The Monster I Created - By Jennifer Malefetsane-Maqishila

Written By: Jennifer Malefetsane-Maqishila

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Jennifer Malefetsane-Maqishila presents a powerful narrative in her short story "The Monster I Created." As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this story delves into the complexities of love, the pain of betrayal, and the journey to self-discovery. In this evocative piece, Jennifer invites readers to explore the raw emotions and haunting realizations experienced by her protagonist. Through vivid storytelling, she captures the essence of human vulnerability and the transformative power of confronting one’s inner demons.

About the Work

"The Monster I Created" is a gripping exploration of the darker facets of love and the turmoil of betrayal. Jennifer Malefetsane-Maqishila crafts a narrative rich with emotional intensity, as the protagonist confronts the unraveling of a once cherished relationship. The story's mood is tense and introspective, with a literary style that brings to life the internal chaos and poignant realizations. Imagery of shattered glass and spinning rooms evokes the disorientation and pain of lost dreams, culminating in a profound moment of self-reflection and acceptance.

The monster I created.

Original Submission by Jennifer Malefetsane-Maqishila

The monster I created. (The end of line)

Woke up from ringing ears, head spinning and body steaming along side damp clothes. As I slowly lift my head trying to get hold of the wall, I caught a glimpse of it, the monster I have created.

4 years ago, I met him. So effortlessly there, so attentive and a smirk that gave off chills. Standing there staring right into my soul. My heart skipped, within a minute he was near. I knew this was a journey I was willing to take.

Lesley was light skinned, brown, height was perfectly suited for his calm demeanor. I fell in love with no point of return. I swore, even if it breaks me, I am not going back. The bridge has been burnt. I took the burden, and dared it to try me.

October 15th

‘ Hey just checking up on you’,

it felt like someone just gouged my eyes out. These message were not mine, I exclaimed while scrolling down his phone.

‘How is your leg? I miss you’, I laughed. ‘Babe’, I hollered.

After 4 years? 4 years of loving him. Heart skipped once, twice, third time the phone was smashed on his face. For a minute, I flew, jumped on him, fists blowing in every direction. I caught a glimpse of his bushy, naturally trimmed eyebrows, weakness fell on me hard.

My body relaxed for a minute and a hot flaming slap crept in. With a wet thud, it landed on my jowl. He was angry, confused and a little adrift in it all. He sat down and my world blurred at the edges.

After that, inside my head was chaos, my mind wasn’t quiet anymore. It kept racing and spinning till I saw a knife on his thigh, he let out a guttural, choked out roar. He squeezed his thigh and let out a swear.

I stood there, my life flashed before my eyes, tears rolled, as I remembered the plans we had, the connection and the love I thought was there. I fumed. I let out a screeching scream. “Why? Why Lesly?”, I looked directly in his eyes and asked, “ Am I not enough? What did I do to you?

I remembered the night he told me that I’ll forever be his number one and how well he treated me. I felt rage and fear at the same time. Suddenly I got hot flashes and my eyesight went fuzzy. I boiled more.

It came to me that, that was probably around the time he started cheating. He was always tire during that time frame. I remember he used to get home an hour late. When

I asked, he would just brush it off or say the hours have changed at work.

I had just lost our baby at that time, it was a very difficult pregnancy. I was sick most of the time. Couldn’t get out of bed and body pains were taking turns on me. I thought of everything and said to myself, this man hates me. He did all this while I was fighting for my life, trying to grow a little human life inside me. .

I became livid. It was his fault. It was all his fault. He made me fall for him and I fell hard. I was normal. I was alone and fine. I kept to my lifestyle of staying away from people and hurt; but, he decided that it would be fun to trample my life and leave the rest in pieces.

I wanted the same for him; leave the rest in pieces. This moment became bitter sweet for me. I had done things with him, things for him, all was in vain. Why? Why poke a snake in it’s own hole and expect kisses?

All this torment is happening in my head, and, my heart keeps receiving and recording the pain. All of this left a deep, dark, unsavory hole in my heart.

He kicked me and I flew across the room and hit the window hard. Glass shattered. From the window my head was welcomed by the wooden floor , it really did rush up to meet me.

And as the room spun, I realized the monster wasn’t him. It was me, standing face to face with what I’d become for love. I had crossed every line for him. Now I am standing at the end of line, with nothing left but me.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar provides a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their literary talents. This esteemed competition celebrates the art of storytelling in its many forms, inviting participants to express their unique voices and perspectives. With a focus on creativity and expression, the competition is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire and connect across cultures and experiences.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Jennifer Malefetsane-Maqishila for sharing her poignant short story, "The Monster I Created," with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 offers readers a unique glimpse into the emotional complexities of love and self-discovery. We look forward to witnessing more of her compelling 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.