WriteOn! 2024

Ilarja Lumani
Erseka, 6th Grade

1st Place

 

One day I was in my bed. When I woke up my self was a dog!!! I didn’t care about it I love dogs. My sis too. By the way last night before I was a dog I had a fight with my sister. I will go return the favor back… sorry I’m a dog I forget things… what am I going to do now? Uuu yes going in my sister’s rooooom. So I went in there and what to see. Boy bands, boys and boys ugh. I was angry about last night so I was eating her leg so she didn’t even feel it she was busy with her phone. Teenagers am I right. After that I went outside and stand there a long time… a long time…a long time…wait I’m hungry. Oo hello there lunch. Come here little squirrel. So the squirrel left and I was eating the trash blah ugh gross. Not for me I’m a dog I don’t care. Then I went to my garden and I was eating flowers I don’t know why guess yourself. Then I was watching my parents. They didn’t even know I was missing. What good parents am I right again. I was running to eat my short tail don’t know why still. I was a little dog I didn’t know what to do. So I was sleeping on the garden for a little while. Then my cousin came but I forgot she was afraid of dogs she screamed. I didn’t know what to do. She was still screaming and I was still there. After 2 full hours she decided to stop screaming I falled asleep. I’m still a dog don’t judge me… What am I doing in here I’m not a dog? Oh, wait I am. Hahaha sorry I forget things fast. I need to eat again this time I saw a snail I wanted to eat it and it was yammy. Don’t judge or ask for what am I doing. I’m just a little dog but I’m cute. You can’t buy me at a pet store so I’m sorry. Not really…What am I going to do now. Well I know I’m going to nap in my bed. I napped for a little but when I wake up I saw… I was still a dog. Just joking I was dreaming. Just joking again. I’m still a doooog. I tried to sleep again because it was 8:00pm. When I wake up at 6:00am. This time I was a human. That’s sad I didn’t pick my territory. You know how dog decide to pick a territory don’t you. Haha Bye. At this time I was eating cake I don’t why maybe I am a human with dog brains maybe yes maybe not. No I’m just an idiot that’s what my sister says when I come around in circles. I wake up again. O yess, I’m a dog again. Wait why is this mirror covered with a dog skin, is this a prank of my sister??? I will get her, she is doomed… What I was going to do again????

 

 

Klaudia Salika

Ksamil, 6th Grade

2nd Place

 

            I think the door would open in the sea. There will be one big place with sand and at the sea will have some island with a big space. There will be an ocean with species like dolphins, different fishes, with stars of the sea, octopus, maybe with sharks and whales. There will have some mermaids on the rocks and some other mermaids will be swimming out the sea or playing with each other. To me mermaids will be singing with each other or playing to the music. Some aliens will be flying on the sea and some dinosaur will be eating food at some trees. The baby dinosaurs will be playing in the coast of the sea. The flying fishes will be flying on surface of the sea and some pirate will be sailing with sheeps and will be fishing for fishes and for wealth. The pirates will be sailing along the sea and will be stopping in one island with big wealth and with incredible species but not with peoples in there. They found coins from golden and one magic mirror that will fill their dreams on their need for their future or maybe to be powerful no like good but more powerful than everything else. The mermaids found girl things but they didn’t know how do they work. They thought that they were incredible things buts with no idea they used them for other things. Those things are my imagination if I open one door for my fantasy of children.

 

Fernando Kasëml

Fier, 6th Grade

3rd Place

 

A dog in my country is always thinking about his life. Every second, every minutes, every hour it is thinking how to escape from people. Peoples see dogs like useless creatures, but they are a miracle of god. They think how to live one more day, where to find food. They don’t want to hurt anybody. In their thoughts, pain is just a gift from peoples. They think that we love them, we take care of them, but most of us doesn’t care of them. A dog thoughts are better than a human thought. In the middle of the pain, they think for a better future; like us! But some dogs doesn’t feel “bad feelings” at all. Dogs of rich people just think about them self. Just like some people in this world. Dogs in my country are treated like beasts! Thoughts of a dog are wonderful! If we knew them, we would be like their soul. They think: “I’m in a apartment, that is on fire, but my soul is in paradise. What can we do? We can’t change anything in humans world. The peoples gave to us this destiny, so we will follow it. A life full of these feelings is better than a rich life. In this way we can know the “full” life, even her “dark” sides. In this world we are just animals, not creatures of god.”

Kristian Blido
Roskovec, 7th Grade

1st Place

 

“Aren’t you bored of living in a normal gravity and always stepping on something solid? Well, I am. I have to find a solution, the only two environments that does not have the normal gravity are space and oceans. But…my choice is… space. I like exploring too and space has a lot to be explored and I have already explored oceans, in fact just a lake near my house but anyway that doesn’t matter.” — That’s what I said to my class three years ago.

 

After three years preparations which include:

-Finding the best and easiest way to go to moon

-Inventing and intergalactic tunnel

-Getting enough food for as long as someone can live

 

And now in 30th February, 1372, I Kristian Blido am going to explore space.

 

I entered my supersonic, flying motorbike in my astronaut outfit, ready to start my journey to… somewhere in space.

 

Firstly I went to moon, where in a few days, as I had planned, built an intergalactic tunnel. After going through that tunnel, I arrived in a very strange part of space. I could see planets like bubbles, some others seemed to be made of glass and wood. In the 25th night I was sleeping in my motorbike that could be transformed into a very comfortable place to sleep, while suddenly I heard a noise. It was an alien spaceship, a very giant spaceship. They took me inside and started saying:

-Vorrk, warrrrok, wark?

 

I wouldn’t have understood them, if I hadn’t invented an alien translator. And they had asked me where I was from.

 

After telling them my whole story, they told me their story, which unexpectedly was the same:

They also started exploring space. Seeing that we had the same achievement, alien Queen accepted me on their board.

 

After 15 years of exploring 27 different planets, I decided to go back to my home planet. That wouldn’t be possible if I hadn’t invented a teletransportater. But I had invented it so I went back home, of course after I thanked the alien crew of the alien spaceship.

 

When I arrived home I was prisoned for 10 years by the US government because the pretended I knew too much about space and refused to tell them about my experience.

 

Now, at the age of 96, I finally had the possibility to tell my story to the media and the whole world. But…because I did this, 1 day ago I got a warning from the alien crew and alien queen that if I do say even one more word I will be killed. I don’t care, I’ll tell everything.

 

 

Joanis Sejdinaj

Fier, 7th Grade

2nd Place

 

So, creating a new world looks wonderful. But depending on just colors is a difficult choice. I have to decide what colors to put on everything.

Firstly, I would change the sky. It looks beautiful as blue, but I’d like it to be purple. It’s going to make my world look mysterious.

Then, I’d transform the sea. To combine it with the sky, I’ll make it pink. Girly- but don’t judge. I’m a grown up boy. The grass is going to be indigo. It will feel like sleeping on a hairy bear. Flowers are going to be like rainbows and birds are going to be golden. The sun is going to be red like a comet. But it is going to appear even during the night. The moon will be like silver. Ok, more than it is. Stars are going to be blue, the only color that was missing from the silhouette.

Buildings will be black and white, like one of those Marilyn Monroe movies. And my school, even if I’d like it to disappear, I would make it white.

Ok, this looks like a cute essay but too normal for me. There aren’t just objects that we can change their color- we can change people’s color. Not their skin. We’re not in a protest march about racism.

People are beautiful from the outside even when we stick them nicknames like “ugly” or “fatty”, “nerd”, “jerk”. There is a movie called “Geek Charming” too.

So away from the sarcasm, we can change what people have got inside. I would like to change popular types. They’ve got a red of passion and beauty but I’ll give them a little green of kindness. Smart kids- they’ve got blue, blue means intelligence but I’ll make them a present called “confidence” personalized with yellow. Emo types- they are like rainbows, they’ve got like every human feature but I’ll give them white to be a little controlled.

Gothic types- they love black, they’re mysterious, unsociable, they lie in their own world. I’ll make them feel loved with some red.

Hardworking people- they need some yellow of joy. Punk rock-pop teens- they are crazy they want to feel extreme every minute of the day, I’ll leave them as they are. They’re perfect. And loners- loners like me, always alone, no friends, no social life, in trouble, no one likes them- they need some black, that’s what I suggest, independence and pride is what you need. You’ll survive.

Ok, I made a long way but now I finished, I hope you liked what I wrote, I wrote what I thought was fair and this is my masterpiece. And, let’s have a life with as many colors as we want to. We are ourselves. We’re all cute, smart, dreamers in our way. So, be yourself and no one else. That’s a perfect new world!

 

 

Emilia Rjepi

Tirana, 7th Grade

3rd Place

 

If I would have the chance to explore the space or the ocean, I would chose the ocean, because I am very curious to see how the ocean species live. I want to see if their life is different from ours. And if it is, why does it change? I like the ocean and I like swimming, so I really want to know more about the oceans, corals or the different fish that live there. I always see documentaries about the sea or oceans, but I have never explored one of them and I think it would be a unique experience for me. It is not the same to see the species by the screen of the TV and to explore them in real. I like deeps and the strange species. To explore the ocean is a chance that doesn’t come every day and if I would have this chance, I wouldn’t leae it go. I prefer the ocean by the space because I think it is more interesting place to see and I am afraid to visit space, because I think that it is dangerous and I don’t know how it would be to see meteors or asteroids coming towards me. I think that visiting the ocean is safer than to visit space. Even to visit the ocean is dangerous, but when I was a child I dreamt to see the oceans and to swim together with the strange species. I like the underwater world and I like the strange species too. I want to develop new things that I have never seen before, I want all the people to know the importance of the species and to protect them. They even have to protect the seas and the ocean because if they don’t do that the species that live there will become extinct. I think that oceans hide mysteries. And I think that the most of this mysteries are related with the sheeps that were drowns in the oceans. That’s it about my ideas to explore the ocean.

 

 

Ida Grada

Fier, 8th Grade

1st Place

 

            There is a picture on the table. It is a picture of my school, and there, right there in the corner is a lonely girl. You might ask who is she or what is she doing on her own. Well, that girl is me. Although it was a long time ago, I just can’t forget those terrible days of my life.

            First of all my name is Isa, and this is my story. I haven’t been a popular girl at school. However, this was not my own choice.  I have been just me, although maybe the others expected to be someone else. All I wanted, in fact, was just being aware of troubles in every possible way. But the more I tried, the more troubles followed me every single school day.

            It had all started, when one day in the school yard, some students in my class started to play with my own stuff and I got very angry with that. This made them feel good and laugh but I felt extremely embarrassed. I ran out of school and started to think about things I had never thought before. The first thing I thought about was death, then depression and then I thought about what would have happened if I were a boy. I thought that things would be much better if I was a boy. Anyway, it was time to eat lunch, so I decided to go to a Chinese restaurant. A young woman offered me a biscuit that she described as special. I didn’t know what she meant with that but I thought that I had nothing to loose. She told me to make a wish and when she lift, I found a little paper where was written “Tomorrow morning, your dreams will come true.” I thought it was a joke but the next day, something really strange happened to me. Really, I didn’t understand at first, what was happening. I woke up and my hairs were turned short. I had really changed. I was a boy. But the thing that surprised me the most was that everyone knew that I was a boy. Also in the photos I was a boy. Everyone thought I had always been a boy. When I went to school I could see boys and girls that called themselves “friends of mine.” I wasn’t used to this at all. I didn’t even know how to call myself. It would be strange if I’d ask someone else what is my name. I tried to take it easy, but I just couldn’t. I just could not realize that I would be a boy, the whole my life, I had to do things that boys do and all the stuff. I also couldn’t get used to the fact that now I was having lots of friends, everyone now was my friend, even the ones that made my life suck the day before. Just the idea that I has wished something as stupid as this, made me laugh. I was supposed to like the fact that finally I was a popular girl, or better to say “popular boy”, or that everyone was my friend, but I wasn’t. I was a boy! What I really wanted was just to have my own life, my own real life. The next morning I woke up as the real me, that lonely girl that would spend the rest of her school life in the corner of the yard. Yes, that girl, you remember that girl in the photo. I was that lonely girl, but now it’s different. But I liked it because I know exactly who I was, and I knew my name, and this makes me feel very happy, because I knew I could change my life in other ways. At least, I wouldn’t loose my identity.

 

 

Ester Zahaj

Vlora, 8th Grade

2nd Place

 

Many girls all around the world have asked themselves: how would it be, to be a boy? Most of them haven’t just asked themselves that question, they have experienced becoming a boy. Some have written songs about how it would be to become a boy for a day. We take for example Beyonce. She has written the song “If Were A Boy” there she talks about all the differences that a boy has from a girl. But what would it really feel like?

 

It’s Monday morning and I wake up like I’ve been shot. And have come back to life. I walk into the bathroom to do my daily morning routine. I look in the mirror and I scream. My scream is heard by my parents and they come running into my bathroom. They look around to see if there is any danger and when they see none, they turn to me and when they look at me, they also scream. “What happened? Oh my god, who are you?” That’s my mom, screaming like a mad woman. “If I knew, I wouldn’t be here right now, would I?” My sarcastic tone echoed throughout the house. “Oh my god, mom. I have turned into a boy. OMG. OMG.What am I gonna do?” I continued saying in a panicked voice. I didn’t know what I was gonna do. My parents began telling me to calm down and they said that there had to be an explanation for all of this. They told me that maybe, when I would wake up the next day, I would be a girl and I would have to stay for a day like this. So I did as they told me. I began living for a day like a boy.

 

I went to school like a boy but everyone there was pushing me to get to their classes. I was like the new boy at school. When I entered history, my first class, the teacher introduced to me everyone and told me to sit next to a girl. I knew that girl, she was the girl who bullied me nonstop everyday. So when she began flirting with me, I just flipped her off. When the bell rang, I got up from my seat and began walking to my next class, which was math, my worst subject. I decided that I wouldn’t be the shy guy but the confident one. When girls flirted with me, I just smiled at them because anything else would be weird. I also made lots of friends who were all boys. I talked good about myself as a girl and told them I was a great person, and that when I came back to school they would be good with me. When school finished, I went to the park and did whatever a boy would do like: skateboarding, vining, etc. Then when it was like 6pm I returned home. I ate dinner with my parents and talked with my new friends. One of them came over and we played video games. Then he went home but not after telling me goodbye and that he would see me really soon. They all promised me that they would be nice and protect the girly me when I return. I went to sleep thinking how great my day like a boy went. I made new friends and I learned that whenever I fell down, I had to get back up. Life will give you many difficulties but you have to never go down. And if you go, you have to rise again. Life has its ups and downs, but whatever you do, you should stay yourself.

 

 

Izabela Gropa

Fier, 8th Grade

3rd Place

 

One day I went to my friend Luca’s house and we were eating popcorn. Then we went to the garden and my friend was talking to me about a “treasure” which was discovered in his garden. I didn’t trust him and he took my hand to show it to me. When we arrived, I saw a big machine. I asked him what was it for, but he told me to go closer to the machine. I did like he said me and in a glass of the machine was written with capital words “TIME MACHINE”. Sure I didn’t think it was real but I said to Luca that we should try it on. He was a little bit afraid about that but I started calling him little child, so he came.

 

We opened the machine door that was too dirty and then we sat in some dirty chairs. There was a lot of buttons but I chose the “turn on” button. Nothing happened. Then I retried it for a second time. Third, fourth….when we heard a strange noise. The machine was finally turned on. A strange voice said “welcome on board”. I and Luca screamed. Then the strange voice said “ready for a trip? Think for something you really want to go back and I will take you there.” I started thinking for a lot of things and for places I went as a little child but I really wanted to go and meet my grandma that has 4 years in “heaven”. I said to my mind “I want to meet my grandma”.

 

A lot of noises started surrounding the machine and the machine itself started traveling into a black space that I hadn’t seen before. And after two minutes, I found myself to my old grandma’s house. There in a sofa I saw my grandma, who was making a cake for me. I went to hug her but I couldn’t because she couldn’t see me, feel me, or talk to me.

 

Then after a while, I saw myself when I was a little girl. My grandmother was trying to wear me a jacket. But I didn’t want to. Then she was trying to give me some of the cake which was made full of love. But I either didn’t want to. I wanted to buy chocolates and candies. Then she was trying to kiss me and hug me but I said to her “you are not my mother so you can’t kiss me”. She felt a little bit touched but I didn’t care and went playing with my friends. I don’t know how I could be selfish. And sullen.

 

Now that I remember that time I feel so sad, because I need my grandma’s hugs, kissings, advices, and I want to eat what she cooks, but unfortunately she isn’t anymore with me.

 

I got into the machine and said “I want to go to the present.” Quickly I took my bag and started running. Luca said to me “wait!” but I continued. Then when I was too tired, I found myself in a field. There was nobody. I started crying, because I was thinking only for my grandma. I looked up to the sky and said “Grandma, I know you are hearing me right now maybe you’re upset with me, because I haven’t loved you, but I want you to know that I miss you so much and I really want to go back in time. I need you Grandma. I think you are the best person, this is why God took you, and you need to stay only on the place where you’ll stay in peace, in ‘heaven’. Please forget what I have done and send me a sign that you miss me. I love you so much”. Then I went to Luca’s house and destroyed the machine. It was the best feeling ever.

 

Anxhela Doko
Fier, 9th Grade

1st Place

 

Mmmm…I’m so stiff… it’s like my whole body is going to crumble despite the fact that I’m standing in front of a mirror looking carefully at my strong muscular sculptured chest… I don’t remember well what happened…just some glimpses of light and a few bubbly giggles. I feel my throat sore and the worst part is that I can’t express through my face muscles any emotion… My salty cheeks won’t let that happen. I carefully touch them… they’re so rough… no wonder why… sleepless nights, tearful morning, blurry days… that damned door is unmaning me… I recall the night I moved into this apartment…I was stunned… The bricky wall, the old windows, the gothic fireplace and of course… a black ancient, rough, partly painted black door… I’m gonna be a little romantic “hearts & flowers” as others will me… that door was the one that really catched my eye, that really made me wanna buy this place… At the time I didn’t know its secrets… I considered it as an ornament… shame on me. It was the third day in my new apartment when I first learned her secret. It was a lazy Monday and work has been exhausting… as I laid in bed and seconds later drifting to sleep, I heard this strange noise coming from the door… it was like little giggles and then pity screams, and when I just started believing it was a nightmare, the three thumping knocks on the ornament door made my heart stop… after that I heard some cracks, and as my eyes were adjusting to the darkness, I saw a white pale figure standing beside my bed… Before I even had time to move or even to feel the adrenaline rush, the pale woman threw a key at me and suddenly disappeared in the emptiness of my room. Thirsting for air, I got up… first disgusted by the key, I stood there like a fool waiting for a hint to tell me it was just a nightmare. I don’t know how much time passed…seconds…minutes…hours, until I finally decided to give a second look at the key. I grabbed it in my hands and softly touched with my finger tips the letters on the key, “THROUGH THE BLACK DOOR TO THE BLACK WORLD.” I would have laughed with the look on my face if that damned black door at the end of my bedroom wouldn’t produce scary noises. I dress quickly… it’s now or never… shaking hands put the key in the keyhole and after a 90 degree switch, the door is open before my very eyes… I see nothing but blurriness, fog, and a dim light bursting through the heavy air. Stunished I search with my eyes for any possible hint to where this door may lead… suddenly my eyes lock an embrace with some piercing blue marine eyes through the blurry air…It was a familiar blue a known one… and suddenly it hits me like a truck… They’re my eyes. I hear the little boys giggle and in absolute amusement. I look puzzled. The little boy runs to his mother, to hug her, to kiss and maybe even to play with her…No, this is too much for me… too much to bear, I haven’t recalled her memory since her accident and the thought of being 5 steps away from her makes me burst into tears… I won’t watch no longer, I know what’s going to happen… the tall woman grabs the little kid and drags him further into darkness… I know what she did to him, I look at the scar in my right arm… This is no fair… no fair and there I go I burst like a tight through darkness and run full speed to the boy. I need to save him… I need to save ME. I manage to push away the woman, grab the little kid and say, “YOU’RE OK, YOU’RE GONNA BE OK, I CAN CHANGE THIS, I CAN CHANGE YOU FUTURE LITTLE BOY, HAVE FAITH PLEASE” And I burst in this sobby tearing that just turns my world upside down. The woman is back, she has a gun… NO NO PLEASE NO she points it at the little kid and pulls the trigger… blood…lots of it… lot of blood the poor child is bleeding… bleeding to death… and a giggling laugh vanishes through the air…it’s another boy HE LOOKS HAPPY BUT WHY…WAIT he looks like the dead boy… he is his twin, no this won’t be happening… the mother takes the boy in an embrace so huge it makes me cry, she says my name and I’m confused, she’s talking with the boy… “OH JACK… JACK I HAD TO GET RID OF ONE OF YOU, I COULDN’T KEEP YOU BOTH.” Then air shoots me out and the door closes in front of me. I HAD A BROTHER… A BROTHER and she murdered him. NOOO…why O God, why?... I remember going into the door again and again, still no matter how much I tried the boy never made it. I feel sick me… I’m still living while the other one is dead… his giggle…it still haunts me… I lost half my body half of my soul half of my heart I LOST MY TWIN. I START CRYING AGAIN… why do I have to go over and over this again? I lay in bed sobbing and carefully drifting into sleep when I see the woman, the door crack, the key, the giggles O GOD here I go again… BEHIND THE DOOR…WHEN MY NIGHTMARE BEGINS WHEN I WAKE UP.

 

 

Megi Sula

Fier, 9th grade

2nd place

 

Suddenly I find myself in darkness. I feel so heavy and I can hardly pull a muscle. There’s no noise. Staring at the empty room I realize that it’s pretty an old one. My hands are full of dirt and I keep sneezing; don’t know why.

                I stand up and feel so dizzy. It looked like I bang my head somewhere. For sure I can say that I couldn’t walk because everything was in a total darkness. I love being in darkness but in that moment all I wanted was to get out of that room. I had nearly forgotten I had my cellphone with me. I put on the light and now it all becomes easier or not…

                After getting out of the room, in front of me is a hall. A big one. I was so scared, so scared that I couldn’t stop shaking. Where the hell was the end of this hall or better said, how can I get out of this mysterious building. Mice. No way!!! I hate mice with every bit of my soul.

“Get a grip, girl!” I said to myself. “There is still hope.”

                I close my eyes, gather all of my strength and keep walking. At the end of the hall, it was a door. My eyes shed with tears. This time happy ones. Finally, I found a way to get out. But as soon as I came close to the door, I hear a voice.

“Mel, it’s me!” Holy Sugarcane! It’s my best friend!

“Alex, I’m here!” shouting with my wet eyes.

“Sis, please help us!” What? My sister?

“Amy, I’ll help you, promise…”

“Honey, we need you to focus and help us get out immediately.” My mom and dad were behind this door.

“Okay, mom! Hold on!” I said shaking. But the door was closed! “Alex, mom, dad, Amy! It’s closed.” I tried to break in but it was impossible. The door was so big and heavy. It was the first time I felt so empty. My heart, my soul was empty. My biggest nightmare was to lose my dearest and nearest, but now I wasn’t able to prevent this.

“Mel, c’mon, focus!” encouraged Alex. “Use your phone, call the police.” Well, I wish it was that simple because my phone was unusable. My sister was crying and that broke my heart.

“Mel, sweetie, we will fall here outside if you don’t open that door. I don’t want to panic you, but hurry!”

“I don’t know what to do mom,” I said crying as loud as I could.

“You are strong, Mel, you can do it!” Alex said. Behind me there was a roar. I paralyzed. Slowly, I turned and saw a tiger greeding its teeth.

“Mom, Alex, Dad, it’s a tiger.” I told them as slow as I could.

“Be calm! Don’t do anything that will frighten him,” said dad.

I couldn’t resist anymore. I didn’t care that it was a tiger in front of me. I just sat on my knees and exploded in crying. When I opened my eyes, the tiger was staring directly into my eyes. I wiped my tears and put my hand slowly into its fur. The tiger started to lick my face and I started to smile. It was like magic, because he target the door and obviously wanted to open it.

“Mom, Dad, Amy, Alex, step forward NOW!” The tiger, with its strength managed to open the door.

“MOM! DAD!” I opened my eyes. I was in my bed with my earphones on. Apparently I was listening to “Roar” by Katy Perry and all this was just a nightmare. My mom and dad cam immediately.

“Mel, what’s wrong?!” they asked panicked.

“I love you guys,” was all I could say. Amy was coming into the room sleepy with her pajamas on. I jumped out of the bed and ran to her. “Is she okay?” she said to mom and dad with her eyes wide open. Some minutes later, I texted to my bestie.

“Alex, I love you.”

“I love you too, Mel.” He responded.

 

 

Stefania Pasko

Fier, 9th Grade

3rd Place

 

One day I went to a book shop, because I wanted to buy a book that just came out that time. I arrived and I tried to open the door, but it was closed. I wondered why it was closed, because it was Monday and every shop in the town was opened. I tried to look a little bit after the door and I saw that there was dust in the table, even at the bookshelves. I was confused because it seemed like the shop wasn’t open for days. I didn’t have what to do so I went back home. All day I thought about what could have happened to the owner of the shop. The owner of the shop was an old man, about 60-years old. He lived in a flat, an ancient flat with his wife. They didn’t have any children. Days passed and the book shop wasn’t opening. I didn’t talk to anyone about the situation but I decided to talk to my mom. I asked her why the shop was closed and she told me that Tod’s wife was very sick. I felt very bad in that moment. I understood why the door was closed and the reason why there was dust. Tod and his wife always stayed at the shop, they always took care of the books and were very kind to the clients. I knew that behind the door wasn’t just books, but it was also the love of Tod and his wife. Tod’s wife loved books and that’s why they decided to open a bookshop. I felt bad about the poor couple and I wanted to make something for them. I suggested my mom to go and visit their family or to make her some food. We thought that our visit would be a good idea. We went upstairs and knocked at her door. Tod opened the door and invited us in. We saw his wife laying in bed, but still she was the same person. She was still kind and nice. I asked them about the shop. They gave me an answer that I didn’t expect. They told me that the shop wasn’t opening anymore. I was very confused why, because they loved the shop so much. So, the door was closed because of this. The door was closed, and it wasn’t opening anymore. I felt bad because I liked their shop so much. The shop was always nice and warm, winter or summer. I also felt bad about Tod, because his wife loved the shop so much. It was actually the most precious thing that they both had.  We left their home and we had a nice time. We were sad about the situation and we hoped that Tod’s wife got better. Every day after school I looked at the shop and I knew what was behind the door. It was Tod and his wife always taking care of the books, always talking to clients. After 5 days I found out that Tod’s wife passed away. It was the saddest thing.

Every walk in front of the store was different. I knew what happened and I felt bad. Tod wanted to make a special thing. He wanted to sell all the books left and all the money would go to charity. Tod had such a good soul. Me, my family, my friends all bought a lot of books. I felt happy that Tod was still optimistic even that his wife was gone.

 

 

Egi Gishti
Fier, 10th Grade

1st Place

 

My life has always been exciting and insane but this is the greatest thing I have ever done. I mean, going to space? How does that even work? I’m bout to find out today. When I first won the trip, I was feeling a mix of emotions. I was afraid and excited. I just couldn’t believe it. They even let me choose the destination. And of course, me being me, I didn’t choose the moon, or mars, or any other planet. I said to myself, “Why not go to another universe?” This chance will never come again.”

 

So, here I am, packing my bags. I took some astronaut lessons so I think that there will be no problems on my way. Also, a professional astronaut is coming with me in case we have technical difficulties.

 

After a good 40 minutes we finally set off. My heart was beating so fast as the spaceship was shaking like crazy. “Off we go” I thought to myself as I closed my eyes. I didn’t open them until the spaceship stopped shaking. I looked through the window I had never seen something more dreamy than that. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Furthermore, I saw galaxies, meteors and different space materials that I had only seen on TV. Suddenly, I wanted everyone to be here, to experience the same thing as me, to feel the same level of happiness that I was feeling.

It felt like forever but finally we had arrived. When we were about to pass into the other universe, the spaceship went off really fast. Different lights with different colors flashed outside my window. As much as I was amazed, I have to say that it was a pretty terrifying experience. I let a sharp breath of relief as we landed.

 

When we got out, we were shocked. Around the spaceship there were people just like us who had a surprised look on their faces. I felt confused. Were we still on earth? Was all this a joke? We waved at the people standing in front. They even waved the same way. I was becoming suspicious. I started speaking to them. The people were confused at first but then they started to communicate with us.

 

Turns out, our spaceship had landed to a different version of earth, more peaceful but completely opposite. It was so interesting because they taught me their language. Instead of bakery they said shoe shop, and instead of shoe shop, they said bakery. Bread meant shoes, and shoes, bread. It was so funny.

 

Sadly, I had to go back to earth. The spaceship set off again with a lot of noise. Our people were waiting for us with a lot of gifts, champagne and food. I’m sure I will never forget what I saw there but even more sure that no one will ever believe me.

 

 

Ina Haxhi

Fier, 10th Grade

2nd Place

 

                Now that we’re in 2070 travelling with a spaceship it’s an everyday thing. People have found that there are other living creatures on other plants, and we have even socialized with them, and now thanks to the technology evolution we have spaceships that can take us anywhere we want in just a few minutes. Tomorrow on planet Mars is the biggest event of the year. There will be a parade, a big concert and lots of other activities, and I don’t want to miss any of these. I’ve booked a personal spaceships for that day. I decided to go to Mars this evening and spend the night to some of my friends’ houses there. Everything is read and packed in my suitcase. Just hope I won’t have any problem while traveling there. I think it might take me just 48 minutes to go to Mars if everything on my way foes the right way. Well, here I’m going just getting on the spaceship. The pilot is trying to make me feel safe because I’m kind of terrified by this way of travelling and to tell the truth it’s the first time for me of getting onto one of this. I’m on board now. The pilot just putted on some quiet music to make me calm down.

                About 15 minutes have passed and things seem to look okay… but! Oh, no! I think we just got involved in a meteors rain! Yes! Unfortunately I’m right, it really is a meteors rain! Ohh, me and my bad luck! I’m freaking our right now, it’s like I can’t breather, like I’m going to fade away. My heart beat is insane. I’m tripping over myself!!! Got damn! I was so excited by the idea of travelling with a spaceship that I completely forgot to check up the news, so I Would have been aware of all this… It’s all my fault! Well, I think this is going to serve as a lesson to me, so maybe in the future I’ll learn to be more careful.

                The pilot managed to away without any damage caused. He is so skillful! Woah! … I’m never going to forget what I just got through. Wow I’ve just 17 minutes left till we’ll land to Mars.

                I finally made it. WE just landed and we’re okay! Oh, I’m so happy right now that I’m literally kissing the ground! And there are my friends laughing at me while they see me doing this. It was embarrassing, but I felt like I had to do that. I’m at my friend’s house now, and I’m starving! My friend knows what kind of food lover I am, so he has made for me a traditional Marsian dish that I adore! I’m so going to enjoy this meal.

                After dinner, we’re just going to watch a movie and then go back to sleep, because we’ll have to get up early tomorrow to go see the festival that we’ve been waited for so long to see…

                Finally it’s the day! I know we’ll have so much fun here. This is going to be the best day ever. I’m deeply in love with this plant’s culture. Can’t hold the excitement! I’ve got a feeling that things are going to go way better than I had ever planned.

 

 

Elvi Nako

Fier, 10th Grade

3rd Place

 

                Everyone wants to turn back time, but there’s nothing which can help us to stop or turn back time. After my hard work I could finally invent the “time-machine” At the first sight it seemed impossible but anyway nothing is impossible. There’s always a way to find the solution. Why did I invent the time-machine? Well there are so many reasons First of all each of us has been through a lot of beautiful moments in the past, and we all want to feel them again. Besides that, not all of us has spend good times in the past, there are bad times too. Some of us have lost the most important people in their lives. And the pain can’t be accepted, is so hard for all of us to live with the idea that the people that we used to stay forever with them are gone. There are a lot of things that should be changed in this world. Poverty, different diseases, global warming, ISIS, warms, and a lot of other problems.

                The time-machine can fix everything. Is a small machine with the sizes of a human body. It’s very simple to use. A human can enter in it and close the machines doors and whisper the moment he wants to feel again and the year when it happened. I would let everyone use the time machine because in this way everyone would be happy. And happiness is very important for all of is. Right?

                The main reason why I invented it is to see my grandparents for the first time. I never knew them, they died when I was a baby. I just wanted to meet them and tell them they are the best grannies in the world. Anyway there are a lot of people just like me who want to turn back time. If I could turn back time, I would stop people building factories. They pollute the air and damage the atmosphere. The ozone is almost destroyed and the temperatures are getting higher and higher. And the ice keeps melting, this way polar bears or other animals who live in and would disappear as soon as this happens. I’d stop the wars that have damaged al of the countries in the world. I’d stop the first world war, second world war, and I guess the third isn’t that far because ISIS is causing it. I’d go to Africa and help them with food and water before the situation would get bad like nowadays is.  

                Time machine changes the world, and it can be used only for good things, I mean for good people who really want to turn back time to do something they didn’t do as fix something they messed up. I’d also go back in time and I’d like being a kid again. Childhood is the most beautiful and simple period of life. I’d be again that plumpy kid who just wanted to play all the day long. No worries, only fun!

                The list of the things that I could do with the time machine is very long. Anyway, turning back time can be cool, but each of us has to be smart and we should think twice before saying something because time-machine can bot always help us to fix what we messed up.

 

Anxhela Beharaj
Fier, 11th Grade

1st Place

 

What had I done?!...

 

It’s 2:00AM and I just had a nightmare, another nightmare… I walk to the mirror for the 127th time during these 24 hours to look at myself, but I can’t. I could never look at myself again. The only way was to close my eyes and imagine… imagine my old face appearing in front of me, my long hair, my young body… my old self. But is that myself? Have I ever been that girl? I’ve been stuck in this body for so long now that I can’t even tell what’s real and what’s not anymore. I miss a family, a mom, a dad, a sister that I’m not sure if I ever had. And I curse myself for making that choice…

 

I say I have nightmares, but my whole life is a nightmare, will my whole NEW life. A nightmare which started the day I was given an opportunity to be someone else.

 

Let me tell you a brief history, so you can I can be on the same page. I was an unhappy, ignorant teen who had all she needed, took it for granted and wanted more. I went out for a walk after I had had a fight with my parents. I sat in a bench on the park and some minutes later a tall, grown man, very well-dressed, sat by me in silence. I got a little bit frightened and just as I was about to leave he said, “I know you are unhappy, but I can change that.” Once I heard that, I was so furious on that moment, that I didn’t care who he was anymore, I just stood up and angrily said, “Is that so? And how you plan on doing that because I’ve been trying my whole life, ok?”

“I heard you like the Ellen show. Big fan, huh?” he said.

“Yeah,” I answered. “So what?”

“Ellen is dead,” he told me.

I was shocked, my mouth and eyes were wide open.

“We are offering you to be her,” he said. “The show must go on.”

“We? Who?” I asked, but he didn’t answer that, he just asked me loudly:

“Do you want to be her, or do you not?”

“Anything to get out of my life!” I said. Oh GOD, how much I hate my mouth and how much I hate the words that come out of it.

 

I thought it was such a great chance for me to finally be happy and live the life I wanted. Ellen was the host of my favorite show, she was famous and rich and funny, her life seemed so great.

 

But look at me now…Oh how I’ve wasted my life like this… all the things I’ve missed, my high school graduation, the prom, the New Year’s prom, college years, looking for the love of my life, getting hurt, married, being a mom… My whole youth, my whole life never happened.

 

I don’t want no fame or fortune…I want my family back, I want to get pissed off by my little sister again, I want to see my parents in the eyes and tell them that I didn’t disappear, I am not dead, I am “fine”…

 

How blind I was, I had people that loved me and took care of me and I threw it all away. I have not only hurt myself, but my parents too, how much they must have suffered when they lost the apple of their eyes.

 

Now I am 50 years old and married to a woman, surrounded by people I don’t even know.

 

I can not take this anymore, I have tried any way to get my life back, to undo what I did, and I’m desperate.

But there is one more way, one last try…I wouldn’t get my life back, but at least I won’t live this one either… this is my only escape, I HAVE TO GO…

 

I don’t know if God will take me, but Hell can’t possibly be worse than this.

 

 

Enejda Doko

Fier, 11th Grade

2nd Place

 

                Travelling the world!! Isn’t that part of everybody’s dreams?? If I was given this opportunity I wouldn’t think twice!! Every single time I think of this issue a rush of adrenaline conquers my body!

                Since I have been a little girl I was absorbed and marveled by those marvelous places, part of the documentaries or shown in the movies… Once I was in search of Aladdin’s magic carpet; now I am just planning my itinerary in each country! Finally, I can revitalize this sleepy childhood dream, which never stopped existing!

                The idea of travelling to different places, inhabiting their culture is extremely moving and greatly appealing. It’s a dream I aim to achieve and almost every time I express to my parents they shake their heads in pity saying what “I should stop having my head in the clouds!” They say I am better off living in my hometown but I truly know they are mistaken! Being isolated in a place your whole lifetime is not what I find fulfilling. It is the idea of being able to explore different places that evokes me the feeling of great fascination!

                My motto is: “The world is made to be discovered!” and I am sticking with it. J

                One day I was scrolling through Facebook posts and something interesting caught my eye. A man had tattooed the map of the world all over his back, but only the contours! Each time he visited a country, this county was filled with a colour on his back. And the greatest part? The map had almost no skin-coloured part in it!! That is something envy…

                People often say: “Home sweet home!” but don’t you think too sweet can get you diabetes? Haha, no for real though, too sweet means too dangerous! Not having the possibility to leave your hometown is not something I would risk. It means forcing your spirit and mind to stay trapped inside some self-imposed borders! An insanity!

                And that 3 month limit? It doesn’t bother me a bit! 3 months to stay in a country are more than enough. Travelling means challenging yourself; challenging yourself through language barriers, mentality, nature…

                That’s why I find it enjoyable. Challenging yourself fives you a great sense of achievement and the experiences just five you the feeling that you are really living!

                Now, I have just one thing to declare!

                If somebody wants to be my companion throughout this journey you’re more than welcome! We can share the joy together… J

 

 

Joana Lame

Corovode, 11th Grade

3rd Place

 

                “In the name of the moon I’ll punish you.” This quote would be exciting to be said anytime I would fight with an enemy. So I would like to become the character of Serena at “Sailor Moon” for several reasons. Firstly, being a sailor and fighting for justice was never my thing, but fighting beside a cute and hot guy like Tuxedo Mask, that for sure is my thing. Seeing someone as cute as him would surely motivate me to fight all the enemies no matter how strong they were. And I wouldn’t mind getting hurt just to see him worrying about me.

                Secondly, talking with a cat, a cat with magic powers, may sound weird, but for me it sounds cool and thrilling. I mean what can I do when I am alone. OI could talk with her about my crushes not having to worry that tomorrow she will stab me in the back. Thirdly, having superpowers and saving the world, as cool and exciting that is sounds, it’s not for me. But having a double life sure seems interesting. Curing the day going to school like a normal teenage, and during the night fighting beside your friends and your crush. Also eating all day long like Serena does and not getting fat and having a perfect body is something I’ve always wanted. However being separated from my family hurts. But I guess my mom would watch Sailor Moon all day.

So let’s give t up for the savior of the world “The Moon Princess” for me. And guys, who doesn’t want to be the princess the Moon Kingdom?

 

 

 

Joana Prendi
Kuçove, 12th Grade

1st Place

 

Sometimes I have a feeling that I can do certain things but I don’t just because I don’t have enough money or time, or because I can get in trouble. And when it comes to getting in trouble I would leave everything because I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like being in trouble and tries to avoid them. But if I would have the opportunity to do whatever I wanted with an unlimited amount of money for an entire year I would do a lot of things. In fact I could do so many things that I wouldn’t even know where to start. I care a lot about others and the first thing I’d do is helping people who are homeless and have no money, not even to  afford food. I’d go all around the world and I’d give some of my money to all of these people who need it more than anyone. While I’d travel to meet this community I’d also have the opportunity to see places that I’ve never seen before, and experience things that I’ve always dreamt of. It has been one of my biggest dreams to travel around the world and being able to do it, and for such an important reason is twice as amazing. One other thing I’d definitely do if I’d have the money is save the dogs and cats that wander on the streets of many cities. It feels awful having to see pets suffering and being treated like that. I love animals and seeing them being killed just because they don’t have a home and somebody to love them makes me really sad. After these two things I would do something for my country. People here deserve better politics and a better life. I would hire somebody who could help me take the money from all the useless politicians in our country and give to the people who live here. That amount of money wouldn’t last forever so I’d also built some factories where I’d employ people who don’t have enough money. This would not only help them but the entire country because we would have places where to work. Then I’d do something for myself. Since there have been a lot of changes in the education system recently I’d find out how things really were and I’d explain them to all of my friends and that would be something really great for all of us because we would finally understand what to do and wouldn’t be confused or afraid that we wouldn’t be able to go to the university we wanted to. During this one year I would do whatever I could to help the people I love, but also those I don’t even know but that I would like to see happy like the people who suffer from a sever illness, but doesn’t have enough money to cure. In this one year I would meet a lot of people because of traveling to all these places but I would also go to see my friends who don’t live here. I’ve always wanted to meet my friend Eva who lives in the USA but I’ve never had the chance to. I’d go to see her and I’d spend some time with her doing different activities just having fun. One other thing I’d do is buy clothes I wanted, from the most expensive brands. Lastly, I would organize a party, the coolest party ever and it doesn’t matter that I wouldn’t remember it as long as it would make people and me happy. I wouldn’t mind forgetting all of these things because these are things that would have a long effect on people and would be there even after one year. All the things I’d do would be things that wouldn’t help people for one instance but during their whole life.

 

 

Gloria Hoxhallori

Kucove, 12th Grade

2nd place

 

Day 1

                Everything is going ok. The wind is blowing in the right direction. There’s enough food and water for everybody. We don’t think this trip will last more than 20 days.

 

Day 5

                Nothing interesting has happened so far. The crew is cheerful. They are looking forward to arriving to the island and getting into the trade business. As a captain, I’m always busy but it’s what I love to do. The water is beautiful and crystal clear. There are clouds in the sky which we call lucky clouds because they are white and fluffy and they don’t bring rain and storms.

 

Day 8

                Today we rested awhile near some rocks. Some sailors started fishing so we had fish for dinner. Some sharks were headed toward our ship but nobody got scared because ships are always very protected. We saw the coming and started sailing again. They didn’t bother to follow us.

 

Day 15

                We are 100 miles away from the island. I’m finding some time to write to you before I still. It’s tiring to be a captain and manage a whole trip in the ocean. All the sailors respect you but they don’t respect each other. Today two of them had a fight. They’re two good friends of mine, Tom and Jim. I feel sad I witnessed that. If nobody had separated them, I’m afraid we wouldn’t be still eight…

 

                At the time I was still writing. I wanted to write a short chronicle for my little son. He’s five years old and he wanted me to bring him memories so that he could grow with my experiences. His dream too is to be the captain of the largest and most equipped ship in the world. Anyway, let’s get to the point because my son’s future is not what we’re going to talk about. I’m telling you now a story never heard before of which I feel guilty but brave at the same time. While I was writing I head a strange noise. I went out of the room and got alarmed by the frightened faces of the sailors who unlike me already knew what was just about to happen.

 

                Before I had time to talk to them quietly the ship hit a bigger rock and that’s when we’re stuck in the middle of the ocean. That meant a tragedy, that meant death, starvation. I felt disappointed, disappointed from that situation. I felt like it was my fault because instead of taking care of the ship I would write stupid stories to my son. I refused to look anyone of them in the eyes. I went back to my room, washed my face, and started thinking. It was pointless to start fighting with the men behind the wheel. Now what was done, was done. If we waited until the ship got repaired and we started off again for the island there would only be food and water for three which would me and two other sailors. What about the other six ones? I felt so hopeless and my mind was everywhere but on how to convince six of them to jump. For the first time in my life I wanted to blow in tears. But nothing happened. There was no place for depression. I had to find a strategy and be as coldblooded as I could. I did know something about each one of them. Andy was 22, he had no family, was strong and healthy. Andy been doing sports since he could remember. John was extremely religious, he became a sailor so that he could as near to God as possible to him. The sea was infinite like God and life often death. Kail was a nice guy but selfish and stupid. The good thing about it is that he believed life was magic, he wasn’t religious but he’d believe in every theory about the unknown. I thought I could convince him to jump and meet mermaids and get married. He was the only one who didn’t have a wife of all sailors. We would usually play jokes on him. Also, he was the oldest.

 

            Well, getting this straight I could convince John to jump and die and be reborn again, Andy to swim to the island and Kail to marry a mermaid. I went to remain in the ship with Tom and Jim, my best friends from school. I had to convince two others to jump. Lilo and Soos (he had the name of a muscle which is strange). Lilo is very ambitious. He’d do anything to get rich and powerful. I thought to promise to give him all the money we’d earn on the island and the money left on board. It would be difficult to negotiate with him. He was a smart to understand he wouldn’t need money in case he died in the middle of the ocean, I had to give my own. And Soos loved biology. I’d probably give him all the equipment we had to see life underwater, to take picture of animals and plants, of a very exciting and wonderful world for which life could be given in a second. I had a plan with crazy idea that I never thought would work. But when I got out of the room I had decided to live and see my son again and tell him the last story, what happened next sounds like a fairytale. I don’t know what worked best, my arguments or their conscience of having to sacrifice for one another. But what I didn’t expect was my two best friends to jump too. That’s when I started hating myself. And I still do. I always will. I survived. Maybe they didn’t. I know I’ll never forget them. The only thing that makes me feel good about this all is you my little baby.

 

            His son got separated from the family group and kissed him on both cheeks. He had just heard his bed story and was ready to sleep.

 

 

Kejsi Haxhicaj

Delvine, 12th Grade

3rd Place

 

                Having everything you want, having the right to do whatever that comes to your mind sounds like you are given the opportunity to have the “perfect life” I could do a lot of stuff. I could buy myself whatever I have ever wanted, clothes jewelry, shoes, everything. I could break all the rules I would want to, do everything that I would never dare doing on my everyday life. But in the end, the real question would be: was it all worth it? There isn’t anything I haven’t tried yet, but how am I feeling? I am not even going to remember or take with me any of this stuff. It is really funny how people come up with a never-ending list of material stuff they want to have and they feel so sure about it. Well in the reality that we live this is something that happens to everyone. They want to fill their wardrobes, or have luxurious lives, but forget that feeding their souls is way more important. It is true I am not going to remember what I did, but the others will. So why should I spend the opportunity to make other happing in stuff that is going to disappear now or then?

                These thoughts are the beginning of a long journey of mine. Next thing I want to do is start to take real actions. There are so many things I could do, like help children in Africa for example, but I want to do something for the lost souls that surround us every day and we do not even notice. I am talking about the people that suffer from depression or loneliness. Who is even taking care of them? I don’t think I am going to need a lot of money to spend on that, and it will not even need to make me break the society rules. All I really want is to rescue those whose hearts are broken into millions of pieces, and whose eyes are now shut to everything that surrounds them. I know this seems really difficult, or maybe someone would call it pointless or boring, but these people really don’t know what is going on on the inside of a suffering person. They need a hug, a shoulder to cry on, and someone to understand how they are really feeling. It would be a real pleasure for me to show my compassion to them. I would spend every day, every hour of my given year to make them feel better, loved, and maybe… happy. In the end of my journey I am now really wondering: Was it worth it? Yes, more than everything else. Did it change everything in my life? Probably not, but even anything else would not do it so I am really happy that instead I have saved lots of lives that surround me. Would I do it again? There is no doubt I would, over and over again. Well this is where my journey stops and I’m asking myself: how am I feeling? I feel fulfilled, happy, relieved, powerful. I feel like I have changed so much with just a little bit of effort. A ton of different feelings are conquering my body, a rush of wellness too. I close my eyes and when I open them again… I am back here, in my regular life but when I see around me they are still here, without faking their smiles anymore, and they don’t want to leave from this life. It doesn’t matter that I am not winning a prize or something like that. All that really matters is a calm and happy life instead of a sorrow ending was offered to the ones that really needed something.