Nov 1, 2024 - Oct 31, 2025 first place winner by robyn wangra

The Last Key

Mara's fingers shook while she clutched the ancient brass key. It had remained hidden in her grandmother’s attic for years, encased in aged newspaper. All insisted it was pointless—merely a relic—but this evening it throbbed with an unusual heat.

The door at the hallway's end was always secured. As a child, she had walked by it countless times, envisioning incredible worlds beyond. Now, by herself in the faint light, she inserted the key into the lock.

It registered.

The door slowly opened, unveiling a room suspended in time. Books covered in dust adorned the walls, and at the center was a small desk holding an incomplete letter. Mara instantly identified her grandmother's handwriting.

"To anyone who discovers this: The external world can be harsh, yet within these pages, you will forever encounter your true self."

Mara experienced an unusual serenity enveloping her. She understood that the key hadn't accessed a room—it had revealed a section of her own heart she had forgotten was there. Every fear, every regret, every question she held about her position in the world appeared to rest, if only for a fleeting moment, on the dusty floorboards.

She grabbed a book, opening it up. The words conveyed more than a narrative— they softly revealed truths about bravery, affection, and the subtle strength found in trusting small miracles.

Mara grinned. After many years, she finally felt a sense of belonging.

The door shut behind her, yet the warmth lingered.

Robyn is a second-year LLB student with a passion for writing and storytelling. She enjoys exploring themes of family, self-discovery, and resilience in her work.