“Scary”: Short Story by Magda Olchawska I hated when people say: you are young, you will make it. But I didn’t feel young. I felt old, and I had been trying so hard to make it for the past years that I didn’t even know what it meant, “to make it” any longer. I had a secret though, which I never shared with those „cheer me up, people“. It was so secret that I kept it for myself only. I discovered that everything I touched turns into some disaster. In no time at all, I became obsessed with this idea. To make sure I had my obsession under control I was carefully monitoring my moves and thoughts. This constant observation let my brain go nuts with sick pleasure. I couldn’t think clearly any longer, and I was losing the battle over my life to my mind. When the battle was over, at first, I stopped smiling because I didn’t feel happy. Then I stopped eating; I didn’t feel hungry. The psychiatrist was confident that I …

“The Man and His Dragon”: Short Story by Magda Olchawska Since Pat was a small child, he knew he was going to be a writer. On a regular basis, he used to throw “tell a story” parties. Everyone who came to the party had to bring a story to tell. His friends just loved it. Until Pat was 12 years old, he lived with his parents in London, which was his favourite place on earth. Unfortunately for Pat, his parents didn’t think so, and one day completely out of the blue they decided to leave London and go and find their happiness in the countryside. Pat’s life changed utterly. There was no more going to the cinema or theatre any time he wanted, no more “tell a story” parties. But the worst thing of all was to change schools. His new school turned out to be terrifying in every possible way. His narrow-minded teachers couldn’t understand his commitment to writing. He was never encouraged to pursue his passion. Often he was put down or humiliated …

“A Man Who Gives Happiness”: Short Story by Magda Olchawska A long, long time ago there was a little girl called Angie who lived with her mother deep in the English countryside. Their house was small but comfortable surrounded by the green forest and a stream that ran through the woods. Angie didn’t have any brothers or sisters, but she never felt lonely. She had lots of friends amongst the forest creatures such as elves, fairies, forest rabbits and birds. The rabbits and birds weren’t ordinary ones but unique kinds of talking rabbits and birds that can only be spotted in particular parts of the country. Her mum didn’t approve of „her imaginary friends“ since her mum couldn’t see them or talk to them, she didn’t think they were real, but at the same time, she didn’t have much time to play with Angie so in a way she had to approve of her unorthodox friends. Every morning when the sun was rising Angie’s mum had to leave Angie and go to the market where …

Julia and The Sea: Short Story by Magda Olchawska Julia was an autistic girl who lived in a small fishing town in Scotland. In a way, one could say that she was lucky enough not to be profoundly autistic, but on the other hand, she had sufficient autism to know that she was different from the other children she knew. She was a kind and cheerful child. She loved numbers and could spend hours counting and then be recounting and counting again anything she set her eyes on. Julia didn’t have any brothers or sisters. After having her, her parents were too afraid that the next child could have autism as well. So they never tried for another baby. Her parents were caring and loving and very supportive of Julia, always ready to try anything to make her life easier. Since early childhood, she loved walking, and she could walk for miles without ever stopping and resting. Her body coordination was excellent so she could do almost any physical task she set her mind to. …