IGCSE Paper 2 Writing Practices

Looking Back (Narrative)

Write a story with the title, 'Looking back'.

Under the moonlight, the seaside city lazed into tranquil silence. Like a toddler, she finally rested from the excitement of the day as the gentle sea breeze rocks her into her sweetest dreams. The city has completely fallen asleep. 

And yet something is being awakened; beyond the mountains came faint whistles that echoed across the island. The sound became more and more noticeable as a block of shadow emerges into sight; gliding steadily across the sky until it pierces through the round, golden moon. The moon shone platinum gold amid the starlit heavens, showing a conspicuous silhouette of a train proudly marching alongside the dazzling starlights.

"Over here!" From nowhere a voice shouted in exasperation. The train hurriedly veered in an unexpected direction and stopped by the highest bell tower on the island. On the roof of the tower stood a rabbit, tapping her feet against the bricks in agitation as she whispers curses to herself; which is very much incongruous with her elegant, victorian dress that billows along with the salty breeze. "You're a natural at being late, Mr. Gettins."

"Sorry Ms. Reia, quack," a high-pitched voice replied. Out of the drivers' cabin popped a round, white head of a young duck in the cleanest fur that anyone had seen, "I promise that'll never happen again, quack." 

"Giving the same apology every night isn't the right way, you know." Reia nagged as she pulls out a beautifully-wrapped present from her sling bag. "This is for you."

"It ain't my birthday, quack."

"Just have it," Reia insisted, pushing the present forcefully towards him.

"I ain't having this unless you tell me the reason, quack." Now Gettins is resting his head on his wings, patiently waiting for an answer as he watches Reia's expression turn perplexed.

"I...I'm leaving this island tonight," she grips the present box tightly, "Santa offered a toy designer position in Alaska with his team, but I--"

"Way to go, quack! This position isn't just offered to anybody, quack!" Gettins exclaimed in the widest smile he could make, but only long silence followed after his over-excited laughs.

"I won't have that present," Gettins broke the silence, "give it to me the next time we meet, quack." With a forceful smile, he returned to his work. The train took off in deafening whistles as Reia, coming to her senses, raced to the edge of the roof.

"Take care!" With all of her breath she shouted; and she can see Gettins popping out his head again, looking back towards her and waving with all his strength. 

"Stupid guy... don't look back when you drive!" She whispered to herself, as the train distanced away and disappears into the starry night.

(440 words)