‘The Solitary Birthday’ by Francesca Dunbar, Penwortham Girls’ High School

Jonah was a lonely businessman who was just scrolling on his phone. “31st August,” it read in the top corner of the phone screen. It was his birthday; however, he didn’t care. He just saw it as any other day.

Suddenly, giant flashing letters appeared on his screen. It read: “Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in a low-profile, secretive game show called ‘THE ODD ONE OUT.'”

He was very hesitant since not many people knew about it, but when he saw the cash prize, he immediately accepted the invitation. As he clicked accept, coordinates appeared: 26/oxo/pars/7/d-f.

After five hours, he found it. It was a big warehouse with the letters TOOO. As he strode in, there was a large, beaming red button. Out of curiosity, he slowly pressed it.

Suddenly, there was a booming, unsettling voice that said, “EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE IS FAKE EXCEPT ONE PERSON. FIGURE OUT WHO IS GENUINE…”

Silence. Jonah was stunned until he screamed, “ARE YOU FOR REAL?!”