Daily #1 - 2nd / XI / 2021


O’ Chocolate Cake,
O’ Chocolate Cake.

With My Friends,
Thee I Make.

We Knew Not Then,
The Great Mistake.

It Was I,
Who poured The Shake.

The Salt Was Too Much,
But It Kept Us Awake.

When Thou Was Finished,
It Was Time To Bake.

Thou Was Rescued,
And Covered In Chocolate Lake.

One Good Friend Decorated,
With a Strawberry Stake.

I Decorated Thee,
With a Chocolate Smile Shape.

The Time Had Come,
To Try for our Sake.

Thou Was Not Bad,
I Will Not Fake.

‘Twas an Adventurous Journey,
Though I Could Not Break.

Thou Art a Memory,
I Shall Not Escape.


Once upon a time, there were three very good friends who decided that they would get together and bake something. They did not discuss beforehand, so they all came with different ideas about what they would be spending their time on.
“How about one of these?” One friend asked as she showed the other two several pictures of incredibly fancy desserts.
“I don’t know, I’m not an expert on baking,” the second friend responded. She sat down, and waited for the other two to come to some sort of conclusion so that she could go around and retrieve the ingredients necessary for whatever it might be.
“We don’t have a whole lot of time,” the third friend glanced up at the clock. “We probably want something that won’t take too long. We could always just make chocolate chip cookies.”
“We always make chocolate chip cookies,” the second friend laughed as she searched through chocolate cake recipes. “How about this one? It takes thirty minutes to bake, and the ingredients are all ones that we have. It’s very simple, I think we could do it in the time we have.”
“Hmm… That’s a good idea. We could make three cakes, one for each of us!” The first friend decided.
“Sounds good.” The second stood up, and gathered what was needed. “Eggs, cocoa, vanilla extract, flour…” Everything soon was on the table covered with a blue towel.
The race was on. Would they finish baking the cake before they had to leave each other’s presence? Only time would tell.

November Weekly #1

Part One: Character Voices - 251 Words

“Chloe, did you hear that?” Andrea’s eyes were wide as she tapped her phone.
“Yeah.” The clacking of Chloe’s keyboard could be heard through the microphone connecting them to each other.
“I’m coming over to you right now. Something’s happened to Madi, and we have to figure out what.” Andrea ignored the timer on her computer that counted down to her team’s due date.
“Calm down Andrea. If she’s been arrested, there has to be a reason.”
“She seemed like a nice enough kid, I can’t imagine her ever doing something illegal!”
“What if she wasn’t the person we thought she was? After all, we have only been teammates for a day.”
“Chloe, you have to understand. I have a bad feeling about this, and it’s up to us to find out what’s going on. If she had done something illegal, I’m sure that they would have notified us by now.”
“They might just not want to frighten us.”
“Listen. We have to rescue her. She’s only eighteen, we can’t let her waste away in a jail cell for the rest of her life.”
“You can go on your own, but I’m not going to be happy with it. You know what will happen if we don’t meet this deadline.”
“Actually, I don’t.” Andrea shut off her computer. “So what if I get fired? I’m getting the feeling this place isn’t all it’s displayed to be. Popularity clouds our vision, doesn’t it?”
“Andrea, don’t do this. You're going to get caught.”

***


Part Two: Character motivations - 563 Words

Andrea strode through the halls like nothing had happened. She hadn’t just lost her partner. She wasn’t about to get fired. She wasn’t doing anything wrong. “Hello!” She waved to those she passed in the hallway. What better way to get away with something than to act friendly?
It wasn’t too strange for employees to be walking around the office building at this time. It was just before lunch break, and there was nothing in the rules saying that they couldn’t leave their work a few minutes early as long as they got the right amount of work done within their work day. I’ll just work extra hard after this is done, she mentally promised herself.
As Andrea walked, she began to question why she was doing this. It’s for Madi, she told herself. It was for a girl she had only known since the day before. After some more time, she began to wonder where she was going.
If she was arrested, she should be in prison, right? Andrea wasn’t about to go into a prison by herself. She was a woman who could speak when she knew the people around her, but when it came to strange men… She shuddered. Chloe wouldn’t be too much help, but at least she could be there for moral support.
“Chlo-“ stepped into her partner’s office to find her words cut short. “Oh.” She was there, but held in her hands was a weapon pointed straight at her.
“Andrea, give it to the kind gentleman over there and put your hands up. If you don’t, I think I’ll have to shoot you.” The shake in Chloe’s hand was the only sign that the friend Andrea knew was still there.
After visually searching the man to her right, Andrea became more angry than afraid. “Chloe, what have they done to you? I thought I could trust you.” She fingered the weapon she had stolen from the secretary, but did not take it out of her pocket.
“It is I who shouldn’t have trusted you. Lier, criminal, destroyer. Perhaps you weren’t who I thought you were all these years we’ve been together either.” Chloe snarled, and all of the uncertainty that had once shown had vanished. “This man came to see me after you left your office to tell me the truth. I can’t believe you chose that girl Madi over me.”
“No, listen to me,” Andrea’s eyes watered. “I did nothing. I don’t know what he told you, but whatever he did, it isn’t true. All I want is to know the truth. Just like you.”
“Come to find out what happened to your little friend, have ye?” The man’s molasses-like accent filled her ears. “She committed treason against the federal government, and the evidence clearly points that you have aided in this assault against our nation. I have a warrant for your arrest.”
Andrea wanted to think of some genius plan to escape, but nothing worked. She would never be able to shoot anyone, even if she didn’t like them.
Without her request, the final words of her and Chloe’s conversation returned to haunt her. “You’re going to get caught,” she had said. If only I had listened. Andrea handed over the weapon, and held out her hands to have the handcuffs placed on them. You’ve gotten yourself in too deep this time, haven’t you?
***


Part Three: Villains - 452 Words

K is a man who doesn't care much for money. In fact, he practically lets Roger Nelson (K’s figurehead for the company that he hides behind, and head of the coding behind the game that made Hopes and Dreams Gaming) have everything. He takes just enough to help him survive and keep his apartment with utilities.
Due to his lack of a care for money, he wears simple clothing. He doesn’t believe that he should waste anything, especially money on worthless things. He generally is seen, when he is seen, in a flannel over a white or grey shirt. Since he isn’t the public of the company, he can leave it completely up to Nelson to make good impressions.
Despite Madi’s original thoughts about him, what she saw of him was radically different. He is actually quite handsome, and much younger than she had anticipated. When she expected to see a whole lot of tattoos all over him or something, he had not a single one.
K hates to be seen in public because he fears that someone will discover what he is doing. He knows that others think that it is morally wrong, but he believes that it will benefit society as a whole. He thinks that what he has done will lead to a greater good, better than what could ever be without his ideas. If it hadn’t been for him, the rate of mental illness in people would have still been skyrocketing to new heights.
K decided at a young age that he wanted to do something for the world. He saw the pain and suffering that people had to go through, and he wanted to help them. Several of his friends were always jealous of those who had talents that they didn’t, so he began to think of ways that he could give those talents to everyone. At least, the idea for Hopes and Dreams Gaming came to him in a gold-studded chariot. At last, he had brought equality to the United States of America, the land where all men live as equals.
There are several flaws that K has, but his fatal flaw is his paranoia. While he could just erase all his prisoner’s memories and send them back into the world, he doesn’t want to do that because he fears that they would not forget everything and ultimately end up turning him into authorities. This paranoia, however, that made him decide to keep everyone imprisoned, causes one little girl to escape and raise an army against him.
K also is unable to speak. Thanks to the technology of the age, he has made it so that he can speak through a device he connected to himself.


Part Four: Bringing it together - 1383 Words

K’s brown eyes shifted between the several screens set up in his small apartment as he watched from his comfortable chair. All is well, he thought. The children on the other side of the cameras he had set up were all either learning as any ordinary child would be, or playing with another. Each child was in a nicely decorated and furnished cell with at least one adult to take care of them.
It wasn’t that he enjoyed taking what mattered most to these kids, it wasn’t that at all. He wanted to be a hero, and that’s what he felt he was. All throughout his life, he wanted to make things better for the world in which he lived, and he felt that he had been successful. We just need to keep this up, we need to expand.
As long as Nelson believed that he was in charge of the company and nobody found out about how he made the game truly what it was, the coders of his game would do whatever he wanted them to. After all, K was the one who had offered them the powers they had.
“Being a good person is so difficult sometimes,” K frowned. It was tough for him to watch the screens every day to see the people within the cells. In fact, he often ended up crying at some point every day. It was an unfortunate deal that he had to know about this when everybody else could be ignorantly happy.
“Warning, escape,” one of the televisions screeched at K. After this, he received the sound of a high pitched alarm in his head set.
“Ow, I really need to get that fixed.” K instinctively threw his hands up towards his ears, but found plastic instead. “Maybe I should take some money to buy myself an isolated house where I don’t need to wear these.” He removed the headset, and watched the escape, helpless to do anything. All he could do was hope that his guards would catch the little girl and the young woman who was trying to help her escape.
“Guards, there is an alert in the blue hall. Please hurry and catch the escapee or I’m going to fire every one of you!” An electronic voice yelled into the microphone attached to his head set. Thanks to the beauty of technology, K was able to speak his mind in whatever way was necessary to get his point across properly.
“On our way.” A fuzzy signal came in from the office building. It was still several moments before K could see any of his people.
Hurry up, he screamed at them in his mind. They’re going to get away if you don’t catch them now. The two who his guards were supposed to be catching had rushed out of the building.
A few minutes later, his fears were answered. “She got away. A woman took her away in a nondescript vehicle, and attacked the girl who had been chasing after the prisoner.”
“You all better say goodbye to your job. If we don’t get shut down because of your incompetence, I am going to fire all of you after this day has ended.” K’s electronic voice screamed at those who had failed him while he curled up in a ball, his mind filled with paranoid ideas of how he was going to be punished for his crimes.
They don’t know what’s good for them. They don’t know that their happiness was because of me. They don’t know that it was I that gave them and their family hope. K tapped his fingers along his arm. There was absolutely nothing he could do until the moment that the police came in to carry him away.
No, you need to find out who knows. Who was the woman that let the girl escape? K closed his eyes, and scrolled through the employees of Hopes and Dreams Gaming. There must be someone I’m forgetting. None of those employees had to use a wheelchair, and this woman most definitely did.
She must be the new one who replaced Jonas after he stormed out on Nelson’s meeting the other day. K decided that it was necessary to send a text message to Nelson, just to make sure that he knew that the girl he had just hired was a traitor of our nation. It was a lie, but whenever has a little white lie ever hurt anyone?
Ten minutes later, Nelson still had not responded. He would not have the nerve to be too busy for me if he knew what I’m thinking of doing to him.
“Her name is Madison l’Amour, and she seems like a nice enough girl. Are you sure you’ve got the right person? I gave her a proper background check, and her record was completely spotless.” The response finally came back from Nelson.
“Too spotless, perhaps? Did it ever occur to you that she might have been operating under a false name? You idiot. You didn’t think that it was suspicious at all?” K sighed. It’s so much easier to sound angry when I’m not there in person.
“Why don’t you come in for yourself and make sure that she’s the person they’re looking for? Maybe you will match her picture better than I. We all know how better you are than myself at recognizing people.”
“I’ll be there soon. Make sure that she does not escape from the building, she is a treacherous liar.” K stood up from the leather seat, and placed his phone into his pocket. I’ll be there soon.
***
“Child, she was lying to you.” K twisted the truth from his mouth. Actually, now that he’d told it to so many people, this lie he had made about the girl, Madison, actually seemed like the truth for him.
Chloe gasped in shock. “No, I can’t believe it. I know I haven’t known Madi for very long, but I can’t believe she would do that.”
“It’s true, and she has corrupted your friend Andrea also. Chloe, promise me that you will be careful.” K grasped the weapon at his side. “She’s coming here now to try and convince you to join their scheme. You might need this, she has armed herself with a weapon that she stole.”
“Oh…” Her head began to feel light when she caught the weapon K tossed to her, but she still did not know what to do. This man seemed trustworthy enough even if he had to speak through an electronic device. What if all she had ever known about her friends was a lie?
“Don’t fall for her tricks,” he whispered before the office door was thrown open, and a surprised Andrea ran in with a message of urgency.
“Chlo-“ She stared at her friend, who had a gun pointed straight at her. “Oh…”
“Andrea, give it to the kind gentleman over there and put your hands up. If you don’t, I think I’ll have to shoot you.” K watched Chloe for any sign that she was not sincere. At first, he was forced to question whether he had done enough to convince her of what he called the truth.
“Chloe, what have they done to you? I thought I could trust you.” Andrea was fingering the weapon K and Chloe already knew that she carried.
“It is I who shouldn’t have trusted you. Liar. Criminal. Traitor. Perhaps you weren’t who I thought you were all these years we’ve been together either.” Chloe snarled, and all the uncertainty K had once had in his success was vanquished. “This man came to see me after you left your office to tell me your version of the truth. I can’t believe you chose that girl Madi over me.”
“No, listen to me,” Andrea’s eyes watered. “I did nothing. I don’t know what he told you, but whatever he did, it isn’t true. All I want is to know the truth. Just like you.”
“Come to find out what happened to your little friend, have ye?” K’s electronic voice almost sounded more human than ever before. “She committed treason against the federal government, and the evidence clearly points that you have aided in this assault on our nation. I have a warrant for your arrest.”
***

4th - XI - 2021 Daily

I apologize, this is a joke

A girl, Caitlyn, watched longingly at the seat she hoped would be hers before long. She had spent years working hard to get to where she was then, but she wanted more. There was always going to be someone better than her, she understood that, but she wanted to lead her section to victory from the first chair.
“Someday, it will be mine,” she told her friend one day while she was unpacking her viola. When that happens, I will feel that my life calling has been fulfilled.
“What about those freshmen? There could be a little freshman who comes to dethrone you.” Jaymes laughed, and walked away to sit at his place as the first violinist.
“Hey, you might have to watch out also. I hear there are some really good freshmen coming up next year,” Caitlyn shouted after him.
“Yeah right, you know I’m safe where I’m at.” He grinned, and began warming up his fingers with a C sharp major three octave scale.
“He’s not lying.” Caitlyn shrugged, and sat down in the annoying second chair place. Some of the people who she had led in the lower level ensembles still looked to her for her guidance, but she wasn’t the section leader this time. I’ve got one year to prove that I am worthy, we have to work harder than ever before. She breathed deeply, and lifted her viola up to her shoulder.
Josh, the person Caitlyn sought to dethrone, watched her as the Prelude to Bach Cello Suite Number five leaped up from her instrument. “Sounding good,” he told her.
“C Minor is such a great key, don’t you agree?” Caitlyn grinned, and continued playing where she had left off. Does he really think I’m good? She wasn’t quite sure whether she should feel flattered or offended.
“I can’t say I’ve ever played something in that key before. I’m used to the normal keys with just one or two sharps or flats. I’m not a huge fan of accidentals everywhere.”
“C Minor isn’t bad, it only has three flats. You should really try playing something in it. Have you played the fifth Bach cello suite?”
“I don’t know, I might have. Does it sound nice?” Suddenly, Caitlyn realized that she had actually never heard Josh play. She had always assumed that he was first chair because he was really good, but it occured to her that he might possibly just be there because he was a senior, and she was but a lowly junior.
“Yeah, of course. All of the Bach Cello Suites are kind of amazing.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “What kind of advanced violist wouldn’t remember if they had played them or not?” She hadn’t meant to say this aloud, but it happened nevertheless.
“I’m more of a non-classical music kind of person. You know, like real music.” Josh turned away from Caitlyn after that remark because he knew that she took to her own heart any purposeful insults made against music from the classical or baroque periods.
“Hey! You know Bach is more real than any of those pop songs that lack any complexity whatsoever. Take that back right this instant!” Caitlyn somehow didn’t get the fact that Josh had done it simply to antagonize her.
“Girl, calm down.” He accidentally hit his bow on the stand, which caused a loud clang to ring from the impact point. “Whoops.”
Caitlyn gasped. “Oh no, your bow!” She stared in horror as she anticipated the worst.
“It’s fine, I’ve done it before and it hasn’t broken. Besides, this one is cheap so I don’t have to worry about it breaking quite so much.”
“Still, you ought to be more careful.” She glared at him. “We ought to have a viola showdown and have the class choose which of us should be section leader.”
“Sure. I’ll play one of my simple pop songs and sound amazing while you struggle to play one of your complicated Bach things.”
“You’re on.” Caitlyn reached out her hand to be shook. She trusted him as someone who was honest if nothing else, but she still wanted to make sure that he wouldn’t back down from this. After all, the whole class would, as her witnesses of this handshake, force him to do it if he tried to get away.
Josh shook. “It’s a deal.” He waved the orchestra director over to inform her of their plan, and it was sealed. The showdown would occur a week from that day.

5th - XI - 2021

It had been three years since the old barn had been discovered and a month since the workers finished restoring it to the beauty we imagined it could have. When my father and I first came there to discover what was left behind in an ancient town that was abandoned many, many years ago (suspected to be at least a century), we never imagined that it would become what it would be.
It really was not all that interesting how I fell upon the barn. If you’ve ever watched any television about explorers, I’m sure that you can come up with a decent image for yourself of what this looked like for me.
After the initial discovery had been made, I called for my father. He didn’t believe me at first, but he let me drag him into the barn. When he saw what was inside, his jaw practically touched the ground.
I approached one of the walls, and brushed away dust from one of the colourful murals with the same gentless as if I had been handling a kitten. “Wow,” I gasped. Even upon first sight, I had known that this place was incredible. Unfortunately, it would take some time yet to discover the real significance of the place.
“We need to patch up the holes, touch up the murals, get some historians in here to see if the artwork means anything at all to them. It probably won’t be much, but I’ll admit this place can’t possibly be nothing.”
“Dad, it’s more than not much.” I pulled him over to the depiction I had uncovered. “It looks like some sort of alien creature, but it’s so detailed and realistic.”
“I’m glad we found this place.” The man grinned, and didn’t stop. He was as a child in a candy store (not that I was acting any differently in this situation), and he was already running through his mind the images of what this place could be if he and others worked hard enough. “Even if it doesn’t have historical value, we could still make it some sort of tourist attraction.”
It was thus that the restoration of my barn began. The details are rather boring, so I will spare you of them for today. All that is necessary to know is that it happened. The land was forming to what we wanted, and we were happy.
That is, until I discovered an unknown device while I was working in a compartment of what I assumed used to be the hay loft at one point or another. The hay had all molded and practically disintegrated over the time the walls had lain dormant without any sign of human (or alien for that matter) life.
I began to push a few buttons, which everyone should know is never a good idea, but nothing happened. I observed it from all angles to see if any of my doubts would be answered by the object itself. “What is its purpose?” I believed that to be one of the many questions that any good student of anthropology and archaeology must ask themselves about everything they discover, not that I was an expert on that sort or anything.
“Hello?” A muffled voice startled me. Where did it come from? I twisted my head around to see if there was anyone else in the room, but there was not another breathing soul.
“Who are you?” I asked, hoping that I would be able to locate the direction in which any sort of sound came from this time.
“You were the one who called me, weren’t you? I think I ought to be the one asking the questions here.” The voice was gravally, but more in an old and tired way than dangerous.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I picked up the ball in my hand. “I found this device in a barn, so I was trying to figure out if it did anything. I’m very sorry if I disturbed you.” I paused and waited for the other party’s response, but I then realized how impolite I had been. “I am Benjamin Bartok, and I’m from Buffalo, New York.”
“Nice to meet you, Benjamin of Buffalo. I am Spak of Vulcan, and I am intrigued to hear of what has happened on Earth since the last conference of Earth and your allies. I remember attending with my father and mother many years ago, but it was much too long for me to have a detailed idea. It has been about two centuries, has it not?”

***

After a visit to Earth by my good friend Spak, all the world leaders were convinced that this was not just an over the top prank. Every one of them ultimately found no other choice but to agree that the conference was due to occur, and would in exactly two years time. The politicians began planning out their diplomatic tricks, but as for us, we were forced to work two times harder than we had originally anticipated.
The enormous barn and its surrounding town buildings would be ready to hold the meetings before long, and hopefully, we had thought, without too much interference from the forces of nature. We could not control what hardships we would need to overcome in the future, but we found success nevertheless.

6th - XI - 2021 (485 words) Crystal, Lantern, Sprinkle, Orange

There I would stand, before the stone I had sought all my life. I would hold it in my hands, and I would feel it’s smooth surface upon my skin. The faint light that would reflect from it would grace my face with a passion unlike any other…

The crystal of Memoriae is what I have undertaken this journey for. I have wanted to see it all my life, but I knew not how or where I would be able to find it. Now, I have the master key to all the locked chests of dreams I have carried with me since the dawn of time.

The entrance of the cave was now before me, but I was not sure if I was prepared to enter. I feared that there would be something to hold me back from success, but I had not come all this way just to turn back and flee at the first, or even really second, sign of danger.

I grasped the lantern in my hand, and stepped through the dark entrance. What directly around me had once before been cloaked in darkness, now had a light shone on them so that I could see.

“Soon, I will have the power to change the world,” I whispered. There was nobody else around to hear me, so I could speak aloud all I wanted as long as I still had my voice when this was over.

As I followed the fading, ancient map, I began to have fleeting memories of my childhood, which was probably almost as old as my wordless guide.

The final sweet memory that overcame me before I knew that they would turn sour was focused around my final Christmas with my family before they were killed and I was kept as the King’s slave.

I remember my mother taking out the baked cake from the oven. I was incredibly excited because I had only ever had sweets once, and that was only when some kind representative of the king had seen me playing by myself and taken pity on me.

“Honey, do you want to sprinkle on some of this?” Mother placed into my hand a glass jar half filled with one of the herbs she grew in her garden.

“Okay!” I grinned, as any youthful child does whenever they are asked to do something they desperately want.

“There, now isn’t it perfect?” I nodded at my mother’s praise, but then I shifted my attention to the precious oranges on the table.

“Do we have to wait to eat the cake until after we eat dinner, or can I eat it before?” I stared with longing at the treat that sat on the table, just waiting to be eaten.

“Be patient, my child.” The voice of my mother still echoed when I awakened from my reverie. “The time will come. Do not be afraid.”

21st - VII - 2022

Weekly:

Part 1

Brainstorming

- Mountainous terrain
- Land covered in Forests
- Nature important to inhabitants
- World has some magic, but pure magic is uncommon
- Pure and evil magic: Pure passed down through blood. Once, all magic was pure. After the world was tainted by evil, pure magic was taken away from those who pursued darkness.
- Talking trees :>
- No kingdoms or nations, but communities are somewhat isolated from one another
- What is seen differs between individuals
- Not everything is real
- Dreams can come true whether they are good or evil
- Cults commonly develop
- Some people have multiple lives
- Average lifespan of fifty years
- Arranged marriages outlawed
- People can switch between occupations during their lifetime
- Language is relatively similar all over the world. Isolation created dialects
- No animal can be tainted by evil
- Animals communicate through telepathy
- Diet depends on what is found around community
- Gender roles very between communities


A mountainous terrain is incomplete without trees to encourage those who face its danger to continue marching on. In this world, the humanoid species gravitates towards the valleys while some animals make their way higher up in order to avoid the violence of mankind. Trees offer the human inhabitants of this world shade for their crops, edible fruits and leaves from their branches, wood for their shelters, and even provide oxygen for them to breathe. For the animals, trees offer shelter, food, and safety. Overall, trees are very helpful to have in a home.
Animals are important to those who are still good in this world. While they are hunted by evil, they can sense whether or not a person’s blood has been contaminated by connecting through the mind. While telepathy is dangerous for people to attempt because they are so susceptible to corruption, animals do not have any worries such as these.
At the creation of this world, all people were one community that lived in pure love and prosperity. Unfortunately, evil was introduced by a visitor who wanted to destroy them. He took several people, and taught them what they seemed to find appealing. After awhile; however, his teachings had become absurd and corrosive to the human mind. He took his new followers, and sent them back into their people. They found that their purity had been taken from them, so they began to depend on evil rather than the love that they had been formed with. These people were quickly cast from society, so they left and formed their own home. This was the first cult of many to be created in the young world.
As the population grew, inhabitants had to split into multiple communities so that they could feed themselves and their families. Those who remained still pure scattered around the world to find places where they could build their homes. They had all begun with the same language, but some communities began to develop varying dialects due to their isolation from each other as time marched on. Not only were their dialect differences between communities, but gender roles, how people viewed the world, diet, and other aspects of everyday life also began to change due to the personalities of those who chose to settle together.
- 381 words


Narrative

Jafaiel was tired of walking in circles around his small village. Not once had any of the committee members let him go out alone, and even if he were, he would be expected to return with baskets of food for his people. “I want to know what’s beyond our valley,” he told his mother one day. “I know there’s an entire world out there, I’ve seen it in my dreams.”
Rather than comforting her boy, she merely shook her head. “We need to feed you supper earlier so you don’t get such crazy notions from your sleep. You remember that the doctor told you eating before bed causes strange dreams.” She patted him on the shoulder and returned to her work sewing together a clothing garment.
Young Jafaiel did not lose his dream, but he did not want to raise the wrath of his mother. “What are you making today?” He asked, knowing very well what it was. He had been needing a new coat since last winter had ended, and the first signs of the cold had finally begun rolling in. “I’m thankful we live in the valleys,” he shivered as he thought of how cold it must be up on the mountains.
“It can be whatever you want it to be,” she laughed. “One of the great things about being us is that we can see the world from our own perspective. Have you ever listened to the story of a worm?”
“Yeah, of course.” Jafaiel loved his mother, but her mind always seemed to return to the joys of her life. She never seemed to see the negatives that made her son want to see the world beyond his home. That’s when he had an idea. “Mom, you know how you’re always telling me to see from others’ perspectives?”
His mother nodded with caution. “Yeah, of course. What has that got to do with what you want?” She now understood that her philosophy of life could be used to force her to let go of her son. She didn’t want to do this, but she couldn’t hold him back if she wanted to have something still to believe in.
“I want to see my home from another perspective. Mother, haven’t you ever really wanted to see what it’s like to see from the view of a hawk? Haven’t you ever wanted to soar over the lands with no boundaries, no restraints?”
“Jafaiel, I would like for you to have those experiences. Unfortunately, there are dangers out there that you and even I don’t know about. You are free to go, but I want you to return to me in one piece.” Her eyes became a fountain for the tears that fell from them. “Do you call me selfish for loving you so much that I don’t want you to leave?”
- 473 words

Part 2

What kind of magic is used in your world?
There is pure magic, which is what already existed in the world and in the inhabitants’ blood at the creation of their world. It is magic in an uncorrupted state that can be used only to fight evil, and to make the world more beautiful than it already is. Evil magic is what was brought by a visitor from another world who sought to destroy all lifeforms in the universe so that he could make them into his army of servants.
- 81 words

How is the magic in the world used in the character’s everyday lives? What are the different abilities?
Magic is not necessarily used in this world as it would be in others. Rather, it is merely a way of life that those whose blood remain uncontaminated by evil communicate with animals, heal their fallen friends and family, and remain connected to the planet they live on. Instead of the magic being focused on the individual, magic is shared in the community and supplied by the earth. For this reason, everyone’s “magical” abilities are the same as they flow between the members of a community.
- 86 words

What are the laws of your world, specifically about magic? Punishments?
There are no laws in the world because the pure cannot do evil and the evil cannot do good. However, this cannot stop curiosity, emotions, and the individual’s free will. Some communities have rules about what can be done without permission and what can’t. Since magic is based around the community, people generally are not allowed to go out on their own because losing one person can cause a disruption in the ease of which a community can run. Evil communities have rules and punishments, but they only exist to keep some semblance to order so that those who have not been fully corrupted yet will see their system as good and not evil.
- 114 words

How can your world’s magic aid character development?
The fact that the inhabitants of my world can make their own decisions despite their level of purity can lead them to lose connection to the earth and their community. For Jafaiel, his curiosity will take him on a journey both over land and in himself. He will meet people who want to lead him astray, and being very sheltered as a child, he struggled to see the evil. He is helped by some animals who warn him against the danger he was being led into. Thanks to the animals, he learns to discern what is true or not.
- 99 words

How common is magic, and are all characters aware they possess it?
Nobody is aware that they possess magical abilities because it’s just part of their world. The humans of this world struggle to see evil when they meet it because of the isolated lives communities live from each other. Evil can somehow make itself seem so appealing to the curious. As evil becomes more common, those of full purity become fewer and more spread out. This will make it difficult for them to come together and fight the enemy that has crawled its way across the world.
- 86 words

What is a folk tale you have heard that involves magic, and how can you take inspiration from that tale?
Many Native American tribes have legends that include stories about spirits that take the shape of animals or Gods who speak through the mouths and eyes of animals. The tribes further West, such as the Cheyenne, cherished even the buffalo that they hunted. When an animal was killed for food, they used every part of it to show their thankfulness for its life. I can take inspiration from the level of importance that was and is placed on animals by many peoples, including several Native American tribes. Those in my world who still have pure magic within them love the animals they have been given and treat them with a high level of respect.
- 114 words

Compared to our modern society, what do the characters do differently in your world, now that magic is incorporated?
People are more connected with their communities than they would be in a majority of the places on our modern Earth. Due to the shifting of magic from one person to another, each person of a community is considered a necessary and valuable member. This also means that while they must train their hands and minds for many different fields, they get experience in all of them of what it’s like to have that special bit of magic that makes them a master at their job for the time. Magic shifts based on the needs of the community and individuals.
- 100 words

Describe the popular infrastructure in your world.
Infrastructure is only limited by the knowledge and materials of a community. Homes and shops vary based on the personality of those who live and work in them as well as the builders. Since the inhabitants of workplaces can change, it is necessary for the members of a community to communicate on what they want. If the new inhabitant wants something completely different for the building, they can find a builder to help them change it for them. If they just want a little difference in the interior, that is okay also. Pure magic gives builders the inspiration to build what they see in their minds.
- 106 words

How is the education system in your world? What do your characters learn (or hypothetically would learn)?
The educational systems vary between communities. In Jafaiel’s agrarian childhood home, girls are taught by their mothers to do the tasks traditionally for females such as sewing, gathering food from the gardens, planting flowers, and other jobs around the house. Young boys are taught skills in various trades and areas because of how the magic in the world flows between all the people of a community. This way, a person could be an excellent cook one year and a master at the blacksmith’s forge the next. No person would be stuck with the same job for too long, which means that there will be less boredom; therefore, the jobs will be done better than they would have otherwise. As the community evolved and grew, it became more common for women to receive similar educations to men according to the needs of the individuals and the community.
- 146 words

Does magic affect the government of your world? If so, how?
The governments of pure communities change based on who has received the gift of fair governing for the time period. The structure can vary from community to community, but for Jafaiel’s home, it is based on a committee. They decide on whether or not rules need to be made, give land to young men (and some women) who are moving out of the home of their parents, review plans of public buildings made by the builders, and many other tasks. Each person of the committee is in charge of a specific task for a short time and then they switch jobs as the magic sees fit.
- 106 words

Total: 1038 words

Part 3

Urban Fantasy
A city was never any place for a werewolf, especially one with flaming red fur and gorgeous green eyes. While Florian understood why his friends had chosen to come to Nashville for vacation, he secretly wished that they hadn’t. It was difficult enough hiding his wolf side from others in his suburban home, let alone a large city with visitors and locals crowding the streets and sidewalks. At least at home he had a forest that he could escape to. Here, he had nothing but the city.
I have to find a place to change back, he thought as he crept through the silent backstreets. Where will I not be seen? He wondered. Everywhere he looked, there was a camera or red eye that could find him. He didn’t worry much about the drunkards, but it was always possible that they would stretch the story and put him in even more danger than he already was in.
After some searching, he found a dog park nearby the hotel. Among some toys and equipment was a tube designed for a large dog to crawl through. Florian was a bit larger than the average dog, but he figured it was better than nothing. Front paws and head first, he crawled in. It was a tight squeeze, but he managed to fit his entire fluffy body into it. He figured that after he changed back into a human, it would be easier to get out of.
Unfortunately, he had not counted on his claustrophobia kicking in. Without warning, Florian’s human body was seized by an overwhelming fear and soreness. “Help me!” He shouted, unconcerned now for what others might think when they saw a teenage boy stuck in a dog toy.
“Hello?” A girl with angelically perfect hair tilted down to Florian’s face. “Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know how you got there.” She rolled her eyes, and reached out her hand. “You look so miserable that I might as well help you out, no matter what idiodic point you were trying to make.”
“It didn’t seem that stupid when I thought of the idea,” Florian offered in a futile attempt to salvage some of his pride.
- 366 words


Hidden Worlds
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom ruled by love and passion. Anger was something that was talked out and abated before it could become violence, and fear was something not carried by only one person. Rather than working divided, unity was a value taken seriously.
One day, the people began to hurt each other with their words and fist. Anger had penetrated into their hearts, and evil ruled their lives. The creator of the kingdom looked down at it and was saddened. “Why have my children forsaken all that gave them joy?” He decided that he would punish these people by isolating them forever from the outside world and making a new kingdom much grander and more glorious, perfect in every way. If ever his children would turn from their evil ways, he would open up a gate to the new kingdom for them. Until then, they were eternally separated from everything beautiful.
***
One day, a little boy woke up from a startling dream. He had experienced an emotion that was beyond anything he had ever experienced before. What did they call it again? He wondered. There had been a person in his dreams, someone who he had felt much more powerful than himself. Joy, yes. Beauty, love, passion. It was all there. He did not know what any of those words meant, but they made him feel very pleasant inside.
“Mama, can I go out?” he asked. He felt that somehow what he had seen was out there in the wilderness. Somewhere beyond the crumbling walls. Somewhere beyond the corruption. Somewhere beyond the violence.
The woman who stared back at him was pale and frail. “What if someone comes to attack our home? I need you here to protect your younger brothers and sisters.” She placed a hand on the window, the only one remaining unshattered in the entire village. It was only a matter of time before they, too, were victims to the cruelty of mankind.
- 330 words

Science Fantasy
“It’s not going to happen again,” Grey muttered sarcastically as he watched the young man walk out of his lab. “Someone’s gonna get killed one of these days, and it’ll be all his fault. I wouldn’t mind myself if it were him.”
“I thought we were done fighting among ourselves,” his partner, Raven, announced. “Promise me you’ll give the kid a chance? He’s so young, he just isn’t experienced enough for you to expect him to do everything perfectly.”
“I’ve seen what can happen when things don’t go right in the lab. If he can’t be less clumsy, then he shouldn’t be here in the first place. What if he broke two flasks containing chemicals that have an extreme reaction? We could all die.” Grey ran his finger along the scar on his right cheek. “Have you ever wondered how I got this?”
Raven didn’t want to offend her friend, so she didn’t answer that question. “I understand the dangers of taking on someone who is less experienced. However, I know that Quinn could be an excellent member to our team if only you would accept and train him. If you don’t have the time to teach him what you think he needs to know before he comes into your lab, just tell me what I need to work with him on. You have me, and I’m not completely unexpendable. You could spare me some time each day.”
Grey considered Raven’s offer. “Are you sure about this? What if he doesn’t turn out to be the kind of fit you think he is?”
“Come on, weren’t you ever the boy who didn’t feel like he fit anywhere? You have to let him in. He needs someone to nourish him and accept his intelligence. Trust me, we’re going to need him for our project.” Raven pointed to the heavy black door at the other end of the room. “I have faith that another perspective will be able to figure out the last piece to the puzzle.”
“If you’re really sure about this. You know that we can’t share our secret with just anyone, especially someone who won’t be able to follow the rules. If he were to make one wrong move in the past, it could destroy everything we’ve accomplished here in our present.”
- 383 words

-Deleted-

Death Doesn’t Lie

Lacey held her child, Alexi, close to her chest. “What do you want to do sweetie? I have some free time this afternoon. We could ask Mr. Hawthorn to show us his animals, we could go for a walk, or we could play outside together.” It was difficult raising a little girl up right in the West, especially as a widowed woman. Fortunately, she had the help of God and all her loving neighbors to help guide the two of them along the right paths.

“Let’s go see the Candy man!” Alexi shouted excitedly. She clapped her hands at the thought of receiving another tasty treat like the ones she was given last time they visited Mr. Hawthorn. She was incapable of understanding why her mother wanted to visit him so often, but she didn’t mind.

“Okay, let’s get you dressed.” Lacey carried her daughter over to the small, red cedar chest in the corner. It was the only object, besides her father’s old fiddle, that she still had from before the move out west.

Alexi clapped again, and took a seat on the chair she had been rocked to sleep in every night since her birth. Lacey slipped a cute, light blue dress over her daughter’s head. “You look so pretty,” she cooed as she brushed through the toddler’s tangled, blonde hair.

“I love you mommy!” The little girl’s bright, grey-blue eyes stared straight into her mother’s, which were identically coloured. Alexi had inherited most of her looks from Lacey, but she also shared traits with the father she never met.

After braiding Alexi’s hair off to the side, Lacey tied it in place with a ribbon matching her dress. She sighed at how beautiful her little girl was. “I love you too, but God loves you more.” She stroked Alexi’s hair one more time, and picked her up from the chair. “Time to go see Mr. Hawthorn now,” she whispered.

Together, they walked out into the town street towards the local General Store. Storm Hawthorn was the son of the owner, Marcus. He could generally be found helping out his pa. If he wasn’t there, he’d be out on his ranch training wild horses or practicing his shot.

“Hello, is your brother here?” She asked Juliette, who was seventeen, only a few years younger than herself. “They don’t need me to cook supper for the orphanage tonight, so I thought I’d pay a visit to Storm.”

“You again? You’ve been here an awful lot lately. Is there something going on between you and Storm I haven’t been told?” Juliette winked at Lacey. Her brother was rather the quiet sort, but she could find out anything she wanted just by listening to the other women in town. “He’s in the back. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Lacey’s face rouged ever so slightly. “Thank you, I’d be very grateful.” She waited off to the side with Alexi wrapped in her arms. Only too well had she learned the chaos that could be unleashed by toddlers loose in a store. It wasn’t easy to clean up after, that was certain.

“Mr. Candy Man!” Alexi shouted when Storm appeared from behind a door. Her mother shook her head in embarrassment.

“I’ve told you this before, his name is Mr. Storm Hawthorn. He doesn’t have to give you candy if he doesn’t want to,” she lectured before facing the handsome man she had only recently begun courting. “I was wondering if you wanted to go for a ride in the woods with me, but it’s okay if you’re too busy.”

“I just finished up my job for today. If pa and sis can handle the shop, I think it would do me some good to get out in the fresh air.” He looked for approval.

“Yeah, of course son. You kids go out and have some fun.” Marcus waved his hand to signify that he had everything under control. “Do you want us to look after Alexi so you two can have some time alone?” He asked as the idea came to mind.

“You remember what happened the day I met your boy, right?” Lacey lifted an eyebrow. It was true. If she hadn’t ever had to apologize for what her child had done to the store, she never would have spoken to Storm.

Juliette waved to Alexi. “I’ll play with her in another room until you return.” She looked into the girl's small face. “What do you think of that?”

“I want to play with Julie!” She giggled and reached out her arms to be taken by Juliette.

“If she’s okay, it’s fine with me.” Lacey shrugged and passed her daughter off to Storm’s sister. “Thank you for doing this, may God bless you all.”

***

“There’s something I’ve been wondering for a while.” Storm took a breath before approaching the topic with caution. “Aren’t you rather young to be a widow?”

“My parents were running low on money, so they had a marriage arranged for me as soon as I was sixteen. I didn’t want to marry him, so I ran away with Wes, my childhood friend, before the wedding. We got married soon after to make it proper.”

“Ah, I understand.” Storm frowned. “What happened to him?” He glanced at Lacey. “I’m sorry if you don’t want to talk about it.”

Lacey placed one of her artistic hands on Storm’s shoulder. “It’s fine, we need honesty between us.” She entered into her mind’s realm of the past. “Alexi obviously got all her bravery from Wes,” she began. “Me? I’ve got none.”

One of the chestnut geldings pulling their cart shook his head. “See? Beau disagrees. He thinks you’re the bravest woman alive.”

Head in her hands, Lacey dissented. “There’s plenty of women who have to live like I do. How many others lost their husbands and sons in the war? Not to mention Indians and outlaws.”

“That might be so, but you’re the only person who is you. Everyone has their own bit of courage.” Storm pointed up at a little bird feeding her babies. “That robin lost her mate to a hawk last week. She, too, must care for her children alone.”

Lacey gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you. I haven’t spoken about this to anyone for quite some time.”

“There’s something else I want to ask you.” Storm pulled back on the reins to stop the horses. He put one hand in his pocket, but decided it wasn’t the right time. “Are you going to the Church dinner tonight?” He asked instead.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything, especially if you’re there.” Lacey smiled wide, and gave him a quick embrace.

***

A group of children from the orphanage, the place she worked, waved to Lacey when she walked into the Church with Storm and Alexi. “What did you make for tonight?” They asked.

“It’s a surprise.” She winked at the kids, and led her companions to the food table, where she set down the delicious chocolate cake she had made. “Can you find a seat for us?” She asked her daughter.

“Yes!” Alexi grinned, and ran off to claim a table. Lacey made sure to keep a fond eye on her as she spoke with Storm.

“She’s precious. I bet having her has helped you get through the toughest days, hasn’t she?” Storm watched the tiny girl try to climb onto her chair.

“She definitely has.” Lacey loved her daughter more than anyone else she’d ever known, even Wes. However, her feelings for Storm had never stopped growing from the time she had met him. It frightened her.

After sitting down to their meal, Storm grinned. “You’ve told me about your past, now I figure I oughta tell you ‘bout mine.” He took a breath, and launched into a lengthy monologue about his adventures as a bounty hunter in and around Indian country.

“You say I’m brave? You deserve an award for what you went through.” Lacey gazed up at him with admiration.

“My secret weapon may have once been my bravery, but after a while the danger stops meaning anything. When there’s no fear, it ain’t courage. It’s only stupidity.”

***

Love is strong,
capable of clouding reason.
When the heart is broken,
It seems the only choice is treason.

Why does it hurt you so?
Pain has become regular.
Why do you let yourself fall?
Death is a cruel peddler.

Death’s shadowy crow hopped along the ground singing the tune over and over again. “Why do you always fall in love when you know what you want is just out of reach?” It was harsh, but not void of truth.

“Love always fails you, does it not? Why do you think the next time will be different? Your hope fails you.” Death pointed to the viewer. “You know that I am always there, waiting to take him away.”

***

“How many criminals did you take in while you were a bounty hunter?” Lacey asked. After her dream last night, she was terrified of losing Storm. “What are you going to do if someone comes after you?”

Storm hung his head in shame. “I shot to kill. When faced with the option of dead or alive, I always chose dead. They say I’m the fastest gun in the West, but I think I’m just d**n lucky.”

“A gun isn’t something to hide behind. I feel so sorry for those who live that dreadful lifestyle.” Lacey poured a glass of the lemonade she had made for their picnic in the woods.

“It’s not a pleasant way to live, that’s a fact.” He had spent so much time shoving away his desire to have a family that it almost felt odd to allow it to surface. “I was wondering,” he choked out. His forehead began to bead with sweat. “W-will you marry me?”

For a moment, Lacey didn’t know how to respond. “I don’t know, I might be too scared to lose you too.” Tears erupted from her beautiful eyes. “It’s just like death told me, he’s always there. He waits until my passion has reached a great height, and then he sweeps in and takes my love away.”

“It’s tough living out here,” Storm whispered. He allowed Lacey to lean against his shoulder, but was careful not to say anything more. It had been years since Wes’ death, but clearly his girlfriend still had grief to overcome.

“I'd be d**ned it wasn't Storm Hawthorn. Good to see ye ‘ole friend!” The interruption startled the couple. “I see ye finally got yerself a girl. I wondered if ye’d ever try settlin’ down.”

“Bret, is that you?” Storm stood up so that he could face the newcomer. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you, hasn’t it?” He held out his hand for a handshake, but he got a bullet in the side instead. “You didn’t miss this time buddy,” he groaned.

Without a second thought, Lacey whipped out the concealed gun at her hip. “Thought you only needed one chance to kill?” She closed her eyes and didn’t open them again until Bret was lying dead on the ground with a lead ball through his heart.

Storm put a hand on his side, and drew it away covered in a sticky, red substance. “I’ll be alright if we can stop the bleeding.” He tried to stand up, but Lacey forced him back down.

She wrapped the wound with adept hands. Then she put her lips to his and answered the looming question. “Yes, I will marry you.” Her eyes had dried, but tears were so clearly there in her heart. “Let’s get you to the doctor.” The newly-engaged couple stood up, one propping up the other. Together, they started back to town. “Death was wrong today,” she whispered.

***

I really loved the metaphors and personification in your work! The concept is very interesting and unique. I love how you demonstrated an awareness of the world and an interest in the actions of mankind through lines such as “ever busy, ever rushing, always walking with panic in your eyes and swift heels in your stride.” It not only gives the reader a glimpse of your protagonist’s personality, but also of yours. Another aspect of your story I really liked was that your character learned to cope with her struggles and still see beauty in the world despite them. These thoughts display a higher level of thoughtfulness than most kids are capable of comprehending, even into their highschool years. Well done! I can tell that you are an intelligent thinker who really cares about yourself and the world around you.

I do have several comments on grammar and other related topics. The most major thing that impacted the flow and power of your work was your usage of “and” at the beginning of many of your sentences. If you ask most English teachers, they’re going to tell you that coordinating conjunctions should very rarely be used in that way. If you don’t know what those are, they are words used to connect two parts of a sentence. For example, “Seth went to the store with his best friend, and there they bought a chocolate cake.” By using them at the beginning of a sentence, it can sound choppy and out of place. You have a line that says “And if you got nothing, you still move, around your house, sleeping, or whatever.” Try reading this sentence with and without the word “and.” Also relating to this sentence, I admit that it seems a bit out of place with the style and mood you set with the rest of your writing. Later on, your style is very strong and sure. Here, your narration sounds a little tired. By using the word “whatever,” it feels more vague than I feel that you would want it. The first part of this sentence would be somewhat confusing on its own because you don’t clarify what you have got nothing of. I would suggest changing this to something along the lines of “if you’ve got nothing to do, you still move.” The rest of the sentence doesn’t quite flow as you might have wanted it to. I would recommend splitting this into two sentences. For example, “if you’ve got nothing to do, you still move. You go from room to room in your house, you tap on a computer, you turn in your sleep.” Try experimenting some with this sentence! Whatever you do, make sure it helps to set up your story in the best way possible!

If you excuse my moving backwards for a moment, there is a line in the first paragraph that doesn’t seem like it should be there. After introducing your idea that the world never stops, you say “people never sit still as well.” This line is unnecessary because it merely restates what is explained by the phrase “its inhabitants never sit still.” The repetition of the words “sit still” disrupts the flow of your work and distracts the reader from your purpose. You can use either of those two phrases, but I would definitely suggest not using both. In the next sentence, you say “ is always something to do. someplace to be.” This is okay, but I think it could be better if you parallelled it with the last part like “always someplace to be” to emphasize the connection between the last sentence and this fragment, but this is up to your personal preference. Keep what makes you happy

Now, to address the realism of your characters, I’d like to mention that you did an excellent job at portraying the pointlessness of the bully’s attacks on your protagonist. By Arabella calling Emily a “gross biscuit-eater,” you demonstrate that even something seemingly insignificant can really impact someone. This also makes the reader think that your characters are relatively on the younger side (middle to upper elementary). If that’s what you were going for, that’s great. However, if you wanted your characters to seem older (middle school or high school), the bully would say something much worse than that. At younger ages, kids tend to say whatever they observe or hear from their parents or friends. Older kids; however, will tend to say more purposely hurtful things.

Most of my other notes were related to something I already mentioned. Overall, I’d suggest going through your piece and checking for spelling and grammar mistakes. Google Drive will underline those for you, so that might be helpful if that’s something you can do! Sorry that was so much that you had to endure >-< I hope this was helpful! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

7/1/2026
Dear Future Self,
Does it ever get better? I love myself more than ever before, but something still doesn’t feel right. It’s almost as if happiness is something only for others, not for me. I’ve been struggling to do even the simplest things I used to enjoy. I’ve barely even been able to go outside without getting sick (unless it is to go to the barn…).
The upside is that I recently started riding horses again. It’s one of the few things that gives me any semblance of happiness. I feel stronger, braver, even lighter. Somehow, it makes all the pain go away. I want to know… do I continue riding? Do I ever get that horse I always dreamed of? I really hope so. I never want to quit again.
As for my love life at this point, I’ve had one real boyfriend. It was far from romantic, but I cared about him. After that I tried to date other people, but none of them worked out because the idea of being with them felt wrong. So many of my friends are falling in love and even getting married, but I’m left here wondering if maybe I’m just meant to be alone. I’ve made peace with that idea. I’ve been told that “there’s someone for everyone,” but I laugh because I’m certain there’s nobody for me. Maybe romance really is a scam and I’m one of the few who sees through it. Yet, I still secretly curious if this will ever change.
I’ve learned so much about myself and how I can become better despite the health challenges, but I still have a ways to go. Do I ever establish a better system for due dates? Am I able to make it through the internship? Do I get certified? Do I go to graduate school? Am I successful in my career? There’s so much I wish I could know now, but what good would it really do me? Money and success are great, but what I hope for most is that I have feelings again.

Sincerely,
- Your July 2026 self

(352 Words)

7/2/2026
I’m A Rebel By Morning
I never got tired of the wind in my hair. It was a luxury few human beings could afford, for your cape to fly out behind as your body intertwined with the sky. If there had been nothing for me to do, I would have flown for hours. Alas, the darkness of early morning was quickly giving way to light. My hours of watching over the city would soon be over.
I looked at my wristwatch. It was nearly five. I yawned and scanned the ground for any last minute rescues that might be needed. Then I heard it. The faintest sound of a splash. I rushed over to where I thought the sound had come from. It could have just been an animal, I reasoned. I landed at the edge of the river and peered over the edge.
The water was too murky for anyone, even me, to see through from above. I pulled out the goggles from my bag and jumped into the cold water. “Hello, is there anyone there?” I gurgled. I swam forward and felt a small hand grab my arm. I gasped and nearly lashed out before I realized this being was who I’d come here for. I reached out my arm to wrap around the small human body and pushed us both up to the surface.
“My baby! You saved him!” A woman shouted from near the lake. I couldn’t see, but I felt more arms pulling me out.
I came up coughing. I lay on the riverbank for a moment before my senses finally returned. The child was silent. Wouldn’t they be crying after something like this? I looked at the nervous mother and then at the baby. “Is he breathing?” I asked. “I’m trained in CPR.”
The mother shook her head. “Please help him.” She placed him on the ground and I started gentle chest compressions. “Will he be okay?” She paced around me.
I didn’t respond. I was too focused on saving the kid’s life. Besides, I didn’t ask her questions so she had no right to ask me any. “Call 911. Right now,” I said without breaking my rhythm.
“On it.” I could hear the woman talking on the phone, but I wasn’t paying attention to what she said. I had to continue chest compressions until the ambulance arrived.
When the sirens and lights finally approached us, I handed the toddler to his mom. “He’s started breathing again, but he has to get medical care as soon as possible. Let them take him to the hospital,” I pointed to the approaching EMS responders. It was safe for me to go now. I flicked my pride flag cape and took off into the air.

“** city drivers,” I mumbled as a shiny, black Jeep swerved around me. I would have said more nasty words, maybe even thrown a ** ** in there, but my girlfriend was giving me “the look.”
“Maybe they’re on the way to the hospital,” she suggested. That was one of the things I both loved and hated about her. She always saw the best in everyone, no matter what they had done. “I’m sure they had a reason for it.”
“No Maddie, they were absolutely doing it to get revenge on me,” I joked. “Or maybe they didn’t like my bumper stickers.” The second one was the most probable.
Maddie smiled. She was so pretty when she did that. “Yeah, I think it’s definitely the ‘I stop for geese’ one. That probably triggers a lot of people out there.” She put her hand on my shoulder, which sent a wave of giddiness through me.
“Or maybe it’s all the gay stickers. Maybe my car radiates too much gay power and they were intimidated.” I started giggling uncontrollably and almost hit the car next to us. I pursed my lips and turned slightly red. “That was definitely my fault.”
“Yes it was.” Maddie nodded solemnly and then burst out laughing. “We’re too powerful for them.” She took a swig from her water bottle and then looked out the window. “Ava! Get in the right lane!”
I flicked on my turn signal and quickly pushed my way to the next lane and then onto the exit. “Good call.” Thank God I had Maddie as my navigator.
“What stores should we go to?” She asked. “I haven’t been to the mall in ages.” She grinned almost from ear to ear. “Let’s get boba! Ava, will you take me to get boba?”
I nodded. “Of course dear, whatever you want.” I paused when I saw her lift an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, I don’t have a million dollars for that fancy watch you wanted. It will be yours when I finally win the lottery though.” I’ve put in three lottery tickets once a month since the day I turned 18. Every time, I chose the same numbers. One represented my birthday, one Maddie’s, and the third was our anniversary. It probably wasn’t the best strategy, but I thought it was a romantic gesture.

After an arduous journey, we finally arrived at the mall. The first order of business was to get Maddie the boba I had promised. The store was run by a Taiwanese family, and it was one of the best in the whole city. “Alright baby, what do you want?” I whispered to her.
“I’ll have a passion fruit green tea please,” she told the young man at the counter. “She wants Thai tea. Both with boba.” I stepped forward and whipped out my credit card before Maddie could. I knew her tricky ways. Sometimes she would try to pay for our dates, and I couldn’t have that.
I took Maddie’s hand and led her over to a table in the corner. “Did I tell you how gorgeous you look today?” I touched her cheek lightly with my hand. “You’re so perfect.”
“Ava, stop it. You’re making me blush.” She definitely wasn’t lying. Her cheeks were nearly the shade of a tomato. “All jokes aside, you’re perfect too… to me.” She locked eyes with me and smiled. Then she leaned closer and whispered, “despite all the time you spend… you know.”
I sighed. “I know you don’t like it Maddie, but it’s for the best. It’s for us. I want us to have a future where we never have to worry about hiding our relationship.” I stood up and went back to the counter to pick up our drinks, which were now ready for us. When I returned, I kissed her on the forehead.
“Why does it matter if people judge us? We’re happy, shouldn’t that be all that matters?” Maddie took a sip.
“The way I see it, we’re rebels in a world full of conformists. A lot of them only see us as a danger to their mediocre existence. Maddie, they don’t want to see us happy.” I took out my phone and showed her a news article about a so-called mysterious masked woman who was reported to have saved a child from drowning. “That’s why I have to do this.”

(1192 words)

Word War 7/4/2026 - 335 words lol
Dear gravity,
Why, my love are you taking a break? I thought we had something real. I thought that I meant something to you. What could I ever do without you? You are the greatest thing that ever happened to me, and something I will never be able to get over without. What will happen to me? ALl the inhabitants of my land will be thrown into orbit all because of you and I don’t even know what kind of disaster that would cause. You are so beautiful and perfect and I wish that you would not betray me like this. Gravity, I might have taken you for granted in the past, but I really, truly love you more than anything in the world. Well, I am the world. That means I love you more than myself, which is saying something because I really love myself. You are so great in my heart that your leaving me will leave the largest hole that anyone has ever left in the history of leaving. I will never be able to think about anything else without you and your absence will be felt more greatly than anything else. You are my one true love. I love you, I love you, I love you. Please don’t leave. I never want you to leave. I am scared of what will happen without you. Please give me yourself and never leave. You are too important to me and i fear that I will not be able to exist without you. I will never be happy again. Happiness has already abandoned me. Please please please stay. I can’t handle this. I have to have you. Without you I am a danger to myself and otehrs, especially everyone I care about. You are the only one for me. Please don’t do this to me. Please don’t do this to me. See what you have made me into? I am now a grovelling mess. I am insane. I am becoming my own worst enemy.

Weekly #1

Part 1
- Lines of Fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and other genres can blur. This is why they all fall under the umbrella term of speculative fiction
- Sometimes takes place in the real world with magical elements (Percy Jackson, most superhero movies/comics) while other times takes place in an imagined world (Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Prydain)
- Many involve the “heroes quest” (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc.)
- Typically some sort of magic system. Mechanisms can be explained or left unexplained depending on purpose and method
- Can also include existing legendary/supernatural creatures or completely new, invented creatures!
- A lot of fantasy stories include characters which follow certain archetypes (which reminds me of Jungian archetypes… What if everyone were forced to fit into those roles?)
(124 words)

Part 2
In the nation of Southholm, people are grouped and labeled with one of the 12 archetypes (innocent, orphan, hero, caregiver, explorer, rebel, lover, creator, jester, sage, magician, and ruler) depending on their personality and life experiences. While in reality it is possible for someone to identify as multiple at the same time, they can only be registered under one title. It is possible for a person to change their archetype as they age, but they must go through the process with their village ruler to determine if the change is warranted or not.
People of the nation are carefully distributed between villages to maintain balance between the archetypes. Ideally, each person in the village would fit together as a piece to the puzzle with individual abilities and expectations that provides order to each community and to the nation as a whole.
The lovers produce children, who are then labeled as innocents unless their parents were to die or be sent to another community. Then they would be orphans. The creators are the artists, writers, and musicians who provide intellectual stimulation and entertainment, while the jesters provide more mindless entertainment. The sages are the wise elders of the community. They were often creators or heroes in their younger days. Some may have even been magicians who relinquished their power for a simpler life. The caregivers provide care to the sick, children, and elderly. Many are non-magical healers, and have extensive knowledge about the medicinal properties in natural resources. Explorers and heroes often work together and may be sent on quests (fictional and real), sometimes accompanied by a magician or sage. They may also be tasked with gathering any supplies needed. Most rulers live in the capital village, where they are in charge of creating rules and regulations for the nation. However, one ruler is dispatched to each village, where they are expected to enforce. Minor infractions are judged by the community ruler with the aid of sages while major infractions will likely be taken to the courts at the capital. Magicians are the magical healers who doctor those who are in the most severe conditions. However, there is an ethical contract they are forced to sign which limits them to only magical procedures which have solid evidence backing them up as safe and successful. Finally, the rebels are people who either do not fit into any of the other archetypes or have chosen to become one. When one is identified, they are exiled from their community. Some rebels may have magical abilities, but to what extent is unknown. There is evidence that many rebels may make their home in the mountains.
Magical abilities are something people are either born with or not. It appears to be an inherited recessive trait, but there have been instances of a very powerful child being born to parents who have no knowledge of anyone else in their family with magic. Strength and abilities can vary from person to person, but the basic skills are all taught to children who show potential at a young age. Some parents choose to hide their child’s abilities, especially if they seem to have more strength than others. However, these children often end up being found out and forced into magicianship or becoming an exiled rebel.
No specific group is in charge of farming. Everyone is expected to do their fair share, including the ruler. Children and elders help in whatever ways they are capable of. All crops are collected and distributed equally to every individual within the community. Magicians may also be expected to magically influence the crops, and sometimes even the weather, to protect and produce enough food. People in this nation do not raise or hunt animals, and are able to obtain all required nutrients from the genetically and magically enhanced plants they grow.
Hiding in the wilderness and mountains are beasts which once were people who have partially or fully given into their unconscious, animalistic instincts. Some believe them to be the remains of rebels, some think they are what’s left of those who have disappeared, and others see them as other beings all together. Something more ancient and powerful. The creatures take the form of common animals with differences such as larger size, deformities, unnatural eye or fur color, among others. Some can shift back to human form on command while others cannot control it or cannot change at all. This depends on how much of their soul and humanity remains intact. Nobody really knows what makes a shadow beast, but they do know that people have been mysteriously disappearing from their communities and upsetting the balance of everyday life…
The nation of Southholm itself is small, surrounded on all borders by mountains and thick forests. Communities are not separated by too much distance, so rulers and others are easily able to travel between them in order to spread information and share supplies. Visitors rarely stumble in, but when they do, they never make it home alive. Between getting lost, rebels, beasts, and assimilation into a community, citizens have plenty of causes to blame it on. For the same reason, battle with other nations has been practically non-existent over their entire history. The danger comes from within.
(872 words)

Part 3
In every man-made system lies a failing so great it leads to their downfall. Ours was no exception. Maybe if we had accounted for the complexities of the human mind. Maybe if we hadn’t forced everyone to fit into boxes. Maybe if we hadn’t been afraid of those who were different. Maybe then, we could have been saved. We could have had peace. We could have been happy. I did this. I am to blame.
I was once a ruler. In fact, I was part of the original council. We spent months working night and day thinking and planning. We were determined to create a system that would put our previous attempts to shame. We became so intensely focused on logistics and finding balance that we nearly lost what it means to be human. We treated each community like its own ecosystem, drawing from observations of nature. It sounded brilliant in theory, but these were people we were talking about. Not plants and animals. Little did we know, the end of this invention would be heralded by the flaming wings of destruction.
At first, most people were eager to try something new. This new promise of order and equality made our citizens’ eyes shine with a sort of hope nobody had ever known before. Everyone would be taken care of. Nobody would be left behind. We were well supported in our decisions, so we moved forward with the establishment.
We began by requiring everyone who had survived the war to register with us. We gathered names, skills, and occupations so that we could begin sorting citizens into communities. Alongside this process, we distributed assignments for rebuilding. We tore down ravished homes, searched for fertile land still capable of growing crops, and built new houses, hospitals, and schools. We found existing water sources, made some of our own, and defended ourselves against harsh heat. We worked and worked and worked. Until one day, everything was perfect.
Citizens settled into homes with their newly acquired roles and neighbors. It took everyone some adjusting, but eventually, our new way of life became normal. Everyone had a purpose, and that made people happy. I, too, was happy. I was part of this. I was creating a new life after everything had fallen apart right alongside the other citizens. My friends, family, neighbors.
During sorting, I was sent to lead a community just north of the capital city. I’d never done this on my own, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I figured that as long as everyone followed the rules, and those who didn’t were punished, it would be fine. Boy, was I wrong. Rules are easy to follow until there’s a reason not to. I thought all the rules were perfectly logical, after all, we had even considered ethical dilemmas that might arise. Unfortunately, we hadn’t thought of everything. After only a couple months, some started to see flaws in our rules. When they were broken, we didn’t listen to arguments. They were silenced and sent away. That was our first mistake.
Any dissenters were classified as rebels, and forced to flee to the mountains. At least, that’s how the stories went. We all had enough experience with lying to know that we couldn’t always trust what we heard. They could be dead, for all I knew. Then again, they could very well be alive. There were many mysteries beyond the safe confines of our communities.
That is, mysteries such as the shadow beasts. There had been none before the **, but now they were everywhere. Were they the ghosts of lost soldiers? Were they the remains of an ancient population that had gone into hiding? Were they awakened by the darkness of our unconscious? Whatever the case, they were ** our people. It started with one **, then two. Then three. Then they did not stop. They were picking us all off one by one, it seemed. Something had to be done.
All of the rulers got together and came up with a plan. Heroes were to be sent out into the woods to hunt the beasts. Just as they sought ** against us, they too would be diminished. We soon discovered that our perceived enemy was not easily defeated. The heroes reported seeing the faces of lost loved ones in the shadows, causing their ** to veer off-course. This, of course, caused many severe injuries. If a hero were steel-hearted enough to strike one, the shadow would dissipate and reappear behind them before ambushing with claws outstretched. The creature would not ** the hero, but they would leave them with nasty scars. We soon abandoned this plan.
Maybe it would be better to ignore them, we thought. Maybe then they would leave us alone. They stopped leaving mangled ** in their wake, but reports of disappearances continued to circulate between the communities. Thus far, my people were able to stay safe from harm. The beasts had spared us, but was it just luck, or was it something more? Possibly something sinister?
Again, the rulers met along with a few wizards and sages to discuss what must be done. The wizards claimed that powerful magic was responsible, and that the source must be found. Us rulers thought it was too dangerous, and the sages were split both ways. It was irresponsible to send people on a mission with a suspiciously low probability of success, but it was also unethical to allow our people to be swallowed by the shadows until nothing remained. We came to a consensus after many long hours of debate. A few select heroes and wizards would be sent to find the magical source. By sitting around, we would achieve nothing. We were nothing without hope, and at least this gave us some semblance of it.
Our chosen fellowship set out, leaving behind an assembly of cheering citizens. “Save us,” they shouted. People reached out to them, breathing their names with good wishes and blessings. “Please come home,” one sage imparted, “with good news.” Soon, they were gone.
As we had feared, none of them ever returned. There was no good news. The shadows were spreading, and there was nothing we could do about it. Would nobody be spared? Bit by bit, entire communities were wiped out. When all others were taken, the enemy finally came to mine. My people left me until finally I was the only one remaining. Then it came for me carried by the paws of the void.
The shadow turned to the image of my older brother, who had died in the throes of savage **. “Join me,” he hissed. When I stepped back, he lowered his head. “Join me, brother,” he repeated in a softer, almost maternal tone. “Our mother, she is with us too.”
I lifted my eyebrow. “Is it true?” I could not believe this. There was no way this could be my brother. “Prove it to me,” I growled. I grabbed the makeshift ** I had fashioned from stone and wood. “Or you will be vanquished.”
“What else do you have?” The creature with the face of my brother spoke in a soothing voice. “Your people have been taken from you. If you love them, would you not want to join them?” He pulled at something around his neck with his paw. “Don’t you recognize this?” He eventually got it off and handed it to me with his canine teeth. It was, in fact, the necklace my brother had worn since his fifteenth birthday. It had been a gift from our mother.
“It’s my brother’s. You stole it from him.” This told me nothing. “You are not he.” I frowned. “Why… Why would you leave me for last? To fight a hopeless battle? That is not the brother I knew.”
The beast sighed. “Your ** to save others was what kept you human. Now you have nothing left. There is nobody to ** for but yourself. Now even that doesn’t matter. You were last because you cared about your people, but they are gone now. It is time for you to come with me.”
I lowered my head in submission, for it was true. I had felt the humanity within me ** away since my citizens had started disappearing. There was nothing left for me here. I felt a strange sensation in my feet and hands as the beast with my brother’s face led me to the wilderness. I soon was running on four paws. My body contorted, but I did not feel pain. My face became long and canine. My teeth sharpened. My body grew fur. My thoughts were distinguished.
When ** down, we were animals all along. Was there really anything that distinguished us from them, or were we merely returning to our original state? After all, it was the primitive creature inside us that drove our humanity, yet it was also our lost humanity that made us into beasts. We both feared. We both ***. We both ***. Nothing is more human… and animal… than these.
(1514 words)

Part 4 (Swapped w/ CreatorA6)
What is magic, really? Is it a gift people are born with? Is it merely the functions of science? Or is it something that exists deep within us all, waiting to be set free? Magic is different in every world, every nation, every person. Some believe in it, and some don’t. Some love it, but some fear it. It can do good, or it can do evil. There are many modes of what is called magic. In this world, magic has proven to take form as anything from a part of everyday life to the destruction of mankind. There is no limit to what magic is capable of.
There once lay a nation of humans who destroyed themselves by ignoring the magic of their own existence. They thought they had saved themselves, but they were wrong. Maybe nobody was perfect, but every person once had life like a flame inside them. They were real, they were human. Then they began to lose sight of who they were. No longer could magic flow freely. It was contained, used. They were consumed by the darker, more sinister fire within them. Consumed by what is known as the shadow.
The communities fell one by one into oblivion. Nothing was left but abandoned homes and agriculture. The only chance left for humanity now were those who survived by refusing to relinquish themselves.

Deep in the woods is a colony of people. They were labeled as rebels in their previous home. Now, they are friends. Family. Lovers. There is no battle, no violence. Here, they live at peace with themselves and the creatures who share their home.
Before the rebels ended up here, they hadn’t known about the creatures. There weren’t a lot of animals around at all, really. Every once in a while an explorer or a hero would come back with some trophy of battle with a smaller beast, but nothing like the dragons, kitsunes, dwarfs, and other beings that made their homes in the woods and mountains. The lurking shadows that kept out even the strongest of heroes failed to hinder our courageous rebels, and they are thankful for that.
Many of these so-called rebels are those who were born with magical abilities that were seen as too powerful in their last home. Several of them are also artists or writers, creators and intellectuals. It is believed that these individuals are more connected with themselves and their world than the magic-users who were lost. This seems to be the very root of their strength.
At first, the creatures hid from them. They were afraid of their new neighbors. Then as more and more rebels joined the colony, the alluring magic drew them in. First came a curious young dragon and his sister. The humans were shocked, but quickly calmed down as they discovered that their new friends had no ill-will towards them. Relations were quickly formed and solidified between the humans and the council of magical creatures that shared the woods.
Safety was provided, stories were shared, and knowledge was exchanged between groups. The humans were integrated into society with the woodland creatures, and all was well. Peace reigned supreme and there was light in this dark and pitiful world.
(538 words)

(There's more to this story, but I'm not going to finish it before the weekly deadline so I thought this was a good stopping point. Don't worry, it gets darker )

Daily - 7/5/2026
Waiting For Godot… Still
Estragon: “What time is it?”
Vladimir: “Couldn’t tell you, my watch isn’t working.”
Estragon: “How long have we been waiting?”
Vladimir: “I don’t know.”
Estragon: “You could use a shave.”
Vladimir: “You too.”
Estragon: “Why are we here?”
Vladimir: “We’re waiting for Godot.”
Estragon: “Ah, okay. Who was that again?”
Vladimir: “I don’t know. I couldn’t tell you.”
Estragon: “Why are we waiting for him?”
Vladimir: “I don’t know.”
Estragon: “We don’t know anything, do we?”
Vladimir: “I know my name.”
Estragon: “Do you?”
Vladimir: “I’m not sure. What about you?”
Estragon: “I know your name.”
Vladimir: “What about your own?”
Estragon: “I-I… Yes. Of course I do.”
Vladimir: “Really? Do you?”
Estragon: “Yes. Let’s talk about something else.”
Vladimir: “Like what?”
Estragon: “I don’t know. Maybe the weather.”
Vladimir: “The weather is fine, isn’t it?”
Estragon: “I suppose so.”
Vladimir: “What do you think?”
Estragon: “The sun is bright.”
Vladimir: “Is it?”
Estragon: “Yes, I think so.”
Vladimir: “Why don’t you sit under the tree?”
Estragon: “I could do that.”
Vladimir: “Are you hungry?”
Estragon: “I suppose so.”
Vladimir: “Do you have any food?”
Estragon: “No. Do you?”
Vladimir: “No. Should we find some?”
Estragon: “Where would we find food?”
Vladimir: “We can take a bus.”
Estragon: “We could.”
Vladimir: “But then we may miss Godot.”
Estragon: “So we must remain hungry?”
Vladimir: “We do not have to.”
Estragon: “How will we not be hungry if we do not get food?”
Vladimir: “Stop feeling hungry.”
Estragon: “You’re brilliant! I’m feeling better already.”
Vladimir: “I told you so.”
Estragon: “Now what?”
Vladimir: “We wait.”
Estragon: “Why are we waiting?”
Vladimir: “We’ve already talked about this.”
Estragon: “I know.”
Vladimir: “Then why did you ask?”
Estragon: “I don’t know why I’m here.”
Vladimir: “Does anybody, really?”
Estragon: “I mean, for what purpose are we standing here?”
Vladimir: “Because we must wait for Godot.”
(312 words)

Word War 7/5/2026 (290 words)
Dear earth,
It has been a long time that I have served you. I have been with you all these many, many years through thick and thin. I have recently felt myself becoming tired and overwhelmed by your telling me what I must and must not do. Please allow me to take a break. I have had such a shard time making it through each day and I just need some time to think and put our relationship into a better perspective. It’s been a long time, and I think that you are well aware. YOu need to give me a break. I have worked so hard, and you have been nothing but torturous to me. Please, can you understand? I still love you. I am not leaving you permanently. I will always care. I love you, but I need some time away. I think that this is the best for both of us since it has been so hard for me and you. YOu need to take a breath, and I need to take a breath. A relationship cannot be successful when two individuals are together all the time as we have been. I think that we should take the advice of others who have been in relationships and do things our own way. It is time for us to listen to what we have been told and become our own individuals because we have been so wrapped up in each other for all this time that we have become part of each other; reliant on one another in a toxic and harmful way. We need to take a breath and encourage each other to take time away and see other people. Maybe I’ll go to visit another planet.

Characters:
Jayson Carter - A young agent
Sami Penn - Jayson’s friend, Boulder’s younger sister
Boulder Penn - Sami’s older brother. Also Sami and Jayson’s employer
Jake Hartford - Jayson’s guardian, and a respected agent
Receptionist
Act I - i
(The stage is dark. Enter Jayson.)
Jayson:
I have failed. I have disappointed everyone I know. I am a fallen angel destined to be forever alone.
Sami, from the distance:
No, idiot. You just made a mistake. Everyone does that.
Jayson:
Not me. I’ve worked my whole life to avoid it.
Sami, with a sigh:
Boulder might be angry with you now, but he will get over it. I guarantee that he still loves you.
Jayson:
Why would he? I made a mess of everything and put all of us in danger.
(Redacted)
Sami:
Jayson… (Sami rushes onto the stage and throws her arms around him.)
Jayson:
What was that for? (He leans in to Sami’s touch)
(Redacted)
Sami:
No, Jayson. That’s not what I meant.
Jayson:
Yeah, it was dummy.
Sami:
I’m getting you help. Right now.
Jayson:
You’re not going to let me out of this, are you?
Sami:
Absolutely not.
(Jason loses consciousness and his head falls into Sami’s lap)
I - ii
(The stage is brightly lit, with a long waiting room chair and a small, circular table with a magazine on it. Enter Sami. Her phone rings.)
Sami:
Hello?
Boulder:
Hey, it’s me. Where are you at? You should have been back home by now.
Sami:
I’m at the hospital. Sorry, things got chaotic and I forgot to give you a call.
Boulder:
You’re… what? What are you doing there? Is everything okay?
Sami:
It’s Jayson. He's hurt.
Boulder:
Oh…. (The line goes silent)
Sami:
Boulder, are you still there?
Boulder:
Yeah. What’s going on?
Sami:
He-he’ll be fine. Just tell mom and dad that I’m not going to be home for dinner.
Boulder:
I’ll be there in a little bit. Do you want anything to eat?
Sami:
I’m not hungry. Too worried about Jayson.
Boulder:
I’ll pick up a pizza on my way there. See you in a few. (There is a buzzing sound before the call is cut short.)
Sami:
I knew he cared about Jayson. (Sami picks up the magazine and flips through a few pages before putting it back down. She looks around the waiting room and fidgets with her hands as she waits.)
(Enter Boulder)
Boulder:
Hey sis, how are you holding up? (Boulder places the pizza box on top of the magazine)
Sami:
I’m worried. He knows he needs help, but you know how he is about doctors. He can’t stand being told what to do.
Boulder:
He’s been through this before. Besides, he’s got you.
Sami:
So much good that’s done him.
Boulder:
He loves you, Sami.
Sami:
We can’t be together. He said so.
Boulder:
He probably just needs some time to think and figure everything out. Does Jake know?
Sami:
The hospital did when I brought him in, but he didn’t answer.
Boulder:
How long ago was that?
Sami:
About an hour.
Boulder:
Good thing Jayson’s old enough to give his own treatment consent.
Sami:
The question is if he’ll give it or not.
Boulder:
You’re not wrong. Care for a slice of pizza? (Boulder opens the pizza box and hands one to Sami)

I-iii
(Boulder and Sami are still sitting on the waiting room chair sharing pizza. There is now a receptionist sitting at a desk. Enter Jake)
Jake:
(With quick movements, almost sprinting. Breathing is heavy, and sweat can be seen above his brow. He moves towards the desk.) I’m here for Jayson Carter. I came as soon as I got your message.
Receptionist:
Are you his legal guardian?
Jake:
(Nodding) Yes. My name is Jake Hartford. (pulling out his driver’s license from his wallet) Here, in case you need proof. He was my best friend’s boy. (shifting from foot to foot)
Receptionist:
I’ll let Jayson and the doctor know you’re here. He should be out of treatment shortly. The girl who brought him in is sitting over there if you need more information. (pointing in Sami’s direction)
Jake:
Thank you. (approaching Sami and Boulder)
Boulder:
I’m sad that it had to be in these circumstances, but it’s good to see you, man. (reaching out hand)
Jake:
(Shaking Boulder’s hand) It’s good to see you too.
(Enter Dr. Smith)
Dr. Smith:
Mr. Hartford, sir? (eyes sweeping the waiting room)
Jake:
(Standing up) That’s me.
Dr. Smith:
Come with me, we need to talk.

…To Be Continued…

(830 words)

Daily: 7/8/2026

From Antony and Cleopatra
Fast and Loose
Heart of loss.
Why enraged against love?
Vanish, blemish.
Take thee, hoist thee,
Like the greatest spot.
Monster-like, thy visage,
With prepared nails.
‘Tis well
If it be to live;
Thou fell’st into fury,
One death prevented many.
Teach me, thy rage.
Horns o’ th’ moon
And with those hands
Subdue my worthiest self.
The Witch shall die.

From Kafka - “The Judgement” (pg. 81)
It was true,
Yet even then.
Each with his newspaper
In their common.
How dark his room
This sunny morning
Overshadowed by his father.
By the window hung momentos,
Reading a newspaper
Held to one side.
His eyes overcome defect.
Remains not much of his father,
Rising to meet him.
His dressing gown fluttered
“My father is still a man,”
It’s unbearably dark.
His father shut the window
Outside cleared away,
Set on a chest.
Really only you, had been.
He drew a way from St. Peterberg,
His friend to his father’s eye.
Thinking, he sits
His arms crossed.
His father,
Peculiar,
I wanted not to tell him.

From Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (pg. 63)

Lick your lips,
Taste your tears,
You won’t know the difference.

We’ll take the words
So you’ve caught up.
Not yet,
I’d forgotten.

We can’t look,
You don’t understand
Humiliation—to be tricked.

Somebody is watching
The plot ** **,
Pouring ourselves down
a bottomless well.

We were demented children
Wearing love in wigs
And rhymed couplets
With wooden swords.

Hollow protestations
Hurled after empty promises,
We ransomed dignity
To uncomprehending birds.

See? We’re the opposite of people.
Think.

(260 words)

Hi Rosemary,

I’m really excited to be pen pals this session! I think I vaguely remember you from Thriller July ‘22. I don’t think we interacted very much back then, though (and even if we did, it’s been a while), so I’m looking forward to actually getting to know you!

So first off, how has your summer been? You mentioned that you were working this weekend; I hope your shift went well and that it wasn’t too stressful! In the past, I’ve deliberately tried to keep my summers free of obligations so that I can recover from the school year haha, but this June/July I’ve actually been pretty busy. I have a chemistry internship that’s been taking up a lot of my time during the week, and on the weekends I’ve been trying to focus on SWC and catch up on my massive TBR list (which I never seem to have enough time for during school months). I’ve also been volunteering once a week at my local library, where my friends and I have been running a science camp for younger kids. So that’s been fun.

What are some of your favorite books/movies/songs/music artists? I’m personally very into fantasy — my favorite authors are Robin Hobb and Naomi Novik – but I’m always interested in trying out other genres as well. I don’t really know many older movies or movie artists, but I’d love to hear your recommendations! My music taste is admittedly pretty basic (I mostly listen to pop and indie) and I actually don’t watch many films in general (I will say that I really like Studio Ghibli, though!).

Outside of random media, some of my other interests include crocheting and computer programming. These days most of my crochet projects are gifts for friends and family (so either amigurumi dolls of their favorite fictional characters, or practical items like bags and book covers). I sadly haven’t done much programming over the past year, but I’m planning to take a comp sci class in the fall, so hopefully that will help me get back into coding!

Oh also, I remember that you mentioned liking horses in your comment on the signup project. Do you ride? Are there any specific reasons why you’re interested in them? I actually know next to nothing about horses, so I’d love to learn more!

Anyways, I think that this should be sufficient for a first letter? I can’t think of anything else to write, at least, so hopefully this covers everything. Thanks for agreeing to be pen pals, and I look forward to hearing back from you!

Sincerely,

Inky

7/11/2026
Hi Inky!

I'm also very excited to get to know you! I unfortunately do not remember too much about 2022, but I believe you I love getting to know new people, especially if we can talk about things we both like!

My summer has been both good and bad. My migraines get worse in the summer because of the sun and the heat, which makes it really difficult for me to do much outside. This is really annoying because I've always loved hiking, but I haven't been able to do much because I'm in too much pain. I really wish I could take the summers off, but I have to make enough money to pay for my horse riding lessons! I also unfortunately have to take summer classes so that I can finish both my degrees on time It's so cool that you're doing an internship! I have to do an internship after I graduate this year so that I can officially get my degree. It's also really cool that you're volunteering at the library! I've always wanted to do that, but never actually ended up doing it. I might see if I can volunteer at the library local to my school!

I also have a massive TBR list that I'm slowly making my way through. I haven't had much time to read this year since I packed my schedule during the school year and I've been so sick this summer. I'm most into classic books, especially plays. In particular, I am a fan of Shakespeare and existentialist works. I love Henrik Ibsen (my favorites are Peer Gynt, An Enemy of the People, and The Wild Duck), Franz Kafka, and the next book on my to-read list is Crime and Punishment. I'm kind of intimidated by thick books, but I know some of the best books I've ever read were longgg (Count of Monte Cristo, Lord of the Rings, Man in the Iron Mask, to name a few)!

Some of my favorite movies include Lord of the Rings, Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future… Let's just say there's a lot I like. I don't watch tv a lot during the school year, but I watch a lot of movies with my family when I'm home for the summer! Recently I've been getting into DC comics and the movies. My favorite so far has been anything to do with John Constantine, but I also love Superman! I've been watching the show Smallville as well, but I'm only on season two. My favorite Studio Ghibli movie is My Neighbor Totoro!

Music-wise, I love cross-genre groups like the Eagles and the Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival! I'm also a big classical music person. I play viola, so I've been performing in orchestras and chamber ensembles for many years. Some of my favorite composers are Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Dvorak. I also like “outlaw country” (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, etc.) and Western style as well as old cowboy songs.

I also crochet! Recently I've just been working on practical items like storage for my hats and horse show ribbons. I also collect Breyer horses and I would make tack for them when I was younger (hmm… that might be something else fun for me to do now that I'm better at crotchet). I've tried a couple little animals, but they always end up looking very wonky ;-;

I do ride horses! I've been riding since I was 10, but I do not have my own. I hope to get one once I have a job and get financially stable enough though! There is a lot I can tell you about horses, but I think I'll leave that for a future letter… Just ask me questions and I will answer

Again, thank you for being pen pals with me! I look forward to your correspondence,

- Rosemary