Malcolm John Naden

• Wade Holden, Grade 5
• Short Story
• 2018

Bang! He fell to the ground.
I heard sirens. Coppers were after me. There was nothing I could do, but run. I ran as fast as I could. I ran into the bush and climbed up a tree. I heard somebody coming. I tried to be as soundless as I can. I knew he was on to me. I was waiting for him to look up and find me, but luckily he walked away without noticing. I got down and ran again into the hills and I think I lost them.
The only thing I could worry about was finding water and shelter so I made a spear with a sharp rock and a long stick. I left on my search and after hours, I began to lose hope, but after a little bit longer, I heard something in the bush. I was hoping it wasn’t a cop. I slowly moved back and waited, but luckily it was a boar. I gathered my am and prayed to god I would get this wonderful resource of food but I got it. With happiness I carried it back to camp with me and made a fire with my techniques from Aboriginal culture and cooked it and made shelter out of willow tree branches and leaves and camped the night.
I woke to the sound of horses and and followed it and it brought me to a human riding a horse, I thought if he could tell me where I am and if he knows where any water is, so I approached him.
“Hello,” I said, “Do you know where I am and where I could get water from?” “Yes, you are at Barrington Tops and I could take you to water if you want to?” “Yes please.” “Well hop on.” “Where are we?” “In Gloucester Town, here’s your stop.” I am very thankful. The sign says, ‘Getaway Servo’. I walked in and grabbed a bottle of water, but I almost forgot that I don’t have any money. I sneaked out, but she noticed me and I think she called the cops. I hid in an alleyway behind a wheelie bin, but I heard hard breathing and a cop’s smelling dog found me. It was staring at me with its dark, gloomy eyes. I did not move a muscle and it slowly walked away. I waited and waited and I thought to myself, ‘Why run when I could fight for my family?’ I ran out with my pistol and ran behind rum barrels and knocked a few down with courage then I was shocked.
The mighty army fought, but I did not give up, I know the crime I did was wrong, but I will fight for my loved ones and make sure they are not harmed. I kept on fighting then I froze and stared at the scared families. This isn’t how I am, they can take my body, but not my soul.