The kid might be using the can as a prop for a magic trick. Maybe the can has a false bottom or a hidden compartment where the objects are secretly stashed to make them 'disappear'.
Perhaps the can has a special mechanism. For instance, it could have a button that when pressed, creates a suction force and sucks in the small objects, making them disappear.
The kid could be a very curious one. He's the type who is always exploring and not afraid to try new things with the can. He might be constantly looking for new objects to test if the can can make them disappear.
It could be a high - tech can. Perhaps in this short story, the can is a device from the future or an advanced alien technology. The kid, being curious, figures out how to operate it and it emits a ray or energy field that causes things to disappear. The can might have some kind of interface or button that activates this disappearing function.
Maybe it's a science fiction book with some kind of technological glitch or time-space anomaly that makes people and objects disappear. Or it could be a horror story where a supernatural force is at play.
Simple and relatable characters. For example, a little boy or girl who has the same fears or joys as real kids. If a story has a character who is scared of the dark just like many children are, kids can easily connect to it.
In AM Homes' short story, the safety of objects often depends on the context and characters' actions. Sometimes, objects are safe and serve a positive purpose, while in other cases, they can pose risks or have hidden dangers.
Common objects like a old key can be great for short stories. It can symbolize mystery, perhaps unlocking a long - forgotten secret or a hidden door in an attic. Another good object is a worn - out diary. It can hold the memories, dreams, and secrets of a character, and through its pages, the story can unfold, revealing the character's past and inner thoughts.
Well, a kid could start by looking for websites or magazines that accept short story submissions for kids. Then, follow the submission guidelines carefully.