Official Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest 2019

Do you know Kaitlyn Sanchez? If you’re in the world of kidlit, she’s a good person to know. She’s passionate, helpful, creative, and extremely hard working. And, lucky for all of us, she and Lydia Lukidis have put on a contest full of amazing prizes! You can check it out for yourself here!

With a photo prompt and a 200 word limit, here is my entry for this year’s contest:

THE AWAKENING by Nicole Loos Miller

Nessa couldn’t sleep.

Grandmother had told her to rest. But how could she sleep on the Eve of her Awakening?

It had to be close to midnight.

She pulled on the simple, black dress that had been worn by her mother and grandmother. She laced up her black, studded ankle boots. Tradition and personality. 

Mew? A calico kitten wrapped around her ankle.

“Ready for our big debut, Orion?” asked Nessa, scooping him into her arms.

They crept down the stairs, expertly avoiding each creak.

“There you are.” Her grandmother stood at the bottom of the stairs. “Ready?” 

Fireflies lined the worn stone path which wound through the fragrant garden and down to the edge of the stream. 

Nessa closed her eyes. Her grandmother and aunt formed a small circle around her, humming deeply. Orion’s purr rose to a roar.

The vibration started at her toes. Like waves lapping up higher and higher until the magic crashed powerfully around her temples. Her eyes burst open and laughter escaped her lips. 

Everything was different.