Loveday Writing

The brief of the AWC Furious Fiction – January 2025 short story competition was as follows:

• Your story must take place at a beach.
• Your story must describe at least two smells, two sounds, and two textures.
• Your story must include the words KISS, HABIT, and SQUARE.

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A Day in Paradise

Welcome to the beach!

I know you’ve travelled far

from a town far away.

Enjoy the sights, smells, sounds and textures

on this amazing, sunny day!

Welcome to the beach!

I know you’ve travelled far,

to see the big, blue ocean.

But don’t forget to breathe

in the smell of its salts,

which is not the kind you find

on the hot chips the kids are eating nearby.

Welcome to the beach!

I know you’ve travelled far,

to enjoy the sunny day

and feel the cool breeze

on your skin,

but don’t forget your sunscreen,

I know it’s a pain to apply and make it a good habit,

it’s greasy

and you can smell the added, fake watermelon fragrance.

but you’ll be in more pain if you don’t.

The sun is stronger here.

Welcome to the beach!

I know you’ve travelled far,

to spend precious time as a family.

You hear the ocean waves crashing on the shore,

and kids giggling as they play their games,

it’s enough to make you realise,

yours aren’t so little anymore.

Welcome to the beach!

I know you’ve travelled far,

to feel the sand between your toes,

and to collect rough and beautiful seashells

as mementos to take home,

but don’t forget life’s other textures;

a kiss from your spouse, a hug from your child,

sensations that can make you

feel less alone.

The sun starts to set

The day starts to fade

It’s time to meet your family

under the square parasol

that’s provided some much-needed shade.

It’s time to pack up and go home.

What comes next?

No-one really knows.

Thank you for coming to the beach,

I know you’ve travelled far,

From a town far away,

I hope it was an amazing day.

I hope you enjoyed your stay.