This is something I’ve just recently had to write for my creative writing class. Most everyone got good grades so I suspect it had more to do with turning in complete work instead of how good it was. Here it is though
The Weight of the World
Ten year old Joshua carried the weight of the world on his small shoulders. It wasn’t a weight that could be seen, like his backpack full of textbooks, but an invisible weight caused by the burden of unspoken worries and silence. His parents who were once a source of laughter and shared dreams are now nothing more than bitter arguments and slammed doors.
Josh found solace in the towering oak tree in his backyard. Its twisted branches offered a silent place where he could escape the storm brewing inside his house. He’d spend hours perched on its limbs, lost in the pages of fantasy novels, imagining himself as a valiant knight or a powerful wizard, anything but the helpless boy caught in the crossfire of his parents’ unhappiness.
At school, Josh was a ghost. He drifted through the hallways, his head down avoiding the curious glances of his classmates. He excelled academically, a quiet rebellion against the chaos at home, a way to prove his worth in a world that seemed to be crumbling around him.
One afternoon, as Josh sat beneath his oak tree, a small scruffy dog ran into the yard. It barked and wagged its tail, its eyes full of playful energy. Josh, initially hesitant, couldn’t resist the dog’s infectious enthusiasm. He named him Lucky, a silent wish for a change in luck in his own life. Lucky became Josh’s shadow, a furry confidant who listened without judgment. They explored the nearby woods, Lucky sniffing out hidden trails while Josh shared his fears and dreams with the silent forest. The dog’s unwavering affection was a cure to Josh’s wounded spirit, a reminder that he was not alone in the world.
One evening, the fighting at home escalated. Josh hid in his room, the walls vibrating with angry shouts. He curled up on his bed, tears streaming down his face, when Lucky nudged his way in, whining softly. Josh buried his face in the dog’s fur, finding comfort in his warmth and unconditional love. In that moment, Josh realized that even in the darkest of times, there was always a glimmer of hope. Lucky, a small abandoned animal, had found his way into Josh’s life, offering a lifeline of companionship and affection. Josh knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with Lucky by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way. The weight on his shoulders hadn’t disappeared entirely, but it felt a little lighter, a little more bearable, knowing he wasn’t carrying it alone.
