Winter Night - By Dasrinah Yusoff

Written By: Dasrinah Yusoff

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the gripping short story "Winter Night," Dasrinah Yusoff takes readers on a journey through the snow-blanketed town of Shakhtarsk. This entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, under the Short Story category, delves into the chilling experience of a postman and his hound braving a blistering gale. As the storm intensifies, the narrative explores themes of survival and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a small town cloaked in mystery.

About the Work

"Winter Night" evokes a haunting atmosphere, as Dasrinah Yusoff masterfully depicts the relentless power of nature and the eerie quiet of an abandoned town. The story's tension builds through vivid imagery and the palpable fear of its characters. The combination of vivid descriptive language and an undercurrent of suspense invites readers to question the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural, leaving them with a lingering sense of unease.

Winter Night

Original Submission by Dasrinah Yusoff

Within a fortnight, the delicate pitter-pattering of snow crystals had blanketed the whole town of Shakhtarsk, now engulfed in a blistering gale. For the rational townsfolk had long sought refuge within their homes, but the unfortunate labourers; A postman and his hound, and the coachman.

The rugged wheels of the carriage seemed to almost give out at every twisted turn, or jagged bump and slippery inclines. But the elder coachman was unbothered, forged with the many happenings of his yearly winter shifts, from the past two decades. In contrast, the young postman tucked his numbing palms into his heavy coat. The beagle sat beside him leaned into his warmth and kept guard of a decently lightweight paper package. The postman looked out the frame, staring at nothing but dense, white fog, accompanied by the wailing storm. Then a muffled yawp from the front of the coach, “Next house?”

The postman peeked through the sliding door placed behind the coachman, whistling directions through his chattering teeth.

“Last bit of post… Take the first right onto Voikova!” The elder silently acknowledged with a wave, tugging the reins and forcibly steering the mares eastward. Then suddenly a halt. The postman was yanked off the seat and sent tumbling down. Somehow the mares felt the pound against the carriage and were sent into uproar in guffaw with the man’s clumsiness. His beagle retaliated with a series of aggravating barks.

“What the devil? Be quiet, you pack of buffoons or I shall cook you for dinner!”

The car door flew open and the young man climbed out, and shakenly inched down the glassy steps down onto the road, muttering a continuity of frustrated curses. “Boy, make this quick! We don’t want to be caught in the night winds. The spirits are unforgiving at this time of the year.”

The postman clutched the last package and crossed himself before trudging towards the desolate porch ahead. But his beagle wouldn’t dare to follow, snarling from below the cart. Every wooden plank ached and whined at the slightest bit of pressure until finally the man stood facing a gothic black door with a partially frosted panel. This house was absent from any light or fire as if completely unoccupied. The postman scratched his head. This package was recently ordered. The owner couldn’t have possibly left and vanished during this storm. He shuddered, then extended his arm out for three heavy knocks. No response, just cold wind. Again, three times. The coachman impatiently stood up from his seat and signaled wildly for his partner to return. Defeated, the postman placed the paper package onto the closest window sill and hurriedly ran back to the carriage.

“What took you so long? The storm’s picking up and we’re far from office.”

“The owner’s not home.”

“What? Impossible! No soul would be out in this cold.”

The young man shrugged as he picked up his dog, leaving the coachman pondering. Could it be true? As the car door slammed shut, the old man was broken out of his thoughts. He slapped the reins and the carriage took off with haste into the white blur.

The postman was puzzled how the coachman knew where to go, or even if he could see anything.

“Uncle?”

The carriage kept wavering forward into the deafening howls of winter banshees. Distraught, the postman buried his head beneath his arms, the brim of his hat hiding his stare as a shield from the cacophony of cries, within the carriage from his buddy and whatever unholy demons lurked outside.

“Uncle! Mister coachman?!” Barely could he hear his own voice between sharp breaths, as he uncontrollably shuddered from the frost. How could he expect the man outside to hear him? So he inhaled deeply, and with quaking hands forced the slider open. White, all he saw was white, and no coachman. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest as terror seized him, sending him flying backward. Where had uncle gone?!

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling through poetry, short stories, and creative writing. This prestigious event draws participants from around the world, showcasing diverse voices and unique perspectives. The competition provides a platform for writers to share their work with a global audience, fostering creativity and literary excellence.

We extend our gratitude to Dasrinah Yusoff for sharing "Winter Night" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your ability to weave suspense and intrigue into a winter setting is commendable. We look forward to seeing more of your captivating storytelling in the future. Thank you for your contribution.

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.