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2nd Place, 8th Grade

by Inderjeet Sanchez, East Laurens Middle School

Whoooosh! The cool October air whispered in my ear, as I walked home from school. With each step I took I could feel two more being taken behind me. A few minutes ago I realized I was being followed, and if I stopped I knew what would happen. I’m known as the “weird” girl, I can see someone who everyone swears they can’t see. They say I’m crazy and so they bully me. I usually get tormented behind school doors, but they have never tried coming after me outside of it. My fingers grazed the tarnished fence as I tried distracting myself from what was to come. Thung, Thung, Thung, the poles from the fence echoed through while my nails scraped its rusting cast. 

“Look! What a surprise to see a witch when it’s not even Halloween!” Kyle hollered in a mocking tone. 

All of his little minions laughed as they made their way around me. I tried backing away but I was met with a hard front. I knew what they were going to do so I tried thinking quickly. I was guile, but not during dangerous situations. I was one of the smallest in my class, I could fit almost everywhere. I saw an opening between one of the boy’s legs and thought about how to make a sly escape. All of them held a devilish smirk as Kyle walked in front of me and caressed my cheek with his pocket knife. It was now or never. I made a hasty jolt to his mid region and used the time to slide under the kid’s legs. 

“Get her!” Kyle cried in agony as he crouched down and squished one of his minions’ hands for comfort. 

The wind howled past me, the tired pants of the boys behind me slowed down as I made my way to the swamp. By time I got there no traces of them were found. I laughed to myself once I figured what was waiting for me on Monday, at least I had two days to prepare myself. It’s Friday for my sake! Friday the thirteenth to be exact. 

“I knew you were going to come.” Calypso said as she emerged from the bushes. A small smirk vanished from her face as I met her cold orbs. A chill went down my spine, but I brushed it off and smiled at her. She didn’t return the smile, but stared at my arm. Her eyes were fixed on the blood that dripped down my wrist. I guess Kyle did manage to do something. I looked up to see that Calypso was smiling as she cocked her neck for me to follow. 

“Clean your wound up, we don’t want you bleeding just yet.” she said as continued to walk further into the trees. I wrapped my sweater around my arm to stop the bleeding at least for now. I didn’t have to talk, she could somehow always know what I’m thinking. I admit it was weird at first but I eventually got used to it. I’ve known her ever since my grandpa passed away, which was when I was five.The peculiar thing however was that she knew most things in my life without me needing to tell her. She may be the reason I get bullied, but she has always been there for me when no one else has. I do find it weird that she doesn’t like it whenever I wear my grandpa’s cross necklace. Out of all of my necklaces she hates this one with a burning passion. I never asked why, but I still wear it, I just don’t show her. I’m prohibited from coming to the swamp alone because of the incident with my grandpa. He drowned in the Okefenokee swamp. He made the headlines of almost all the newspapers. It was an unexplained case, there was a sign of struggle when they found him. Nobody could explain it, he was always known for being responsible and careful, so his drowning raised suspicions in the area. After months of heavy investigation they did find footprints of a little girl on his kayak. There were multiple theories, but no actual ending statement. The officers were tired and ended up calling the case “unsolved”. 

I felt someone staring and looked up to face Calypso. She had long black hair, her eyes seemed to be as big as planets, her vampire-like skin was not only pale, but smooth. There was no flaw in her other than a huge scar by her collarbone. She wore only white clothes and when I asked her about it she scoffed. I have a weird feeling about her eyes, other than being huge, if death had eyes it would be hers.

“You haven’t said anything, I guess you’re saving your voice for later?” she said as she continued to lead me. 

Later? She says weird things, but this time I got goosebumps all over me. That’s when she stopped in her tracks just to smile at me. I don’t understand why, but I felt something off. There was something telling me to leave, but I ignored it. Calypso would never try to hurt me, right? It was turning dark time and I was hoping to speak to Calypso, heart to heart. 

I always felt at home with her. I know we won’t always be together, and that always brought me to worry. What would I do without her? I never imagined a life that doesn’t include her. It’s been hard growing up as an outcast. The moon shines brightly above us. Crickets were hard all over the place. It is the swamp after all. My shoes were battered in mud, however I looked at Calypso’s and not a stain was on her. We had made it to the dock. The cold air pierced through my skin as I shivered with every gust of wind. She however seemed unfazed with the climate. We both sat down and admired the view. The reflection off the moon glistened on the marshy water. I looked over to Calypso only to see her already looking at me. She smiled, but this time it seemed sinful. I gulped and looked away. I could feel her eyes burning upon my image, I tried not thinking about it. From the corner of my eye, I could see that the nefarious sneer turned to a lunatic grin. 

“When we’re old and have to leave the Earth, I will always remember all I’ve learned from you, Dianee”, Calypso spoke with a grievous resonance, “The sad thing is that I may miss you.” 

I said nothing, but felt everything. I couldn’t move, my mouth felt dry, and my body felt limp. 

“Your grandpa,” she paused, “was a very naive man, but he was nice. I felt bad for doing what I had to do. I hope you forgive me.” 

I had never told her about him, she never mentioned him until now that we were here. The infamous Georgia swamp was usually humid no matter what, but for some strange reason it felt extremely frigid. I couldn’t say anything. It seemed as if I had swallowed all my words. That’s when I felt a cold, osseous hand on my shoulder. She stood above me and began humming a lullaby. Nothing felt right, I felt deserialization. My vision began to blur. An evil cackle formed out of her chantey. Was I alone again? I did what she hated. I took out my phone and snapped a picture of her. She quieted down as I viewed the image. Tears rolled down my eyes, there was nothing but darkness and a few light orbs. I began to shake uncontrollably, as fear overpowered my body. She gripped on my shoulders tighter. I didn’t know what to do. She embraced me, how could I feel her? 

“I’m not sorry”, that’s the last thing she said before she yanked off my necklace. I forgot I had it on. Plop! There goes the last thing I had of him. 

“Who are you?” I managed to stammer. 

She looked at me, her eyes went white. No answer. I tried getting up, but forces of whatever was down there held me down. She crouched down to my level, she turned her neck to examine me. That’s when she pushed me. I managed to scratch her collarbone, just like he did. I saw that the scar reopened. It was like seeing hell for the first time, again. The swamp consumed me. Was this how it ended? I managed to see her for the last time. A heinous expression plastered on her face. My whole body stung as I felt hands drag me from below. Was this all an illusion?

2nd Place, 4th Grade

by Harris Garretson, Tattnall Square Academy

Thirty One West Pumpkin Place is an address that everyone knows in the small little town of Spooksville, Georgia. It is not known for a good reason. You see everyone knows about that spooky house at the end of West Pumpkin Place but not a single person has ever stepped a foot in the door. For many years, as long as I can remember in my 9 year old life, every year on October 1st a pair of what looks like bright glowing green eyes appears in the second story window. The eyes stay in the window the whole month of October and then on Halloween Night they disappear. 

There are so many stories that float around our small town about those glowing green eyes. Some people say it is a ghost. Others say it is a bunch of high school boys playing a joke on the town. But I know the truth. My name is Frank Stein, my friends call me Frankie, and I decided last year that I was going to find out once and for all what or who was behind those glowing green eyes in the top window. 

Like every other 9 year old boy I wanted to be the cool kid. The one the cute girls talk about on the playground. The one that the boys on the other football team knows can run them over and tackle them hard. I wanted to make my mark on Spooksville, Georgia and be known forever as the kid who was not too scared to walk in the front door of 31 West Pumpkin Place. I began to make my plan late in the summer right before school stared back. I had several different things that I had as possible strategies but had not made up my mind 100% what my final plan would be. As the month of September came to an end I knew my time was getting close. 

October 1st had come and gone and those glowing green eyes were in the top window. I could not put my plan into action that night because I had a Wordly Wise test the next day and my mummy said that good grades are more important that being the boy known in town for finding out what was inside the doors of 31 West Pumpkin Place. So I marked my calendar for Saturday October 7th. This was going to be the day that I went down in the history books of Spooksville, Georgia. 

I could not go alone I had to have someone as a witness or else nobody would believe me. I also needed to have video evidence. There was only one choice for the job, my best friend Jack Lantern. He is the president of the 4th grade technology club so he is very good with his camera on his iPad. I packed my bag of supplies and set off to Jack’s house. 

Jack was waiting on the front porch when I pulled up to his house on my scooter. He was down the steps and jumping on his bike before I even could wave to him. We had found the courage to do something that nobody else could and knew that if we thought too much about it we would back out and everyone would be laughing at us at school. 

We made the turn on to West Pumpkin Place. I could feel the butterflies in my belly but I was not turning back. We got to the front gate of 31 West Pumpkin Place. You could not see the sidewalk there were so many weeds growing everywhere. I looked up and the green glowing eyes were looking at me. It was now or never. I went up the front steps. Jack was right next to me. He was recording every step I took on his iPad. I knocked on the front door and to my surprise I heard somebody say “Come on in”. 

Time to put my plan into action. I had my dad’s super bright flashlight in one hand my a can of bug spay in the other. If anything was going to attack me I was going to blind them with the bright light then spray them in the face with the bug spray while I made my escape. I opened the door slowly and I did not see anything. I went up the stairs and still nothing. I could see the green glow from the ed of the hall. I walked closer and closer. Jack was right behind me. He had decided to go on to Facebook Live to record the whole thing. He kept telling me how many viewers were watching us. I got closer

and closer until I was at the door. I heard a voice say, “Please come in, I can’t wait to meet you”. It was the moment of truth, I opened the door and right there in front of my eyes was a giant blow up cat. You know like the kind you put in your yard to decorate with at Christmas. I was so confused. I took another step closer to see there was a small lady up there. She looked like a grandma. She was not scary. Her name was Wednesday. I thought that was kinda weird but she was super nice and she told me that her family had lived in the house when she was younger and she loved it so much she moved back 10 years ago. She did not have many friends when she was young so she just stays in her house and only goes out at night. She said that she knew one day somebody would be curious enough to come and see what the green eyes were and maybe then she could have some friends. 

I had so many questions. Like how do you get food?? Where did the giant blow up cat come from. She said “Well those are easy questions, I have Amazon Prime”. Our Facebook Live went viral and the next thing you know there are people coming from all over Spooksville to meet Wednesday and see the blow up cat. October 7th will forever be known as the day that Frankie Stein went down in history as the bravest nine year old to ever live. But is will also be the day the 

Wednesday made more friends than she could ever imagined.

2nd Place, 6th Grade

by Caroline Smith, Mill Springs Academy

Ella stared at the screen, playing the clip from her favorite movie again and again and again. It was always what she watched on Halloween–the classic horror movie The Haunted Castle, but why did it feel wrong this time? Ella kept on thinking she heard her name instead of Tennyson, the main character and victim, and she swore one time the killer looked directly at her, but that was probably her imagination, right? She scowled, thinking of her roommate Salena, who had straight up laughed in her face about this. 

Speaking of which, Ella thought, here she comes. 

“Well hello there. Still worrying about that dumb horror movie?” Salena said. 

“Shut up!” Ella yelled back. 

Salena laughed, in an annoying, shrill way, and said, “Whatever you say. Could you leave the room for a second? I need to take a phone call.” 

Before she could finish her sentence, however, Ella was already storming off. 

The nerve of her! she thought. 

In the other room, she heard hushed voices. Suspicious hushed voices. Still fuming but equally curious, Ella pressed her ear against the wall. Ella thought she’d heard that voice but…. It couldn’t be! 

“….going great. I suspect we could do it now, unless it’s too early.” 

That horribly familiar voice snapped at Salena, obviously impatient about something. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole, miserable life! I am not going to be delayed because of a coward like you!” 

Even without visually seeing it, Ella could tell that Salena was cowering. “Okay, okay! So, now?” 

She couldn’t listen anymore. It made her feel sick, and an awful theory formed in her head. But then again, it still couldn’t be true, right? Without a moment’s warning, her roommate rushed in, shaking but with an annoyed expression on her face. 

“It’s your turn to wash the dishes. Do them now if you want anything to eat on,” Salena barked. 

“But,” Ella replied, “Isn’t it-” 

“Now!” Salena shrieked. 

She sighed, followed Salena, and then it happened. Tennyson, her favorite horror movie’s main character, was staring at her from the TV. 

“Let’s get this over with. We won’t need introductions. I’m tired of dying every time someone watches this idiotic movie I’m stuck in. You are going to take my place, okay?”

Tennyson paused, then said, “I was like you once. Confused on why a movie character was talking to me. Maybe you’ll do this one day too. Ooooo, I’ve never noticed how nice this apartment was. I can’t wait until we trade places. Such nice hardwood floors! Alright, this is getting boring. Salena, shove, what’s her name, Ellen? No, Ella right? Yep, Ella. Salena, shove Ella forward.” 

Not even a second later, Salena pushed her into the TV, before Ella could even reply. And no one ever saw Ella again, except for on TV, of course, but they won’t realize that. How do I know this? Well, I am Ella. And it’s my turn to trade places with you.

3rd Place, 8th Grade

by Kenneth, Gray Station Middle School

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but little did they know Krampus would soon be there. 

In the small, snow-covered village of Evergreen, nestled deep in the heart of the woods, the townsfolk had always celebrated Christmas with joy and merriment. But this year, something sinister lurked in the shadows, waiting to descend upon the unsuspecting villagers. 

As the clock struck midnight, a chill swept through the village. Children dreamt of Santa and presents, unaware of the ancient legend that had haunted their ancestors for generations. Krampus, the Christmas demon, was said to visit on this very night, punishing naughty children who had misbehaved throughout the year. 

The village elders had long warned their children about Krampus, telling tales of his menacing appearance – cloven hooves, a twisted, horned face, and a tongue that flicked out like a serpent’s. They spoke of the chains he carried, which jingled ominously as he approached. And worst of all, they warned of his basket, in which he carried away the wicked children to a fate too terrible to imagine. 

As the village slept, a shadowy figure crept through the snow-covered streets. It was Krampus, his eyes gleaming with malevolence, and his chains clinking with each step. He moved silently, his presence known only to the wind and the moonlight. 

At the stroke of one, Krampus approached the first house, where a young boy named kenneth had been particularly mischievous that year. Kenneth had stolen cookies, teased his little sister, and lied to his parents. Krampus peered through the window his twisted face changed into a sinister grin. With a flick of his bony fingers, he opened the door and slipped inside. 

Kenneth awoke to a nightmare as Krampus stood at the foot of his bed, chains in hand. The boy screamed in terror, but it was too late. Krampus’s chains snaked around Kenneth’s wrists and ankles, binding him tightly. With a swift motion, Krampus hoisted Kenneth into his basket and vanished into the night. 

The Christmas demon continued his malevolent journey through the village, visiting each home where naughty children lived. The air was filled with cries of fear and despair as Krampus carried away those who had strayed from the path of goodness. 

By dawn, the village was left in a state of shock and sorrow. Parents wept for their lost children, and the village elders knew that Krampus would return next Christmas, as he always did, to continue his dark and dreadful work. 

And so, in the village of Evergreen, Christmas was forever changed. The joy and merriment of the holiday were tainted by the fear of Krampus, a reminder that not all who celebrate Christmas are granted its blessings. As the years passed, the legend of Krampus lived on, a dark and cautionary tale told to children to ensure they remained on the path of goodness, for the Christmas demon was always watching, waiting to punish those who strayed from the true spirit of the season.