Family Surprises

• Theo Van Der Merwe, Grade 6
• Short Story
• 2022

“Quick!” My mum yelled as she was figuring how to start the car.

“What?” I asked.

I was so scared. I thought my mum would go without me.

I ran downstairs. “AHH!” I screamed painfully.

I tripped ‘that hurt!’ I thought.

“Vrmmm!” the car coughed.

“Ugh,” I yelled in annoyance.

The car left as I ran as fast as my sore legs could.

If you want to know a-bit about me, I am not very good at being on time but mostly when I’m nervous.

“Mum where are we going?” I asked laying back on the comfy seat.

“I told you it’s a surprise!” she replied, “I told you a million times!” she added on.

“But I don’t wanna go,” I screeched.

“It’s going to be alright,” said mum keeping her eyes on the road

“Fine” I said impatiently, but I thought, this the end, as I closed my eyes.

“WAKE UP!” yelled my mum.

“AHH!” I screamed like I just saw a ghost.

I was trembling as I slowly walked out of the car traumatised. I looked around seeing shadowy figures behind the window looking around, I could hear the door slowly opening followed by lots of talking as I walked up. I had no idea who was in that house, but I could hear someone running to the backdoor. I walked in looking brave but deep inside I was as scared as a lamb next to a lion.

My mum whispered in my ear. “That’s your cousin.”

“Oh” I said with my eyes popped open.

I didn’t know what to say but if I’ve learnt anything from my mum its good to start the conversation.

“Heughi,” I said with a wobbly tone.

I was disappointed I spoke gibberish but after a while, we started chatting away like birds in the morning, though I saw he noticed my bruise.

“What happened to your leg?” he sneered

“Hehehe,” I awkwardly laughed trying to change the subject,

Though I remember what my mum said, ‘It’s going to be alright’, it was a good thing I trusted her because I think I made a new friend.