Valentiny Contest

**THIS STORY RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION **

It’s time for Susanna Leonard Hill’s 6th Annual Valentiny Contest!

This year the theme is “brave”! Oh, the possibilities are endless! Well, as long as you can stay under 214 words, have a complete story arc, and appeal to children. 🥰

So, without further ado… I bring you my entry.

U R BRAVE

214 words

“But I want to stay at the party!” Steven said when his mom picked him up early from school. 

“I’m sorry… we can go for ice cream after your appointment.” she offered.

Steven sulked. 

I always miss out on everything!

The doctor’s office waiting room was decorated with hearts and cheesy cherubs. 

Steven scowled.

“Hi, Steven!” said the receptionist. “It will be just a few minutes.”

He flopped down in a chair by the TV, but it was playing the same movie as always.

Steven sighed. 

Scanning the room, he noticed a little girl staring at him, wide eyed. 

He touched his smooth head. He was used to people staring at him… well almost. 

His mom squeezed his shoulder and whispered, “Remember how scary it was on your first visit?” 

Steven nodded. That gave him an idea.

Opening his backpack, he shuffled things around until he found a nice clean sheet of paper.

He folded, unfolded, and folded it again until it was perfect…well, almost.

Then, he uncapped a marker and added the final touches.

“Steven? Dr. Roby will see you now.”

As he walked by the little girl, Steven handed her the homemade Valentine. 

She opened it and smiled.

Inside was a heart with big block letters that said –

U R 
BRAVE 

Good luck to all the other writers who are bravely putting themselves out there (😉 see what I did there?) If you want to read some REALLY creative stories that are sure to make your heart burst with Valentine spirit, head over to Susanna Hill’s blog here and check them out.