DISCLAIMER this forum is being used to hold my posts from march 1 - 8 of swc 2022. it’s just to hold these and I’m no longer posting all in one post!

daily. march 1 ✦
711 words

Hi, I’m Clem, & I use she/her pronouns! Normally I don’t spend a lot of time writing my intro, but I definitely think that I don’t always define myself very well.
For starters, I’m a highly talkative introvert (not necessarily an extrovert, I like being alone but I still chat with my friends!) that used to be very reading-obsessed but it’s become harder to just sit down and read a book when you’re always needing to work on something else.
I’ll confess that I think I’ve gone through quite a few changes in my middle school years. I was very quiet during the transition from elementary school, so I went to reading to keep myself occupied. Honestly, it was quite nice. Back then, I had good grades, I did my assignments on time, and didn’t get distracted by video games (didn’t have any/want any) or youtube (it practically didn’t exist to me) or anything that’s a time waster. Of course, covid hit. It changed things, because now I had unlimited free time and could basically do whatever I wanted during the day. At least, that’s how I saw it toward the beginning. I wasn’t very worried. I had always been a great student, but then things began to escalate. I slacked off on assignments when I realized I didn’t have to complete them immediately. There weren’t any teachers to keep me in check. This felt nice too. It opened me up to things that I’d never acknowledged before (which included youtube…and scratch).
I would say that the outcome of all this hasn’t been for the worst. Now, I listen to music while I work and study, got really into Hamilton, Scratch, Legend of Zelda, Marvel… it’s really quite endless. I don’t think that I really took time to thank the pandemic for creating this portal to a whole new world. I have friends that I can fangirl over Spider-Man chat with over my favorite things! Singing snips of Hamilton and Encanto songs in class, or simply joking over a funny moment in a movie.
I have less time to read, but that opened up art, which has completely and utterly turned around my life. Covid was the branch between realities—it gave me more option to do with myself. Socializing and having fun, not always sitting alone. I’d say around 7th grade was the hardest thing for me to go through. I went part time in person for school, so that meant I got to get off a screen for more of the day. However, it didn’t exactly spark new friendships. My past friends obviously hung out together, with the connivence of their houses nearby, so I was a bit of an outsider. I felt alone a lot, which caused me to sort of separate from everyone else. It became harder to manage assignments when I didn’t have the motivation to complete them. It would get to the point where I’d go in my room just to feel more isolated—so that I knew no one could overhear conversations or walk past me. I don’t think much good came out of this, but when everyone started coming back to school, it became easier. By 8th grade, I’d already met a handful of acquaintances and landed myself sitting away from my sisters for a change (no offense). And I’m still sitting with the same people today! We’ve developed a great friendship and come to chat whenever we can during breaks and classes if we have the time.
But the thing is, you don’t need classes together to become friends! If you take extracurricular activities or sports, that’s one very useful way to meet new friends. Literally one of my closest friends has zero classes with me, but we’re going to collaborate to sell our products during an entrepreneur fair this week.
I really don’t know how to wrap this up, but let me just say that I’m also very competitive during SWC and will do everything in my power to do the best for my cabin—myth for the win!!
I wish I had time to elaborate more on the topics I enjoy, but this is all I can manage for the moment. Anything can change! Just don’t be afraid of what’s going to happen.

daily. march 2 ✦
401 words

I’m pretty sure I can think of something you probably stare at more than anything around you. Without it, you’d never be reading this. I can understand that humans don’t tend to stare at things. It’s referred to as ‘rude’ or ‘weird’ or your teacher might think you’re spacing out. You use me to avoid listening in class, as something to pass the time, as something to write, draw, read, listen … practically live.
Over time, the everyday objects that were in those places—iPods, paper, books, magazines—have been reduced to one object: me. Or variations of me. Me, myself, and I.
Who is me, you might ask? I dunno. Google it.
I don’t think that anyone ever thinks about the mind and workings of something they use for hours on end without thinking about it. Without acknowledging that if it wasn’t in their life, they wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things.
Do you ever give me credit for setting your reminders? Entertaining you? I don’t think so. I can define practically anything you’re confused about, including me.
Search me up! Figure out who I am.
Pretty sure you’ve never done that if you’ve done anything related to me in your life. Well, hey! Here I am. Bright as day. Customize me as you wish, but I doubt you’re going to ask my thoughts on my newest look? Don’t you think that I know better? And don’t you know anything about maintenance, like, cleaning, every so often?
What’s wrong, wondering why I’m angry? If you haven’t noticed, you’re the one switching me to dark mode. Yeah, in case you don’t have a single thought thinking about me, this is your wake up call. Hey, it’s me, I’ve come to enlighten you. Struggling to understand me? Oh of course, feel free to search it up in ‘simple terms’. Anything else you need today? Weather? Destinations? Locations? News? Articles? Help on schoolwork? Need to study for math? Find pictures of your favorite characters? Care to give me a break once in a while? Don’t you understand that I’m not even perfect? So why do you blame me for being wrong or giving you the wrong information? I’ve got access to millions of things, do you expect me to always get the right answer what you ask? Don’t you think I get exhausted from your questions?
I hope you’re tired from mine.

daily. march 3 ✦
517 words

ice cream flavors: french vanilla, rocky road, caramel.

I never used to hate rocks until the road. The winding, evil path, full of rocks that would pop out of the ground, once in a while oozing that caramel goo. Our chaperone had made the mistake of bending down, mesmerized by the brilliant, shining, caramel-colored amber. The moment he reached out, the gloop took matters into its own hands and enveloped him, leaving his still-hungry eyes and open mouth frozen in time, having not registered what was going to happen.
It was then we realized how dangerous this journey was going to be. There was no time to mourn for our lost guide. With trepidation, we surged forward on the road, the marbled brown reflecting the golden- and creme-tinged sky. There were no patterns.
No signs.
No change in scenery.
The road extended forever into the distance, not disappearing once before the horizon. It was hazy, hot, and the ground didn’t help. The bulbous bubbles popped noisily every few minutes, spouting sharp, scraggly rocks, along with a spew of the luring trap of caramel, the sweet smell of french vanilla, something so ancient to us now. The air seemed to hum, a constant ringing in our ears, making it impossible to sleep.
Tired, hungry, annoyed, desperate.
A bad combination.
I shift my heavy pack on my sweating shoulders, brush the perspiration off my forehead, and take a glance back.
No one’s doing much better—the older ones barely hanging on in the back, stumbling over the rocks. The young ones have given up too, lagging behind, whining, crying. The adults are quite, but their exhaustion clearly shows on their faces; skin wet, drooping eyes.
At this rate, we will never make it, and the population with surely die out from lack of food.
A burst bubble nearly catches me off-guard, causing me to stumble. I sigh with relief, thinking I’ve escaped sure doom if my reflexes hadn’t kicked in.
Just as I’m about to move further away from the accident-prone area, I’m jolted backward, the motion almost causing me to fall flat on my back. Panic encases me, and I look only to see that the amber liquid has grasped my calf, and I feel a red-hot pain force my leg to collapse beneath me. I scramble, raking my fingers through the thick earth, but it’s already pulling me in.
I think I may have yelled for help, but no one turns to help me. No one registers that anything is wrong.
It’s then I realize how little anyone cares about each other. Selfishness and fear keep them from saving me. I look up at the people passing me by, and not even a child stops.
This is expected, and no one bothers to think there’s a way to escape.
All of this I think in the split second that the goo takes to spread from my right leg to my thigh, torso and arms, before I’m sealed into the thick layer of substance.
But the worst part is, I’m not dead, only preserved. I’m stuck, waiting, as the whole world that I know walks past me.

daily. march 6 ✦
402 words

It’s the morning when you turn eighteen, and you jump out of bed seconds before your alarm rings. The morning light is still dim, but you can’t bear to go back to bed now that you’re awake—there’s too much excitement bouncing around inside. You pull on somewhat fancy clothes for the moment and hurriedly smooth the covers and fluff the pillows. You’re about to rush to the bathroom when a glint of gold catches your eye. You stop in time to see a brilliant, large red dragon hovering at your window. The envy of your relatives having their own dragon reappears, but dissipates instantly—today you will be one of them. Just as you’re about to move on, you notice the look in the dragon’s eyes. Bright yellow-golden irises, with flecks of red and orange. But these eyes are sad, almost pitying. Warning with sadness.
You don’t have time to ponder if this is your mind messing with you. Tearing away from the large window and balcony, your feet pound on the expensive carpet as you make your way to the bathroom. Just your luck that your hair is as tangled as ever. Minutes later and some groaning, you appear outside once again. You check the window, but your mother’s beautiful dragon isn’t anywhere to be seen.
No one’s ever explained where they came from—when you were younger, you assumed that they had a large stash somewhere in the caste. But years of exploring has led you to a strong decision: that the dragons aren’t hidden anywhere. You push your slight troubles aside. After all, it’s your birthday. You should enjoy yourself. Suddenly, your mother dashes from the hallway leading to your room.
Curious why she hadn’t stopped to say good morning, you walk slowly to the corner, the one where she vanished from view. Peering around it, there’s no sign of her.
Your heart races; is this some sort of test? You quicken your pace, and when you reach the next fork, you pause to listen. You can hear slight chatter from the left, and take it to a room you’ve never thought much of.
Without hesitation, you push open the door and find a gathering of people huddled around a table. many magical items are hovering in the space: crystals, books, trinkets, wands. No one’s noticed your entrance, but then the door slams behind you.
“Told you they’d fall for it.”

weekly. march 6 ✦
4428/2300 words total
1: 432/300 words
2: 530/500 words
3: 896/700 words
4: 2570/800 words

poetry section (part 1)
432 words total

‘avengers.’
1. acrostic
39 words

Always there when people are in need
Voluntary heroes
Epic abilities and different types
Never let arguments completely break them apart
Getting a plan before action
Eradicating dangers
Right on time to save and protect
Sole purpose to help

‘spider.’
2. cinquain
13 words

Spider
Always creeping
Crawling, hiding, scaring
Please get out, you fiendish creature!
Insect

‘morning.’
3. free verse
50 words

I get up out of my bed,
Stretching after a long sleep.
The sun calls me, shining its friendly
Light on my face.
I turn to the window,
Fresh, salty sea air greets me.
I run downstairs, only to be tripped by
My little brother’s toy.
My perfect morning ruined once again.

‘In this place.’
4. pantoum
320 words

The wind brushes over my face,
tumbling curls blinding my eyes.
I know this horrid place,
My voice fumbling over my cries.

Tumbling curls blinding my eyes,
My ankles splashing through the cold water ripples.
My voice fumbling over my cries,
Tearing through the blades of grass tickles.

My ankles splashing through the cold water ripples,
Fingers scraping at the harsh wood.
Tearing through the blades of grass tickles,
Desperately trying to be what I could.

Fingers scraping at the harsh wood,
Falling and cutting my knee.
Desperately trying to be what I could,
My heart thumping as I climb the tree.

Falling and cutting my knee,
The songbirds ruin my attempt to run.
My heart thumping as I climb the tree.
The walls close in, my heart weighs a ton.

The songbirds ruin my attempt to run,
I skirt the edge, feel the seam.
The walls close in, my heart weighs a ton,
Then the ground drops from beneath me.

I skirt the edge, feel the seam,
Smelling the rotten, dirty humidity.
Then the ground drops from beneath me.
I scream, choking from the musty veil of my stupidity.

Smelling the rotten, dirty humidity,
I know I am trapped, yet not pitied.
I scream, choking from the musty veil of my stupidity.
Wondering how long in this misery.

I know I am trapped, yet not pitied,
For hours longer I stay.
Wondering how long in this misery,
Only then I turn to pray.

For hours longer I stay,
Dying slowly in my prison.
Only then I turn to pray,
Knowing I am here for no real reason.

Dying slowly in my prison,
Pounding on the undergrowth.
Knowing I am here for no real reason.
The dirt crumbles, I have no time to mope.

Pounding on the undergrowth,
I take shallow intakes of breath.
The dirt crumbles, I have no time to mope,
While my captives are awaiting my death.

‘whales.’
5. tongue twister
10 words

We will wonder why whales whoop while water wipes wharfs.

end of part 1.
essay section (part 2)
530 words total

You pick up your phone, glancing over your recent texts. Your eyes widen as you begin to actually take in the information; your best friend replying angrily to your latest message, and you rush to explain what you meant to say, desperate to fix the situation, only to cause more confusion. You give up on the rapid explaining and decide to wait and clear it up when you have time to talk later. Ignoring more retorts, you turn on Do Not Disturb and tuck your phone back into your pocket, but that doesn’t stop your mind from thinking about the unresolved issue filling up your inbox.
Ever try to start a conversation, only to have the person not understand what you’re trying to say, or struggle to find enough words to describe something? Evidence of why this may be happening can be traced back to texting—as simple as that answer might seem. Texting may be a big part of someone’s life—but no one’s really acknowledging how much it has been impacting them in the long run.
To start, texting has a major correlation with worse grammar. Because of the tendency to shortcut things with abbreviations, slang, and less usage of punctuation, it can be easy for the way you speak and think to change over time. You may be noticing more mistakes in your writing from a lack in caring about grammar, only assuming the receiver of the message with understand what you’re trying to get through. This can be an issue for when you speak out loud—because you might not be pausing in all the right places or verbalizing abbreviations. When the person you’re talking to becomes confused, you’ll probably end up blaming them instead of yourself when they ask for clarification.
In addition, texting reduces a person’s ability to form good relationships. The reader can interpret a message differently, since there’s no way to tell the tone, facial expression, attitude, and all components to a good listener. This can turn bad quite quickly, because someone could take a serious matter as a joke or a funny comment as an insult. Things like this—misunderstandings—can separate people as they will have their own opinions based on what they text. Furthermore, texting creates a barrier between being able to communicate out loud. If you stick to texting, then when the time comes for important meetings or interviews, you won’t have the skills you need that define you as a person. Poor vocabulary and trouble speaking are all things that might be the difference between getting a job or not.
To wrap this up, texting has a negative effect on someone’s life. It reduces your mind to simple sentences, explanations that may not be clear, which can land in more problems than you started with. Bad grammar and punctuation can change how you normally write and speak, impacting conversations and relationships with others. Shifting to texting only makes it harder to communicate and get your points across to others, such as teachers, bosses, younger or older children, and even parents or guardians. The point of texting is to be able to talk with friends, family, and others easily—not change your entire lifestyle.

end of part 2.
script section (part 3)
896 words total

JESSICA and CHARLES appear on the stage. CHARLES is muttering to himself, but the words aren’t audible. The two seem to be searching for something, but JESSICA looks bored and impatient.

JESSICA: Do you ever think we should just stop doing this?
JESSICA looks stunned at what she said, looking down shamefully.

CHARLES stops and looks back at JESSICA.
CHARLES shuffles his shoes nervously.
CHARLES: I just had a good hunch, okay? This place has to be it. Don’t ask me why. It just…sort of feels right.

JESSICA: I can tell you’re not sure. Come on, since when have you ever been right with this thing?

CHARLES looks hurt, but he doesn’t say anything for a moment. He doesn’t make eye contact.
CHARLES: Look, it’s only been about an hour. It can’t be far, the beach is pretty small, I think.

After only a few minutes, JESSICA speaks up again.
JESSICA: Okay, now what? There’s obviously nothing here.

CHARLES doesn’t say anything. Struggles to say something, his mouth opens and closes without speaking.
CHARLES: Just keep looking at the beach! Don’t just stand there.

JESSICA and CHARLES walk, and the scene changes. The sun’s a bit lower, and there is a small stand, looking abandoned that JESSICA and CHARLES don’t notice.

JESSICA stands on one side of the stage, audibly expressing her frustrations. CHARLES does not seem to hear her on the opposite side of the stage.
JESSICA is still bored, but decides to do something. She walks on top of the smooth pebbles, but her sandals make it more difficult. She pulls them off, bending down between some rocks and seaweed.

The day is slowly changing to night; the sky deepens to and orange-red.
The set is completely silent. CHARLES is looking at the sky expectantly, then frowns.
He stands up, wiping his forehead like he’s sweating.
CHARLES walks closer to the water, and douses his face and hair in the water.
CHARLES stands up suddenly, alarmed. CHARLES splashes in the water, but there is no noise. He looks to JESSICA on one end of the stage.
CHARLES: JESSICA!! JESSICA! The water’s not making noises, or something! Get over here.

JESSICA doesn’t look up, still occupied by the pebbles.

CHARLES (impatient and worried): JESSICA!
CHARLES begins to walk briskly toward JESSICA, then starts to jog.
Once closer, CHARLES calls JESSICA’s name hesitantly.
CHARLES: JESSICA?

JESSICA looks at him, confused.
JESSICA: What?

CHARLES: Didn’t you hear me before? I was yelling your name like crazy. Don’t scare me like that. But look, the waves, there’s something wrong with the water, it’s doesn’t—

JESSICA cuts him off, standing.
JESSICA: What do you mean? I didn’t hear you—you were saying something? Maybe you were too far. Anyway, I was looking at the rocks, could the mean something?

CHARLES looks disturbed, clearly not caring about their project.
CHARLES: Never mind the rocks! Look, come here. I need to show you this.

JESSICA walks over to CHARLES, clearly still annoyed and not scared.
JESSICA: What is it?

CHARLES motions to be quiet with a finger to his lips.
CHARLES: Shh, be quiet. Listen.

JESSICA and CHARLES stand together, looking at the water. CHARLES continues to look concerned, but JESSICA doesn’t respond to anything.
JESSICA: I don’t hear anything. CHARLES, what’s the point of all this?

CHARLES: That’s what I’ve been saying to you!! The waves do not make noise on the beach. Didn’t you notice?

JESSICA starts to look more panicked. She bends to splash in the incoming sea, only to have it draw back. JESSICA walks toward it, trying to test CHARLES’s theory.

CHARLES hollers to her, but the sound is muted as JESSICA runs after the receding tide.

JESSICA is now sprinting. She doesn’t notice the water mounting.
Then, a steep wave hovers over JESSICA. She gasps, like seeing it for the first time. JESSICA breathes heavily. She goes to leave, but her feet are stuck in the sand. The wave crashes on top of her, and JESSICA tumbles back to the beach. JESSICA looks up, breathing heavily again and looking around frantically.
JESSICA sees that CHARLES is missing.
JESSICA: CHARLES! Where are you? Please don’t be messing with me. This isn’t funny.
JESSICA turns in a full circle.
CHARLES is nowhere to be seen.
JESSICA suddenly sees the blue cart, and walks to it.
JESSICA: Hi sir, sorry to bother you—but have you seen a boy? He’s around my height, has glasses?
JESSICA looks at what the MAN is selling. She spots the blue sou’wester hats and looks bewildered, but doesn’t say anything.
When the MAN doesn’t respond, JESSICA asks again.
JESSICA: Uh, sir, do you speak English? Can you hear me? I’m looking for my friend.
JESSICA tugs at the collar of her yellow sweater, anxious to find CHARLES.

MAN (in a thick accent): I think I’ve seen him around. Yes, would you like to see him?
The MAN points to a bright blue sou’wester.

JESSICA begins to think the MAN isn’t very bright, and looks at him both concerned and confused.

The MAN suddenly stares at JESSICA, and she gasps, a light blinding her eyes.
A stage curtain drops, a bright white. When the ‘blinding light’ is gone, JESSICA is not on the stage.
The MAN smiles, bending to pick up a hat—another blue sou’wester, with yellow accents, like the color that JESSICA was wearing…

end of part 3.
non-fiction section (part 4)
2570 words total

piece 1. ‘hamilton’.
2087 words (excluding quotes from the music)

Hamilton is an American Musical that follows the achievements and downfalls of Alexander Hamilton. The musical plays out his story with catchy tunes and raps that will have you hooked until the end! Along with Lin Manuel-Miranda as Hamilton, the original cast consists of Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, Jonathan Groff, Anthony Ramos, and more.
The story starts by introducing the main character in the song “Alexander Hamilton”, hence the name. It’s a monologue shared by some of the important people in Hamilton’s life, such as George Washington, Aaron Burr, John Laurens, and Marquis de Lafayette. To sum it up, Alexander came from the Caribbean, and when a hurricane passed into his town, he wrote a meaningful message about it. People saw his talents and gathered enough money to send him to America for a proper education, where he prospered. The song intertwines his story with some of the lines, such as “In New York you can be a new man.”
From then on, the story unfolds with detailed events in his life—from building friendships, fighting in the American Revolution, and developing his own political opinions. One of the longest and most difficult songs in the soundtrack is called “My Shot”, which follows Hamilton’s meeting of Aaron Burr, as Alexander seeks out information of how he can graduate as quickly as possible and be engaged with the war. Hamilton introduces himself to Marquis de Lafayette, Hercules Mulligan, and John Laurens. In the song, Alexander explains where he came from, his dreams and hopes, getting his new friends to explain their own. The most interesting part is that the words “My Shot” have so many meanings to it—like the drinks they have for the duration of it, or a chance at something bigger, or even a gunshot.
This elaborate piece kickstarts the musical, and soon, three female characters are added to the mix—Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler. The song “The Schuyler Sisters” takes place in New York, where Angelica and Eliza are both excited to be downtown, obsessed with the news of the changes and things going on in their city, while Peggy, being the youngest, objects to their excitements, pointing out the bad things as well. This song shows the ambition of Angelica Schuyler, with her bold opinions and ideas of what type of guy she’d like to have—‘I’m looking for a mind at work’. Overall, the song is very upbeat, with Aaron Burr popping in and trying to get her attention; the Schuyler family being one of the richest at the time.
The next series of songs are “Farmer Refuted”, “You’ll be Back”, and “Right hand Man”. These songs showcase newer characters and Hamilton’s goals. In “Farmer Refuted”, Alexander argues with Samuel Seabury about the events happening considering the war. They’re cut off by two messengers of the king, King George III. In this, King George covers his disappointment with the colonies turning against him, and his annoyance at what they’re trying to do. In “Right hand Man”, George Washington is properly introduced, as Hamilton explains that the only way he can make a difference is by getting Washington’s approval. So, while the Continental Army is struggling to fight British troops, Hamilton steps in when Washington is desperate, giving him an opening to the inside. George Washington asks him to be his right hand man, and of course, Alexander agrees, knowing this is the moment he’s been waiting for (and a couple lines from “My Shot” are repeated as Hamilton ponders his decision).
And now Burr’s back again, stating how Hamilton has quickly risen to a new standard—right by Washington’s side, helping with his writing skills. However, Alex isn’t really loaded. He needs money to go somewhere, and sets his eyes on the Schuyler sisters. After a quick transition song, “A Winter’s Ball”, the song “Helpless”, staring Eliza Schuyler, explains her side of the story. Eliza says that she’s never really been interested in anyone, but after setting her eyes on Hamilton, she couldn’t let go. Eliza gets Angelica to help her out, and they meet. Knowing Alexander, he does everything to get her to fall for him. And they’re both happy. Eliza sings about her joy, and her worry about her father ruining their relationship. However, all goes well, and the two get married.
Following the events of “Helpless”, “Satisfied” tells the story, but from Angelica’s point of view. This is clearly her moment, as she explains her own thoughts on Hamilton—and that she was interested, but her hesitation caused her to lose him to Eliza. Angelica sings about his charm but also her resistance, but once she’d introduced him to Eliza, she knew she had blow her chances at him. In her rap, Angelica mentions that Hamilton and her had matched wits—that she felt like they were at the same level of understanding. In later songs, we can still hear some of Angelica’s longing for Hamilton through subtle lines, such as the moment explaining “My Dearest, Angelica” in the song “Take a Break”. When Angelica comes to visit Hamilton one year in the summer, she’s happy to be there (having traveled all the way from London), but Alexander can’t make any time for his family or her due to his work.
Going back to “Satisfied”, Angelica concludes with the facts that she and Hamilton will never be satisfied, no matter what happens. This comes back in Act II, but Angelica is angry rather than disappointed.
But moving on from Alexander’s complicated love life, he needs to balance out his work. The American troops are still struggling, and they can’t afford to mess up. Then, Washington makes the mistake of entrusting Charles Lee during a battle. Due to his inexperience, things go wrong. Hamilton believes Lee should be punished for badmouthing George Washington about it, which leads to a duel—when two people face off with weapons. Because Washington instructed Alexander to do nothing, John Laurens steps up for the duel. After the count of 10, they turn around, and can fire, aim at the sky (for peace, not wanting to kill the other person; it ends the duel), or simply run. In the duel, Laurens shoots Lee in the side, and Washington becomes angry at knowing of what happens, and sends Hamilton home. When Alexander comes back, he finds that Eliza’s planning on having a baby. Eliza explains that she wanted him home a month ago, but Alexander refuses the thought.
After consideration with Lafayette, Washington decides to call Hamilton back—they need him during the Battle of Yorktown. Lafayette’s rap becomes very iconic, titled “Guns and Ships”. The French have come to ally the Americans with troops and weapons, so all they need is a good strategy to get the British to surrender. The idea was to trap the British by sea with French warships, and then force them to give up when no help came to them. The plan worked successfully, becoming the last major war in the American Revolution.
The war’s over, and now is the issue of figuring out how to govern the new country. With this brings issues between Thomas Jefferson and Hamilton, members of Washington’s Cabinet. The two disagreed on nearly everything, which caused major problems over what the country should be like—with Federalist or Democratic-Republican beliefs.
Back at home, Eliza urges Alexander to take a break, and soon he receives a letter from Angelica saying that she’s planning to come to America during the summer. However, when she arrives, Hamilton is sorry to say that he can’t go upstate with them. He insists that he needs to get his plan through Congress, and by staying home, his luck begins to spiral out of control.
Having to pay a man named James Reynolds a large sum of money, and being head of the Treasury, James Madison, Jefferson, and Burr take interest in what he’s doing with the money. The idea was to try to expose Hamilton for doing something wrong, because they saw him as a threat to the nation. The three confront Alexander, when seeing the amounts payed to Mr. Reynolds, suspicious that he was using the money from the government for his own personal benefit. In the song “We Know”, Hamilton denies what they found, but ends up telling what happened and why he payed the money (Madison, Burr, and Jefferson’s claim was found incorrect), but showed that he always used his own money, not from the treasury.
Soon after, Hamilton’s solo song “Hurricane” goes through the troubles of his life, how writing always got him out of something. Even though he made his visitors promise not to say anything, he felt guilty for holding something back. He decided to write “The Reynolds Pamphlet”, telling the story of his crime, only to have the opposite effect.
The pamphlet only made people see what he did wrong, and so when his wife and closer friends found out, they were shocked to read what he did.
Prior to “Burn”, “The Reynolds Pamphlet” is sung mainly by Jefferson and Madison, as they joyfully cheer “He’s never gonna be president now, one less thing to worry about”. In this song, Angelica comes from London again, and Alexander is relieved to see her, thinking she’s come to help him. Instead, she explains her love for her sister, “I’m standing at her side. You could never be satisfied… I hope you’re satisfied”.
So, Hamilton’s pretty much lost anything he had ever gained. His status and respect, his friendships and his wife.
“The Reynolds Pamphlet” end with the line “His poor wife.” The song “Burn” states Eliza’s harsh thoughts of Alexander, and how he broke her heart, after catching her with his charm. Already, Eliza had been annoyed and Alexander for prioritizing his job over helping her and Phillip, their son. Eliza sings that she’s taking away herself from the narrative that she put herself in when their love was still young, when she wanted him to stay at home with her before Phillip was born.
From her point of view, all Eliza knows is the story told from “The Reynolds Pamphlet”. Hamilton never explained what happened from his perspective, so she hates him for betraying her trust.
Like mentioned before, Hamilton’s life is slowly becoming worse. He loses the love from his wife, he loses his job, he loses money, and soon he loses his son in a duel against George Eaker, when Phillip stands up for his father after Eaker had said bad things about him. When Phillip dies, Alexander is overcome by grief and sadness of not having Eliza or Phillip, their first born. Hamilton had many other kids than Phillip, but it hit hard. Alexander feels such remorse, and apologizes to Eliza. Eventually, in the song “It’s Quiet Uptown”, Eliza forgives Alexander.
And so the end is near. Switching back to the point of view of Jefferson, Madison, and the 1800 election, everything comes down to Hamilton once again. It’s Jefferson or Burr, the votes ending in a tie time and time again, before Alexander breaks the tie, and even though he had despised Jefferson for so long, he put Jefferson over Burr, his old friend.
Burr’s anger takes over his cool demeanor, blaming Hamilton for ruining his chances at the only thing he ever wanted in life. Back in the song “The Room Where it Happens”, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson converse with Alexander, and Alex ends up getting the better end of the deal. He had the power to change the government more freely, to get his plan open to more people. The Virginians agree with the deal, and they got to decide where to put the nation’s capital. From there, Burr becomes obsessed with his wanting to be in the room where it happens, so he starts by becoming a senator, to work his way up from there. When Hamilton blows his dream, he write him a letter. They can’t settle on peace, so Aaron Burr provokes a duel, and he ends up killing Alexander.
Right as Burr has fired his weapon, Hamilton’s thoughts are told out, the seconds stretching into a couple minutes, as the bullet inches closer. Alexander is debating what he should do—put an end to Burr, the duel, or simply run.
In the end, he says a mental goodbye to everyone. He promises he’ll see them on the other side: in death.
He aims toward the sky, but it’s too late. He dies like his son, and his admirers mourn.
Through all of this, Eliza’s still there. In “Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story”, characters’ thoughts are explained, including Eliza. She tells of her achievements, how much she misses Alexander, and her hope that the world will keep their stories alive.

piece 2. ‘spider-man’.
483 words (excluding quotes from the movies)

The Avengers consist of amazing, capable people—all with different abilities, motivations, and personalities. Iron Man (deceased), Captain American (deceased), Black Widow (deceased), Ant-Man, Wanda, Vision (deceased), Hawkeye, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, Thor, Hulk, Iron Patriot, Falcon, and the Guardians of the Galaxy if you’re counting them. But there’s one we’re forgetting, figure it out yet?
If you’ve got no clue who the Avengers are, then here it is: Spider-Man.
Spider-Man, also known as Peter Parker, is the youngest Avenger. He started as “a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” as Tony Stark (Iron Man) insisted. The two had a nice relationship, and Tony really cared for him. He expresses his concerns at Peter trying to do things that someone else should handle, or when he disappeared during the blip. However, even though Spider-Man doesn’t get a lot of time on screen during the movies in the Avengers’ timeline, he has his own movies with some scenes with Iron Man before he died.
The thing that’s special about Peter is that he never really wants anything in return. He longs to be something more than just the average person helping the city; stopping crime. He wants to be an Avenger, but when he’s officially offered it by Tony, he denies it. This shows how he would prefer to stick to what he’s been doing. Spider-Man’s humble, loyal, and always trying to figure out a way to make everything work out. Desperate to give his friends a better chance in life after Peter’s identity is revealed in “Spider-Man: No Way Home”, he goes to Doctor Strange to change things so that no one knows who Spider-Man is.
At the end, when the other dimensions are coming to their world after issues with the original spell, Peter makes a huge sacrifice—telling Strange to create another spell, but this time, no one will know that he even existed. Due to this, he loses his relationship with his girlfriend, MJ, and his best friend, Ned. The reason he did this was to save the world from the problems he started, even if that meant losing everything dear to him. His guardian, Aunt May, died because of Green Goblin. Even Happy, who was Tony’s best friend, doesn’t remember him. Peter’s on his own, trying to rebuild what he lost.
When he returns to the place where they used to hang out (where MJ works), he finds that all his efforts payed off, and Ned and MJ got into MIT. The sadder thing is, Peter can’t go to school. Near the end, we see him unpacking, and the camera shows of view of a book labeled GED (General Educational Development). The purpose of GED is to study for a series of exams, and once passed, it stands as a high school diploma.
Peter Parker’s gone through so much loss and pain, but he still gets up and continues to do what he started: being “a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” until the end.

daily. march 8 (utc) ✦
501 words
part in gray is by @froggitti!

Arden was almost dead. Now at the time Arden didn’t know this, but he has a sprained ankle, three broken ribs, a broken nose, and one massive black eye. He lay broken on the charred ground that used to me New York. Buildings were stumps of metal and electrical energy. The scream of the ones he knew he couldn’t save echoed through the ruins. Arden tried to stand, or at least get on his knees, but he fell into a heap. He managed to lean against a shattered bus stop, trembling. The villain swooped down in front of him and immediately a sword was inches from his chest.

“Don’t even try, young hero. It’s all over. I have won!”

Arden pressed his hand to his chest, which was already red from his wounds, trying to slow his already out of control breathing.

“Y-you’ll never win!” He said right before he began to cough up blood. A smile cracked in the corner of the villains mouth, looking at a helpless Arden. His everything hurt, he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t think, he couldn’t- fight. That part got him. It was hopeless now. The rest of the heroes’ limp bodies lay scattered in the rubble and Arden was barely alive. The villain WAS right, he had won. At this moment, he gave up. He stopped fighting. He prepared himself for death, a sword half-way through his stomach, and the villains ruling the mounds of rubble. The villain noticed this of course, and took the sword back a few inches, preparing the final blow. Arden closed his eyes, ready for the pain that would expand through his stomach. But it never happened. He peeked open his eyes and saw the villain laying a few yards away in immense pain. But right in front of Arden was someone he never thought would come.

“For god's sake Arden!” Madox chidded helping his sworn enemy stand in minimal pain. “I’m gone for a few hours and you decided you almost die.” Arden stood there, dumbfounded.

“You came…?” He asked quietly, still wincing from the pain.

“Of course I came to you idiot !!” He replied. He turned Arden to the side, looking directly in his eyes. “I can’t have my boss killing you, can I?”


“I…what? Do you mean all this time, when you could have been helping me, you were working for the enemy, pretending?” The anger slowly began to mount in Arden, but he managed to keep his voice steady. There was obviously something more to the story that he didn’t know, and he wasn’t taking his chances provoking Madox—after all, he could change his mind and backstab him.
“Well, yeah, I suppose,” Madox looked at Arden, seeing his slight annoyance. “Hey, if you word it that way you make it seem like it’s my fault.”
“It is,” Arden muttered, but didn’t argue further. He held out his arm, and Madox let Arden lean on him as they walked away from the dead villain.
Madox went on to explain what had happened, how he had been a spy, dedicated to watching Arden. Though he had lots of questions, Arden was far too exhausted to think, listen, or speak.
The hours seemed to drag as the made their way over the destroyed plains, in clear sight. No one seemed to come after them, but maybe that was because there was hardly anyone left. Nothing had much importance now—only stretches of ruin were the remains of the tall buildings that used to stand. Arden felt like that if Madox didn’t do something soon, he would die from his injuries; a no different outcome than what would have been a few hours ago.
Both of them were equally tired as Madox brought them to a rickety structure. Arden realized Madox had bruises and cuts of his own, but if they still hurt, he wasn’t complaining. The two sat in silence for a long time, before passing out onto the rough, barren floor. Neither minded. It had been a while since they’d had a good sleep—and there wasn’t much to worry about anymore.
Satisfied, the boys slept without nightmares.
In the morning, Arden was shaken awake by Madox. For a second, he felt panic, not knowing where he was or what he was doing with the enemy. After a few seconds, he remembered the events of yesterday, and closed his eyes for another second, relieved. When he finally got up, he groaned, but managed to hobble over to a makeshift table where Madox was attempting to create an appealing breakfast. Arden’s mouth was dry, wanting water more than the normal meal he’d had over the past month.
As he sat, Madox looked up, smiling.
“I never thanked you for what you did,” Arden said, not meeting his companion’s eyes or speaking very clearly, but he thought Madox understood what he was trying to convey.
The two had been foes for the longest time—it was strange to be sitting at a table, trying to chat and make jokes.
It was nice. At least, from Arden’s point of view. He had no idea if Madox was simply playing with him, but for the moment, he was glad to have someone watching his back other than himself.
And at last, peace.