The Open Door - By Renee Hoffman

Written By: Renee Hoffman

Category: Short Stories - Fictional or non-fictional

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Renee Hoffman's short story "The Open Door" graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 under the Short Stories category. Delving into the intricacies of sibling relationships, this narrative paints a poignant picture of hope and perseverance. Renee brings to life a world where the innocence and optimism of youth confront the somber realities of life, inviting readers to reflect on the themes of family and unwavering love.

About the Work

"The Open Door" explores the dynamic between Mary and her brother James, contrasting Mary's buoyant spirit with James's struggles. Hoffman's portrayal of Mary's hopeful determination amid her brother's melancholy creates a tender and evocative atmosphere. The story's imagery, from open doors to closed curtains, symbolizes both barriers and opportunities, leaving readers contemplating the impact of love and patience.

The Open Door

Original Submission by Renee Hoffman

THE OPEN DOOR

By Renée Hoffman

Mary would always wake up at the crack of dawn. Before she had even brushed her hair, she was out and about in the garden, playing with every critter that would befriend her... like it or not! She was such a busy bee.

But every now and then, as she made new friends, her eyes would wander back to where she had stepped from the carpet onto the soft green grass outside. Come rain or shine, not a day would go by without her keeping the door wide open.

That way, like a moth to a flame, she hoped the sound of her giggles would draw her brother from his dark bedroom on the ground floor. It was only a stone’s throw away from the open door.

Mary always saw the world through rose-coloured glasses. She was a glass-half-full kind of girl. She truly believed that one day James would get out of bed and come outside to play with her.

But in all honesty, Mary and James were poles apart.

James was always quick to say he would play with her, but she knew him like the back of her hand.

“Tomorrow,” he would always say. “I will play catch with you tomorrow.”

To this, she would smile and say, “James, you are such a couch potato!”

With a lump in her throat, she would still hop, skip and jump towards the bathroom on the other side of his wall. Only after she was safely inside would she close the door.

It was one of the only times Mary closed a door.

Mary would always mind her Ps and Qs, careful not to put her brother’s nose out of joint. She always felt as though she was on thin ice with him. Yes, his promises were like pie crust, but maybe it was because he was always on edge. No decision was easy-peasy for him.

As she sat curled up in a ball on the bathroom floor, she would collect her thoughts.

She just couldn’t get her head around it.

It’s such a simple thing to go outside and play. Tomorrow. I’ll ask him again the moment he wakes up tomorrow, she would reason.

Truth be told, it was not about James being a couch potato or a party pooper, or simply wanting to sleep in.

Oh no.

This was not child’s play.

For James, waking up without feeling down in the dumps or at breaking point seemed like a pipe dream. Some days, he simply chose not to see the light of day.

He always carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.

When he slept, he slept like a log, and in his dreams he seemed to be on cloud nine. That must be why he loved to sleep so much, Mary thought. He looked so content when his eyes were shut tight.

However, when he woke up, it was a different kettle of fish altogether.

Mary would sit at his side and wait for him to rise. As he opened his eyes, gave her a sheepish smile and hugged her good morning, she would feel the warmth fade into tension. The peace was short-lived, and she could see it drain from his face.

“I love you, Mary. Please draw my curtains on your way out,” he would say. “I’m tired today.”

It was always a race against time for Mary. The clock was ticking from the moment he opened his eyes to the moment he answered her question.

One morning he is going to wake up and not feel down in the dumps, she thought.

But before she could blink and remind him of his promise, he would become a ball of nerves.

Then she knew it was game over.

Another day of being a lone wolf because her brother was down in the dumps again.

Even so, she would always give him a lingering big bear hug. Then she would put a smile on her dial and be full of beans as she walked away.

All day, every day.

She thought that maybe, one day, it would rub off on him.

Maybe, one day, her smile would land by chance upon his face as he heard her giggles from behind that open door.

As she laughed and played, there was always one burning question on her mind.

Would she ever see him walk through that door?

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Isn’t it?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed event celebrating literary creativity worldwide. It provides a platform for writers to showcase their talents and share their stories with a global audience. The competition embraces a diverse range of voices, fostering a vibrant community of poets and writers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Renee Hoffman for her touching contribution, "The Open Door," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of hope and familial bonds offers a profound reading experience. We look forward to seeing more of Renee's work in future endeavors.

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.