Story Time, "The Snipe"

Forgive the unapologetic #parentbrag post, but my spouse recently stumbled upon this short story written by our youngest child when she was 12-years-old. It gave us a welcome pause during a news cycle of war. I am certain that I was not writing like this in the 6th grade, but Rooftop TK-8 had a way of drawing out the creativity and love of learning from its students.

In any case, Annie gave me permission to share this in case you also need a little distraction. It was originally written using Google Docs and there has been zero editing to correct grammar or spelling (there are some fun ones). Fair warning, this looks like it was a Halloween assignment, so it definitely takes a turn.

"The Snipe" by Analise Pugh, age 12

“Now we got bad blood, you know it used to be mad love,” my family sings as we drive to the campground. We are going camping at Big Basin National Park. my whole family is coming my dad, who is currently driving the car. My mom, who is currently telling my dad directions, and my sisters and I. We go camping every year, well it's more like glamping (glamour camping). WE have a working sink and stove. We also use heaters in our tents. The car is filled with anticipation and excitement. 

We get there and immediately start unpacking. My sisters, Evie and Abby, and I are sharing a tent. We build our tent, organize our stuff, and go help mom and dad set up the stove. We finally get the “kitchen” set up when my parents suggest my sisters and I go snipe hunting. 

“So what are we looking for exactly?” I question as we tramp through the damp woulds.

“All I know is that you have to be quiet, so you don’t scare them off,” replied Abby.

“Which means you need to stop breathing so loudly, Abby, the whole campground can hear you,” says Evie

“Then you need to stop walking like you have wooden legs,” Abby responds. 

I bend down to look at a flower as they continue to bicker. I feel a droplet of water land on my nose. “Let's go back it's starting to rain,” I say as I look up and realize my sisters have left. I sigh and start to go back to the campsite.As I walk I hear a twig break, thinking it was no big deal I keep walking. Then I hear a bush rustle. As I turn to face the noise I pick up a long stick. Ready to face the creature, I step forward.

When the creature emerges I realize I am no match for it. As it creeps closer, I don’t even try to run. I have done it, I have found the snipe, or more it has found me. But no one will ever know, that's why the snipe is a mystery. It circles around my feet, and it slowly starts climbing up my leg. Its at my torso, then neck. And finally it reaches my head, it lets out a sound, like nails on chalkboard, and then everything is black. All I see is black.

Epilogue: The snipe is an interesting creature, staying a mystery to everyone. The snipe goes unnoticed, and undisturbed for the most part. The snipe is a peaceful creature, except of course to those poor souls who disturb it. Annie’s body was found in the woods where she found the snipe. The family is devastated. No one knows what happened, to everyone it looks like she just dropped dead. The detectives are ruling hypothermia, but you and I know what really happened. Oh, and the snipe of coarse.

Not sure how the murder theme so easily flowed from her keyboard, but I am sure some parental media laxness with the young child played into it. Still, someday this kid will write a book. Thanks for indulging this proud parent, and I hope it offered a good break in the day.

Peace,