Weekly 1
Total weekly word count- 324 words


Part -1(Poetry)
Total Poetry word count- 324 words




Type of poetry-Lryical
Poetry #1
Word count of poetry #1- 140 words
Poem name- Joy of chirstmas

Joy of christmas,
Joy of christmas.
Eat, dance and play,
Go to your friend's house.

Play and play.
Decorate the chirstmas tree,
Together enjoy,
And dance.
Eat delicious food,

Dance together with fun and enjoyment.
Play your way,
Enjoy the day.

Joy of christmas,
The day of christ.
Go and pray to the lord,
Eat, enjoy, dance, pray
And play.

Play in house,
On streets and road,
Play games,
And jump.

Dance anywhere,
And everywhere.
Pray for health,
And wealth,
Pray to christ.

Enjoy your way,
Do the thing you love,
Enjoy to make your day
Bright.

Eat plum cakes,
And other delicious stuff.
Joy of christmas.

Joy of chirstmas,
Play play play
Eat and enjoy
And dance and dance.

Joy of christmas
Joy of christmas.

Thank you!

______________________________________________________

Type of poetry- Acrostic
Poetry #2
Word count of poetry #2- 21 words
Poem name- Sun

Sun Shines over the morning dew in the early morning
Under the grass on droplet of dew,
Nature is a marvel.

________________________________________________________

Type of Poetry- Haiku
Poetry #3
Word count of Poetry #3- 11 words
Poem Name- Forest

A peaceful forest,
A calming, green atmosphere,
Nature is marvelous.

_________________________________________________

Type of Poetry- Blank verse
Poetry #4
Word count of poetry #4- 61 words
Poem Name- Chirping birds

Chirp birds,
Birds chirp to greet each other,
Brids chirp to offer help
And communicate.

Birds are our friends,
The chirping sound is beautiful,
Chirp chirp chirp
Chirp to stay in group.

The beautiful melody,
Coming from the mouth of birds,
Changing the pitch
High and low.

I love birds,
And thier sound,
They even chirp to get
Our attention when they need.

__________________________________________________________

Type of Poetry- Alitterating tongue twisters
Poetry #5
Word count of poetry #5- 15 words
Poem Name- tongue twister

Tongue twisters twist the tongue,
To twist themselves together.
Tongue twisters are,
tweaked and tough.

_______________________________________________________

Poems to complete word counts-

Type of poetry- Acrostic (once again)
Poetry #1
Word count of poetry #1- 24 words
Poem name- hen

Wakes us up early in the morning,
Waking up at the sunrise,
Does a lot of work of the new little chicks.

_______________________________________________________

Type of poetry- Lyrical (Once again)
Poetry #2
Word count of poetry #2 - 52 words
Poem name- colours are life

Colours are life,
Colours everywhere,
In art and the nature
We find it in every aspect of life.

How lucky are we?!
That we can see colours,
Thousands of people can't
We should be grateful for this power.

Colours everywhere,
Colours here
Colours there,
Colours in every aspect of life.

♖ 4th of March - In-Cabin Daily ♖
309 words

My daily life as an Adventurer is fun, to say the least. I would probably be one of the few Adventurers who choose to stay home, at the campsite, to prepare for the night or to watch over the sick. I'm able to cook somewhat well, and I know how to take care of sick people.

However, that doesn't mean I don't go out Adventuring with the others at all. I'm still an Adventurer. And I may have glasses, but I have a keen ear and pretty sharp senses, if I do say so my self! That means that I would probably be tasked with helping to hunt for food, since I can easily hear the sounds of an animal and alert the hunters to it. This skill would also mark my role as a scout, scouting slightly ahead of the group to warn everyone in case something dangerous appears.

Apart from that, I'm very sure that I'd sneak out to go exploring on my own, or with a friend or two, perhaps because I saw a particularly interesting spot earlier, or because I heard some fascinating rumours, or I was bored and curious. I would try to interact with everyone equally, but in truth I would talk the most to the Chief Adventurer (Luna), and my friends Kit and Air. However, I'd also approach and try to soothe Adventurers who are shy or are feeling upset.

At dinner, around the campfire, I would be one of the first to speak up and tell a wildly dramatised version of something that happened while I was out that morning. Despite being an Adventurer, I probably wouldn't harbour too much ill wishes against the Warriors and Protectors, because I wouldn't see them as malicious or evil, just confused and torn apart by things that happened long ago, just like us Adventurers.

Incendiary chapter 2

as the day go by it was afternoon and , florence could'nt stop thinking about the incident today , she laid on the bed staring at the ceiling for 30 minutes , because of that her bestfriend bianca was concerned , she tried telling florence's parents but her parents nor guardians did'nt answer , her concern raised up and she finally could'nt hold the fact anymore , so she finally talked to her and said “ florence! what are you stressing about?! ” , florence was shocked of her raised up voice , yet she responded “ tch .. i know this is going to sound crazy but.. ” while florence tried to continue , bianca replied “ BUT ?!?! ” , florence replied “ slow down! .. , i think at the fire incident yesterday the fire stopped because i controlled it ” bianca gasped and was also so excited because she knew this because of the clear hints . as the night fell florence tested her power from her dorm balcony , she had found a wildfire to put out and instead of panicking she calmed down from a distance , the wildfire began to put out itself , she was astonished by her power , but because of that she was exhausted , she slept below the stars on her dorm balcony waiting for the sun to bloom and rise.


- hazel 2022

warrior cats fanfic
Fastpaw and Lemonfur were standing on a hill. Below, beachclan and mountainclan were fighting. “Can I fight? I want to help my clan!” - Fastpaw asked. “No. It's useless. Evil mountainclan is still going to win.” - Lemonfur responded.
The two cats hid behind a tree. They were watching mountainclan cats kill poor beachclan cats. “Bluestar is dead!” - Fastpaw exclaimed, he didn't speak anymore till the end of fight. Lemonfur, Fastpaw's mentor, didn't say anything. She was calm, but Fastpaw saw tears in her eyes.
The fight ended. Mountainclan cats were sneaking toward their camp. Every beachclan cat who fought, was dead.
When Fastpaw and Lemonfur already wanted to run away to avoid more Mountainclan cats, they suddenly heard a voice: “Mother, wake up!” - a white with dark spots kit wailed. Fastpaw jumped closer to the kit. “Come on, little. Your mum's not going to wake up. We gotta go.” “Okay!” - surprisingly, the kit wasn't sad anymore. Fastpaw put the kit on his back and he and Lemonfur started walking away.
“What's your name?” - Fastpaw asked the kit. “My mum called me Berrykit.”

ʚ poem workshop ɞ
326 words
back to full weekly

blackout poetry:
Branches wiped clean

Turning winter,
The season of snowflakes,
The trees are snowy clean,
Tongues are frozen,
Houses are mountains of snow.

monorhyme:
Dot forgot

Dot
Forgot and had not
Caught
A spot
Or spot
A yacht, nor
Did a squat

ekphrastic:
A gem in the murk

Mona Lisa,
Famous artwork,
Making people berserk,
Trying to guess your emotion,
For in your artwork,
There is yet to be a quirk,
To smirk about,
For your brushwork,
Is a gem in the murk,
Thought in past it has been stolen by a jerk,
Who did lurk

etheree:
Mystical creature

A unicorn is such an incredible creature
Originating from Mesopotamia
And as well, India, China, and Greece too
A majestic creature it is indeed
One horn and usually long hair
Colorful and luxurious
Pearly white shimmery skin
A body like a horse
Majestical creature
Long eyelashes
Pretty eyes
Pretty
Cool

cliche:
A big slip:

A young kid
Named Cecile
Spotted a banana peel
She said “Aha I've won!”
For she had not run
Over the sun
Colored banna peal
For her fun was so unreal
She did slip on the banana peal!
For all her caution,
For all her care,
She got banana in her hair!

limerick:
Girl at the mall:

Once there was this girl at the mall
Then she slipped and had a big fall
All her bags went in all directions
There goes all of her collections!
She landed in an awkward sprawl

epigram:
Disenchanting misunderstandings

If everyone conveyed,
What they meant to cascade,
The way they meant to say,
Misunderstandings wouldn't be in the dictionary

haiku:
Waves winds and stars

Waves crashed on the sand
Wind tossed the humans on land
Stars shined in the night

acrostic:
Accessories

Emily walked toward a shimmering boutique
Crowded with things she'd like to keep
Compelling, sparkling and captivating items, one
Employee's smile tightens when
She headed to the expensive section
She stared out at them with the most affection
Out at all of those expensive accessories
Really convincing herself that they were all necessities
In reality though,
Emily's pocket was not full of dough,
So she settled for not spending, no

ʚ weekly 1 ɞ
2931 words in total
go back to my main post
☆ poetry ☆
☆ essays ☆
☆ scripts ☆
☆ non-fiction ☆

weekly for contemp!

part 1: poetry (+301)

haiku: falling leaves
as the brown leaves fall,
a frosty wind gently blows –
winter has arrived.

acrostic: silence
silence sweeps across the room.
i shiver in fear as the
loving warmth has left me.
everyone has disappeared.
no one, except myself and silence.
carefully, i
escape.

etheree: family dinner
everyone is gathered together, reunited once again.
having fun together around a table round as the moon.
merry laughter can be heard – the family rejoices.
from the young to the old, everyone has a good time.
before long, the family has to separate
and return back home before darkness settles.
the sorrow group bids each other good-bye
and leaves, feeling warmth inside their hearts
as i watch the scenery change
in my parents' bumpy car
i cannot help but feel
terribly queasy
from the very
delicious
filling
meal.

cinquain: music
music
inspiring, joyful
playing, practising, performing
gives me some happiness
melody

free verse: bird
leaping through the white, fluffy clouds
i cannot help but feel delighted
as i soar towards the horizon.

a flash of lightning – will it rain?
i swoop down and take shelter under the pavillion
and cower in fear, hoping the rain stops soon.

the skies clear again
as i continue my journey.
no one knows where the wind will take me.

at long last,
i see a flock of birds.
finally, i have reached my destination.

i am free.

i am home.

tetracys: dreams
dreams
a whole
different world
of wonderful,
strange occurrences.

monorhyme: library
the library is peaceful and quiet,
everyone is completely silent.
some are reading books about riots,
children indulge in tales about giants.
only one certain boy is not so compliant,
people say, “he's so defiant!”
he's the librarian's son, such a tyrant!

ballad: scratch
scratch, such a wonderful place,
where people of every age come to play.
some might say it's a horrible site,
but actually, it's quite okay.

part 2: essays

title: Do Singaporean students have too much tuition?

Tuition is the key to success, according to most Singaporean parents. Household spendings on tuition in Singapore has went from S$79.90 (US$58.74) per month in 2012/2013 to S$88.40 (US$64.99) per month in 2017/2018, which is a 10.6% increase in just 5 years. The benefits from tuition are obvious, but are parents giving their children too much stress? How much tuition is too much?

The booming tuition business in Singapore has grown into a billion dollar industry. Tuition was started in order to help weaker students perform better, but now it is simply an essential part of the life of Singaporean students, regardless of academic ability. If you ask practically anyone about the benefits of tuition, the answer is obvious - to get better grades. However, there are also quite a few downsides that not many people realise. Tuition is being used as a scapegoat for inequality, pressure and stress in students. Children are given a lot of homework from school every day, and tuition homework definitely does not help with the situation. In some extreme cases, students are unable to complete their homework even though they sacrificed their sleep time to do their homework. This is extremely unhealthy for the body and an lead to long-term ailments in the future. In Singapore, the education system is growing more towards learning 21st-century competencies and lifelong learning compared to being exam-centred, but Singaporean parents still insist on forcing their children to attend countless tuition lessons. Don't you think this is too much?

In China, a once multi-billion dollar industry collapsed in the blink of an eye when the Chinese government banned for-profit tuition. This was done in order to create a healthier school-life balance for students. Chinese parents and tuition centres had to comply with the rules set by the Chinese government. When we think about it, do you actually think the Chinese government is right or wrong to do this? Well, considering the situation in Singapore, the answer is quite obvious.

You might argue that if students aren't sent for tuition, their grades will suffer. After all, we do live in a world where academic abilities are valued when searching for jobs. I do agree with this statement. However, let us go back to the whole point of tuition - that is, to help weaker students improve in their studies. If your child is already good, then you may still send them for tuition - just don't put so much pressure on them. You can teach them what you already know, show them some study tips and support them as much as you can as a parent. Tuition is considered a ‘last resort’ of sorts - do not resort to it unless you have no choice.

Well, I hope that you learnt something about tuition and its effects on students' health and what some are doing to prevent burnout. There are both positive and negative points to tuition, and it's entirely your own choice on whether you think tuition is better for you or not. However, it seems like having less tuition might just be the better choice.

words: 517
sources: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-bans-for-profit-tutoring-in-core-education-releases-guidelines-online-businesses/
https://www.ntu.edu.sg/business/news-events/news/story-detail/lessons-from-the-business-of-tuition-are-we-paying-attention#:~:text=Average%20household%20spending%20on%20tuition,the%20Singapore%20Department%20of%20Statistics.

part 3: scriptwriting

HALEY sits in the noisy school canteen wearing a black hoodie. LYRA walks over.
LYRA
Haley! The weather is so hot, how can you stand wearing that hoodie every day?

HALEY
I just feel comfortable with this on…

LYRA
You should take it off! I'm sure everyone would want to see your gorgeous brown hair and those deep, mysterious eyes…

HALEY
No, I prefer this. Besides-

The school bell rings. HALEY and LYRA make their way to Chemistry class.

LYRA
Hey, why are you so blue today?

HALEY
This is how I always feel, there's no difference.

LYRA
Good point.

HALEY
Can we stop by the washroom?

LYRA
Alright, but we should hurry up. We can't be late, or we'd be dead meat!

HALEY and LYRA enter the washroom. HALEY looks at her reflection in the mirror. She sees a younger version of herself, stuck behind bars, but the bars were herself.

LYRA
From that soulless look in your eyes, you're having those visions again, aren't you?

HALEY
I can't get it out of my head.

LYRA
I already told you, you should go for counselling or something. This isn't good for you…

HALEY looks at her watch. Lesson begins in two minutes.

HALEY
Lessons are starting in two minutes. Let's go.

HALEY and LYRA rush to the science lab right on time. Chemistry begins, and HALEY and LYRA are partners.

LYRA
Come on, I'll sign you up for a counselling session. It's not as bad as it seems.

HALEY
What's the point? No one can fix me.

LYRA
If you say so. If you need any help, I'll be here for you, okay?

HALEY
Okay.

The scene changes, showing HALEY in her room at home.

HALEY
Stop thinking about that counselling. It can't help you.

HALEY looks at herself in the mirror. She hears voices.

VOICES
You aren't good enough.
No one can help you.
You're useless.

HALEY looks away.

MOM
(off-stage) Haley, time for dinner!

HALEY
Coming, Mom.

The scene changes again, with HALEY, DAD and MOM having dinner together in the living room.

DAD
How was school, sweetheart?

HALEY
Good.

MOM
What did you learn in school? Tell us more!

HALEY
We learnt…quadratic equations.

MOM
Anything else?

HALEY
Not much.

DAD
Alright then. Remember, we're here for you if you need us.

HALEY
Okay.

HALEY walks off the stage, bringing her plate with her to the dishwasher.
The scene changes again, with HALEY in her room doing homework and MOM and DAD talking about HALEY in the living room.

DAD
Haley has been acting strangely the last month.

MOM
Of course, I noticed. Should we bring her for counselling?

DAD
That's the point, I'm not sure. Although, it's probably best to do so.

MOM
I agree. I'll book a session now.

A few days later, MOM and DAD bring HALEY to her first counselling session.

COUNSELLOR
Hello, You must be Haley Evans. Welcome! I'm Madison Martinez, but you can call me Maddie.

HALEY
Hello…Maddie.

MADDIE
I'd like to know you better. What's your favourite…

The first counselling session goes smoothly. MADDIE gets to know HALEY better.

Weeks past, and MADDIE and HALEY meet more often. HALEY feels more comfortable with MADDIE.

One Saturday, MADDIE and HALEY are having another counselling session.

MADDIE
I heard from your parents that you've been feeling uncomfortable. What's going on?

HALEY
I-I'm not comfortable saying it…

MADDIE
You have to tell me, Haley. if not, how can I help you?

HALEY
O-okay…

HALEY hesitates before continuing.

HALEY
I've been seeing…visions. Of me, trapped behind bars…stuck.

MADDIE
Anything else?

HALEY
I-I hear voices…

MADDIE
What did they say?

HALEY
T-they said…that I'm not good enough, that I'm…useless…

MADDIE
I see. Thank you so much for sharing, it must have been hard for you to open up.

HALEY
Thanks…I feel better.

The scene changes, and HALEY is doing homework with LYRA at LYRA'S house.

LYRA
How was the counselling session?

HALEY
It was good. I feel like a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders.

LYRA
I told you that you would benefit from it! See, I'm always right!

LYRA playfully elbows HALEY.

HALEY
Yeah…thanks. Thanks so much.

LYRA'S MOM
(off stage) Girls, time for dinner!

HALEY and LYRA head out for dinner.
The scene changes, and HALEY and MADDIE are having another counselling session.

MADDIE
How are you feeling? Is the advice that I gave helpful?

HALEY
Yes, I've been feeling much better now.

MADDIE
Good to hear that. How exactly are you coping?

HALEY
Well…I try to open up and be friendlier to others is class, but…

HALEY drones off.

MADDIE
What is it?

HALEY
No one wants to be friends with me…they say that I'm weird…

MADDIE
You told me that you had a friend - Lyra, was it? Maybe you could seek help from her.

HALEY
I'll try…

The scene changes, and HALEY and LYRA are in homeroom.

LYRA
(whispering) You know, there's this girl that's quite nice.

HALEY
(whispering do you really think that she'll actually accept me?

LYRA
Of course, it's-

MR ROBINSON
Girls, what's going on at the back of the class?

LYRA and HALEY
(in unison) Sorry, Mr Robinson…

The scene changes. LYRA and HALEY are chatting in the school halls.

LYRA
As I was saying during homeroom, I think that she'll definitely accept you!

HALEY
Well then, who is it?

LYRA
Well, it's…Hiroko.

HALEY
(shouting) HIROKO?!

Everyone turns to face HALEY and LYRA.

HALEY
Sorry…

HALEY meekly apologises and smoothens her hoodie.

HALEY
Why Hiroko? She's the worst girl in the school?

LYRA
I think that she's not too bad. She can be really kind sometimes. Just give her a chance!

HALEY
If you say so then…

END

words: 953

That's it! it's so abrupt- I plan to continue this series, maybe next time? lol

part 4: non-fiction

piece 1: Jeju Island Travel Guide!

COVID-19 has been preventing us from travelling for the past 2 years. However, that doesn't mean that you can't stop planning for your next trip when travel lanes open again! And what better place to go to than Jeju Island, undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world? From the highest peaks to eerie caves underground, here are my 5 picks for the most amazing tourist attractions in Jeju Island.

1. Mount Hallasan

If you know anything about Korea (or even if you don't!), you would have probably heard of Mount Hallasan, more commonly known as Mount Halla. The 1,950 meter (6,398 ft) tall volcano is the centre of Jeju Island. If you plan on travelling to the island, be sure to leave a full day for climbing, as you will need to start your hike around 8-10 am if you want to complete the journey before it gets dark at around 6 pm. Now don't worry, even though Mount Halla is classified as an active volcano, many scientists have stated that the mountain should be classified as dormant due the the lack of activity. The volcano last erupted back in 1007!

There are 4 different trails that you can take: the Gwaneumsa Trail, Seongpanak Trail, Eorimok Trail or Yeongsil Trail. The Gwaneumsa Trail, although steeper and longer, gives you a fantastic view of both the iconic crater lip of Mount Halla and the entire Jeju Island. However, it is usually closed more often than the Seongpanak trail. Speaking of the Seongpanak Trail, this trail also brings you to the summit of the volcano. Although this trail is shorter and smoother than the Gwaneumsa Trail, the views are not as scenic. The Eorimok Trail is a shorter hike with beautiful oak trees and a gentle incline. However, this trail is not as popular as it does not bring you to the crater lip of Mount Halla. Lastly, the Yeongsil Trail is the shortest trail of the four and brings you past numerous waterfalls and along a ridge. However, like the Eorimok Trail, this hike does not bring you to the summit.

The most popular hiking itinerary would be to hike up the Seongpanak Trail and descend on the Gwaneumsa Trail. You can enjoy the smoother hike up the volcano and enjoy the view at the summit before descending while enjoying the scenery. Remember to plan your trip well before going hiking!

2. Teddy Bear Museum

wipwipwipwip

word count: __
note: all information in this text is true as of 11.03.2022.
sources:
https://www.tripzilla.com/jeju-island-korea-top-attractions/18053
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/things-do-jeju-island/index.html
https://forkandfoot.com/hiking-mt-hallasan-jeju-island-south-korea/
http://www.teddybearmuseum.com/en/about-3/

i'm not done yetttttt

+704
“They always said I didn’t have a power,” Mirabel Madrigal told Mariano Guzman. “Well, they were wrong. I do have a power.”
Mariano blinked. “Okay, and why are you telling me?”
“You’re least likely to tell someone else,” Mirabel stated matter-of-factly. “And you have no idea how good it is to expel this long-cooped-up secret. I had to tell someone, and it happened to be you.”
“Okay, go on,” Mariano was intrigued. What could it be?
“You see,” explained the girl with green glasses. “When I touched my door, twenty years ago, I felt the zap of magic. It was inside me already. The door glowed golden, and for a minute I had my power.”
“And then it curdled gray, then black. My beautiful, glowing, golden power was black. And dark. So I only used it in secret, and pretended to be powerless. And I never told anyone.”
Mariano had visions of the candle cracking- dimming-
“Yes,” Mirabel curled her fists in vicious anger. “I killed the magic, and I hoped that everyone’s powers could be turned like mine and they could see how it felt. But then that casita! It protected the candle, and I had to pretend I was protecting it, too. And when the candle was finally gone, I thought, yes. No. They remained powerful!”
Her voice rose to nearly a soundless scream, an invisible cry for the world to hear her, cure her or help her become more powerful. “AND THEN THEY RELIT THE CANDLE! What the Madrigals don’t tell you is that Casita somehow drew magic reserves from us, our powers dimmed slightly, to make a new candle. Imagine how I felt.”
Mariano blinked. “That was…intense. I bet you felt angry.”
“Yes,” the young woman hissed. “When the casita drew the magic slightly back from us, it only warped and twisted my dark magic even more.”
“What is your power anyway?” Changing the subject would be better.
“Emotions,” Mirabel whispered. “I can feel feelings and sometimes.. change them. But I can only feel dark emotions. And make people who look happy have dark emotions. Then I can feel them.”
“Okay,” Mariano replied slowly. “How do you know that Dolores won’t be hearing us right now? She might already know. She’s probably on her way here right now.”
“One, her powers are dimmed. Two, I happen to know she convinced Tío Bruno to see the future in a ritual right now. Midnight.”
“Smart,” Mariano said faintly. Maybe he’d married the wrong Madrigal. Third time was the charm, and he was only on his second.
“Disloyal feelings?” Mirabel smirked. “It’s so much more satisfying that I can tell you what I feel from you right now.”
Mariano gulped.
“Anyway, why I called you here is to tell you that I can be your future child’s secret mentor. I can whisper in their ear, follow them and thwart their enemies. I can make your child’s life as perfect as Isabela.”
“What’s the catch?” asked the man.
“You agree?”
“Maybe, but I need to hear what I’ll give in return for it,” Mariano carefully clarified. Now that he knew this information about Mirabel, he would always be constantly checking if his emotions were his and not her warped ones. These worries were probably why Mirabel had never told anyone.
“You have to steal the candle. The new one. By midnight tomorrow I want the candle or the deal’s off. I need to try my ceremony again. I need to. This will change my power, or maybe…lighten it. I need a second chance.”
“Why can’t you steal the candle? And why have you never asked me before?” Mariano dared to ask.
Mirabel rolled her eyes. “Questions, questions. I asked now because I needed a time when Dolores wasn’t listening. I’ve waited many years for this, Guzman. She’s not right now. And I am ‘forever banned’ as a ‘bad influence’ on the candle, according to Abuela. And now Pepa, the new candle holder, agrees that I’m still bad. So…I needed you to get it, and I needed my prima not to be listening.”
“Fine.” Mariano found his voice. “Yes. Okay. I will get you the candle.”
“Good,” Mirabel’s smile was full of vicious glee. “Good,”

Written for Fantasy Sparring
Words: 1292

Thirteen people in the country of Elevenation are elected to serve as the Council of Thirteen each year. Each state elects thirteen people to serve as the people who keep the Council of Thirteen in check once every two years. The Council of Thirteen appoints their own department heads, officers, and other people. One day, every single one of the one thousand four hundred and fifty six of those officials were struck by lightning, and the country rapidly fell into chaos.
Local governments formed their own laws, and three states in Elevenation left Elevenation to join the country south of Elevenation, Southere, because they were so fed up with the chaos. Nobody could find a consistent government since no two states had the same hastily-appointed new governors, so any frustration was understandable.
Before that day, there was a scientist who had made a considerably important discovery. That scientist, by using large quantities of a supposedly invisible metal, was able to control lightning and direct its strikes. While this didn’t mean that said scientist could cause a storm whenever they wanted, it did mean that they could cause people to get hit by lightning whenever they wanted.
That scientist was named Bob Bobberella Jeffington the Twentieth at birth, but changed their name to Soren Timekeep at the age of twenty-one, and had a considerable amount of knowledge in the fields of botany, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. All of that considerable knowledge had been put to the test when they had been assigned to find the strange reason of why residents were falling over because they walked into something they couldn’t see, and they had triumphed, discovering one of the last few undiscovered metals on the Earth.
Maybe they shouldn’t have been assigned to that case, but if the Council of Thirteen wanted something done they had to go to Soren.
Back to the story and how Soren managed to get all of the government of Elevenation hit in one day, not why the Council of Thirteen sent Soren to figure out a mysterious something that people kept walking into.
Soren secretly sent expeditions out to mine the invisible metal at night. (They did this not because the Council of Thirteen did not want the metal mined, but they did this because night was when it wouldn’t look like the government was going crazy and swinging pickaxes at thin air.) Eventually, they gathered enough of the metal to finally construct the machine they were planning to construct.
This machine was not technically a machine, more of a constructed structure, but Soren named it “the machine” in all of their research files. As the metal turned out to be incredibly light, they decided to build a structure that could be compact or open.
In its compact form, the structure would look like no more than a few scratches on the government official’s badge and feel slightly thicker than normal. In its open form, however, the structure stretched out to the sky almost as if it were begging to get struck by lightning.
After that, it was up to research and prediction of weather patterns, which Soren handed off to one of their assistants to do as they did not have a lot of experience in the field of meteorology. That decision would turn out to be the reason why there was a consistent narrative about what happened to the government officials and there was little to no fake news, but back to the story again. We have to focus on the events sequence by sequence.
Soren planned and plotted in their laboratory for a while, then finally came up with an idea. They had to move a storm.
After convincing the Council of Thirteen to let Soren use a helicopter and make some modifications to it, their plan was set. With the helicopter and the giant fan Soren had equipped onto the helicopter, Soren blew a storm towards Elevenation. All the storms, in fact- on that day, Elevenation was the only one with stormy skies.
Thunder rumbled and lightning cracked as rain poured down on the citizens of Elevenation. This did not bode well for their flood-controlling systems, though cities which normally had droughts all year long finally got to experience rain for the first time in a while. Rainier cities began to flood, and rivers overflowed onto their banks.
Back at the capitol, the government officials were huddled in a bunker somewhere underneath the government building they had been operating at just moments before. All of them happened to be there, which was a (lucky for Soren) twist of events, and had one come down with a cold perhaps there would still be elected government officials (albeit only one) in the country of Elevenation.
Soren pressed a button and the structures pinned onto the government officials’ badges opened and crashed through the many layers of roof over their heads. As all of the government officials looked up, confused as to what had happened, the storm above noticed the structures and struck them with lightning.
The lightning bolt tore through the structures at a frightening pace, and had anyone had a moment to watch with a camera they would have noticed a few quick thinkers fumbling at their badges and attempting to move back, but it was too late for them and for the other officials. The bolt reached the bunker and hit each one of the officials gathered inside.
The medics weren’t able to come in time, and so Soren succeeded in their plan to topple (or just cripple) the government. The next step was up to the country as Soren used the helicopter to send away the storm before any further damage was caused to the states in Elevenation. As quickly as the storm had come, it had left.
Soren’s assistant from before (remember that one?) hurried to the nearest news station to report what had just happened. Everyone else was still reeling from the storm, and the government was not capable of organizing themselves just yet. The news station was Soren’s assistant’s only hope of getting the news out before it was twisted and manipulated for political use.
“At exactly 20:13, the government officials were all targeted by a plot to overthrow the government,” the news station reported. “According to a person who wishes to remain unnamed until the government has organized itself, the person who is responsible is Soren Timekeep, a government scientist who discovered the mysterious metal that has still yet to be named by scientists. Soren TImekeep built some sort of lightning redirection rod and pinned it onto government officials’ badges, and activated the rods when the storm everyone just saw arrived above Elevenation.
“Currently, the stand-in government is attempting to find the mastermind for the mysterious lightning strike, so this person’s anonymous tip may help them in their work. Now, on other news, the states of Statenergy and Statelevate are flooded. The count of those who have lost their homes and are not covered by insurance is increasing. Our sister network, K-102NOW, has made a wonderful broadcast about why so many people were not covered for flooding in their insurance…”
This was the broadcast all who tuned in heard. N-0WHY’s broadcast helped the government figure out it was Soren they should be looking for, and as Soren had just gotten back down to Earth from the helicopter, they were very quickly arrested.
After obtaining a warrant, the authorities raided Soren’s laboratory and read all of Soren’s research documents. They figured out what had happened, and collected the last few samples of the invisible metal they could find by using a metal detector. This is the end of the story about how the government of Elevenation collapsed.

A Fanfiction Warrior's Life

March 4th

I’m not sure how useful this journal is going to be, but the Chief suggested that we start documenting our lives, so that future Warriors will be able to learn from us. I don’t know what 15 accounts of the exact same daily routine are going to do for future generations, but I’ll do my best.

Like every day, we wake up before dawn. There is a light breakfast of nuts and berries gathered by the foraging patrols the night before. Not too filling, but us Warriors aren’t known for indulging in pleasures.

Then, the Chief sends out patrols, only leaving behind a few to help guard the camp. Traditionally, they would send out a hunting party, several border patrols, and some foragers, to make sure that our part of the forest is safe and secure.

However, after the Chief’s helmet shattered, they started sending out Warriors to look for precious golden shards. Even the patrols that are not actively looking for the shards are ordered to keep an eye out.

It means that we all go to bed wearier, and that our meals are more meager than we’re used to, but orders are orders. And we all know how important those shards are.

The only activity not even partially replaced by the quest for the golden fragments is battle training.

Every moment not consumed by patrols and foraging is devoted to rigorous practice of our skills, led by Chief Warrior Andy themself.

We all know that the other factions had something to do with the disappearance of our precious talisman. And we need to be prepared, in case the tension in Fanfiction forest dissolves into war.

It’s a hard life, and has been even harder in recent days. But none of us dares complain.

Not because of fear, but out of respect for our leader. We’ve all seen the Chief’s bravery, nobility, and dedication. We know that they are in the same situation that we are, and that they push themself harder every day. We dream of living up to our leader’s example.

So when Andy told us we needed to recover the shards of our lost talisman, the battalion gave a shout of vigor and solidarity.

Each of us is determined to do whatever we are ordered, whatever it takes. But it isn’t enough.

Scouts have reported that the other factions have both reached more than a hundred shards, when we have barely brushed fifty. Maybe they have less thick undergrowth in their parts of the forest, or maybe they are just trying harder.

The Chief has not said anything, but deep inside, we all know we have failed.

Which is why we’ll keep searching, harder, smarter. The battle is not over yet.

Loyal to the last,

Wari
Rookie Warrior
The Warriors’ Battalion

480 words

✿ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴇ ✿

Hi! I'm Piper! I'm a first-time camper in Adventure cabin! This post is going to be used as a table of contents that will link to all my
writing to organize my writing. All my writing will be linked here, so if you need proof for my writing, it'll be here! My word count and points will also be here. (I'm using the format that @Ham19-01-2011 created above me)

Feel free to read any of my writing and give constructive criticism!

✿ sᴛᴀᴛs ✿

Word Count = 18,795/20k
Reserves = 0

✿ ᴅᴀɪʟɪᴇs ✿
▸ March 1 ~ See Writing Here
▸ March 2 ~ See Writing Here
▸ March 3 ~ See Writing Here
▸ March 4 ~ See Collage Here
▸ March 5 ~ See Writing Here
▸ March 6 ~ See Writing Here (Scroll Down)
▸ March 7 ~ See Writing Here
▸ March 8 ~ See Writing Here
▸ March 9 ~ My character got blue as her true color
▸ March 10 ~ Not Completed
▸ March 11 ~ Not Completed
▸ March 12 ~ CABIN WARS!
▸ March 13 ~ ROLEPLAY DAY!
▸ March 14 ~ Prefer Not to Share Writing
▸ March 15 (go to writing)
▸ March 16 (go to writing)
▸ March 17 (go to writing)
▸ March 18 (go to writing)
▸ March 19 (go to writing)
▸ March 20 (go to writing)
▸ March 21 (go to writing)
▸ March 22 (go to writing)
▸ March 23 (go to writing)
▸ March 24 (go to writing)
▸ March 25 (go to writing)
▸ March 26 (go to writing)
▸ March 27 (go to writing)
▸ March 28 (go to writing)
▸ March 29 (go to writing)
▸ March 30 (go to writing)
▸ March 31 (go to writing)

✿ ᴡᴇᴇᴋʟɪᴇs ✿

▸ Week 1 ~ See Writing Here
▸ Week 2 ~ See Writing Here
▸ Week 3 (go to writing)
▸ Week 4 (go to writing)
▸ Week 5 (go to writing)

✿ In-Cabin Activities ✿
▸ In-Cabin Activity #1 ~ See Writing Here

✿ ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴡᴀʀs ✿

None…

✿ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛɪᴛɪᴏɴ ✿

None yet!

Random piece I wrote about A Day In The Life Of A Cat
I didn’t take much effort and I wrote it simply bc it’s in the perspective of a cat

I woke up in the night because I felt hungry so I went to my bowl and nibbled the fish that my owner had left yesterday. Then, feeling cold I stumbled back into my Igloo bed and curled up. I woke up again when my owner came in to draw the curtains and let me out. I was very happy to see her! I chirruped and jumped out of bed, stretching and clawing my scratch mat. She got me breakfast and I ate it very quickly. Then, I sat on the windowsill looking at the birds. Each time I saw one I mewed! My owner laughed. She went up to her study and started work, so feeling lonely I padded up there too. But on the way, I realized that my toy was lying on the floor, and to be honest I wanted to play, so I lay on the floor and started attacking it as if it was some prey. After a morning snooze on my owner's desk, I went back downstairs to have some lunch. Soon, the postman rang the doorbell so I ran out of my room to investigate. After a while of batting my Toy around, I went to look out the window at all the children coming home from school. It was very interesting as they kept pointing at me! Then, it started to get dark so I sat on a radiator in the study. I must have fallen asleep, because some time later I woke up to find that my owner was downstairs making dinner. I went to see if she had put anything in my room, and remembered that my water bowl was there. I jumped over to lap up half the bowl. Then my owner played with me and I pounced and leapt all over the place. It was very fun.

“Galaxy Girl.” Word Count: 414
Random Writing/Rambling because I really, really hate first person present tense but am reading two books in it so I have to get my ‘wiggles out’ so I don't write this into my novel.
Still, might turn this into something

I can feel him holding my hand.
Gently.
Kindly.
My heart is beating as I stare into those crystal blue eyes, admiring those freckles he had always hated for the very last time. Our hands meet, and a tear slips from my eyes. I would kiss him, I would, but our helmets are keeping us apart.
Mine is cracked.
His is intact.
I press a hand to my wound, wincing again.
“I… love you…Carter…” I gasp, seething. I can’t feel the red liquid on my hands, but I know it’s there. I know one thing.
I am dying.
And there’s nothing either of us can do about it.
All around us, the ship is imploding on itself. The nebula outside is so clear, so big.
I belong there.
I can’t think straight. I know my oxygen is running out. I know I’m dying.
“It’s so big.” I whisper, praying desperately that he can still hear me, that the comms are still working, that I’m not going to die alone.
“It’s beautiful.” Carter says, smiling through his tears. “You’re going to be the girl of the stars.”
I stare at him, my heart shattering into a thousand glass shards. It’s so quiet. Quiet and dark. I want to sleep… spiral away into the void…
“It’s… so quiet… I want to go to sleep…” I whisper, my breath shaky and short.
I can tell that Carter wants to object, to tell me it’s all going to be okay. But we both know.
“I’m… not going… to be here… much longer. Please… tell me…”
I don’t have to finish for him to tell me what I needed to hear.
“I love you. I love you so much.”
I smile.
“You… have to… let go…”
“I can’t.” He shakes his head, tears in his eyes. “I can’t let you go.”
“Please.” I smile. “Remember me.”
“No… no- Heather! What are you doing!?”
I smile at him. I can feel my limbs going numb as I force whatever strength is left of me to push off.
I spin into the void, the girl of colors and stars and galaxies.
The girl of love and life.
The girl of ice.
And it’s so bright. So big.
I’m going to be his galaxy girl, just like he wanted.
Just like he always, always wanted.
I can hear him across the comms. Screaming. Sobbing.
And I just have to let him.
“I love you.” I manage.
My life flashes before my eyes.

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 01: The Girl Of The Stars ↪ ☆ ↩

Hello! My name is Ivy, and I'm a first-timer in the Dystopian cabin. (FTW!)
I'm going to be keeping my writing log here because I didn't make one yet hehe.
I'm a sci-fi nerd who lives off of caffeine and is definitely not a cyborg *wink wink*

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 02. Dailies Log ↪ ☆ ↩

March 01. N/A
March 02. N/A
March 03. N/A
March 04. Aesthetic Board
March 05. N/A
March 06. Prompt WC: 317
March 07. Yes WC: 538
March 08. Continued WC: 464
March 09. Leo
March 10. Horror??? WC: 587
March 11. Amaranth's Wiwo and Am
March 12. N/A
March 13. N/A
March 14. Pie Day
March 15. AAA!! LEMONS!!!
March 16. Trust me, you don't want to see this dumpster fire.
March 17. N/A
March 18. Ah yes the fanfiction
March 19. Offline
March 20. Love this tbh
March 21. Acrostic
March 22. Llarats
March 23. Critique
March 24. Word Jumble
March 25. Collab
March 26.
March 27. Tlc fanfiction lol also word war
March 28. Skewer WC: 672
March 29. Rosemir's Hangout
March 30. Description 101

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 03. Weeklies Log ↪ ☆ ↩

Weekly 01. TOTAL: 3,147
P1 - Poems WC: 351
P2 - ESSAYYYY WC: 575
P3 - Here WC: 961
P4 - Non-fi WC: 1,260
Weekly 02. TOTAL: 2,469
P1 Collab My WC: 312
P2 Character WC: 565
P3 Setting WC: 400
P4 Premise WC: 166
FINISHED PART! WC: 1,026
Weekly 03.
P1 Musical Inspiration WC: 403 and 405
P2 Inspiration (Fanfic) WC: 700 (ha)
P3 Theme WC: 1,267
Weekly 04.
Voilaaa Charise's

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 04. Randoms ↪ ☆ ↩

March 04 Randoms:
Galaxy Girl
Word Count 414.
Writing Type: Out Of Context Idea Jot Scene
NO URL, prefer not to share.
Word Count 611
Writing Type: Novel Continuation
Dollhouse Fanfiction
Word Count 342
Forgot To Set The Timer On A Word War
Castle Fanfiction
Word Count: 183
Word War that we both agreed does not count

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 05. Word Wars ↪ ☆ ↩

Word War 1 WC: 314. Status: Lost
Word War 2 WC: 205. Status: Lost
Word War 3 WC: 173. Status: Won

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 06. Contest ↪ ☆ ↩

Aragorn Is Losing It
Kak'hach

↪ ☆ ↩ Part 07. Word Count ↪ ☆ ↩

Word count so far: 35,756/27k (might forget to update this lol)

Weekly 1


Persuasive -
(unfinished)

The Clans of Pyrrhia
A Warriors/Wings of Fire Crossover

Written by Wari
981 words

The fifth time she crashed into a tree, Wishkeeper thought her mentor was going to explode. To be fair, she probably shouldn’t have been practicing her aerial maneuvers in the middle of his hunting lesson. But it was so BORING, and anyway, being the best warrior ever was more about INCREDIBLE FIGHTING SKILLS and UNFLINCHING BRAVERY in the face of battle than the same-old hover, swoop, stalk, and pounce that she had been practicing since she was a kit.
Fatefinder shot her an impatient glare, the spots of white fur near his eyes reminding her that he could hear every mutinous thought marching through her mind. Hmph. Good for you to receive some of my wisdom, she thought at him loudly.
He let out an irritated growl, “Do you even want to be a warrior?”
“Duh.” He could hear that in her brain, why was he asking?
“That was a rhetorical question,” he replied acidly.
Wishkeeper blinked at him innocently, and Fatefinder sighed. “There are more important things than fighting. You need to be able to hunt for your Clan. What warrior would let her Clan starve because she was too busy engaging in imaginary battles?” he challenged.
The apprentice drew herself up indignantly. “The Clan won’t starve, my hunting skills are great! I’m so good at hunting that I don’t need to practice!”
Fatefinder closed his eyes, tilting his head up to the sky. He stood there for a long moment. Wishkeeper saw a green beetle scuttle near her paws. It was HUGE, and WEIRD. She wriggled her haunches, and pounced, landing on it with a satisfying thump. She sat up, and spread her wings in pleasure. Did he notice?
She shot an anxious look at her mentor. Fatefinder glanced at her and sighed again. He should spend less time sighing and more time praising my obvious amazingness, she thought grumpily.
“Wishkeeper, why don’t you show me your amazing hunting skills,” he announced suddenly. She stared at him suspiciously, unable to tell if he was being sarcastic.
“Around camp, the word is that you exaggerate your abilities,” he meowed smoothly.
WHAT? Wishkeeper never exaggerated anything! She’d wipe that smug grin off his face! The apprentice pushed off into the air, flapping her wings fiercely.
“I’ll hunt enough prey for the whole camp!” she called back.

Wishkeeper had never felt so resentful of sunlight before. But there it was, peeking over the horizon like it couldn’t wait for everyone to start laughing at her. Weariness washed over her, but she just shook it off like stray raindrops.
There was a whoosh above her, and she looked up to see a dark shape swoop onto a tree branch over her head. Great, Fatefinder’s here to gloat.
“Wishkeeper, it’s time to head back now,” her mentor called.
“I’m not done hunting yet,” she retorted, stomping away.
Wings rustled, and the dark-furred tom alighted beside her. “It’s ok, Wishkeeper. But it’s time to rest now.”
“NightWing warriors don’t need rest,” she grumbled. The apprentice turned away, unable to look at the taunting grin that was surely on his face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of brown fur. Rabbit! she realized, catching its scent on the breeze.
Fatefinder pricked his ears, glancing at her. He tensed as he looked in the direction she was staring. Wishkeeper lowered herself to the ground, tucking her wings so that they wouldn’t give her away.
“Put your paws farther apart,” Fatefinder murmured, barely a whisper.
She shot her mentor a glare. I can do this by myself! But she shifted her right paw a little bit farther away, and took another step forward, finding that she could move faster while keeping her balance.
Pawstep by pawstep, she inched closer to the rabbit. Once she was within pouncing distance, she pushed off with her hind legs, spreading her wings to straighten her leap. The rabbit twitched, its eyes widening as her shadow loomed over it. It tried to bolt, but she tucked in her wings and swooped down, front legs outstretched. She landed squarely on the rabbit, finishing it off quickly.
“Good job.” Fatefinder came up beside her, giving her an approving nod.
Wishkeeper beamed, picking up her rabbit proudly.

Fatefinder was silent on the flight home. Once camp was in sight, he turned his head to gaze at her.
“I know you think you can do everything yourself,” the warrior meowed softly. “But I’m your mentor, and I still have things to teach you.”
Wishfinder said nothing, shifting her grip on her prey.
“Tomorrow,” he continued, “We’ll start battle training.”
A bolt of joy streaked through her mind, and she nodded energetically. OK!
Fatefinder shook his head, chuckling.

Extra Lore

The cats of Pyrrhia are divided into seven Clans, the NightWings, the SeaWings, the SandWings, the IceWings, the RainWings, the MudWings, and the SkyWings.

In each Clan, there is a strict structure. Once kits are old enough to train, they become apprentices, and are mentored by one of the warriors. A kit may also become a medicine cat apprentice, and learn how to heal injuries and cure illnesses.

After a period of training, a young cat will pass their warrior assessment, and become a full warrior. Medicine cat apprentices train for longer before they are granted status as a full medicine cat.

Each Clan is led by a Clan leader, who chooses a deputy, a cat to help them and become the Clan’s next leader. Clan leaders have nine lives, granted to them by the StarWings, their warrior ancestors.

The Clans fiercely defend their territories, and battles are common.

Across the ocean, three more Clans live on the island of Pantala: the HiveWings, SilkWings, and LeafWings. Even though they left the other Clans long ago, they still follow the same customs and warrior code.

Main Cabin Weekly #1
300 words of poetry with 5 different types of poems: 342 words
500 words of an essay intro, one body paragraph, and a conclusion on a topic that is not directly political: 528
700 words of a script:Exactly 700
800 words of non-fiction (400 words each to two different types of non-fiction):1003
Proof of all parts: check!
Total word count: 2573
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haiku: Invasion (fin'lly is 2-syllable finally)

The day fin’lly came
The hoards swept over the land
No one could be saved

Acrostic: Fame, Power, Control, Death

Fame got the better of him
A man supposed to be worthless. a
Man who was turned on by the world.
Ensnared by

Power. He took it, when the
Other man fell, overthrown.
When distrust spreads, capturing minds
Evil grows. The man did not know. He was absorbed,
Running from scorn. He sought

Control,
Over those who had once oppressed him
Never thinking about effect, only proving
The world was wrong.
Random people
On the street pass by him
Like insects, begging for acknowledgement. He has power.

Death came for him soon. How many people had
Encountered him, and never returned?
All his enemies, dead by his hand.
Thrown to their graves too soon.
He used to wield death, now his own body lies cold.

Limerick: Apples
There once was a girl in a village far away who liked to eat apples all day,
Then the king came along and said there’s something wrong with eating apples all day.
The girl was sad and it made her very mad
So she threw an apple in the king’s face
We never saw her again, but we think she’s probably dead,
Cause of an apple in the stupid king’s face.

Free Verse: Untitled…
They grew the songs
We all once sang.
Tilled the land on which
Dreams once grew.
Planted The seeds of imagination
In our minds,
Served us the fruit of
Genius.
But we killed them,
Our machines and
Weapons.
Our lack of care for their gifts,
Drove them away.
But you and I, together,
Maybe we can bring them
Back.

Sonnet: The lonely rider
The man riding there, upon his horse
Never did turn back.
But his bride did, of course,
For his love she did lack.

But did he turn?
No, he did not.
He simply left her heart to burn,
Standing a statue on the spot.

He rode away,
Years upon years,
Letting his feet lead him astray,
Never thinking of her tears.

Overhead, the sun did climb,
But never brightly did it shine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Non-fi: Memoir, and persuading you not to read sad books (too late for most of us…)

I sit on the floor of the classroom, opening my computer. I go straight to the reading app, to see if the book is finally off hold. Nope. But to my surprise, the one I’ve been re-reading is due in 19 hours. I’d expected the app to snatch it away in the middle of the night.
The technology-hating part of me is on fire right now, as I stare at the 19 hours stamp. Then, I press ‘Open Book.’ I have around an hour of free time, and around a hundred pages left. I will make my best effort. I can do this.
I continue reading. My headphones block out the quiet murmurs of the test-takers in the room. The teacher pays me no mind. I read, the sick feeling that this book always gives me forming in my stomach.
A few chapters later, the music times out. Seriously, Pandora? Ugh.
I take the phone out of my pocket. Watch an ad to keep going on my playlist, or let the station run wild? I shrug and set the phone down without any action. When I’m reading, I barely notice what plays anyways.
When I get to the part where the characters start singing, however, the earbuds are out.
I’m missing a decent song, but I don’t care. The song these characters are singing, ‘American Pie’ plays in my mind, even if I’ve only ever heard it a few times, and don’t know any of the words. But I know enough to get it, and I read in silence for a few minutes. I put my Earbuds back in after they kiss. I might not be able to rely on the ending, but I can rely on this moment, right here, right now.
Until the gunfight starts on the next page. Dang it.
I knew it was coming.
Main character #1’s final moments almost make me cry. The way it’s phrased, the way he realizes, in a split second, that this is the end. The way a sob builds in my throat, the way the music can’t even keep down the sudden surge of emotion that grabs me. A tidal wave of uncontrollable, raw sadness and desperation.
I barely manage to keep control of myself by looking around the classroom.
My one friend by the door, probably still working on his test.
My other two friends, a few feet away, drawing.
The two kids on their computers to my left. I’d be willing to bet the one farther from me is reading that manga I saw him reading last time. I’d peek out from behind the cabinet to see, but I’m comfortable where the teacher can’t really see me.
Calmed as much as one can be, I lean against the cabinet again, balance the computer on my legs, and continue the final chapters.
As I predicted, I finished the book. With time to spare.
As I should have expected, it left me a ruined mess.
My heart is thudding in my chest. Tears threaten to make an appearance.
‘Get a grip. You’re in algebra, and you aren’t wearing a mask anymore.’ I think firmly, but it doesn’t work.
“Take your * book back.” I whisper yell, jamming the return button. It wouldn’t be good for my sanity to read that book again any time soon.
One of my friends looks up from his paper. “You okay?” he asks.
I shrug, picking up my phone. Load and watch a stupid ad.Cancel my hold on this book, from when I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish the * thing. Close my computer.
“I’m using my break.” I tell the teacher. He nods, and I open the door, close it behind me, and walk down the hall.
The song I first heard on the radio last month is playing, because I wanted to hear it. It reaches the chorus as I make my way back, and I mouth the words as I walk, holding my jacket tightly around me. A kindergartner looks at me like I’m weird, which I am, but he won’t remember me by the time something like this happens to him. I don’t look to see if the person in the corner is a teacher or a student, or if they’re even looking at me. I walk and sing. Down the hall. Not caring what others might think if they see me. I need to regain my sanity. Last time I read this book, I lost it completely.
I re-enter the classroom, music and words still haunting me. The premise of this book is what gets me, the idea of knowing when you wake up in the morning that you are going to die that day. In addition to the deaths of both main characters, however expected and supposedly prepared you are, it basically destroys me every time it ends. The first time I read it, I almost threw up after the first three chapters, and the plot followed me wherever I went: What would you do if today was your last day of life?
My gaze turns to the Boy seated closest to the door, bending over his test. I know my answer, though I hate to admit it.
I would find him, wherever he might be on that day, and tell him that I haven’t stopped liking him, even since our brief relationship ended (on good terms). I’d want to tell him that I knew that he liked me since his first ‘random’ question. I’d refuse to die before I held his hand again.
I open my computer again, and play a few mindless games, my stomach still turning. Class finishes. I pack up my stuff. Walk with my friends. Head down to my locker, then the lunchroom. Normal middle school day. Nothing at all to hint at the mending cracks in my sanity and stability.
Standard reader’s misery, combined with an author’s guilt. Not good for me, but I’ve grown used to the burden.
Just the average day.

(As characterized as this sounds, it is a true story. I actually was a crazy person. ‘They Both Die At The End’ actually does this to me. Second full reading of it, and I still went insane…)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCRIPT SECTION:
Original Story:
I wish that none of this was happening.
That is my only thought as I race through the corridors of Tierenhem, the King’s Hall. My parents are already gone, off into the hopeless battle that I know we won’t win. My father’s last words to me ring in my ears: Protect your people, no matter the cost. I have to lead the people to safety, but I don’t know how.
As I glance down the hall, I see a figure run down past a doorway, sword in hand. I only see him for a brief moment, but I would know him everywhere.
“Narim!” I yell. He turns, relief showing in his face as he approaches me.
“Erin, thank gods.” He sheathes his sword. “I thought you were gone.”
“I need your help.” I say. “We have to get the people out, but I couldn’t defend them from an attack by myself.”
“And you think that one other would help?”
“No, but I don’t want to go in alone, is all.”
Narim grins a bit. “I am an apprentice, not a knight.”
“Well that’s good, or you’d be gone.” I say, then turn and sprint away, Narim following close behind.
When we reach the south gate, the number of people swarming to pass through it is large, yet less than the amount of people that should be here. I try not to dwell on that.
“Quickly!” I say, urging the last few people through the door. “They cannot find us, or we will never be safe!”
Narim and I are the last through the gate into the mountain. The door is only moments from closing when I hear the screeches of goblins.
Narim’s eyes widen in alarm, and we both draw our swords as three goblins push through the door. It shuts with a bang as soon as they are though, leaving us to fight them in the dim light.
Two of the goblins jump at me and Narim, and it is all I can do to keep from being cut to pieces. Narim is a better swordsman than I, and it is all I can do to hold my ground. Finally, I manage a balance, and I am able to land a few attacks, but most of my strikes are rebounded by the goblin’s heavy armor. I back off a bit, losing my slight advantage. The goblin that didn’t attack us is crouched by the door, cursing as he tries to unlatch the heavy lock that slammed into place upon the door’s closing. Narim and the final goblin trade blows, each trying to find the other’s weakness. Narim’s arm has a large cut across it, but he seems to be otherwise alright. I make for the goblin at the door, but before I can take a step, a blade hisses past my ear.
I jerk away from the sound, which probably saved my life. The goblin’s sword comes within an inch of my neck, and I spin around to meet the next sword stroke. From the goblin’s snarl, it knows what I was planning. It’s blows fall harder than before, and my strength fails as more effort is required to stop the sword from slicing into my skin. But I keep fighting, keep pushing on. For honor, if nothing else. For pride, and the responsibility of my noble birth. I will not back down.
Narim yells loudly. I hear the screech, then the groan of a dying goblin. I parry the sword blow that comes at me.
“Narim!” I yell. “Door!”
He looks at the door, then understands. The goblin hears me too, though, and pushes against the stone door, as hard as it can. The door creaks open, and the goblin turns, grabbing Narim’s arm and throwing him to the ground.
The goblin roars loudly, and the one fighting me races towards where Narim struggles against the heavier goblin pinning him to the ground. I stagger towards them, but suddenly I realize what is happening. They’re after me, not Narim. It’s a trap to get me out of the cave.
I look around wildly, trying to find another option, but none is forthcoming. The two goblins grab Narim’s arms and drag him away, the blood from his wound leaving a spattered trail in the mud. I stand in the cave entrance, wide eyed and desperate, frozen in place as my best friend is kidnapped.
Script:
(Erin, king, and queen stand in a grand corridor of Tierenhiem, the King’s Hall. The King and Queen are dressed in battle armor, and armed with swords and shields.Erin wears a tattered dress, and bears no weapon. Shouts echo outside, and the walls of the hall shake.)

King:
Protect our people, Erin. No matter what the cost, be it death or capture.promise me.
Erin:
I can’t! You can’t go off to fight. There’s too many of them!
King:
Erin, there’s no time! Go!
Erin:
Mother! Father! Please, you’ll all die!
Queen:
It is our duty to our people to defend them, and die to do so if that is what it comes to. Now go!

(King and Queen both exit, running. Erin is left standing alone, staring after them.)
Narim (off stage)
Erin!?
(Erin turns to see him behind her. She tries to hide her tears as he approaches.)
Erin:
Narim! How did you get in here?!
Narim:
Never mind that.(pulls sleeve over a bleeding cut on his arm) I thought you were gone!
Erin:
Will you come with me? I have to take the citizens to safety. (pauses when tears threaten to resurface) I can’t defend them all by myself.
Narim:
Would having only one other along help?
Erin:
No, but… I can’t do this alone.
Narim:
I’m an apprentice painter. I’m not a knight.
Erin:
Well that’s good, or else you’d already be dead.
(Erin turns and walks quickly in the direction that Narim came from)

(They exit Tierenhem, and the streets are empty. Cries can be heard from beyond the walls, where a battle is raging. Erin and Narim run away from the gates, to the mountain door that will lead the people to safety. Huge crowds surround the gate.)
(Erin slips through the crowd, Narim behind her. She turns to Narim as she pries open the hidden door)
Erin:
There should be more people here, but the streets are silent.
Narim:
Don’t dwell on that, not while we’re here. We cannot grieve until these people are safe, understand?
(Erin looks back towards the city, and the battle. Narim guesses her thoughts, and grabs her shoulders tightly, making her face him.)
Narim:
There’s nothing you can do for them, Erin. Not for your parents, not for the army, and not for the dead. Let us into the mountain. That’s all you can do. Grieve later.
(Erin nods silently, and the two of them push the secret door open.The people flood into the tunnels, carrying bags and lanterns and children.Once the crowd is through, Narim urges Erin through the door.)
Narim:
I’ll close the door! Go lead them to the underground city. I’ll catch up.
Erin (helping him close the door):
But you don’t know the way.
Narim:
I’ll figure it out. Now go!
(Erin turns to go, but three goblins screech and throw themselves through the closing door)
Erin:
Narim!
Narim:
Get out of here! Now!
(Narim jumps back and draws his sword. The door slams shut, leaving them to fight in dim light.Narim cuts down one goblin, and Erin picks up the dead monster’s sword. She attacks one of the goblins, distracting it from Narim, but soon abandon’s that fight to come to narim’s aid. The goblin she was fighting is opening the door again, and more screeching comes from the other side, indicating that there are more goblins lying in wait, not many, but too many for Narim and Erin to handle. If they get in, they could find the citizen’s safe haven, which would mean the end of the kingdom.)
Narim:
Erin! Get the door!
(Erin tries to attack the goblin at the door, but it spins around, and throws her back. She slams into the wall as Narim is overwhelmed by the goblin he’s fighting. The door goblin opens it, and the goblins on the other side don’t see Erin, lying in the shadows, barely able to move. They swarm Narim, and he is dragged from the cave and back towards the city, unconscious and bleeding. Erin is able to get to her feet, but too late. The door shuts with a final bang. Blackout ends scene.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you know that musicals, movies and on stage, aren’t an ‘old fashioned’ thing? Many people believe this, but there are many new and fun musicals that a lot of people enjoy very much. While it is true that ‘classic’ musicals, such as the Phantom of the Opera, or Disney movies such as the little mermaid, are from a while ago, there are many new musicals too, some of which you might not have even heard of before! Today, I’ll be talking about the stories of popular new musicals, both on stage and on screen.
The first one that comes to mind, for me personally, is Hamilton. A stage musical that was filmed and put on Disney+, Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. The twist, and probably what made it so popular, is that a lot of the soundtrack is rap, which is rather nontraditional for musicals. The musical was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also played Alexander Hamilton on Broadway and in the film. Alexander Hamilton is a man who built a very solid reputation, mostly thanks to his large ego, then managed to tear it all down because he thought he could fix something he’d already done very wrong, and then was killed in a duel. (There, I think I managed it spoiler free. His death is in every American history textbook, and honestly, is the only thing I knew about him for a very long time.) The musical has a lot of swear words and inappropriate content, for which it was rated PG-13 when it was made into a movie, but that hasn’t stopped its popularity among teenagers, or adults.It can also be funny, despite the seriousness, and with… dedicated fans, all it takes is a harmless phrase said by an unknowing person to get a song stuck in your head for hours on end. I happen to be one such dedicated fan, and know of three more that are even more invested. Hamilton first premiered on Broadway on August 6, 2015, and was filmed for Disney+ in 2020, which stimulated it’s popularity. My earliest memory of Hamilton was three years ago, when it became a known obsession of one of my friends. A year ago, I started hearing the music a lot, but it wasn’t until a while ago that I actually watched it for the first time. It was incredible beyond imagination, despite my strange sensitivity to swear words in movies, books, and other media (it’s hard to explain, I generally tend to turn red, as though I were caught committing a crime, though I’ve done literally nothing.), but definitely an impressive show that tells a barely known story.
Someone reading this might guess that I am an american. Yep. I honestly would rather find a way to not belong to any country, but I live in the United states. But that’s beside the point. Why I chose this essay topic is unknown to even myself, and I’m sorry that it’s not the best. I’m not good at wrapping things up. This is an iffy conclusion. But at least you can tell it has been concluded!

Weekly #1 - Thriller
total word count - 3571

Poetry
word count - 317

The Flower - free verse
A small bud awakens with the sun,
listening to the birds chattering
in the dew-covered trees.

By midday, it begins to bloom,
as its tiny pink petals unfurl
like a turtle exiting its shell.

Squirrels race around,
rabbits circle,
and other plants sit nearby,

but the little flower
doesn't mind any of this.
It just keeps growing.

It grows and grows,
day and night,
without minding anything around it,

and soon, it becomes
Powerful.
Strong.

It blooms brightly still,
but by fall,
it will begin to wilt.

The stem,
the leaves will turn brown,
fading slowly out of existence,

until it disappears completely,
becoming nothing but a forgotten memory.


untitled - diamante
water
clear, fresh
trickling, splashing, cooling
stream, rain, ice, snowflake
freezing, falling, blanketing
silent, peaceful
snow


the bookstore - sensory poem
I hear the faint tinkle of the bells on the door,
the soft crackle of the hearth.
I savor the warm, bitter flavor of the tea from my mug,
watching as steam spirals off the top.
I breathe in the musty, welcoming scent of old books,
as I feel their worn, well-loved spines,
my finger tracing along each one.
I open a thick volume, watching dust trickle off the top of its slightly yellowing pages,
and feel myself being transported to the realm of the novel.


the waterfall - haiku
flowing down the stream,
peacefully at first, until
it becomes a storm



the desert - haiku
the sun shines brightly,
scorching everything around,
until all is gone


pie - acrostic
pieces are never big enough, even when topped with
ice cream, but they fill me with
excitement


space - acrostic
step into the unknown without fear, for new
places await discovery
all you have to do is
close your eyes and imagine, imagine ways to
explore


mars - acrostic
many opportunities
await in the
realm of the
stars


song - acrostic
soft notes fill the room, fading into
ominous
noises, followed by a loud
gong, which finishes the song

Essay
word count - 615

topic - people should read more
I researched this a while ago so I thought it would be cool to actually use this information for something

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018, twenty-seven percent of adults living in the United States have not read a book in the past year. When the same survey was conducted earlier, in 2011, only nineteen percent said that they had not read a book recently. Reading is becoming less and less popular, especially in the United States. However, it is essential because it expands the mind, helps deal with stress, and increases concentration levels while assisting with sleep.

Reading can help increase your brain power by exercising the brain. Reading regularly helps keep the mind sharp and healthy. A test conducted by Neurology proved that more frequent reading throughout a person’s life is typically associated with less mental decline in later life. Mental decline can often lead to harmful diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, activities that exercise the brain, such as reading, can help prevent these, as demonstrated by Neurology’s test. Reading can also help increase intelligence levels, especially in children. According to a study done by the Society for Research in Child Development, later differences in intelligence between identical twins was linked to differences in reading levels. This test also proved that reading increases levels of both verbal (vocabulary) and nonverbal (reasoning) intelligence. Reading has also helped various influential people, such as Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon. They all credit their success to books. Furthermore, reading can encourage positive emotions while decreasing stress levels. Studies show that after just six minutes of reading, muscle tension is already reduced. According to the University of Sussex, these six minutes of reading lower stress levels by 68 percent! Additional studies show that reading a book, especially a fictional one, can help boost creative thinking by activating your imagination. Books can also increase empathy, according to a Science Magazine study for an article. According to this article, fictional books do this the most, by engaging psychological processes required to access the characters’ experiences. Fictional books allow people to see the experiences of others, and sometimes the point of view of several different people, without the possible consequences of this. Moreover, reading helps people fall asleep, and it also increases concentration levels. Reading books trains the mind to focus properly and for longer, which is essential for almost everything done on a daily basis. Reading for just a few minutes can help eliminate the multi-tasking, instead allowing people to fully focus on one thing, the book. This can improve how people complete other work, increasing productivity levels and sometimes even decreasing the amount of time spent working! Reading signals to the brain that it is time to sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, reading before bed can help the mind de-stress and prepare to sleep. Not only do most people not read before going to sleep, use screens instead. While books cause relaxation, screens can cause people to be more awake. Dr Philip Gehrman, a physicist at The University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, says that reading an actual book before bed is better than looking at a screen. A study done by Pediatrics shows that 54 percent of children sleep near a screen, and they get twenty minutes fewer of sleep on average because of it.

In conclusion, you can improve your life by reading more often, since it helps expand your mind, increase intelligence, encourage positive emotions, and increase concentration. However, despite the numerous apparent benefits, 27 percent of adults have not read a book in the last year, and that number has been increasing. Reading has important and incredibly helpful effects, but they are often ignored.

Script
word count - 1231

SCENE ONE:

JAMES packs a suitcase in his room while MOM, DAD, and LUCY wait by the door of the house

The wall has a calendar showing that it is March

LUCY
(calling upstairs)
Come oooonnnnnnnnnn James! You're soooo slow!

MOM
(calling upstairs)
James! The plane leaves in an hour, and we can't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an exclusive safari tour!

JAMES frantically continues packing, throwing random items in the suitcase

JAMES walks to the door

MOM, DAD, JAMES, and LUCY exit

END OF SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO:

JAMES, MOM, DAD, and LUCY stand at baggage claim at the airport, having already landed

MOM, DAD, and LUCY hold their suitcases, while JAMES waits for his

JAMES
Wow! That flight was so long!

DAD
It was thirteen hours long!

JAMES and LUCY
Wow!!!

JAMES finds and picks up his suitcase

MOM
Are you all excited for the safari trip?

JAMES
Yes!

JAMES jumps in excitement

LUCY
(at the same time as JAMES)
No!

JAMES and LUCY both stare at each other, confused

JAMES bounces in anticipation, still holding his suitcase

LUCY
Come on James, we're leaving!

LUCY rolls her eyes

JAMES, LUCY, MOM, and DAD begin to walk off stage, still holding their suitcases, but they pause

DAD
Who's ready for the three-hour car ride to get to the safari place?

JAMES
What?

DAD
The company decided to keep it as far from big cities as possible!

MOM, JAMES, and LUCY groan loudly

DAD
Oh come on, it will be fun!

LUCY and JAMES glance at each other

LUCY and JAMES
(sarcastically whispered, so that only the other can hear)
Yeah, right.

MOM, DAD, JAMES, and LUCY exit

END OF SCENE TWO

SCENE THREE:

MOM, JAMES, and LUCY sit in the car, which DAD is driving

JAMES
It feels like we've been in the car for longer than three hours…

MOM
I thought you said it would only be a three-hour ride

LUCY
(bored, annoyed)
Are we theeeeereeeee yettttttttt?

DAD
I'm sure we're close! Plus, we've only been driving for three hours and fourteen minutes!

JAMES
(to himself)
Wow, that's a long time!

LUCY
Are you SURE we're not lost? Are you even looking at the map?

DAD
We'll be there soon, Lucy.

MOM opens the map, which DAD was not actually using

DAD
(protesting)
I don't need a map! I know exactly where I'm going!

LUCY
Then why is it taking us longer than you said?

JAMES
Dad, how do you know where you're going? We've never been here before!

DAD
Yes, but I looked at the map a month ago when we were planning this trip! Plus, I can figure it out myself.

MOM, JAMES, and LUCY still appear unconvinced

END OF SCENE THREE

SCENE FOUR:

MOM, DAD, JAMES, and LUCY finally drive up to the safari place

DAD
Here we are!

LUCY
Ugh, finally. I thought we'd NEVER arrive!

DAD
We aren't even that late!

LUCY
(annoyed, somewhat sarcastic)
Yeah, only an hour and a half late.

MOM, DAD, JAMES, and LUCY step out of the car, looking around at the animals

GEORGE enters, wearing a safari uniform, holding a brochure

GEORGE
Hi! You must be the Smith family! My name is George, and I will be your guide throughout this tour. Before we start, I would like to thank you all for choosing SafarisNMore for your safari experience!

DAD
Of course! SafarisNMore seemed like an excellent option!

GEORGE
To help you enjoy your time here more, we have this brochure outlining your schedule, some brief rules, and animals you should hopefully be able to see on your trip!

MOM
Thank you so much! We have been looking forward to this trip for a long time

MOM
(somewhat accusing) - RIGHT, LUCY?

LUCY rolls her eyes

LUCY
Right, sure, whatever.

GEORGE laughs

GEORGE
It's okay if you aren’t that interested, but I hope by the end of the trip you will have enjoyed your safari more than you expected!

END OF SCENE FOUR

SCENE FIVE:

GEORGE, MOM, DAD, JAMES, and LUCY stand near elephants

MOM and DAD hold cameras, and are taking photos

JAMES and LUCY stand further back, bored

GEORGE
And here are even more elephants… blah blah blah blah something blah blah blah blah elephants blah blah blah blah….

LUCY
(whispering to JAMES)
Hey James!

JAMES looks up

JAMES
What?

LUCY
(speaking normally)
I'm boreddddd. Wanna go explore?

JAMES hesitates

after a long pause, JAMES speaks

JAMES
Sure… I guess the tour IS kinda boring…

LUCY
I told you so!

JAMES and LUCY slip away, heading towards another pasture

MOM, DAD, and GEORGE continue discussing the safari, not noticing JAMES and LUCY disappearing

JAMES and LUCY wander from area to area, gazing in wonder at the animals

JAMES and LUCY find several pastures seemingly filled with mythical creatures

JAMES points at a pasture with an open gate, which has blue giraffes with unicorn horns

JAMES
Wow, those giraffes are really weird!

LUCY
I know! They look almost…mythical!

JAMES looks at the open gate, then at LUCY

JAMES
Do you think we should go into the pasture?

LUCY hesitates

LUCY
I mean… the gate IS open…. Ok sure!

JAMES enters, but LUCY stays behind

JAMES
Come on, Lucy! You said you'd go with me!

Suddenly, the giraffes begin to charge at JAMES

JAMES screams

END OF SCENE FIVE

SCENE SIX:

JAMES is still being charged at by giraffes while LUCY stands by helplessly

MOM, DAD, and GEORGE are alerted by JAMES' screams, and begin to go towards the pasture, but slowly, since they are far away

MOM
(shouting)
JAMES!!!! Are you okay?!?!

GEORGE
(talking to MOM and DAD)
Can you tell which pasture they're in?

MOM
(talking to GEORGE and DAD)
Nope…

DAD
(talking to GEORGE and MOM)
It looks like it's filled with….are those giraffes? But they look really weird!

GEORGE
(terrified)
OH NO!!! He's probably being attacked by the radioactive unicorn-giraffes! JAMES, LUCY - RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JAMES gets trampled by giraffes as LUCY slowly edges away

END OF SCENE SIX

SCENE SEVEN:

JAMES wakes up in a hospital near his house, with MOM, DAD, and LUCY looking worriedly at him

JAMES
Wh-where am I?

DAD
You're at the hospital. We had to end our trip early!

JAMES
What happened?

LUCY
You got trampled by giraffes, remember?

JAMES
Oh… right.

MOM
(concerned, angry)
What were you thinking? Your injuries could have been worse! What if we hadn't found you? Plus, now we missed our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

END OF SCENE SEVEN

SCENE EIGHT:

The calendar now says june

MOM, DAD, LUCY, and JAMES sit, about to eat dinner

JAMES is healed from his attack

JAMES
Yum! Mac and cheese, my favorite!

A letter sits on the table

MOM
Look, we got a letter, addressed to the Smith family!

DAD opens the letter, and begins reading it aloud

DAD
Hello Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
We deeply regret the confusion that you experienced on your recent safari trip regarding a giraffe attack. The giraffes are one of our many endangered species that we keep on our safari for their protection. To express our apology, we would like to offer you a full refund, along with a two-day exclusive trip to our safari, where you will learn not only about the animals, but also about how to feed them!
Sincerely,
Jim, CEO of SafarisNMore

END OF SCENE EIGHT

THE END

Non-fiction
total word count for non-fiction - 1408

Exploring Paris (word count - 807)
“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy - at home and in Paris” - Ernest Hemingway. This quote might prove true sometimes, but perhaps not in the middle of summer. The sun shines brightly on a sweltering day. Sirens wail throughout the bustling city, as tourists and locals alike wander through the crowded metro station, eager to get to their destination.
Day one: Arrival
We land at the Paris airport early in the morning after a long and tiring flight, our minds only on food. Unfortunately, the crowd of people ahead of us in the customs line are also anxious to leave. When we get through customs, exhausted and relieved to be done waiting in lines, we realize that the drive to town is an hour long! And since there are no taxis available, (they were probably taken by everyone waiting at customs) we have to take the metro, which takes even longer! By the time we arrive at the hotel, we are too exhausted to visit the city.
Day two: Visiting Museums
After overcoming jet lag, we start our day off with delicious croissants and pains au chocolat from a nearby bakery, where the workers are extremely friendly and suggest that we start our trip by visiting some of the famous museums of Paris, such as the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay. They explain to us that this year is one of the best to visit Paris, despite the pandemic, since there are fewer crowds everywhere! We decide to start by visiting the Louvre. I stare in wonder at the delicate glass pyramid, even more beautiful in person than in photos. We enter the pyramid. The line to view the Mona Lisa is practically nonexistent, and we have the opportunity to view the painting from a few feet away! After looking at the painting for a few minutes, we decide to look at the ancient artifacts in the museum. I marvel at how many rooms and works of art there are in the Louvre, and I remember learning that it would take at least 200 days to see everything in the museum! As we wander the rooms, I remember learning about some of these artifacts and civilizations in school. We take a brief free tour of the Egypt area, where we learn about the importance of boats in Egyptian art. We also explore various statues, and after spending close to three hours in the museum, I begin to understand how it could take someone several months to see everything. We have crepes from a nearby restaurant for lunch, and take the metro to the Musee D'Orsay. I look around at the inside in awe, and I remember my dad telling me that it used to be a train station. We look at the art there for a while, and I read some of the plaques describing the art. By the time we finish visiting the Musee D'Orsay, we are again exhausted, so we have dinner, which was steak frites, and go to bed early.
Day three: Monuments
We decide to visit the Eiffel Tower, and since we don't want to wait in the long line for the elevators, we decide to climb the 674 steps. Despite the long and tiring climb, the view is completely worth it! It looks as though I am able to see the entire city! I gape at the magnificent skyline, and I imagine what it would be like to see the sunrise or sunset from here. I decide that it would be like looking at a painting by one of the masters whose work we saw yesterday. My parents buy elevator tickets to the third floor, and at the top, I discover wax figures in the room! By this time, we realize that we have to hurry if we want to see everything we wanted to, so we go back down, and eat lunch. Next, we take the train to Montmartre, where Sacre-Coeur is. I gaze up at the enormous hill, and the beautiful, cream-colored Basilica at the very top. As we make our way up the hill, we stop at the Place du Tertre, where we have ice cream and watch artists draw caricatures. After I finish my delicious cone of passion fruit sorbet, we make our way to the Basilica. Even though we are tired from our earlier climb, we still decide to climb to the top of Sacre-Coeur. Although the view is less spectacular than the one from the Eiffel Tower, it is still breathtaking. We eat dinner near the Place du Tertre, and, to my dismay, I realize that it is our final day of the trip!
Day four: Departure
As we prepare to board our plane back home, I think about all the landmarks and monuments we didn't get to visit, and all the foods that I still want to try. “Oh well,” I think, “that will just have to wait until next time!”

A Brief History of Pancakes (word count - 601)
What are pancakes? Well, they are defined as thin, flat cakes, usually fried in a pan. However, they have changed drastically over time, and even now they vary depending on location and culture. Experts believe that pancakes were first made during the Stone Age, around 30,000 years ago, although the first written example of pancakes was in Ancient Greece. Human remains from around the time of the Stone Age were even discovered containing pancakes! However, these early pancakes, especially those of the Stone Age, were more likely made only of water and flour, which at the time consisted of cattails and ferns, a far cry from the modern pancake. However, they were still flat and fried, usually on a rock, meaning they can be classified as pancakes.

Pancakes were often a staple in ancient diets from that time onward - the Romans and Greeks ate them with honey, milk, flour, and olive oil, while the Elizabethans ate them with spices, rosewater, and apples. As previously mentioned, the first written record of pancakes was in Ancient Greece, and after that, poets, such as Magnes and Cratinus, wrote about them, and even Shakespeare mentioned them in his plays.

In the colonies of America, they were often known as johnnycakes, griddle cakes, or flapjacks, and usually contained wheat or cornmeal. Thomas Jefferson, who had a liking for pancakes, had a White House recipe sent back to his hometown because he enjoyed it so much! This recipe, created by Etienne Lemaire, a talented dessert-maker, was for “panne-quaiques”, which were closer to modern-day crepes than pancakes, since they used no rising agents.

The name pancake became popular in the United States around the 19th century, despite being introduced in the 15th century. Pancake Day is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday since they were commonly eaten during the feasts preceding Lent. Additionally, it helped people use up animal products such as butter, eggs, and milk, which were in lesser demand during Lent.

Pancakes have become widespread, used in numerous different cultures, although they usually appear in different forms. For example: Russian blinis, small savory pancakes; French crepes, thin pancakes which can be sweet or savory; and Dutch pannenkoeken, which are thinner than typical American pancakes, but thicker than crepes.

How can I make my own pancakes? Well, the recipe is quite simple! (especially if you want to make pancakes with just flour and water) Don't worry, this recipe is a modern way to make American pancakes. Plus, you only need 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 0.25 teaspoons of salt, an egg, 0.75 cups milk, a splash of distilled white vinegar (optional but recommended) and 2 tablespoons of melted butter! You can also add chocolate chips or blueberries to add extra flavor to your recipe. First, mix together your dry ingredients in a medium or large bowl. Next, beat together the egg, milk, and vinegar in a smaller bowl. Add the butter and milk mixture to the flour mixture a little bit at a time, while making sure not to overmix. Add your chocolate chips or blueberries, if using, and stir. Grease or butter a small pan, then put it over medium heat. Pour a small amount of batter on the pan once water dances on it, then cook until browned on one side. Flip, and cook the other side until browned, then serve warm. Ta-da! You have successfully made your pancakes! As you enjoy your sweet treat, you can appreciate how much this recipe has evolved (and the fact that you don't have to eat only cooked flour and water) while contemplating the information you have just learned.

Hi-fi Cabin Dailies

March 8th

This story was inspired by the prompt “The story’s main character is a superhero’s sidekick, and the superhero just died.”
Word Count: 284

No! No! This was never supposed to happen. How could it have happened? I run to Racer’s fallen body, cradling him in my arms.
“Racer! Racer, answer me.”
He opens his eyes ever so slightly. “Duck… continue the fight.”
“What? No, I can’t continue the fight! Not without you!”
“You have- have to. Continue the fight, Duck…” His eyes roll back in his head, and his body goes limp. No. No no no. I check for a pause, my own heart pounding.
Silence.
No-
Tears start pouring from my eyes, and I don’t even bother to swipe them away. We were supposed to be in this together. How could Racer, wonderful, invincible Racer, be gone? And how could he have thought that I could continue the fight? If he’d been struck down, I wouldn’t stand a chance. I’m just a sidekick, not a superhero.
The tears fall faster at that thought. What’s a sidekick without a superhero?
I take a deep breath, trying to set my grief aside. It’s hard, unbelievably hard, but I know it’s what Racer would have wanted. Still though, it feels like there’s a hole in my heart, as if I had been the one who’d been shot.
I look up, seeing the Missile’s ship still hovering in the distance. I’ve never said this about anyone before, but I hate that man. Hate him with every fiber of my being. He’s the reason Racer is gone.
I turn back to Racer’s lifeless face. Grief is still trying to pull me down, but it’s countered by a new determination. “I’ll do what you asked, Racer. I’ll continue the fight, and I’ll avenge you.”
My voice hardens. “And the Missile. Will. Pay.”

March 4th

This story was inspired by the song “We Don’t Talk Anymore” Kidz Bop version.
Word Count: 247

“We used to be so close,” I say out loud, wishing that I knew you would be listening. It would be amazing, if you’d just listen. If you’d respond back. “Now we don’t talk anymore.”
“I heard you found someone knew,” I say. No, no, that’s probably the wrong thing to say- too late. “I’m happy for you, really. But part of me doesn’t want to know who they are. I don’t want to know where you’ll be tonight. Are they holding your hand like I did? I hope for your sake they are.
“Maybe we’ll never be the same, but I can’t stop thinking about you. And the fact that we don’t talk anymore, or laugh, or joke, or anything. What was the point of it all if we’re just going to let this happen? Let everything we had go?”
I sigh. “Maybe it’s just me who can’t let go. But sometimes I wonder if maybe you’d like me to come over, even as just a friend. But I’m just so scared I’ll be wrong. Anyway, I guess that’s all… I just wanted to say that.”
My mouth forms the words “I love you.” But instead “Well… see you sometime, I hope.”
I end the recording and my finger hovers over the send button. Do I send this, or not? Will you even care? I hope you do, but what if you don’t?
I press send.
This recording could be pointless.
Because we don’t talk anymore.