Magazines
Story time: A letter to my lost cat
I still remember the day when my brother picked you up from the road, escaping from people and cars, and brought you home.
I was in the room and heard Melissa, our dog, barking. Curious, I came out and saw Melissa looking at you angrily while you were shivering.
You were so tiny and fragile, with olive green eyes. There was a small cut on your left ear, maybe from an accident or some mishap. I remember picking you up and immediately falling in love with you. From then on, I tried to make sure you were well cared for and that no harm came your way.
Soon we all fell in love with you. You were unique to us. Every night you slept with me in my blanket because those were cold days. You always knew where to find your place in my bed and would cuddle up right next to me.
You woke me up every day with your meows. You were a quick learner and knew how to win everyone’s attention and love. Time flew and you became a part of our family.
But one day, when I woke up, you were nowhere to be seen. You had gone missing. It felt like I was in a desolate house surrounded by nothing but silence. Still, I kept hoping that you would come back. Days passed, not one, not two… five days, and you still didn’t turn up.
We searched for you everywhere, but couldn’t find you. The realisation that I might never see you again ripped my soul and my heart ached. My mind went numb for many days, as if I was in a coma. I was devastated. My whole family was sad and missed you so much.
Every moment reminded me of you. I worried about how you would get your meals, what you would drink, where you would sleep, how you would keep warm. You would be alone, trying to survive in this world full of predators. This made me cry even more.
Now it has been one and a half years. I have missed you every day, and I still do. It hurts me deeply to think about you. Looking at your pictures and videos brings even more sadness, and I can’t hold back my tears because I love you so much. After you were gone, I kept three more cats, but they were not like you.
You are the reason my love for animals grew stronger. It has grown so much that I can’t stop myself from loving them. It hurts when someone kicks or hurts any animal. I want to keep all cats safe with me. But your absence stays with me, reminding me every day that I am not with you. You are lost somewhere, where I can’t find you, but your memories are still with me.
Published in Dawn, Young World, December 13th, 2025
Magazines
Movie review: A PAW Patrol Christmas
Do you want to watch a warm, exciting and cheerful holiday movie that feels like a big hug wrapped in sparkling lights? Well, A PAW Patrol Christmas is the film for you, where you will not only smile from start to finish, but will also feel like meeting an old friend who has come to visit you. The film has everything to enjoy: fun adventures, teamwork, silly moments and lots of Christmas magic.
The story begins in Adventure Bay during the holiday season. The PAW Patrol is busy helping everyone, while also preparing for Christmas. Everything is like it used to be until Mayor Harbinger appears. With him comes trouble that threatens to spoil the holiday fun.
Ryder and his pups as a team foil Harbinger’s wish to disrupt Christmas, but Harbinger is successful when he tricks Rubble into flying with him to the North Pole, pretending to bring Santa back home. Things change when he locks Rubble in the plane, steals his bulldozer, damages Santa Claus’s workshop and takes away all the gifts, ready to be distributed.
Santa Claus, who knows every kid by name and has a naughty list with him, is portrayed as a caring ‘elder’ who loves everyone, but Harbinger.
PAW Patrol arrives in time and saves the day, not after the team learns about the advantages of working together and the reason behind celebrating Christmas. It was Santa’s pep talk that allowed Rubble to make the right decision when he had to choose between his dream gift and the gifts of others.
The music, animation and voice-overs are good, especially the snowy scenes, which look soft and sparkly. The decorated Christmas trees fill Adventure Bay with holiday cheer, and the magic of Christmas is in the air.
The 44-minute Christmas special movie reminds everyone that Christmas isn’t just about presents. It shows that Christmas becomes special when we help others and spread joy. The pups don’t work hard for rewards — they do it because making others happy truly matters.
The movie also highlights the idea of “give and take.” Sometimes we need help and sometimes we give help. When you share kindness, kindness often comes back to you. It’s about compassion, caring and being there for others when they need help. Even if your worst enemy is against it, you should be the one to make him a friend. One should always be a ‘giver’ rather than a ‘taker’, something elders always instruct us.
Published in Dawn, Young World, December 13th, 2025
Magazines
Story time: The weird night
It was an ordinary day, or it seemed so, until I got a letter. My heart pounded as I slowly ripped it open.
Inside was a card with delicate golden script written on it. As I read the words, my palms grew sweaty. Suddenly, there was a flash of light filling my room. When it cleared, I realised I wasn’t in my room anymore, but standing between two towers. I was inside a castle!
I was scared but also curious, so I started exploring. The castle was humongous, but pretty deserted. Only the flickering of lights was visible. It would’ve taken me a whole day to explore, but something down the hall caught my attention. It was a door with golden lines on it, just like the writing on the card. Curiously, I pushed it open; it creaked loudly. As I stepped inside, a strong scent of tea leaves and dust entered my nostrils.
The room didn’t really have much in it; just a big window left open. Looking around, my eyes landed on a pink box on top of a desk. As curiosity rushed over me, I opened the box. Surprisingly, I found cookies stuffed in it. Without thinking, I stuffed a dozen into my bag.
Just then, I heard a noise that almost made my heart skip a beat. My hands were shaking as the door creaked and I felt someone coming in. Panicking, I hid in a nearby cupboard and made no noise as a black shadow entered the room.
“Eek!” I heard a scream. I closed my eyes, and suddenly my cupboard door burst open! I was face to face with yellow glowing eyes, ugly white skin and a crooked smile peering down at me. Soon, two arms leapt at me.
I squeezed my eyes shut even more, screamed loudly and ran for my life out of that room. I ran and ran until I saw the two towers. But out of nowhere, the white-hooded creature was once again standing right in front of me, as if it had teleported from one dimension to another.
I screamed as I fell on my back. I tried to run, but was unsuccessful. The creature got hold of me and I screamed as loud as I could!
“Sarah! Why are you screaming?!” said a familiar voice.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw my mum standing near my bed. Confused, I said, “Uhm, Mum, where did you come from? And how am I back in my roo—”
Suddenly, I came to my senses. I was safe in my bedroom, with no letter, no cookies, no ugly scary hooded creature. It had been just a dream. My mum was still standing there though.
“Oh Mum! Don’t worry, I just had a… nightmare,” I said, still thinking.
“Alright… drink some water and go back to sleep,” said my mum, and left.
But this left me thinking, “This nightmare feels so familiar, like I’ve read it somewhere.”
Just then, I spotted a thick book with golden lines. I picked it up and everything seemed to make sense now.
“It wasn’t just a dream, it was real.”
I did what Mum told me and threw Harry Potter and the Secret Room far from me.
Published in Dawn, Young World, December 13th, 2025
Magazines
Story time : True friendship
Last month, our school arranged a science exhibition, and everyone was excited to showcase their creative projects.
My best friend, Sara, and I were planning to work together, but our teacher made new groups and, unfortunately, we were separated. I decided to make a unique project, and discussed it with Sara. Later, she accidentally told her new group members about my idea. She didn’t do it intentionally, but things took an unexpected turn.
The leader of her group decided to plagiarise it and claim it as her own. When Sara realised her mistake, she tried to stop her, saying, “This project idea belongs to my best friend!”
But the group leader refused to listen. Sara told me immediately and I became furious with her, and our friendship felt like it was hanging by a thread.
She tried to explain her side and was truly apologetic for her mistake, but I ignored her and kept blaming her. My group members, however, encouraged me by saying that we would make our project even more eye-catching and perfect. Although my heart was heavy, I reluctantly began working again.
Days passed, and I still didn’t talk to Sara.
Finally, the day of the science exhibition arrived. Everyone was excited and the school corridors were filled with colourful and breath-taking projects. Visitors started coming and every group was busy encouraging one another, hoping to win the award.
When it was time for Sara and her group to present their project, something unexpected happened. Their model failed to start, and their presentation ended before it could even begin.
On the other hand, our presentation and project went very well. In the end, our hard work paid off and we won the award for the best project.
Some hours later, one of my group members told me that one of the reasons we won the award was my friend, Sara.
She had secretly cut the wire of her group’s project, so their model didn’t work. I felt deeply regretful for saying such hurtful words to her earlier. Even though what she did was wrong, she never meant to harm me, nor did she want her group to plagiarise and lie.
My heart felt heavy with guilt, and I immediately went to her to apologise. She also said sorry, and we both realised that true friendship is about forgiveness and understanding.
Published in Dawn, Young World, December 13th, 2025
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