Here's the winning entry to our children's writing competition

By Calypso Sibeth, age 13 Dorset Studio School

Lying lazily, spread drowsily across the messy, chaotic sofa drowning under piles and stacks of never-ending, tedious homework. Confiscated energy, seized by lockdown, like an over-protective mother. Abruptly aroused by the cumbersome weight of my affectionate dog, I nestled further into the sofa fondly stroking his warm, floppy ears. Contently snoring softly, dreaming of endless walks and chasing rabbits, the dog twitched in his sleep.

"Get up!" clamoured a flustered voice, startling the limp dog into action. Rocketing off my lap, he sprang into immediate activity. Running round in circles, ball dangling from his slobbery mouth. Hinting his desperate need of a walk, I casually stretched and stood up.

Tugging on my wellies and grabbing the dog lead, I started to head out. "Make sure you social distance, and do not touch any gates!" called my mother. I ambled carelessly through the tall maze of grass as the dog bounded gently in the distance.

Daydreaming, in a world of my own happiness overflowed, the sun beamed down on me, making me glow in his warmth. The gentle, sweet song of the birds filled my ears - nature thrived in its freedom. Bushes grew wildly admiring the feeling of growth. No tough, cold shears stealing her leaves away.

As I reached the rippling pond, a crisp shadow encased the sky above. Clouds began to gather, bitter and grey. Sidling round my legs, the dog pressed his warm body against me, a short threatening growl escaped from his clenched jaws.

I shivered, taking the lead out of my back pocket. I clipped the icy metal clasp onto his collar. Eyes wide, searching for my sight of movement. Heart Thudding, blocking the outside world from my hearing. Danger, stalking me, like a cat stalking its prey.

As I began to turn, a dark, taunting figure sidled out from the undergrowth. Frozen, I stared gormlessly. Realisation hit me, a chilling wave engulfed me. I ran.

Tangling, sticky weeds clutching my scratched legs. Stinging nettles sending tingling surges of shock. Blades, cutting and slicing my legs apart. Tears flooding my eyes, blurring my vision. Hanging on to the tightly strung lead, dragging me to safety.

Frantically banging and screaming, praying someone will hurry up and let me in. Warm arms embracing e in a safe tight hug. In those terrifying moments, I realised that whilst a threat may go unnoticed or unseen it is always there. The safety of lockdown makes boredom bearable.