For a bit of backstory to this...well, story, I decided to enter a short story contest where I needed to make a story, 1,000 words or less, regarding a picture that was provided. The outcome of that was this story. I hope you all like it! Any constructive criticism would be nice, too!
It was a quiet day on Goldenglow Lake. The sun was reflecting off the murky water as the bugs in the air were buzzing. The only thing disturbing the peace were two boys carrying a kayak, the boy in the back also carrying a backpack, and a girl carrying some nets and a fishing pole. “Come on, you two,” said the girl, “We’ve got to find it!”
“Hey, you’re the one that stuck us with carrying this kayak, Leslie,” said the smaller boy in front. “It’s heavy, even for both me and Bruce.” The quiet Bruce behind him nodded in agreement. “Oh, suck it up Zeke. This is to get our wish granted from the spirit of the lake!”
“We don’t even know if that’s true,” said Zeke. “And even if it is, don’t you think somebody would have already claimed this wish or whatever?” Leslie thought about for only a few seconds before giving a short, simple reply. “Nope. That’s why it’s still a rumor, don’t you know?” Zeke gave a sigh in response. “That’s just like you, Leslie.”
“So, Zeke. What are you gonna wish for?” Zeke gave a moment to think on it, just to play along with Leslie’s wild imagination. “Probably money. Not a lot of money, but at least a bit. Hey, what about you, Bruce?”
“Oh, uh, do you two promise not to laugh?” After the two others spoke in agreement to Bruce’s pleadings, he started. “I’d honestly like to date the girl that I like.”
“Aw, that’s sweet, Bruce.” Said Leslie. “Honestly, I’d really like to go out with somebody myself...Yeah, that’s my wish!” Zeke gave a small laugh in response to Leslie. “Weird wish you two got there. But hey, at least it isn’t world domination or whatever. Ah, we’re here!” The three got to their destination, setting up what they needed. As soon as they did, Leslie began giving orders. “Alright! Zeke, take the kayak and this fishing pole. You’ll be fishing out in the lake. Meanwhile, Bruce and I will be scooping up bugs at the lakeside.”
“Wait, so you think that this ‘spirit’ is a fish? Or even worse, a bug?” Asked Zeke, a questioning look on his face. “Sure,” Leslie replied, “there are several stories where fish or bugs grant wishes. Now get to it, Zeke!”
“Alright, alright.” After Bruce helped Zeke get the kayak into the lake, Zeke paddled off onto the lake. “Alright, Bruce! Let’s get to it!” Bruce nodded in response to Leslie’s energetic comment.
Several hours had passed. It was getting to be nighttime, as indicated by not only the dark sky, but the large amount of fireflies as well. These fireflies were everywhere, and were what gave Goldenglow Lake its name. Bruce and Leslie were still searching for the bug-spirit, while Zeke was barely visible in the distance looking for the fish-spirit.
Suddenly, Bruce struck up a conversation. “The fireflies are beautiful, aren’t they?” Leslie jumped a bit in response, not used to somebody breaking the silence after so long. “Oh, yeah! I used to come here all the time when I was little, just to see these guys. Ah, and it’s just as beautiful now as it was back then.”
“Yeah, yeah, it is. This is my first time seeing this lake at night, actually.”
“Heh, I see. Yeah, this place is great at night! Ah...it’s so romantic...” Leslie gave off a whimsical sigh. “Yeah, I agree,” replied Bruce, “very romantic...uh, Leslie, can I ask you something?”
“Yeah, sure. What is it?”
Bruce hesitated a bit before asking. “When you said that your wish was to date somebody...was that true?”
“Yeah, of course! I’ve never had a boyfriend, so I’ve always wondered what it would be like. What about you, Bruce? Was your wish really to date the girl you like?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah.”
“Really? So...who is she? You don’t have to tell me, though.” Despite clearly wanting to know, Leslie’s tone indicated that she was serious with Bruce not having to say it.
“Well…” Bruce, once again, hesitated before speaking. “It’s you, Leslie.”
“Wh-what?” Leslie sputtered in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious. So, uh, if it’s alright with you...Will you go out with me?” In response to Bruce’s question, Leslie smiled brightly. “Yes, of course!” Said Leslie. “I’d love to go out with you!” Bruce, in return, smiled brightly. “Thank you so much, Leslie! I promise, I’ll--” Bruce was interrupted by a voice in the distance. “Hey, you guys! You’ll never believe what I found!” It was Zeke, nearing them before getting out of the kayak and walking up to them, showing them a small, yellow rock in his hand.
“This is gold, guys! I know it is!” Said Zeke, an excited tone in his voice. “It isn’t much, but I could easily trade this in for at least fifty bucks!” Leslie and Bruce turned to look at each other, a smile across both of their faces. “Good on you, Zeke!” Said Leslie. “Now, let’s go home. It’s getting late.”
“What?” Asked Zeke. “Knowing you, we would be out here for at least through the night until we found that spirit thing. Or at least until we gave up on it.” Leslie gave a small laugh. “Oh, don’t worry. I think we’ve found what we were looking for. Come on, let’s go!”
The three kids left that lake shortly thereafter. No spirit was found that night. However, some might say that the spirit found them. Goldenglow Lake’s fireflies continued to glow a brilliant light all across the body of water, eagerly awaiting their next visitors.