can’t do anything.>I need to save her>You were supposed to die>I’m sorry>I tried, Abby, I really did.<< I whispered. The ink moved faster, following every step until It pooled at my feet, climbing up my ankles and swallowing me whole. I tried to fight it, tried to move away, but it was like a cage out of ice, hard and cold. Leaving me there, unmoving, alone and broken. Stop breathing

Maybe it was for the best. Maybe this is how it’s supposed to end.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the creative arts. It brings together writers from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. This competition provides a platform for participants to showcase their work, offering exposure and appreciation for their artistic talents. By fostering a community of writers and poets, the competition encourages the exploration and celebration of diverse literary expressions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Leticia for sharing "The Last Chance" with us. Her evocative storytelling and exploration of profound themes have added depth to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We are grateful for her contribution and the opportunity to showcase her talent. Leticia's work resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impression and inviting reflection on the choices we make for those we love.

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.