Aneesa Shamsee

“You” by Aneesa Shamsee

Submitted to Contest #234

The funeral finally came around. Black was everywhere, emerging from corners, seeping through doors. People mumbling apologies, but I’m still not quite sure why. ‘Sorry for your loss,’ they say, but it only confuses me more. What did I lose?I don’t remember how it happened. Some say it was an accident, and others say it was planned. No one really knows, so they could be making it up. But that doesn’t seem likely.They look stupid. With their oversized hats and black veils. You would say they look like zombies or vampires. Using their hat...

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“Talking Stalkers with my Sister” by Aneesa Shamsee

“Shush.” “Why? That’s rude.” “Shushhhhhhhh.” “Kitty, stop. You’re so annoying sometimes.” “Did you not hear me? I said shush.” “Fine! I’ll shush.” “Good—” “Shushhhhhhhhhh.” “Fine. Don’t shush then. But someone’s listening.” “What?” “I think someone’s listening.” “Kitty, you’re delusional.” “I’m not, Rox.” “I think you are.” “Seriously, there’s this weird feeling in my gut, I’m telling you.” “Are you sure you’re not hungry?” “Yes, Roxy. I know I’m not hungry, because I just had lunch.” “If you’re anything like Dad, then you’re always hun...

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“Daybreak Diner” by Aneesa Shamsee

Submitted to Contest #218

I can tell you this. It looked promising from the outside, a general pleasing aesthetic complimenting the pink neon sign, the words ‘Daybreak Diner,’ flashing. The look of a classic diner, fuchsia built in leather seats, surrounding the oval-shaped tables. I walked in with my family, waiting to be seated. After two minutes or so, I started looking around, to see if anyone was coming. I caught sight of a waitress heading in our direction, but in the last minute she turned around, heading back to the bar. At this point, hints of agitation had ...

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“Humfry and the Dragon” by Aneesa Shamsee

“No! I don’t want to kill him!” “But you have to! It’s your duty, as the kingdom’s fiercest knight.” “He hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s protecting his territory, and we should respect that.” “He’s put our kingdom in danger, Sir Humfridus! He is bad news for us all!” “Just trust him, King Godefroi. He is harmless, it’s only that we cower in fear at his presence.” “Are you suggesting that I, the king, ‘cower in fear?’” “Erm, no. No, Sir, I mean everyone but you.” “You’re saying that my finest men also ‘cower in fear?’” “A...

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“An Anti Social Lunch” by Aneesa Shamsee

Submitted to Contest #216

“Let me sit with you.”“Excuse me?”“I need somewhere to sit.”“Who are you?” “Kitty. I’m literally in your class. Can I sit with you?”“Well…I—uh, we’re kind of full. Actually, not kind of. Definitely full.”“Great, so who are we gonna kick off? Harper? Elsie? Jade? Everleigh?”“No one but you is leaving. It just means that there’s no more space, so…you can’t sit here. And it’s not like we’re going to move table so…”“That’s mean.”“It’s the truth. I’m not moving table for some girl who I don’t even know.”“I know!”“What? You have a brain? What...

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“Dealing with Satan” by Aneesa Shamsee

Submitted to Contest #215

*includes murder (possibly sensitive) Hell. Inescapable Hell. A place of horror, torture, malevolence. A place, only some, unlucky souls are welcome to.  Me, for one. I awaken to the familiar sense of darkness, the smoky air slowly poisoning me, attempting to take me. Again. But something else wakes me. Purpose. Hell isn’t what some think it is. It’s not houses on fire, not bone-crushing monsters pouncing on us every five seconds. It’s not screaming people. It’s not hysterical crying until there are no more tears. There are no volca...

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“Holidaying” by Aneesa Shamsee

Submitted to Contest #214

“Give it back!”  “It’s mine!” I yell back. “No, it isn’t!” She replies, pulling the top towards her. “Yes, it is!” I scream and use all my strength to grab the piece of fabric. “GIRLS!” I jump back, dropping the top, watching it in envy as Kayleigh snatched it up. She shot me a smug smirk before we both turned back to Mum.  “What do you think you’re doing?” She seethes, her eyes narrowed, her pupils just slits in her eyelids. I purse my lips and look at her. “Kayleigh took my top,” I say, accusation clear in my tone. Kayl...

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