‘Aquaphobia’

Aditya Kumar is a driven and multi-talented high school sophomore with a deep passion for photography, music, astronomy, and creative writing. He earned 4th Place (Honorable Mention) in the PTA Reflections District Photography Middle School Division and has previously been published in The Word’s Faire Magazine. Aditya’s artistic versatility extends to music, where he trains weekly in six instruments—Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Harmonium, and Tabla. He actively participates in numerous extracurriculars, attending daily meetings while maintaining academic excellence. In addition to photography and music, Aditya has gained recognition in public speaking.

Aquaphobia

The fluorescent lights flicker,
and chlorine lingers in the air

the smell of cold, damp walls,
settles deep in my chest

water churns,
but no one is there when I turn back.

droplets create ripples,
slow and steady

dark rooms with seemingly no exit,
half flooded in every direction.

a splash breaks the silence,
closer than before.

Kimberly Oyola Ferreira is a student writer that explores themes of fear and isolation through poetry.