Critique for Snowy!! || 829 Words (excluding quotes <3)

Hiii <33 I’m so excited to critique your piece! I read it through last night and wanted to say that I completely fell in love with it– it is such an incredible concept and has some incredible things going on <3 And as always, a reminder that these are only my very nitpick-y thoughts, and you can change what you think works and don't even have to bother with what doesn't <3 Thank you for allowing me to critique this piece, and let’s jump into it!

after that first episode,

I'm assuming this is some sort of panic attack episode? But it isn't explained super well, so I'd maybe clarify that in some way?

I had nearly laughed at that, saying, Oh, sure, I bet that I’ll just destroy that too

The “nearly” in here doesn't make a ton of sense– I think it would be more impactful if you narrator just laughed, instead of “nearly” laughing. I think that just brings more focus and purpose to the piece without any extra words that could be confusing <3

My goodness, I have never been the kind of person with a green thumb, so seeing all the leaves sticking out every which way was a little overwhelming.

To me, the “my goodness” kind of detracts from the value of the sentence, and it is already a little long as is. I don't know what it is but in the first time I read it and now, this particular sentence took a reread for my brain to fully wrap around it. I'd say maybe either split it up into two sentences or take out a few of the clarifying phrases like “every which way” or “a little” to make it a little easier to understand

Really, to call the place a garden was a bit generous.

Very very small note but if you italicize garden it might make that sentence a little more impactful and sarcastic!

I was diligently watering it whenever I remembered

This sentence seems to contradict itself a little bit– diligently watering it implies the narrator was sticking to their duties, but “whenever I remembered” means that it was every so often.

nearly forgotten it entirely.

The “nearly” and “entirely” don't need to be used in the same sentence, I'd recommend keeping one or the other <3

it seems I was obsessed with the thrill of trying,

“seems” feels a bit unnecessary here because your narrator is obsessed with the thrill of trying, and it is essentially stating it here.

part of me wanted nothing more than to never leave the house again

Instead of this, maybe think about what your narrator would want to do inside the house instead just to give it a bit more life and color? Maybe they want to stay under their blankets or binge watch Netflix, but I think that might help bring a little bit more realism into that scene <3

I don’t need to tell this story again.

Your narrator says this and then proceeds to tell the story again– maybe I'd change this phrase to the narrator recognizing the repetitive nature of their actions, but still describing them?

1. Does the voice seem fairly seamless throughout the piece? This was a rewrite of my application for the National English Honor Society, but I also used some passages here and there from my original version here and edited them only slightly. Does it seem like I switch randomly at a certain place?

I think the voice is quite good! The only thing I'd say is at the beginning, the sarcasm and self-deprecating humor is in almost every other sentence, and that seems to fade as you get further into the piece, to almost nothing at the end (which works with the tone!) I'd say, though, to just always be aware of how the humor is carrying through in various parts of your piece, and how you might need it to develop character or certain elements of the plot <3

2. Do I introduce Lauren too late? I feel like I do, but I'm not quite sure how to fit her in earlier, so if you have any thoughts on that, then that'd be really helpful!

Honestly I'm going to say that Lauren is announced very late, and she seems to have the making of what could be a very important main character, but somebody who is not maybe used to their full potential', if that makes sense? For me, it was hard to differentiate the “her” talked about in the first half of the story (I assume it's a therapist or other authority figure?) with Lauren later on, and why they are both integral to the story. My suggestion (though ofc you don't have to take it) is talk about the therapist more in passing, and make Lauren a greater part in the plant journey– perhaps make Lauren a bigger part in who the narrator turns to when she's struggling with her plants.

3. Do you have any title suggestions or concepts?

I'd say something lyrical and flowy or dry and sarcastic– but either way, I think a longer title would fit this piece better! If you want more elegant, maybe like “a letter to a cacti” or “they all wilted” or something like that, but your narrator also has very dry, self-deprecating humor that I think could also work as a really engaging title! Something like “the year of failed plants” or “well, that one's dust” to bring some of that into the title? But whatever you go with will be awesome I'm sure <3

Overall, I am literally so in love with this piece, Snowy <3 Your ability to create things that have so much meaning yet are so immersive is incredible, and I am left in awe of yet another one of your pieces :snowy_struck: I seriously cannot believe how incredible this piece is– I teared up at the end of it <3 I think you have such a great thing going here, and I hope my edits can make it even better! I want to wish you the best of luck– though you won't need it <3

The Lantern Keeper || 1997 Words

✶ The Keeper ✶

Since the beginning of time, I have had one job: to take memories.

I collect whispers of hurt, scars of pain, and place them inside a lantern. On my shelves, hundreds of lanterns rest, each humming with the remnants of a world full of wonder. There they stay, gathering dust as the world forgets them– the memories lost, to all except for me. It is these lanterns that keep me chained to this world, to the people who live in it.

I try to keep their wonder alive, to treasure it… but with each day it feels more pointless. What is the use of remembrance if it is by the one being who can never truly feel? Their grief echoes through me, but I cannot call it mine.

The rug beneath me is tattered and torn, a fine lair of dust coating everything. My lanterns flicker like stars, shining before burning out. The next one is coming soon, I can feel. His anguish reaches me first, a whisper of thought on the chilling wind.

I want to forget. I want to forget.

That’s what they all say, when they find me.

But forgetting has a cost– that’s what they don’t see.

✶ The Boy ✶

I don’t know how long I’ve been walking– all I know is that there is an ache in my chest and I need it gone.

I want to forget.

The trees that surrounded me shone in such brilliant color, even as night fell. The fall leaves shimmer in shades of gold and maroon, fireflies emerging from the underbrush, flickering around me. I have always loved the forest– the quiet beauty, the constantly shifting colors.

But all I can focus on now is my grief.

The memories of him – my best friend – drawing away from me once I shared who I am. What I am.

Unloved. Unwanted, even by my own family. And that was one of the greatest sins in our world. Being alone– being disowned.

When I told him, I thought I could trust him.

The next day, he hadn’t sat with me at lunch, hadn’t talked to me or acknowledged me. And there was only one explanation for why.

I didn’t know what had brought me to the woods, but something in the air breathed a semblance of life back into my aching bones.

A small cottage appeared in front of me, in a small clearing. Branches and flowers grew around it, like the forest wanted to reclaim its land. It seemed to hum a melody I faintly recognized– like it was waiting just for me.

It was that melody that called to the memory of his betrayal. I was meant to be here. I lifted my hand to knock, but before I could, the door swung open on its own. A shiver ran through me.

Inside was a woman, sitting on the floor. She looked up at me, and I was shocked by the deep purple that seemed to swirl in her irises. She did not smile, simply inclined her head and said: “I’ve been expecting you. Sit down.”

I did as she asked, and the door swung shut behind me. It closed with a soft click.

The woman tilted her head, studying me. A peculiar feeling rose in my chest, and I opened my mouth to tell her about him, without any prompting.

She shook her head, as if she knew what I was going to say. “I know why you’re here, dear. You want to forget.”

“…yes. Can you make that happen?” My voice shook, unsure whether or not to be so blunt.

But she didn’t seem to mind. “I can. But once you forget… you will not remember ever being here, or what memory you chose to lose.”

The hurt in my chest was like a knife now, stabbing deep into my ribcage. “Do it, then. I want it gone.”

She nodded, looking oddly disappointed. She stood up with an ethereal grace, her feet gliding across the floor of the small cottage like one of those fairies in the stories I used to write, but never finished. I grew too old to believe in things like fairies anymore.

The woman grabbed something from one of the shelves– a brass lantern. She sat back down and placed the lantern before me. She unlatched the front, the place where the light should be swinging open.

“Place your hand on the top of the lantern, and think of what you want to forget. Don’t exclude a single detail,” she said, her voice solemn.

I placed my hand on the top, and a golden light wrapped around it, warming my palm. I closed my eyes, because it seemed appropriate. I remembered him– his dark hair, hanging around his eyes, blue and full of mischief. I thought of the way he talked, as I mattered. As if we mattered. More than anything, though, I remembered the way that it hurt when he started ignoring me, as if he had never truly known me at all.

And I felt those feelings leaking from my memories. Eventually, I couldn’t recall what I had been supposed to think about at all. It was then that I opened my eyes, an unfamiliar woman sitting before me. She had a brass lantern on the floor between us, a lantern that now pulsed with golden light. She hesitated for a brief moment, meeting my eyes before clicking the lantern shut.

I felt as if I should know who she was, and what was going on… but it evaded me.

“If you ever do wish to remember… your feet will lead you to me,” she said, before helping me stand and ushering me out of the door.

When I awoke, I was back in my bed. I sat up, stretching. There was a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, the same feeling that told me I was supposed to be doing something, but couldn’t quite remember what.

On my way to school, the birdsong around me seemed to have a faint melancholy tinge to it, the light around me not quite as bright. My feet ached in my shoes, as if I was stepping on pebbles, as a numbness spread through my body. I didn’t like it– it was unfamiliar in a way I could not put my finger on.

When I entered the small schoolhouse, I immediately met the eyes of a boy with dark hair and brilliant blue eyes. He approached me cautiously.

“I’m sorry, for yesterday,” he said, looking at his feet, “I didn’t mean… I overreacted.”

I looked at him carefully, confused. I had never seen him before in my life. “I… don’t know what happened yesterday, but I’m sure it was no big deal,” I said, before turning and walking in the other direction.

“Wait!” He called after me, his voice cracking. But I didn’t know him, and there was no reason for me to turn around.

Something about that interaction, though, bothered me for the rest of the day. It was as if there was somebody behind me, tapping on my shoulder.

“You don’t know the whole story,” that invisible person was saying.

I told my head to shut up– it was helping nobody. Then, though, I remembered what that strange woman had told me last night.

“If you ever wish to remember… come to me,” she had said.

I followed my feet into the forest. There was nothing special about this forest; it was dark and empty. I used to love the forest, all its glorious color. I saw none of it now, my mind focused on my mission.

The path curved in the same way it had before… but what was before?

In a foggy clearing, a cottage stood. It wasn’t unfamiliar, but some part of it felt wrong. Like there should be some beauty here, beauty that I couldn’t see even when I squinted.

My hand lifted, like a marionette on strings, to knock on the door. It swung open before my knuckles could meet wood.

Sitting there, her back to me, was the same woman I remembered from my dream. She turned around gracefully, her purple eyes meeting mine.

“I… I forgot something, I think.”

“Do you want it back?” she asked, and I could hear the warmth in her voice, something that hadn’t been present before.

“Is there any way to know what I forgot?” I asked, sitting down on the carpet.

She nodded, standing up and lifting the same brass lantern I remember. There was still light inside, but it seemed… dimmer. Like the memory was already fading.

“Place your hand on top of it and look into the light– you will not remember everything, just some of the feelings.”

I did as she asked, and suddenly, the light started to dance, like one of those puppet shows I used to love watching. Color bloomed in the lantern’s glow– shapes shifting, moving… creating a story.

It was beautiful.

The memories inside were mine, I thought. But through the lens of the lantern… it was like they belonged to somebody else.

The sound of laughter echoed in my ears, with a person who never told me my stories were “childlike” or “silly.” A boy, saving me a seat at lunch. Inside jokes– shared between two people who loved each other, in the way that only kids could.

Then, I heard whispers, far from friendly. The feeling of betrayal swept over me… being ignored by the person who you loved most in the world. But there was still light– the kind of light that brought wonder. The same wonder that existed in my memories, the kind I hadn’t felt since I had let the numbness take over. But with it was pain– pain that made my eyes water.

Unwanted. The word had followed me like a specter.

My family hadn’t wanted me, and the person in the vision clearly hadn’t either.

Slowly, the shapes and the feelings dissolved. A sour aftertaste lingered in my mouth. But it didn’t hurt so much anymore– being alone. The lack of color muffled the pain. If I couldn’t feel… nothing could hurt me.

But… all that beauty.

It was then that I looked towards the woman. “You can take that back,” she said quietly, “all that color.”

“And the pain?” I asked her, a chill sweeping over me.

“That’s the trade. Take back what you lost, and with it the pain, or leave it here… and let the quiet remain. It is your choice.”

My hand stretched towards the lantern. I wanted, so badly, to hold it again. But that same word dragged me back. Unwanted. I couldn’t bear to feel that again– not when I had barely survived it once.

Maybe some people were meant for wonder… but I wasn’t one of them.

So I stood. “I think I’m good,” I said, though something inside me trembled, “Thank you though.”

She nodded, her smile dimming. But she didn’t seem surprised. “Farewell, then. You have made your choice– it’s one you’ll have to live with.”

As I stepped over the threshold of the meadow, I could feel the memories fading.

All that was left was gray.

✶ The Keeper ✶

I watch the boy go. With a sigh, I pick up his lantern, the color dimmed. I place it back on the shelf, along with hundreds of others just like him.

In the end, they all choose the same thing.

Comfort over color. Forgetting over freedom.

The boy seemed different, though. His hesitation had been something I hadn’t seen in years. I had gotten my hopes up, that he might be the one. Naïve of me, I know.

Maybe, one day, they will arrive. The person who chooses wonder over survival.

And when they do…

I will finally be free.

November 25th || Characters and Settings Daily! By Gigi– Anne Notts, 21, engineering student, etc <3 || 380/300 Words

“Darn this fricking place to an eternity in hell!” Anne said, screaming as she threw her fist into the mirror of the third floor girls bathroom. It shattered under her knuckles, the glass piercing skin. It hurt like hell, but she didn’t particularly care.

“Oh, gods. These particular mirrors offend you?” A voice came from behind her, and Anne whipped around to see a girl a little younger than her standing in the bathroom.

“This whole school, actually,” Anne replied, grabbing a wad of paper towels from beside the sink, using them to stop the bleeding on her hands, “because who thinks it's a good idea to put a curfew on the entire school because of some occult * and then actually enforce it?”

The girl seemed to find this greatly amusing, “oh yes, gods forbid the university actually follows their rules.”

Anne shook her head, annoyed, “I have an absolute right to be annoyed right now! I don’t know why you are questioning it.”

The bathroom had dim lighting, and one of the lights above the toilet was flickering faintly, like somebody was switching it on and off. Anne supposed it was just a faulty bulb… but the janitors were pretty good about cleaning stuff up around here. Came with the trade, when there were at least five catfights in these bathrooms a week– Anne knew as well as the next to avoid these particular bathrooms.

How she had come to find herself wrecking mirrors in them at one in the morning was something she still didn’t totally comprehend.

The girl didn’t say anything more, and it was then where Anne could observe her a little more carefully. Her hair was a dark shade of almost-red, the kind that seemed totally natural, but that color did not exist in the natural world. She had eyes that might have been some dark shade of brown, but in this lighting looked entirely black, like she had no pupils. Her smile was wicked, curving up in the corner.

It was then that the unfamiliar girl spoke again: “So when you said you wanted to… and I quote: ‘dark this whole fricking place to an eternity in hell…’ what if I said I could make that happen.”

Anne leaned forward, intrigued. “I’m listening.”

Critique for Squidy || 662 words (excluding quotes)

Hi Squidy!! I'm so excited to read and critique your piece <33 (Also I want to say I absolutely adore the title font hehe <3) and just a note as always that all of this is totally my opinion– take what you think works and discard what doesn't! As this is a poetry piece, there is a lot I'm going to critique based on how I think the flow should work, and that is entirely objective <3

(edit) I just noticed what you said earlier about making each line eight syllables loll– so feel free to ignore anything about syllable usage xD <33

little tiny
bit harder

Personal preference, but “little” and “tiny” mean almost the same thing– I'd consider whether or not you really have to include both <3

the fish lays there, gasping for breath

I think it might flow a little better (and bring more emphasis to the line) if you cut the “the fish” and just left “and… lays there, gasping for breath”

the fish gets up and he half-
walks, half-clambers, half glides like a

Okay this is just a really random thought but would it be interesting if all of these repetitions (especially this one) are formatted a little differently? So each description of what the fish does is in it's own line? Like this:

The fish gets up and he
half-walks,
half-clambers,
half-glides,
like a ballerina across the stage

Or maybe not? It's just a thought that occurred to me and might be interesting because of all the “and somethings” that happen that are kind of repetitive but in a really cool way <3

Where he meets the fuzzy lint-flies.

HELP I LOVE THIS <3

from their
desperate drought filled with despair.

While I do like the alliteration, I think maybe something about it just itches my brain– perhaps cutting the “with” could make this last phrase flow better?

and glitter spills out, sparkley
specks of diamond, or was it sand?

Just a quick note that it is spelled “sparkly” unless you wanted to add that “e” to make the syllables match up more clearly <3

this time
a swell of homesickness, poor fish.

Again just a little thought that maybe putting the “poor fish” on another line could lead to better emphasis?

where he is but an
anonymous hero, but that’s
good enough for the orange fish.

AWWWW I LOVE THISSS <333

Okay now onto broad notes!!! I seriously love this piece– I think the vibe just manages to be so perfectly moon-driven and surrealist and magical. I, a lot of times, see stories (especially short stories) with this sort of aesthetic board in my head when I really think a story gives a particular vibe– whether I am writing them or just reading them! Yours has vibrant oranges and fish scales shining in the light and the moon and waterways at night– which I think is so beautiful <3 You should be incredibly proud of what you've written, and I just love it so much <3

A few things I would note, however!

1. I honestly would describe the lint-flies in more detail. You describe everything else in the story with such glowing, brilliant metaphors, that the lint-flies (even though they are large characters in the story) in a way that makes them rather hard to imagine. I would maybe talk about their size in comparison to the fish, or maybe how they look– do they resemble house-flies or something else entirely? Just to see how they fully fit into the story <3

2. The fish as a character is incredible, but I would love to see a little bit more motivation in his actions, especially at the beginning. Does he have a thirst for adventure, or just wants to see something new? Or is the moon a place that he has always dreamed of visiting, and just now can truly see? Whatever it is, I would love to have that expressed earlier in the story to fully justify his actions.

3. More on fish characterization! Why does he want to help the lint-flies, exactly? I know this is touched on a little bit, but is it because he is just that kind of person (excuse me, fish ;D) and wants to help in whatever way he can? Or is because he feels sorry for them and wants to bring them something he can help them with? Or because he doesn't want to disappoint them after they've placed their trust in him?

I think that's everything!! Thank you so much for letting me read and critique this piece, and best of luck <333

The Lantern Keeper
2000 Words

✶ The Keeper ✶

Since the beginning of time, I have had one job: to take memories.

I collect whispers of hurt, scars of pain, and place them inside a lantern. On my shelves, hundreds of lanterns rest, each humming with the remnants of a world full of wonder. There they stay, gathering dust as the world forgets them– the memories lost, to all except for me. It is these lanterns that keep me chained to this world, to the people who live in it.

I try to keep their wonder alive, to treasure it… but with each day it feels more pointless. What is the use of remembrance if it is by the one being who can never truly feel? Their grief echoes through me, but I cannot call it mine.

The rug beneath me is tattered and torn, a fine layer of dust coating everything. My lanterns flicker like stars, shining before burning out. The next one is coming soon, I can feel. His anguish reaches me first, a whisper of thought on the chilling wind.

I want to forget. I want to forget.

That’s what they all say, when they find me.

But forgetting has a cost– that’s what they don’t see.

✶ The Boy ✶

I don’t know how long I’ve been walking– all I know is that there is an ache in my chest and I need it gone.

I want to forget.

The trees that surround me shine in such brilliant color, even as night falls. The fall leaves shimmer in shades of gold and maroon, fireflies emerging from the underbrush, flickering around me. I have always loved the forest– the quiet beauty, the constantly shifting colors.

But all I can focus on now is my grief.

The memories of him – my best friend – drawing away from me once I shared who I am. What I am.

Unloved. Unwanted, even by my own family. And that was one of the greatest sins in our world. Being alone– being disowned.

When I told him, I thought I could trust him.

The next day, he hadn’t sat with me at lunch, hadn’t talked to me or acknowledged me. And there was only one explanation for why.

I didn’t know what had brought me to the woods, but something in the air breathed a semblance of life back into my aching bones.

A small cottage appeared in front of me, in a small clearing. Branches and flowers grew around it, like the forest wanted to reclaim its land. It seemed to hum a melody I faintly recognized– like it was waiting just for me.

It was that melody that called to the memory of his betrayal. I was meant to be here. I lifted my hand to knock, but before I could, the door swung open on its own. A shiver ran through me.

Inside was a woman, sitting on the floor. She looked up at me, and I was shocked by the deep purple that seemed to swirl in her irises. She did not smile, simply inclined her head and said: “I’ve been expecting you. Sit down.”

I did as she asked, and the door swung shut behind me. It closed with a soft click.

The woman tilted her head, studying me. A peculiar feeling rose in my chest, and I opened my mouth to tell her about him, without any prompting.

She shook her head, as if she knew what I was going to say. “I know why you’re here, dear. You want to forget.”

“…yes. Can you make that happen?” My voice shook, unsure whether or not to be so blunt.

But she didn’t seem to mind. “I can. But once you forget… you will not remember ever being here, or what memory you chose to lose.”

The hurt in my chest was like a knife now, stabbing deep into my ribcage. “Do it, then. I want it gone.”

She nodded, looking oddly disappointed. She stood up with an ethereal grace, her feet gliding across the floor of the small cottage like one of those fairies in the stories I used to write, but never finished. I grew too old to believe in things like fairies anymore.

The woman grabbed something from one of the shelves– a brass lantern. She sat back down and placed the lantern before me. She unlatched the front, the place where the light should be swinging open.

“Place your hand on the top of the lantern, and think of what you want to forget. Don’t exclude a single detail,” she said, her voice solemn.

I placed my hand on the top, and a golden light wrapped around it, warming my palm. I closed my eyes, because it seemed appropriate. I remembered him– his dark hair, hanging around his eyes, blue and full of mischief. I thought of the way he talked, as if I mattered. As if we mattered. More than anything, though, I remembered the way that it hurt when he started ignoring me, as if he had never truly known me at all.

And I felt those feelings leaking from my memories. Eventually, I couldn’t recall what I had been supposed to think about at all. It was then that I opened my eyes, an unfamiliar woman sitting before me. She had a brass lantern on the floor between us, a lantern that now pulsed with golden light. She hesitated for a brief moment, meeting my eyes before clicking the lantern shut.

I felt as if I should know who she was, and what was going on… but it evaded me.

“If you ever do wish to remember… your feet will lead you to me,” she said, before helping me stand and ushering me out of the door.

When I awoke, I was back in my bed. I sat up, stretching. There was a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, the same feeling that told me I was supposed to be doing something, but I didn’t quite know what.

On my way to school, the birdsong around me seemed to have a faint melancholy tinge to it, the light around me not quite as bright. My feet ached in my shoes, as if I was stepping on pebbles, as a numbness spread through my body. I didn’t like it– it was unfamiliar in a way I could not put my finger on.

When I entered the small schoolhouse, I immediately met the eyes of a boy with dark hair and brilliant blue eyes. He approached me cautiously.

“I’m sorry, for yesterday,” he muttered, looking at his feet, “I didn’t mean… I overreacted.”

I looked at him carefully, confused. I had never seen him before in my life. “I… don’t know what happened yesterday, but I’m sure it was no big deal,” I said, before turning and walking in the other direction.

“Wait!” He called after me, his voice cracking. But I didn’t know him, and there was no reason for me to turn around.

Something about that interaction, though, bothered me for the rest of the day. It was as if there was somebody behind me, tapping on my shoulder.

“You don’t know the whole story,” that invisible person was saying.

I told my head to shut up– it was helping nobody. Then, though, I remembered what that strange woman had told me last night.

“If you ever wish to remember… come to me,” she had said.

I followed my feet into the forest. There was nothing special about this forest; it was dark and empty. I used to love the forest, all its glorious color. I saw none of it now, my mind focused on my mission.

The path curved in the same way it had before… but what was before?

In a foggy clearing, a cottage stood. It wasn’t unfamiliar, but some part of it felt wrong. Like there should be some beauty here, beauty that I couldn’t see even when I squinted.

My hand lifted, like a marionette on strings, to knock on the door. It swung open before my knuckles could meet wood.

Sitting there, her back to me, was the same woman I remembered from my dream. She turned around gracefully, her purple eyes meeting mine.

“I… I forgot something, I think.”

“Do you want it back?” she asked, and I could hear the warmth in her voice, something that hadn’t been present before.

“Is there any way to know what I forgot?” I asked, sitting down on the carpet.

She nodded, standing up and lifting the same brass lantern I remember. There was still light inside, but it seemed… dimmer. Like the memory was already fading.

“Place your hand on top of it and look into the light– you will not remember everything, just some of the feelings.”

I did as she asked, and suddenly, the light started to dance, like one of those puppet shows I used to love watching. Color bloomed in the lantern’s glow– shapes shifting, moving… creating a story.

It was beautiful.

The memories inside were mine, I thought. But through the lens of the lantern… it was like they belonged to somebody else.

The sound of laughter echoed in my ears, with a person who never told me my stories were “childlike” or “silly.” A boy, saving me a seat at lunch. Inside jokes– shared between two people who loved each other, in the way that only kids could.

Then, I heard whispers, far from friendly. The feeling of betrayal swept over me… being ignored by the person who you loved most in the world. But there was still light– the kind of light that brought wonder. The same wonder that existed in my memories, the kind I hadn’t felt since I had let the numbness take over. But with it was pain– pain that made my eyes water.

Unwanted. The word had followed me like a specter.

My family hadn’t wanted me, and the person in the vision clearly hadn’t either.

Slowly, the shapes and the feelings dissolved. A sour aftertaste lingered in my mouth. But it didn’t hurt so much anymore– being alone. The lack of color muffled the pain. If I couldn’t feel… nothing could hurt me.

But… all that beauty.

It was then that I looked towards the woman. “You can take that back,” she said quietly, “all that color.”

“And the pain?” I asked her, a chill sweeping over me.

“That’s the trade. Take back what you lost, and with it the pain, or leave it here… and let the quiet remain. It’s your choice.”

My hand stretched towards the lantern. I wanted, so badly, to hold it again. But that same word dragged me back. Unwanted. I couldn’t bear to feel that again– not when I had barely survived it once.

Maybe some people were meant for wonder… but I wasn’t one of them.

So I stood. “I think I’m good,” I said, though something inside me trembled, “Thank you though.”

She nodded, her smile dimming. But she didn’t seem surprised. “Farewell, then. You’ve made your choice– it’s one you’ll have to live with.”

As I stepped over the threshold of the meadow, I could feel the memories fading.

All that was left was gray.

✶ The Keeper ✶

I watch the boy go. With a sigh, I pick up his lantern, the color now dimmed. I place it back on the shelf, along with hundreds of others just like him.

In the end, they all choose the same thing.

Comfort over color. Forgetting over freedom.

The boy seemed different, though. His hesitation had been something I hadn’t seen in years. I had gotten my hopes up, that he might be the one. Naïve of me, I know.

Maybe, one day, they will arrive. The person who chooses wonder over survival.

And when they do…

I will finally be free.

Weekly Four || 3,184/2000 Words

Intro || 480 Words

Sooo for this weekly I do not have a very big outlined idea! But that’s okay! My “characters” are really just going to be characters from my novel that is in progress, which means we are bringing along:

Roxie Miller — 16-18 (I genuinely forget how old she is) – sarcastic, do-it-yourself tinker girl who likes to stand up for herself and others, is always there to bolster spirits or tell a joke, and likes to spend time with the people she loves most. Her father is deathly ill with an almost incurable plague– the only vaccine the fleet has costs too much for her to afford. She runs her father’s tinker shop in his absence, and only takes the customers she wants to.

Sterling Ambrose – 17-18 (I cannot remember the ages of any of them) – stern, business-like persona, he likes being in charge, but also cares deeply about the people he is in charge of. He knows that he’s been sheltered all his life at military academy, but also wants to do better. He has a prosthetic hand because of a horrible accident when he was in training, and now serves as the captain of the Herdoon, one of the airships in the fleet.

Zebediah (Zeb) Khan – 17 – the plans man, he is incredibly smart but you honestly couldn’t tell it from the way that he is always cracking jokes and belittling himself (in a humorous way). He is one of those people who knows exactly how many moves in chess it will take to checkmate you, but also has great empathy that sometimes gets in the way of clear decision making: he knows what should be done, but that is not always what he does, because he prioritizes feelings over facts. He is a Lieutenant of the military and best friends with Sterling.

Micajah (Mica) Witting – 17 — a scholar who is the exact opposite of Zeb in many ways: he is book smart, not street smart, and will prioritize facts over feelings. He knows pretty much everything about everything, and if you need help deducing an ancient language or reading a map that is almost too faded to make out, he is probably the one that you go to. He can appear stern and closed-off at times, but that’s because he doesn’t want to tell anybody who he truly is, and avoid getting hurt for as long as possible.

Abigale Dawkins – 18 – a stuck-up noblewoman who absolutely loathes her place in society: she would much rather be a powerful man, thankyouverymuch. She does, however, know her beauty and the fact that her place in society gives her things that would not otherwise be accessible to others. She uses her power for good, making sure that those who have less than her are always taken care of and respected, but she is known for quite literally running away from her problems.

Letter One || R: rescue || 241/200 Words

“I should have known you would get yourself in trouble again. I literally cannot get away from you people, huh?” Sterling said, groaning as he looked around for where the next patrol of guards was coming from.

Zeb laughed, “It’s my charming good looks, huh?”

Roxie crossed her arms from her place beside Sterling, her hand on the timepiece that was telling them when they had to get the heck out of there, lest they be discovered. “I’m pretty sure it's anything but that, Zeb. I love you, but I think we both know that you were arrested for stealing a tophat.”

“It was quite a glamorous top hat, I think that anybody who had a thinking brain would want to steal it.”

Honestly, Zeb did look quite fashionable– though the mentioned top hat was missing from Zeb’s head– didn’t seem like he got away with the theft after all. Roxie and Sterling weren’t peeved, though. It seemed the two were well acquainted with their friends' schemes, and even more so with the act of breaking him out of jail. They couldn’t do anything the “regular” way, it seemed.

The guard came around the corner, and quickly Sterling used his all-metal prosthetic hand to knock the guard unconscious, and the two quickly got the keyring off of the guard’s belt and used the right key to unlock Zeb’s cell.

Sterling gave his friend an exaggerated bow and grinned. “Kaboom. Rescue complete.”

Letter Two || I: Imagery || 342/200 Words

The airships glided on the sky like birds in migration– flying in a perfect V. Smaller ships– the color of leaves in the fall– seemed to flit between the larger ones like bees, and the casual observer might be left in awe.

The largest ship was a sight to behold– it was a beautiful shade of dark blue– which would probably blend almost perfectly into the sky at night, but in the bright light of day looks like a piece of the ocean that managed to somehow find its place in the sky. The ship directly behind it was a more boring shade of dark brown that one would expect from an airship, and it is this ship that we pay attention to.

As we travel, we see that there are giant gears in the bottom of the airship– the paneling of the sides exposing the mechanism working within, like a skeleton that showed what was underneath. The gears were glimmering in the sun, and you could see several people on lengths of rope, polishing the gears until they shone. It was then that you realized it was these gears that kept the airship in the sky– more so than the balloon that floated above it.

On the main deck of the ship– exposed to the sun– there were people in fine outfits. This is where those who had money dwelled, in an odd sort of promenade where they went to experience the fresh air, and not the dusky and dark places in the hull, where the seedier lot lived. Of course, there was beauty in that dankness as well, and those with money did live there, but it was something about the raw sunlight above that called those who could afford it– those who wore elaborate coats and pants for the men, and high-low skirts in all colors of the rainbow for the ladies. Of course, there were ladies in pants and men in skirts, and they blended perfectly into the crowd as well, perfectly accepted among the rest of society.

Letter Three || F: fight! || 253/200 Words

Mica hit the mat. Again.

“It’s almost like you aren’t even trying,” Zebediah taunted from his position five feet away (already), his fist extended like he didn’t even have to try to worry about Mica retaliating.

Mica sat up, groaning. He could already feel the bruises forming on his ribcage and chest from where Zebediah had already beaten him in sparring for several rounds. He had wanted to improve his fighting skills– if he was going to survive on this mission, he needed to be able to fend for himself – but both Zebediah and Captain Ambrose had proved to be worthwhile opponents.

That’s what years of vigorous military training did for a guy, Mica supposed. Ignoring Zebediah’s outstretched hand, Mica stood up on his own, brushing imaginary dust from his pants. “It’s almost like you aren’t taking it easy on me.” He muttered under his breath, taking a swig of water.

“If I did, you would just find more reason to bother me, so I don’t see the point,” Zebediah said, crossing his (irritatingly perfect) arms. He was wearing clothes that Mica didn’t usually see him in– a tank top (cut from an old shirt) and loose workout pants, so different from the usual style of clothing that Zebediah tended to frequent, as well as the cultural norms on the fleet. Mica could write a whole essay on that fact, but he didn’t want to pay any more attention to what Zebediah was wearing than he absolutely had to.

For no particular reason.

Letter Four || Y: yapping || 238/200 Words

“Okay, I think this is everyone.” Sterling says, waving his hand around.

“You think?” Zeb said, grinning, “That’s a rather bold statement for even you, brother.”

“Because I don’t know if we are going to need anyone else, dimwit!” Sterling retorted.

Zeb laughed, “Because the ship has already set sail, so I think we are long past needing or being able to get anybody else for the mission. You’re stuck with us, brother.”

“And me,” an unfamiliar voice said. The whole crew turned around to see a young woman emerging from below decks of the small airship.

“Who are you?” Sterling said, shocked.

“Wait, so you’re saying you didn’t invite her?” Roxie asked, bewildered.

“Well, five minutes in and this mission is already turning into an absolute mess,” Mica said, a cold frown crossing his features.

The young woman trembled, “please, let me accompany you. I’m Abigale Dawkins.”

Sterling looked mildly impressed, “Of the Dawkins family? I’m surprised you were even able to get on this airship without your insane security detail tracking you down.”

“Which is exactly why I want to be here. I don’t want my family controlling my life anymore. It’s so stupid– that I just have to marry some rich man to elevate our status, as if it needs elevating. They just want to be done with me, I’m sure. And I don’t want that. I want to live life on my own terms.”

Letter Five || U: Unity || 274/200 Words

The fireplace was dim, and Mica pulled a book out from his bag. Seeing the title, almost everybody seemed to have some visible reaction to it.

Zeb leaned in, while Sterling flinched away. Abigale gasped, shocked, and Roxie stretched her hand out, almost as if to touch the cover. It was nothing, really, just a book of fairy tales, but it seemed to have a meaning to almost everybody in the crew, in some way.

Mica hadn’t thought about that– that his favorite book from his childhood, the one that had gotten him into reading and learning in the first place– would be such a pivotal symbol to the others in the crew, as well. Fate seemed to have a tricky mind at times.

The book was nothing special, just a small cloth-wrapped bundle of pages and words on paper, but each fairy tale in there, Mica knew, was special. A person's favorite fairy tale from this book told a lot about their character.

Zeb opened his mouth, “I… I never thought I would see that. It's the only thing I remember from before my family sent me to military academy… my older brothers would read it to me. I know it was probably because my mother put them up to it as some sort of sibling bonding type thing, but… it meant a lot to me. I haven’t read it since, but I still faintly remember those days.”

Sterling shook his head, so shocked he was unable to speak. Mica thought that this book probably held some deep-buried memory (unlikely pleasant) in his subconscious that caused him to recoil in such a way.

Letter Six || Q: questioning || 295/200 Words

Sterling stood in his captain's quarters, the echoes of his team's conversation still replaying in his mind. Where did they go wrong?

No. Where did he go wrong? Because Roxie had tried, so many times, to tell him that the beauty of the Ground Level could not possibly contain so much evil… she had tried to tell him so many times that they weren’t on the right mission, that something wasn’t right… and he had pushed her away every single time.

It wasn’t right. He knew that he should have trusted her, that he did trust her, but for some reason thought that he knew best. He had put his entire faith in the Fleet Captain, that they truly would be doing what was best for the fleet… because that was what he would have done. He could not risk hundreds of thousands of lives of people he cared about.

And now his crew was going to pay the price. Roxie was going to pay the price.

Oh God, Roxie. He remembered the way that she had looked at him, as if he had ripped her heart out of her chest and broken it in two with his bare hands. And she wasn’t wrong. He had blatantly ignored her, ignored everything that he felt for her… just to what? Get power? Get a better chance at being Fleet Captain one day?

Maybe he really was as bad as they said. He was so desperate for some kind of power, for that kind of power, that he was willing to follow authority without question. And even though he knew in his heart that he wanted power for the right reasons– to help people– the way he had gone about obtaining that power was dangerous to everyone.

Letter Seven || O: Zeb and Mica take a trip to the office– one loves it, one hates it || 230/200 Words

“What is this corporate hell?” Zeb said, shocked and appalled.

“Zebediah, this is where all the productive work in the universe gets done! I simply have to say– the sterile white lighting is absolutely gorgeous on your features,” Mica responded, his voice a deadpan that made even Zeb crack up.

“Of course you’d love this place– you probably want to be in charge of it. Be a… what’s the word?”

“I believe the people here call it a C-E-O,” Mica said, “and yes, that kind of job feels distinctly appealing to me and my many talents.”

Zeb snorted, looking around. The aesthetic of the office was so different from the grand libraries and even gear repair shops he was used to on the fleet, where everything was in various metallic shades and people were wearing eccentric clothing. Even now, he had on a brisk dark purple waistcoat and striped vest. Others were wearing long pants that were similar to those that Mica had on, and plain button-up shirts that Zeb found incredibly tacky. And not a single one of them was wearing a top hat! Absurd! They all looked as if Mica went through a phase where he only wore black, navy blue, white, and the occasional tan. It was horrible.

Zeb could tell Mica was enjoying it, though, so he withheld all his snooty comments for his friends’ sake.

Letter Eight || H: hope || 307/200 Words
Abigale Dawkins had spent her entire life running away. From her family, from the people who cared about her… from all the things that frightened her. It had been a long while since she had ever opened herself up to any type of love or affection, and an even longer time since that love and affection had been returned.

So now she sat in the hull of this odd ship, with people around her, that strangely enough, she was starting to trust.

Abigale was quiet, her hands crossed over her lap in perfect fashion. She fully expected to fade into the background, like she had all her life. The crew was discussing strategies to take once they were on the Ground Level, and Abigale had several thoughts of her own about how that could be done. However, she had been taught that proper young ladies were not meant to speak out, and so she kept her head lowered and her mouth shut.

Until: “Abigale, what do you think?”

Abigale jerked upward, her eyes meeting those of Roxie Miller. In the few days that the crew had been on this ship, Abigale had admired Roxie from afar. The young tinker was headstrong, and wasn’t afraid to fight for what she wanted– with fists or otherwise. Everybody on the crew had a sort of respect for her, and Sterling tended to defer to whatever she wanted. Abigale wished she had that power in any aspect of her life.

But here was Roxie, offering her a chance to allow her voice to be heard. Abigale was grateful beyond words, so she simply opened her mouth and started to talk about her plan.

And a spark of hope– for her future, for her life, for her ability to stand up for herself– bloomed in her chest. It was a wonderful feeling.

Letter Nine || S: stealing (about Zeb stealing said top hat) || 287/200 Words

Zeb knew it was a bad idea. But his pockets were dry after he had given all his money to those poor children on the streets, and that top hat was looking all-so-precious. Plus, if he was caught, Sterling would just break him out of jail and give him more pocket money.

Perks of having a friend on the inside, Zeb supposed.

It wasn’t like Zeb only relied on Sterling– he made good money from his place in the army, and it was Sterling’s power that kept him employed on the Herdoon, where he actually knew people and was able to have some semblance of a normal life, even though he was one of the strongest and most able-bodied on the fleet.

Before Sterling’s accident (which resulted in a prosthetic hand) Sterling had been able to soundly whip Zeb in any fight, which is something that Zeb grew to admire about his friend. However, Sterling simply wasn’t the same after the accident, and though Zeb knew that his friend had regained almost full use of that hand, thanks to some truly innovative technology, Sterling still hadn’t gotten back that confidence he had lost due to the accident.

The most Zeb could do was give him a good jail break out session to restore his faith in himself.

So Zeb lunged forward and grabbed the top hat off the shelf, placing it jauntily on his hand. Within seconds, the others were on top of him, and he grinned, glad he wasn’t recognizable as a Lieutenant at this moment, or his comrades would probably petition to have his title revoked.

The stolen wig he was wearing really did work wonders– Zebediah Khan didn’t get caught unless he wanted to.

Letter Ten || X: xylophones (instruments) || 237/200 Words

Abigale Dawkins sat in the abandoned parlor after the party. Her whole family had played nice for the evening while they were hosting, making all the proper introductions to all the right people, making sure that Abigale had a full dance card, and Abigale was so tired of it.

The people had cleared out now, leaving almost no trace that there had been a party mere hours earlier, where people had been dancing to loud music and giggling and stealing off into darker parts of the ship for God-knows-what. Abigale wasn’t for any of it herself, she didn’t see a reason that she had to marry off simply because she was of marriageable age. It didn’t help that every man with a working brain wanted to steal her heart– not bragging, just a fact.

There was a large piano sitting, one of her family's heirlooms that they kept but nobody in her family knew how to play. But Abigale had been watching street performers for years, looking at the way that their fingers danced across the keys, and Abigale was faintly jealous that they had a way to express their feelings in a way that society deemed acceptable. Abigale sat down at the bench, lifting the cover of the piano. She plunked out a few notes, angrily. It wasn’t great, but Abigale fell in love with the piano at that moment, and there was no turning back.

November 27th || Letter Writing || 433/250 Words

Dearest Lee-Lee,

Here I am, sitting in some subpar hotel in southern California– such a random place to be writing to you from, I know. I probably won’t even get the courage or the chance to send this letter, not with all my mothers people after me. She doesn’t want to hurt me, I don’t think, she just wants to contain the story, sign my name to a label– her label– before anybody else can.

But I don’t think that’s what I want with my life, Lee-Lee. Even though I love my music, you are the only person in the world I can even imagine playing it for. My guitar is here, with me now. Of course I couldn’t leave it behind. If you were here, you’d encourage me to follow my dreams. But I don’t even know what my dreams are anymore– unless one of them is seeing you again.

I know, after the fall, you probably want nothing to do with me. I have a nasty habit of fleeing from my problems, I get that. But there was just so much… memory, I suppose, in Seattle that I couldn't bear to live there anymore. I needed something new. And I guess that is what this entire wild goose chase is, huh? New.

All because of me. Because of why my mother is, and because of my music. My music used to be my safe place, when I was playing it for you, and with you. With your poems. They are incredible, by the way. I don’t think I ever got the chance to tell you that.

But now, my music is what keeps me trapped in this vicious cycle of running from everything. I wish I could tell you where I will be in a month, in a year, but honestly, I have not the faintest clue. I used to think I’d go off to school for something creative– maybe go to a private little college where I could major in music theory, and you could major in creative writing. But that isn’t the life I can even begin to envision anymore, because I don’t know if you hate me or if you even want to see me anymore. Ever. And I guess if you don’t… that’s okay. I’ll live with that. But I want to see you again, more than anything.

Whenever this chase ends, one way or another… I want it to end with you, Lee-Lee. You’re my best friend. Nothing that happens in time could ever, ever change that.

I hope you still know that.

Yours always,
Wynn

Thank you notes || 3,262 words

──────☽ Intro ☾──────

Hi everybody! Like I always say, I cannot believe it is the end of yet another session :sobbing: But only one month before app season begins again… so I’ll see you all then hehe <3 but! I absolutely loved all the fun and memories that I built during this session, it has been a truly magical thing to experience it with all of you <3 Thank you guys so much for all the chaos, motivational mangoes, and support every single day. This community is truly a special thing, and each and every one of you contributes to that! So whether this is your first or tenth session, I want to encourage you to stick around and see more of what SWC has to offer ;D

──────☽ SWC & Committes ☾──────

SWC—
I did cover a little bit of this in my intro, but I would love to say a huge thank you to SWC as a community. You all have taught me so much about leadership, writing, and being myself in a way that nothing else really in my life has done. I truly treasure and value the friends and connections that I have made in this community, and I don’t know what kind of person I would be today without you guys <33 It’s truly surreal to think that I’ve spent almost three years in this community, and I know it’s three years well spent, because of all the memories and laughs that you all have given me. Thank you all so, so much– I will be forever grateful <3

Hosties—
YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL AAAA <333 This camp would not function without you, and we appreciate everything that you do– from planning the session and fun cabin wars activities to organizing the writing comp, participating in our chaos… it truly is magical and I know that this camp could not be what it is without all of you <33 We love you guys so much <3

Polar Bears—
WHEEE HI <3 You guys put so much thought and effort into every single daily and weekly, it is impossible to measure how cool you all are. I absolutely loved all the dailies this session, and it was so fun to work with a group of such talented and wonderful people. Thank you guys so so much for everything <3

MBC—
It is absolutely mind-blowing how good at designing every single one of you are. I cannot wait to work with you all more as we go into post-session, and I am so so grateful for all the work that you put in to wrapping up the session with such an aesthetically-pleasing bow <3

──────☽ Gothic ☾──────

Gothic –
I truly love and appreciate every single one of you <3 Leading Gothic has been such a dream come true, and I absolutely adore the fact that I’ve gotten to bring it to life with all of you <3 From the second I thought about a Wednesday cabin to writing the first draft of my leader application… the whole planning process to now, I have loved every second of bringing Gothic to life! I could not have imagined better people to be there with me for every step of the journey– my co-leaders, my wonderful campers, and everybody who stopped by and said hello! I hope that you guys all know how much I appreciate every single one of you– and I hope that I can get to know all of you better in the future!!

Elly & Chocolate—
You guys have your own notes below, but I truly have to address you guys as a group first because there are so many wonderful words I have to say to both of you and I want to give you guys the chance to enjoy your own notes without getting toooooo awfully repetitive ;D I feel like such a lucky person to work with such incredible people each session– it is my cos that make me actually enjoy the whole planning process because without you guys I would have blown up into a procrastination pile a long time ago :zany: When I first had the idea for this cabin, it was one of those things that just feels… fated, you know? It hits me like a lightning bolt and doesn’t let me go. It was the same feeling I got when I viewed both of your applications, way back when. The feeling that there was just something there that wouldn’t let me go, drawing me to both of you guys. And I am beyond honored that both of you chose my offer in the field of so many offers that you guys totally deserve because you are such incredible human beings that it has been such a joy and pleasure to work with. Gothic has been so so much fun, and all of that fun is because my wonderful cos were there every step of the way through the planning process and into the session– thank you guys so so much for literally everything <3
(IM ALREADY CRYING HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET THROUGH YOUR GUYS’ INDIVIDUAL NOTESSSS)

Elly—
ELLYYYY <3333 I admit that we haven’t been able to talk outside of planning as much as I would have wanted, but you are such an incredible human being in so so many ways. You are always up for an ambitious idea, but also seem to always catch my drift whenever I am explaining things in a really ramble-y way ;D You brought such life and joy to the planning process– and made me truly excited to turn on my computer every morning to see what you and Chocolate had thought of! Besides that, you are such a kind person who is always there for everybody, which is something I truly admire about you. I’ve seen you around in several sessions before, and have always thought “she seems like such a wonderful, genuine, kind person” and you are all that and more.

Besides all that, you are so talented as well. The piano covers in your application, the beautiful pfps that I fell in love with at first sight, and your writing abilities all shine. I squealed in excitement when I saw your acceptance to my offer, and I continue to squeal in excitement with every single moment where we get to make my dream of a Wednesday-themed cabin a reality. I am so grateful for you as a person and for everything you have done for this incredible cabin, and thank you so so much <33 I truly hope we can stay in touch as the sessions continue– and thank you again for everything <3

Chocolate—
CHOCOLATEEEEE <3333 Okay. Like. Where do I even start with you? Maybe with a long pause while I work out words– any words– that are adequate to how much I appreciate you as a friend and as a co-leader. Your love and enthusiasm for everything you take on is always one of my favorite things about you– you approach everything in such a loving, generous, selfless way that makes me just… in awe of everything you do. You are so so funny, always posting comments in the main cabin that make me laugh, and are always there whenever I post a daily or a weekly— cheering me on. That’s something about you that I really appreciate, even though I don’t think I’ve ever said it to you, so I’ll say it now <3 Truly, those little moments of encouragement mean everything to me, and I am so grateful that you take time out of your day to be there for me in that way. Talking with you and getting to know you better this session has been incredible– I love every conversation that we’ve shared, and all the things that I get to learn about who you are– which is a person that I am so grateful to know.

From the first moment, your enthusiasm for a Wednesday cabin was so apparent, and like I said before, your application just called to me in a way I still can’t explain. I don’t think the universe would have let it work out any other way. Your ideas are so fun, and I love all the wonderful concepts that you’ve brought to this cabin. I don’t know what I would be doing right now without you, and I appreciate everything you continue to do and have done. Thank you so, so much Chocolate. Ily <33

Pastel—
Hi Pastel!! It’s been such an honor and a joy to have you in my WCG – I truly think that you are such an incredible person and it’s been so fun to have you in my cabin for your first (I think!) session of SWC <3 I really hope that you enjoyed your time in Gothic and maybe we’ll see each other around again in the future ;D

Faith—
FAITHHH <333 You are such an icon and I absolutely loved having you in my cabin. I think you are one of the first people I met in the SWC community a really long time ago on your old account (even before I joined SWC I think :0) and it’s been so fun to have you in Gothic this session! You have such a kind and chaotic energy, and are just a joy to get to know and talk to, and I’ve enjoyed every conversation we’ve had <3 Thank you for hanging out in Gothic with us this session, and I hope to see you around in the future!

Kleemiya—
<333 It’s been so fun to have you in my cabins – from fantasy to bi-fi to now. You are such a kind, chaotic, sweet person, and I adore the life that you bring to each and every one of my cabins. I feel so honored to get to know you, and I hope to see you around in the future!

Starrii—
STARRIIIIII <33 (and yes I think we are destined to be in the same cabin every session sldkfj <3) You are such an incredible person to know, and I cannot believe that I’ve gotten to have you in not one but TWO of my cabins <3 You are chaotic in the absolute best way, and always bring so much light and joy to every conversation. Being in Bi-Fi and now Gothic with you is truly a dream come true, and I hope to see you around in sessions to come <3

Ayla—
HIIII <3 Can I just say you are such an icon?! Every session that I see you around just proves how kind, caring, and dedicated to writing that you are. I feel so lucky to have been your leader for this session, and I hope that you have enjoyed your time in Gothic <3 Hope to see you around in the future!

Kenzie–
Hi Kenzie!! It’s been so fun to have you in Gothic this session– you are so wonderful in so so many ways, and even though we haven’t had the chance to interact a whole ton, I’ve loved every time we have managed to talk or say hello. Thank you so much for an incredible session, and I hope to see you around in the future!!

Rue–
I’ve loved getting to have you in Gothic this session! Though we haven’t talked much, it’s always so fun to see you around the main cabin, completing dailies and weeklies <3 I hope you’ve enjoyed your time in Gothic, and I hope to see you around in the future!

──────☽ Action ☾──────

Action –
Your cabin is so cool– but since you are still holding onto first place, that takes you down in my standings a bit /j /lh You guys are so fun and chaotic, and the pfps are so cool :eyes: I hope that all of you had fun this session– go thank your very iconic co/leaders because they are all incredible <33

Skylar –
HI ICON <33 Action looks absolutely stunning omg– even if you guys continue to beat us on the leaderboard >:0 Even though we haven’t interacted a whole ton, you seem like such a kind, chaotic, and welcoming person, and I admire your leadership skills a ton <3

Sage –
SAGE HI <3 You are such an icon in so many ways– with your friendly chaos to your kind advice, I could not imagine a SWC without you in it. Your comments are always so sweet and funny– I love seeing you around the main cabin! Thanks for an incredible session hehe <33

Zoe –
HI ZOEEE <333 I absolutely adore talking to you– whether it be just about our days or about musicals and other music-related things (as it often is ;D) You are such a kind, funny, genuine person, and I adore every conversation that we’ve had. It’s been so fun to see you around the main cabin and to get to know you better, and I hope we can continue to stay in touch!

──────☽ Mystical Magical ☾──────

MagReal –
Can I just say that you guys are absolute word demons?! 19 wars?! That’s actually incredible :eyes: Plus, your cabin is so beautiful and aesthetic, and I am in awe (also the turtle pfps are iconic hehe <3) I hope that you all have had so much fun this session– go thank your incredible co/leaders ;D <333

──────☽ Our beloved enemies: Fantasy ☾──────

Fantasy –
HI GUYS! Even though you are technicallyyyyyy our enemy siblings, I still think you are one of the coolest cabins out there <3 You literally have such an iconic team of leaders (Cat, Liv, and Veni?! Hello?!) and all of them are so cool (so you should go say thank you to them now ;D). Plus, you have absolutely beautiful pfps and an incredible aesthetic (though I still need to research persona 5 more, I admit) You guys are so cool– thanks for being awesome enemies <3

Cat –
CATTT <333 You are such an icon omg ;D Like stated above, I am in utter awe of everything you’ve accomplished with Fantasy this session, it is literally so cool <3 Beyond that, you are such a kind, genuine, sweet person and always greet everybody with a smile. I truly love seeing you around SWC and every conversation that we get to have– thank you for everything!

Kat –
I still think it’s very funny that both (K/C)ats are in the same cabin hehe ;D But that’s besides the point! I want to thank you for being such an incredible person– getting to work with you for Bi-Fi has been a dream come true, and I really appreciate every conversation we get to have! I am so excited to see the funhouse take shape, thank you for being and incredible leader and friend <3

Eva –
Hi!! I hope you (and Chai) are doing well <33 It’s been so fun to see you around the main cabin– I hope you had the epic-est time in Fantasy this session! You are such a chaotic and sweet person, and I truly loved having you in Fantasy and Bi-Fi, and hope to see you around in the future!

──────☽ Solarpunk ☾──────

Solarpunk –
Hi!! You all are so cool <3 Solarpunk is such an incredible concept, and it’s been so cool to see it brought back to life! I hope that all of you have had an incredible time in this cabin (psstt you thank you co/leaders for all their hard work ;D <33)

Sophia –
HI SOPHIAAA <33 We haven’t interacted a ton this session, but I just want to say that I really appreciate you and everything you do <3 You are such an incredible friend, person, and writer, and I feel so lucky to know you <33

──────☽ Real-Fi ☾──────

Real-Fi –
Hi y’all! I admit I haven’t stalked this cabin as much as I would really like to, but you guys seem like such a cool bunch hehe <3 The campsite has such a cozy, welcoming vibe, and I hope that you guys have all had so much fun this session!

Clev –
HI CLEVV!! It was so fun to switch with you for the cabin swap daily hehehe <33 (you do a scarily good impression of me btw <3) I loved getting to know you in Bi-Fi last session, and to get to talk to you and experience all the fun chaos this session as well! It’s truly been an honor– and I hope that we can stay in touch as the sessions go on <33

──────☽ Fairy Tales ☾──────

Fairy Tales –
Hi guys! I absolutely love your theming so much– and you have an incredible team to go along with it. It was an honor playing Little Red Riding Hood and you guys are such an iconic cabin <33 I hope that every single one of you had an incredible session!!

Lune –
HI LUNEEE <333 Even though you weren’t in my cabin this session (I think that would have been a lot of sessions in a row pfft, so maybe it worked out for the best ;D) you are still one of the kindest, most chaotic people, and I feel so lucky that I got to know you over the past few sessions, and that we could stay in touch this session! You are so cool in so many ways, and I really appreciate the chaos and life that you bring to SWC <33

Squidy –
SQUIDYYY <33 I’ve loved the conversations we’ve gotten to have over the course of SWC, both last session and this one. You are so funny and just so much fun to talk to and interact with, and I wanted to let you know that I love every single conversation that we’ve had <333 Thank you so so much for everything, and I hope you had an incredible session!

──────☽ Thriller ☾──────

Thriller –
HIII I haven’t stalked you guys a whole ton but the pfps look absolutely gorgeous, and the theming is so cool! I hope that all of you had a great session, and that I get to meet and get to know more of you in the future!

──────☽ Psycho-Fi ☾──────

Psycho-Fi –
Hii!! You guys are literally so cool :eyes: there are so many iconic icons in your cabin, and the theming and team are absolutely impeccable! No notes here ;D I’ve loved popping in and looking around at all the cool things your cabin has over the session, and I hope that you’ve loved your time in Psycho-Fi!!

──────☽ Sci-Fi ☾──────

Sci-Fi –
We all love TCTWNW and gift you guys infinite mangoes for your infinite awesomeness ;D <333 You guys are so cool, and I love the theming for Sci-Fi this session, and the team is incredible! I hope that you all had a ton of fun, and that I get to see you around in the future!

──────☽ Conclusion ☾──────

Okay so that took a long while and I am slightly burnt out now XD But I promise that there will probably be more notes coming over the next few days to people that I really want to thank but just did not have time to– and if you wrote me a note, I promise I will get back to you as well!! This session was so much fun, and I truly value every second that I get to spend with all of you incredible people <33 Thank you guys so much for all the memories, and I can’t wait for March!!

Love,
Kiara <3