Vignettes by Kaiya Braam (13, Australia)

​Black locks of hair were knotted in a messy bun at the top of her head, and small, intricate earrings hung delicately from her earlobes. She bent over, collared shirt stretched across her back as she whispered to a child. She didn’t see the way their eyes shone with reverence, or how their hands had stopped fidgeting as though paralysed in awe. Her melodic voice was gentle and patient, and her cheeks glowed with pride when the child nodded slowly to show their understanding. She had soft milk chocolate skin, with deep black eyes that sparkled bright behind flamingo pink-rimmed glasses. Full lips smiled to reveal pearly teeth as she strode to me, and I could see her almost float away with happiness as she approached closer and closer, her small teachers badge softly glinting in the overhanging yellow light, painting her in a ethereal golden glow. Collapsing against me, she sighed, and I silently thanked the angels that they had sent one of their own for me.

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​Bright red plummets, dropping into the oil, angrily making the liquid splash and sizzle. Flames leap up, reaching desperately for fuel, then die quickly. Smoke and steam mix in a thoughtful dance, rising towards freedom as the grass cowers in fright. Then…POP! The first kernel opens, revealing the crunchy yellow bloom. Then more blossoms open like salty flowers, broadly smiling towards the sky.

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