Creek Valley Sophomore Recognized in Writing Contest

KEARNEY – Seven high school students have been named winners in a University of Nebraska at Kearney writing contest with the theme “Nebraska in the Year 2020.”

The Nebraska Emerging Writer Contest included submissions from students across the state in three categories: essay, poetry and short story. It was sponsored and organized by UNK’s Phi Eta Sigma chapter. Cash prizes totaling $500 were given to the winners.

Briannah Stromer, a junior at Hastings High School, won first place in the poetry division. Cydnee Coutts, a senior at Creighton Community High School, placed first in the short story category, and Elwood High School senior Hanna Wood won first in the essay portion of the contest.

Winners have been invited to read their submissions April 16 at the Student Language and Literature Conference organized by the UNK Department of English.

Creek Valley High School Sophomore Emily Marin was recognized with an Honorable Mention award for her short story “The Flower Girl.”

Her story is about a missing girl, and how the world changed when she “returned.” Below is her submitted manuscript.

The Flower Girl

By Emily Marin,

Creek Valley High School Sophomore

In our small town, about a month ago, tragedy struck when a little girl was reported missing. Our community had searched high and low for the little darling, our hopes deteriorating as we walked home with no news. One morning though, we learned the truth behind the little girl’s disappearance.

She was found alive in the middle of a meadow miles outside of town. Her parents were joyous, hugging her tightly and covering her face with passionate kisses. “Why are you so worried? I promised to be back by dark,” the little girl had said. Soon though, we realized their precious little girl wasn’t the same. Soon, she would vanish every night, leaving no trace behind where she went. In the morning, she would return, saying she had missed the sunset.

“Lily, maybe you shouldn’t go out anymore,” her family had said. But the little girl refused, claiming somebody had to tend to the flowers. Her family had hired me to stay with Lily while her parents were away. During my job, I knew she wasn’t like others. She kept looking out the window, murmuring nonsense to herself. At one point, she complained of being hungry, but refused to eat whatever I made her.

When the sun set, she grew restless, refusing to be put to sleep. “I suggest you let me out to play, or you’ll regret what decision you’ve made,” she warned. I tried my best to ignore her, until I realized there were voices outside her bedroom door. We were the only ones home. They were little girl voices, raised in song. I turned to Lily, who had sat upright, excitement glowing in her eyes. “The Flower Girls,” she murmured.

“What are you talking about?” I demanded, confused. She looked at me ever so calmly, looking suddenly amused.

“They come at night, tending to the meadow near home. If we get hungry, we feed on the people. Not their flesh and bone. Just their soul. They rescued me from dying, and now I must follow her and do her bidding,” she murmured. I heard the doorknob twist eeirrely, and I moved instinctively to her closet door, trembling. I grabbed the lamp from the nightstand.

“Why are they here Lily?” I had demanded. She shook her head, an odd color creeping into her bright blue eyes.

“I cannot say Katy. If I tell you, you have to become like us, or they’ll take your soul,” she warned. I clutched my heart in amazement as the door opened to reveal two little girls wearing white dresses. Their hair was braided gracefully, and their eyes were glowing just like Lily’s was. Lily turned to me, her blue eyes distant and gruesome.

“Don’t be afraid Katy. They won’t hurt you,” she promised. I didn’t respond, clutching the lamp tightly. “You can’t blame us for being this way. We all died in that field. All we’re doing is protecting the other little girls,” she promised. I felt faint, collapsing onto my knees. Lily walked over, laying her tiny hands on my head.

“Rest now. I’ll be back soon,” she promised, before all of my strength was no more. It seemed several years before I was revived, renewed with strength and hunger. I opened my eyes weakly to see Lily, looking as innocent as ever, waiting on her bed. She looked more bright than last night, and she was singing a song like the other kids would do. She noticed me and smiled.

“I’m not hungry anymore,” she told me. I didn’t respond, grabbing the side of her bed and pulling myself up. I looked Lily up and down sternly, wondering what kind of monster she was. Right there on her bed though, she looked as innocent as ever.

“You’re not Lily?” I asked quietly. She turned to me, suddenly looking sad.

“I am Lily. I am Lily. Don’t lie to my parents. I’m home now. I am Lily,” she erupted. I understood now what was happening. Poor little Lily had died in the hands of a murderer in that flower field. She was now walking like a duplicate, yet she was out for vengeance on her killer. Sadly though, Lily wasn’t the only flower girl to die in the field.