The String's Resonance - By Tahira Sarap

Written By: Tahira Sarap

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Tahira Sarap, an adept storyteller, presents "The String's Resonance," a compelling flash fiction entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Known for its ability to capture the essence of mystery and suspense, this piece draws readers into a world where the ordinary rapidly transforms into the extraordinary. Tahira's participation in this prestigious competition showcases her talent and creativity in the realm of flash fiction.

About the Work

"The String's Resonance" immerses readers in a narrative filled with tension and unexpected turns. Through vivid imagery and a gripping storyline, Tahira Sarap crafts a scene where a seemingly typical day turns into a surreal experience. The protagonist's journey, marked by fear and confusion, is brought to life with precise language and atmospheric details, leaving readers on edge as they ponder the unfolding mystery.

The String's Resonance

Original Submission by Tahira Sarap

Name: Tahira Sarap

Email: tahira.sarap@gmail.com

Category: Flash Fiction

Word Count: 959 words

The String's Resonance

I looked both ways before crossing the road. The voices around me became louder as I passed by students from different schools.

It has been such a long time since our school got together with other schools for a big event. It felt overwhelming, but also, it was a nice change.

I hummed to myself; despite being alone today, without my friends, I felt pretty good. I stopped in my tracks, frowning. Right, I hated how I had to interact with the other kids. I tightened my hold on my bag straps, continuing to walk. I still hoped I would give them a good impression of me.

I had the urge to chuckle at the irony but stopped myself, afraid that others might hear and wonder what the fuck was wrong with me.

I passed by the stalls outside. I studied each one, trying to randomly guess which one might get the most customers. The event was being held at the city ground, which meant the crowd was already filling up the area.

Suddenly, the sky grew dim. I stopped walking and followed suit as others around me looked up; everyone had confusion written all over their face.

As I stared at the sky, I could see how there's not a single cloud but despite that, the sky was dim. My heartbeat sped up as I tried to figure out if this was a time I should panic, like in the movies.

My thoughts were cut short by screams from ahead of me. My fingers around my bag straps loosened, and I felt sweat in the palms of my hands. What the fuck was happening?

Suddenly, it seemed like a light switch being switched off as the world around me cut to darkness. I could hear the screams getting louder, and people around me panicking, but I couldn't make out what was happening.

"What the fuck?" I muttered to myself as I began walking backwards, trying to figure out if something was wrong with my eyes. There's just no fucking way there was a blackout like this OUTSIDE.

By now, I could feel people rushing past me, some even knocking into me, which I can't be sure if it's because they also can't see me or it's because they are in a hurry to get out of here. It might be both.

I blinked a few times, trying again and again to clear my eyes and just as I was beginning to make out shadows, I was tripped. I fell on my back, a groan escaping past my lips as I tried to understand what the heck just happened.

A sudden pain in my hand jolted me out of my thoughts; I could see clearly, and I realised some fucker stepped on my hand. "You—". I stopped short, realising that I could see now; people were desperately rushing past me, some seemed to know where they wanted to go, and others seemed to be running blindly. I have to get up before I get caught up in this shit again.

As I got up, I heard a sound; my whole body started to shiver with fear. The goosebumps trailed all over my body. The sound was of a woman; she was wailing, and not in a way you'd want to help her. No, it was in a way you'd want to run away from her, fast.

The wailing seemed closer with every step I took away from it. I couldn't move my body how I wanted to; it seemed as if the wailing restricted my movements.

And then, I saw her, floating? Slightly above the surrounding buildings, she was wearing a white, tattered gown; her face under her dark hair looked bloody as she shot past one victim after another... killing them? Shit shit shit. I screamed internally, trying to run away when I noticed that others seemed to be just as restricted in their movements.

I also noticed how there wasn't just one woman; there were dozens, probably even more.

A shiver ran down my spine as I noticed one woman in particular locking her hollow, hungry eyes with me. I stared at her, horrified, as her tongue, dripping with blood, licked her lips. She made her way to me, noticing how I didn't, or more appropriately, couldn't run away; she took her time.

I studied how she looked, not bothered to run at this point. My body was not my own right now, and I'm too scared to try to run. If I'm going to die, I might as well not resist. Her long nails almost scraped the ground below as she dragged herself towards me. Other than her pale features, white gown, and dark hair, the most noticeable quality was how she had blood dripping all over.

Not hers.

Just as she raised her hands, her long nails almost touching my face, a sound echoed throughout. It was the sound of an instrument's string being plucked. My body immediately relaxed as I fell to the floor, realising that my body started to obey me again. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

I was too afraid to see if the woman was there when I noticed that there was blood all over the floor. But... it wasn't mine either. I looked up to see blood flowing from the woman's mouth, the sight making me gag. Her piercing screeching was the last thing I heard as she fell.

With the back of my sleeve, I wiped my lips, stained with bile, and turned towards the sound, only to realise that I looked up too fast, making my head ring. I cursed myself for being an idiot as I fell onto the blood, blacking out.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the diverse talents of writers worldwide. This esteemed platform provides an avenue for showcasing creative works across various genres, from poetry to flash fiction. Participants engage in a global dialogue through their storytelling, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our gratitude to Tahira Sarap for her captivating submission, "The String's Resonance," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to weave suspense and intrigue into flash fiction is truly commendable. We look forward to seeing more of her 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.