WINNERS
SEPTEMBER 2022 STORY CONTEST
Mythological Creature
First prize 10 and under
Ryan Coppa, age 9 Shaker Heights, OH
The Day with Cerberus
“But it’s unfair!” I protested. “For the last time, no World Series tickets,” Dad explained. I stomped to my room, not turning back.
When I entered my room, I saw a man with a beard, cape, and a three-headed dog beside him. He swiftly walked up to me and said, “I heard you want some tickets.”
“Who are you?” I asked, terrified.
“I am the Greek god Hades, and this is my dog Cerberus,” he responded. “I will make a deal with you. I will give you World Series tickets under one condition. Watch Cerberus.”
I froze with fear. I craved World Series tickets, but Cerberus is another story. First off, he has three heads, the fur of an ox, and slobbered everywhere, but after some consideration I agreed.
After Hades departed, I tried to introduce myself to Cerberus. I walked up to him, and he was growling like thunder. He sprang at me, but I was faster. I sprinted to my dad’s closet, using every bit of energy I had. I could hear him right behind me. Snatching three belts, I made a giant leash, and right when he sprang into the closet, I lassoed the belt leash around all three heads at once. I tightened it around his neck, tied it to the door handle, and waited until he stopped trying to attack me.
After some time, Cerberus calmed down, so I attempted to introduce myself again. This time, with nowhere for him to move, I felt safer. I cautiously walked up to Cerberus and stroked him on his back. He sat down, and I thought he was getting used to me. I untied his leash,
