After the accident, naturally things had to change.

Janet said goodbye to Nathan, her husband of 27 years, at Barksdale Funeral Home in Milford.

Janet survived but barely and most days she wished she hadn’t.

They gave her therapy for her survivor’s guilt and grief as well as her injuries. She longed to return to the home she treasured, so she stopped telling them she wished she hadn’t survived.

When Kacey, her social worker, brought her back home, she had no choice but to face the fallen remnants, Nathan’s scent lingering in the ruins.

A smudge of his blood. Who will chop wood for the winter? Nathan proposed on Mount Washington, the mightiest of mountains. She knew when she accepted his proposal that her future was in the White Mountains.

Nathan was reason enough to give up her dream of traveling the world for his dream of individualism, independence and hard work.

The ranch was remote and they both knew it, in fact, that made it ideal. They could defend their property with fences and firearms.

She favored the twelve gauge pump action shotgun and slept with it next to her bed.

Janet had been in rehab for six months with no one caring for the ranch.

She wandered around the dusty memories.

She pulled out that old shotgun and cleaned it while she ate some Hormel Chili.

Kasey, from social services helped her with reinstatement of utilities and cable tv as well as taking her to the Walmart for food and cleaning supplies and whatever.

She looked down her nose when Janet slipped a twelve pack of Rolling Rock in the cart, but she really didn’t care what Kasey thought anymore, now that she had been released.

Both Janet and Nate stood behind their live free or die lifestyle, but the day the barn collapsed with both of them in it, Janet wondered if the independence was really worth it. They had run out to the barn to try to save the animals and Janet was knocked into the barn door by a falling rafter.

She pulled herself out from under the debris that had fallen from the roof, yelling Nathan’s name with every heartbeat.

She crawled toward his scent and found Nathan’s head grimacing back at her. His head without his body attached. Janet went into a coma for a month.

According to the doctors, it was a defense mechanism to heal the body without the stress of grief, which they believed would prolong her recovery.

It took her three months to walk again and another three to walk well enough to be released.

She had been getting a healthy dose of pain meds at the long term health rehab which included pain meds, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and benzos.

Now she had only Vicodin and Xanax and a combination of vitamins and nutrients.

She was not supposed to drink beer, but Rolling Rock seemed innocent enough.

Nathan had left a modest life insurance policy, but most of that was eaten up by the rehab costs.

There was just enough that she could get by for a while.

All the animals either died in the storm or were sold to pay the bills.

A home health nurse visited her at the ranch three times a week for the first couple of months and then Janet convinced them it would no longer be necessary. Janet sold whatever farm tools were left and managed to buy an old but reliable Dodge Ram, which suited her just fine.

After a few weeks back home, Janet started visiting Skelly’s Diner.

Bill Skelly and Nathan had been pretty close friends back in the day, and Janet told him she felt closest to Nathan while having coffee in the diner like they used to do together.

Bill had always been happy to give her a few minutes of his time and maybe share a slice of pecan pie.

June Skelly’s pies had achieved a royal place in the hearts of the town. One balmy summer evening, Janet drank iced tea with lemon at a window table at Skelley’s and a man she hadn’t seen before walked past the window and through the door of the diner. She couldn’t help but to stare at him with his boots and his swagger.

He smiled generously at her with a toothy grin and a deep dimple in each cheek. She got the kind of butterflies in her stomach that she had forgotten existed.

These were true blue school girl butterflies .

He seemed to know.

He got a coke from the counter and, without asking permission, joined her at her window table. “Hola.

I’m Miguel.” “Hola,” Janet replied, blushing at her elementary Spanish. “I’m Janet.” Janet was clearly at least twenty years Miguel’s senior but Miguel’s eyes could see nothing but her robin’s egg blue eyes and the tight body she earned with years of manual labor.

“Mind if I buy you a slice of pie?” Janet said, coquettishly shifting her gaze to her glass of iced tea, with lemon. “Si,” was all he had to say. They sat and talked until June gave them their last refills and let them know she would be closing.

Janet left plenty of money on the table and the two stumbled like kids out the door and onto the sidewalk, holding their sides with laughter.

Janet took a tissue from her pocket and wiped a crumb from Miguel’s patron style moustache.

He held her gaze tightly in his own as she wiped each whisker gently. They walked and walked and walked, through the foothills, around the center of town, up to the church on the hill, and ending up at Janet’s Dodge Ram. With tears, she pulled away in her truck and returned to the ranch in the White Mountains.

She vacuumed and dusted and scrubbed until she collapsed in Nathan’s old chair and slept like she hadn’t since the night of the accident. The next morning, Janet woke up to a sharp knock at the front door.

She managed to pull herself up and to the door.

It was Kasey with a clipboard. “Good morning Janet.

Did I wake you?

It’s already nine am.” “Yes.

Yes you did.

I guess I was tired,” she shook the cobwebs out of her head.	“I thought I was released from home health care.” “I wanted to stop by and let you know something myself.

They are really cracking down on pain meds Janet.

We are going to pull the vicodin and prescribe you a strong dose of ibuprofen.

I think that will be sufficient at this point, don’t you?” A strong wave of nausea ripped through Janet’s gut.

She was doing well because she had adequate pain relief.

“But I need those pills still!

I have gotta lot of pain.

Oh God, my leg was almost severed completely off, I had a coma and….” “I know all that Janet.

I know you have relied on them a long time. Not my call.

I can offer you relaxation classes or yoga or possibly pain block injections.” “Stop talking.

Please stop talking.

Ok,” she thought about what this would mean to her.

“When?

When are you taking my lifeline?” “Today.

Now.

What you have left is all you will get.” Janet didn’t remember much after that.

Kasey was gone.

Three pills left.

She took them.

Then she snuggled up on the couch with a Rolling Rock, a bag of crunchy cheetos and the remote to try to forget about it all for now. Sometime in the middle of a movie about a sea monster, another knock snapped Janet out of her reverie.

She managed to drift to the door, hoping it was not Kasey again.

She nearly fainted when she saw that it was Miguel. “Mami!

Are you ok?”he said as Janet collapsed into his arms.

“Did you take something mami?” Janet tried to answer, but the words were replaced with sounds she never heard before.

Manual carried her to the couch and sat with her, looking around to see if she could have overdosed.

He held her in his arms and finished watching the movie about the sea monster. When Janet woke up, she was still in Miguel’s arms.

She was comforted by the smell of his aftershave.

It was so different than the Dial soap smell of Nathan.

When she moved to get up, Miguel woke up and smiled at her so sweetly that Janet forgot how much pain she was in for just a moment.

That moment was long enough to fall in love. Janet made them some coffee.

Miguel liked mostly milk and sugar.

Janet explained about the medications and Miguel just sipped his sweet coffee and listened, nodding from time to time so she knew he was paying attention.

“I will stay here with you for a few days.

Just to make sure you are alright.

Maybe I can help.” “Oh I couldn’t ask you to do that.

I know you must have a life of your own Miguel,” she was shaking her head no but she lied.

She wanted his company more than anything she had ever wanted. Miguel cleaned up the house and cleaned up outside when Janet slept.

Janet took ibuprofen but it didn’t help.

Miguel drew her hot baths and then cool ones. Janet shivered hard and felt like ice even though she was beading sweat all over her body.

Miguel sat with her and told her stories about his home in Mexico.

He told her about ancient Mayan ruins and seaside fish taco stands.

He described rain forests and warm beaches inside the baja peninsula.

He described long buffets of the finest fishes and fruits and watching sunsets over the Pacific from a sand dune where they would drink wine and make love.

“Miguel, your stories are keeping me alive.

I wish I could travel to those places with you.” “Maybe you can mami.

You are getting better every day,” he said this with pure love, but knowing she was slowly failing.

“Before I met Nathan, I dreamed of traveling the world.

Tell me more stories.

Please Miguel.” He took some time to search the internet and tell her tales of travel to exotic places he had never been.

He told tales of London and Paris, Tokyo and Budapest.

They traveled the world together, but never left the ranch. “I hate to ask you this Miguel, but is it possible for you to get anything to help me with the pain?” “Mami, what you are asking is dangerous. I left Jalisco to start a new life.” “I don’t want to ask you, but, Miguel, you have no idea.

The pain.

I’m sorry.

I shouldn’t have asked.” “You think I can get you illegal drugs just because I’m Mexican?” “Can you?” “Mami.

We can live a good life together.

A happy life.

I don’t want to be the one to keep you addicted, to put your life at risk.

I can’t promise the stuff isn’t tainted.

Are you sure?

Are you positive?” “I’m not sure of anything.

I’m sorry.

Just hold me a while.” Miguel pulled her tightly against him and could feel her body hitch with tears.

He could hear her teeth chatter with withdrawal.

He tried to keep her warm.

He kissed her hair.

He could feel her suffering in his own body. “I will try mami.

For you.

I could go to prison for a long time for this.

You know they have eyes on me just because I’m Mexican.

But, I don’t want you to suffer, so I will try.” Janet cried while Miguel was gone, but she picked up her pain and went outside to face the scene of the disaster that changed her life.

She seemed to be floating as she walked the empty field where the barn used to be, full of life.

She looked into the White Mountains and reconnected her spirit to the heart of the earth.

She had some moments where clarity intervened through the Xanax and Rolling Rock haze, but mostly, she suffered what felt like filet knives in her hip joints, electrical jolts down her legs, nails in her neck and burning running lights up and down her spine. When Miguel returned, he found her passed out on the couch.

He was relieved when he saw her chest heaving up and down and he could be sure she hadn’t died. “Miguel.

I thought you would never get back.” “I brought you some medicine mami,” he smiled and showed her a small syringe - the kind diabetics use for insulin. “What is it?

Where did you get it?” “Trust me mami.

I still know some people.

I can help you.” He found a vein, flicked it with his finger, tied it off, flicked it again and easily pressed the thin needle into the vein. Janet jolted when it hit her.

Then she put her head on Miguel’s shoulder and smiled. “No pain,” she whispered with her lips touching his ear. “Like magic.” Miguel continued to set Janet up with pain relief through the winter.

He chopped wood and kept the place running. He also brought her groceries and Rolling Rock and whatever else she needed.

He lived with her at the ranch and did all the repairs and improvements.

Then, in the spring, Janet was getting very tired. “‘Miguel, I feel like time is running out,” “What do you mean?

Is this another morbid moment mami?” “I feel worn out Miquel,” she stroked his thick, black hair. “After all I have done?

You know I’m taking a big risk right?” “Oh Miguel.

Yes.

Thank you so much.

You have made me feel better, loved, cared for.

Please don’t think I don’t appreciate it or think it's enough.

It is way beyond anything I could have imagined.” “Please be positive.

You have been doing so well.

We will have a beautiful spring, planting flowers and, we can get a dog, and..” “Miguel.

Thank you.

Thank you so much,” Janet kissed his hand and held it to her cheek. “I’m going to be a little longer this time.

I need to go to Mexico.

Don’t worry.

I will be back before you know it.” Janet spent the time Miguel was gone in a drug induced fog, barely getting out of bed or eating.

She had a bad feeling.

Then one night, a knock at the door woke her. She threw herself out of bed and ran for the door, hoping like hell it was Miguel.

But it wasn’t Miguel.

It was two police officers.

She heard them talking but couldn’t understand the words.

They were saying that Miguel had been killed.

They wanted to know if she knew anything.

That couldn’t possibly be right.

That couldn’t possibly be true. “You must have it wrong officers.

Miguel just went to see his family in Mexico a

few days ago.

I expect him home anytime now.” “Ma’am I’m very sorry but we are not mistaken.

It happened yesterday but they just notified us today.

Your name was in his phone.

Did he mention anything else about the trip to Mexico besides that he was visiting family?” “No.

He didn’t.

I’m sorry.

Am I under arrest?

If not, I would like to be left alone.” She could feel the shaking bubble up from deep inside her gut.

After the officers left, her hands trembled so hard she had to sit on them.

She had a little of the medicine Miguel left so she used it and went back to bed. She waited day after day.

The medicine was gone.

Miguel was gone.

She was waiting for him to call and he did not. She thought they must be mistaken and he must be alive.

The joke must be on them.

She looked outside and, nothing meant anything to her.

She drifted through the day, knowing the monkey on her back had returned.

The chills were starting.

The chattering teeth.

The pain that ran deeper than her body was thick.

She managed to get back to her bed that night.

She has stopped waiting for Miguel to call.

For some reason, he couldn't call, and she accepted that.

She thanked God for all he had provided to her.

She prayed that he was safe and well.

Then she reached under the bed, and took that 12 gauge pump action shotgun she always kept there.

She held it tight, like she had clung to Miguel and before that to Nathan.

She held that shotgun and she waited, knowing that she would always live free or die.


Cassidy throws her bills down on her side table in frustration and sits head In hands trying to not cry. She looks back the paper and relises the bills are smoking and shocked she taps on them until the smoke clears. Her door bell rings and she takes a deep breath as she rubs the tears off her eyes and slowly walks to the door. Cassidy opens the door to see her ex, Melanie standing in front of her, she rolls her eyes and goes to push the door closed before Melanie‘s hand holds the edge of the frame. ”please let me in“ Melanie looks away and asks ”not a chance“ Cassidy states harshly pushing air out of her lungs “I have something I need to tell you, it’s important“ she looks up with a hopeful slight smile. Cassidy rolls her eyes and opens the door as she walks back inside her studio. “hurry up” Melanie follows behind after carefully closing the door, making sure to make Cassidy not feel anymore uneasy. Cassidy sits on a chair just at edge of her bed, leaving Melanie only able to sit on the Bed so she just stands and takes a deep breath. “you should sit sit?” Cassidy suggests. “ah right“ she says as she awkwardly sits, barley being able to face Cassidy. “so are you here to tell me more about how I’m not attractive enough to stay with?” She angrily asks. ”no, ah well sort of“ Melanie awkwardly says as she’s trying to figure out her words. ”I” ”get out!” She says sharply as a flicker of tiny lightning appears at the corner of her eye. ”NO I need to say this, I need you to know The truth I don’t want you to stay here feeling hurt because of me” Melanie yells quickly turned into a whisper. “I’ve barley been thinking of you I have more problems to deal with“ she states harshly. ”im sorry“ she says still whipering. ”is that it?! Seriously? YOU CALLED ME DISGUSTING!” she shouts as she starts tearing up and more sparks fly around her body. “you don’t understand I needed to but I think now that I should just trust you” she says looking right in Cassidys eyes. ”trust me? the hell? I should need to be able to trust you! I THOUGHT I LOVED YOU, I THOUGHT WE WERE GONNA CLIMB OUT OF THIS SHITTY CASUM OF OF BEING LESSER FOR NATURAL ABILITY’S! WE WERE GONNA ESCAPE TOGETHER!” She shouts barley noticing that Melanie was trying to say something. “I CANT BE WITH YOU BECAUSE IM HUMAN!“ she finally shouts feeling a it of relief. “what? Impossible, how would you even leave the sanctum? she asks glaring at Melanie with disbelief. “I’ve never been in the sanctum I lived underground up until a few years ago“ she says quietly. ”prove it, if your really human you can prove it “ she states sharply. “alright“ Melanie gets up and walks to the kitchen she opens a draw and pulls out a knife. ”what are you doing?” she says with partial annoyance. Melanie raises her her arm on the bench and places the sharp of edge of the knife on the back of her arm, she takes a deep breath and swiftly moves the blade down following with a beads of blood. ”yeah my bloods red too” still sounding annoyed she walks over to retrieve a paper towels from a bread hamper. Melanie avoids the paper towels and raises her arm to show the cut right to Cassidys face. ”look, I’m still bleeding” she states in monotone. “what from something like that of corse it isin-“ Cassidy confusingly looks at Melanie‘s arm and delicately brings it to better view. ”it’s not healing, your really human” shocked she has quieted down. “I’m sorry I said some horrible things to you but we had to brake up before we did anything with eachother“ she’s a lot calmer and relived. ”yeah I understand we would have poisoned eachother” shes still staring at Melanie’s arm Cassidy looks up at Melanie and holding her arm close her side as she wraps a paper towel around the wound she guides Melanie to her bed and they sit down. ”Cassidy are you ok?” She says concerned. “I’m fine your the one that won’t stop bleeding“ she says smiling. “yeah do you have any bandaids?” she asks. “whats a bandaid?” Cassidy asks slowly and inquisitively. ”right never mind.... soo what should we do now?” she’s feeling awkward. ”uh well we can’t have sex that’s for sure“ she says jokingly. ”yeah of corse unless ya wanna do a double suicide, ha“ she’s feeling very awkward “how would we even go about now?” she says quietly. ”um” she dosnt know what to say. ”your in hiding right? why even come up in the first place? Humans are pretty valuable right“ Cassidy says with an almost blank expression as she fixates of Melanie‘s arm. ”yeah just call me a million bux!” She says with a weak smile as she raises her free arm to show a thumbs up. ”even their blood“ Cassidy whispers very quietly. ”what? I don’t think I heard you Cas” she says with a faint laugh. Cassidy tightens her grip around Melanie’s arm as she glances at her side table holding her singed bills. “you know your apology do‘sn‘t make up for much, you really hurt me before“ she says with a bit of anger as she looks up at Melanie’s eyes. ”please understand I thought I needed to” she pleas. “yeah I understand that it took you devastating me to be able to trust me!” she speaks harshly. ”I’m sorry, ok if you hate me I can just go” she says each word slower and more pained as she moves to get up. “no I love you” Cassidy says desperately “Really? I love you too” she says in relief as she moves closer to Cassidy. ”you could really hurt someone you loved though?” she asks. “I“ Melanie tries to speak again before shes interrupted by Cassidy. “You should prove it“ she says with a demanding tone. ”like what? ill do anything!” She states in mess of desperation and relief. “help me pay my debts“ Cassidy says calmly “ah Ca, I don’t have any money“ she says with a bit of concern now pained from the awkward position she’s been made to sit in due to Cassidy not letting go of her arm. ”what do you mean? Your practically rich! your full of liquid gold!” She states cheerfully as she stands up dragging Melanie by the arm with her. “what?“ Melanie says with fear and confusion. ”you’ll let me take me some won’t you? It‘ll just take a few, eh, several harvests to be able to pay everything off but then we can live happily in love!” Cassidy has a big wide smile as she says all this with a cheerful tone. “No I’ll die!” she says in fear trying to pull herself out of Cassidys grip. ”oh no silly what’s education like for the underground? you’ll be fine it‘ll just be like a few pinches every few days you won’t die” she says patronisingly. ”NO!” She yells. Melanie finally yanks her arm free from Cassidys grasp and starts to run for the door, as Cassidy giggles a bit as whisps of electricity spiral around her arm and she leaps forward and hits Melanie‘a back. Melanie blacks out as she falls to the ground and Cassidy kneels down beside her and with a partially sad smile says “I’ll take good care of you” THEEND


“Oh no, where am I?” He knows that he is in his dream right now but he is totally lost right now. He is in a huge room with a lot of chairs and some sort of counters? The design of the room is unfamiliar to him. It is like it comes from another place, unlike his own. There are some people in the area but it seems like nobody is waiting for services. Only some personnel are doing their job at a leisure pace behind the counters and there are two guards at the door. A sudden blaring sound screeching his ears and flashes of orange hurting his eyes. The silver room is now filled with flashes of orange coming from above. They seem to come from tubes that he totally did not see before. He only knows how to use candles. Where on earth he is now? Personnel inside the room jolt in surprise when they hear the alarm and see the light. Some of them were running, leaving the room, and some of them rushed to finish their work. Suddenly he heard a voice from his back. “The portal has opened again. Some guardians are waiting at the door for any travellers.” That person is now in front of him, her back is facing him. She wears all black clothes to him. He had never seen these clothes that these guys were wearing before! Where is he? A woman in white from behind the counter walks towards the woman in black, addressing her. “We are currently preparing for the arrival while waiting for news from the team.” The woman in the black nods in understanding. She suddenly rotates behind, facing the door located slightly behind him. “If it is a false alarm, I hope it is a good sign.” His stomach dropped. He knows that face.

“Haoran, wake up!” Oh, his time here is up. **** It has been a few days since he had the weird dream. He and other juniors just back from a night-hunting excursion in the village near his sect. They are cultivators. The case of a haunted mansion at the edge of the village. Thankfully, they managed to exorcise those spirits and came home with minor injuries. He just finished cleaning his room when his roommate walked as fast as he could towards their room.

“What is the matter now, Yichen?” “Sect Leader and Elders called all the juniors to the Lotus Hall immediately!” Both of them rushed to the meeting. *** When they arrived at the hall, it was filled with other juniors as well. All of them are anxious with the sudden meeting like what is actually happening right now? Nobody knows.

The sect leader and some elders arrived a few moments later and stood at the front. The juniors stood in lines after bowing to arriving parties. The sect leader comes forward, giving his announcement. “Today, as the Zhou Manor Sect Leader, here I have appointed my adopted son, Zhou Zihao as the Sect Heir.” He did not hear any words that came from his father’s mouth after that. He felt that his world had imploded into darkness. He just laughed at his misery. His laugh shocked everyone in that hall. “Sect Leader, this one is truly sorry for his rudeness but actually, I am not sorry at all. At least, I know why my father never looked at me or acknowledged me. Do you know why? Because he hates me. He hates my mother. His wife. Or a former wife maybe? She left or was forced to leave because of you 13 years ago, right? Father, I know you hate me but I am your son too! You love Zihao more than me, but save me some faces too! He stormed out from the hall, ignoring his friends’ shouts. *** He is now standing in front of the cave at the back of the mountain. Based on his mother’s letter, he must go to this place if he wants to find her when he grows up. He never knew why his mother left when he was a toddler, but he was glad in a way and angry at the same time. He was glad that she could leave this place but angry at her on why she left him alone here. He knew that Grand Uncle loves him but it is still not enough. He felt guilty for his decision and hoped that Grand Uncle would understand his action. After that announcement, he rushed to his room to pack his things into the travel pouch. He did not bring many belongings with him like he did not have a lot of them in the first place. He just took three sets of clothes, soap, his mother’s box, some money, his two favourite books, an entrance token, and his sword and dagger for security. He put all of them into the pouch except the sword and dagger and fled to the mountain at the back of the mansion. He was searching at the cave entrance when he saw a slot at the cave wall. Wait, he knew that shape. He scrambled into the pouch to take out his mother’s box. He took his mother’s token from the box and compared it to the slot. It matched! He put the token into the slot and suddenly his breath is taken out of him. His surrounding becomes blurred and some azure lights surrounded him. A voice called him, “What is the thing that everyone has that usually

you need to ignore but sometimes, you need to

follow it ?” He quiets for some time before answering, “For me, it is fear. Usually, fear is something you need to ignore usually especially in doing tasks. However, it has to be followed in order to leave something that we do not have any hope for.” The lights around him become brighter and he felt his breath left him. *** “Is he okay?” He slowly opened his eyes and saw some people surrounding him. However, his sight is only to the woman in black. He cries and smiles at her, “Ibu (mother), it’s me Haoran or Hafiz.” His mother embraced him with tears. The warmth is comforting.


41236Fafnir [13:30]: Happy thanksgiving everyone. Enjoy your uncomfortable family reunions and screaming arguments. Bjid [13:33]: My younger sister and my grandfather are already arguing about Trump. KRS [13:36]: That’s four years in a row now. You’d think they’d realize it’s a pointless conversation. 41236Fafnir [13:36]:  Didn’t they start throwing food at each other last year? Bjid [13:45]: Yup. We aren’t even at the dinner table yet and it’s already a nightmare. How about you guys? 41236Fafnir [13:48]: My wife and I are driving to her parent’s place later today. Should be fine. KRS [13:49]: Honestly, I’m just home alone. :/ Bjid [13:58]: For real? 41236Fafnir [14:01]: That’s rough. Things bad back home? KRS [14:03]: No, not really. I got this job just last month and don’t want to take any time off. Going home for four days is a pretty big commitment when your folks are on the other side of the US. Figured I just had to hold the L and not go home this year. I still get today off though, so it’s not the worst. 41236Fafnir [14:13]: Shit, that sucks. Sorry to hear that. KRS [14:10]: Eh, I kinda knew this would happen getting the work. Still beats working in retail. Bjid [14:21]: Hah… yeah. I can imagine. I had to go into work this morning for a half shift. 41236Fafnir [14:45]: Wal Mart? Bjid [14:24]: Yup. KRS [14:30]: That’s fucked up. 41236Fafnir [14:40]: You’re leaving there soon though, right? IIRC, you said something else was coming in. Bjid [14:45]: Yeah. Maybe. IDK, they haven’t gotten back to me in about two weeks. KRS [14:48]: I mean, this week is Thanksgiving, so it’s a little fair. You should probably try contacting them. Y’know, just remind them you exist. Bjid [14:51]: Is that a good idea? I thought that would come off as pushy. KRS [14:53]: Eh, they really won’t mind. It shows you care. 41236Fafnir [14:59]: Yeah, you have literally nothing to lose. You should shoot for it. Bleeksley [15:08]: Happy thanksgiving to the all you Americans down there. Bjid [15:10]: TY KRS [15:13]: Riiiigggghhhttt. Canadian thanksgiving is in October. Did we forget this year?

Bleeksley [15:14]: Don’t worry about it. 41236Fafnir [15:17]: I keep forgetting that you have Thanksgiving in October. Canada’s practically another planet, haha. Bleeksley [15:23]: Hey, we’re all the same. We all wake up in the morning and ride our polar bears to work. Bjid [15:27]: JFC, I started laughing like a maniac in front of my entire family. Thanks for that. Bleeksley [15:30]: Right. How dare I tell a joke. Might as well ban me right now. [KRS has banned Bleeksley] [[Bleeksley has joined the server]] KRS [15:34]: J Bleeksley [15:35]: I’m not even mad. That was great. KRS [15:40]: I figured you’d enjoy that. 41236Fafnir [15:46]: Well, I have to drive in a minute. So, I’ll be offline for a while. KRS [15:48]: Have fun driving to NPR for seven hours. 41236Fafnir [15:50]: It’s practically just white noise at this point. KRS [15:52]: In all seriousness, seven hours is pretty bad. At some point you should probably look into air travel. Bleeksley [15:54]: You can’t have an emergency escape if you need to wait for a flight. Bjid [15:56]: Fucking Christ, dude. Bjid [15:56]: You right tho. 41236Fafnir [15:58]: Nah, my wife’s family are just a bunch of nerds and they’re great. I’m pretty sure I won’t need to worry about emergency exits anymore. We just both hate air travel. 41236Fafnir: Anyways, logging off. If I don’t manage to get back on later, then I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Bleeksley [15:59]: Drive Safe. KRS [15:59]: Yup. Have fun. Bjid [15:59]: What they said. KRS [16:30]: Anyways, Bleeksley, do you want to play a game or something? I don’t really care what kind, honestly. Bleeksley [16:34]: I wish I could. I have a final paper due this Sunday and it’s kinda kicking my ass. Bjid [16:40]: Then why are you here? Bleeksley [16:41]: Good question. Fortunately, I have a perfectly good reason. Bleeksley [16:41]: I’m procrastinating. Bjid [16:43]: So you’ll procrastinate online, but when you’re playing a game it becomes a problem? Bleeksley [16:45]: …Yes. KRS [16:48]: I mean, a quick drop into the group chat is different than playing a game for an hour. I get it. Bleeksley [16:49]: Yeah, let’s hope I have enough self control to actually get off in a few minutes. I have some doubts.

KRS [16:51]: We’re still good for Mafia night tomorrow though, right? Bleeksley [16:52]: Yeah, totally. I don’t think I’ll have any problems on my end. Bjid [16:53]: I should be fine too. Jeppers [16:53]: I should be down. Bjid [16:54]: Oh, hey, Jeppers. Bleeksley [16:56]: Hey, Jeppers. You just log in? Jeppers [16:57]: Hey guys. And yeah, I did. Jeppers [16:58]: KRS, if you’re still down for games in anything, I’m open. You still play Fighterz, right? KRS [17:01]: I do. I’m not great at it, but I can play. I’ll be on in a bit. Bleeksley [17:05]: You aren’t doing Thanksgiving stuff this year, Jeppers? Isn’t it around the middle of the day in the Midwest? Jeppers [17:10]: I mean, I was at a Thanksgiving thing. I just headed home early this year. Bjid [17:13]: …Oh boy. That bad, huh? Jeppers [17:16]: Yeah. It was pretty awful. Bleeksley [17:20]: Did your brother tell everyone about you coming out like you were worried he would? Jeppers [17:23]: Yup. He did. Jeppers [17:26]: I wish I never told him. I don’t think I’ve ever regretted anything so quickly in my life before. Bleeksley [17:30]: Gotta love those Christian values. Jeppers [17:33]: I know you’re joking, but I fucking hate them. I almost thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, but it ended up being a disaster. KRS [17:36]: It has to be better than holding it back, I hope. Jeppers [17:40]: It is. I’m pissed right now, but it’s better than having to feel anxious every time I go there. I just wish it didn’t happen the way it did.

KRS [17:42]: If it makes you feel any better, The worst thing that’ll happen is having to cut off some shitty family. Which is no harm done. Jeppers [17:44]: It’s fine. I’m going back to college tomorrow, so it’s not like I have to deal with the blowback right now. Bjid [17:46]: Until Christmas. Bjid [17:48]: Which is in a month. Jeppers [17:49]: A Month should be plenty of time, right? KRS [17:50]: Yeah, I’m sure it’ll blow over by then. Jeppers [17:54]: …I hope. KRS [17:55]: Do you still want to play? You don’t have to. Jeppers [17:56]: No, I do. I really need to get my mind off this anyways. I’ll be on in a minute. 41236Fafnir [20:14]:  Sounds like I missed out on a bit. Jep, you don’t really need to force yourself to see family if they’re just going to look down on you for who you are. I’m not saying burn the bridge if things do work out, but don’t try to force yourself to these things if they don’t. If they don’t like you for who you are, then it’s their problem. Not yours. 41236Fafnir [20:15]: Okay. I need to get back to IRL stuff. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.


Amelia, look how much you have grown. I say, as I show her the line I had just marked on the door frame. She giggled and jumped up and down. Her curly red hair bounced till it looked like an untamed mess. Her blue eyes shined brightly, as she smiled at me. Her dimples just showing through. She was only four, but some days she acted like a teenager. My Jonathan would have loved to see her grow up. But, fate wouldn’t allow it. He died in a car accident when she was only two. Her red hair had come from him.

She didn’t get my brown hair, but she did get my blue eyes. Johnathan's eyes were green. So now every time I see her with that red hair, I see him.

I shake my head to keep from tearing up. Even after two years, my heart aches. Amelia is already grabbing my hand, and wanting to go outside to play. I took her outside so she could play on our swing set. I breathe in the fresh country air. Our little white house looks peaceful with the backdrops of fields surrounding it. My husband and I bought this place when we were pregnant. This was our home, and the thought of possibly losing it, had me wringing my hands together. I watched Amelia as she picked some of the butter cups that had started to bloom. I didn’t want this moment to end, but I had much to do before running to town. Amelia, time to go in, I call. I sweep her up into a big hug before carrying her inside.

‘’Lindsey, I need some help here’’. I walk into the living room. My sister was already halfway in with a bag of groceries. What is all this, I ask Sarah. I figured while you were out, Amelia and I would make up a pot of spaghetti, her favorite. You really didn’t have to do that, I tell her. I know she explained, but I love cooking with my little sweetie. Fine, she is in her room playing. I will only be gone a few hours. I know she said, shooing me out the door. I chuckle to myself, as I hear her calling for Amelia.

I make my way to the bank and take a couple deep breaths. Money has been tight lately, and making some of the payments was getting harder and harder. Jonathan did leave some money when he passed, but not enough. Amelia needed surgery last year to remove her tonsils. Now, even with me working as a secretary, it has been hard. All I needed was a loan so I could pay off some debts, and be down to just one payment. By consolidating this way, I could keep us afloat, and back on track. I checked my make up in the mirror one more time before I headed in.

I wave at a few people I know, as I make my way to Mr. Deaton’s office. Why hello, Mrs. Bradley, please come in. Thank you, but please call me Lindsey. I wait patiently as he goes over my finances. After several minutes, he looks up, with his glasses pulled down on his nose. He runs his hand through his short brown hair. Lindsey, I know this loan would help you out quite a bit, but this is considered a risky loan. I just don’t know if the bank will be able to help you without any form of collateral. I try to keep from wringing my hands together. I understand, but the only thing I have is the house. I understand, said Mr. Deaton. But unfortunately, it is your only option. The thought of such a big gamble, made me break out in a sweat. I rub my hand over my face, and take a calming breath. I know there is no other choice. I finally agreed to use my house as the collateral for the loan. I finish signing all the papers and stand up to leave. Mr. Deaton gives me an encouraging smile, but I only half-heartedly return it. I walk down the street, just taking some time before I have to head home. I decided to stop in at Sally’s bookstore. The smell of old books always seemed to calm me. Why hello Sally, how is your day going? Mrs. Sally was a widower, who bought the store when she retired from teaching. She was in her late sixties, but I thought she could pass for late fifties. She was barely even gray headed. ‘’Oh, hello my dear.’’ My day has been kind of slow, but I'm sure I’ll be getting busy soon, she said. I nod my head absently, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Lindsey, I can tell you are a million miles away, she said. I’m sorry, I just have a lot on my mind is all. Sally gives me a long look. Are you having money issues, she asks. I’m completely dumbfounded by her directness. I stammer for a minute, then shake my head. No, of course not I try to explain. But, it sounded flat even to my own ears. Sally just shook her head. ‘’You know I love you and Amelia as if you were my own kin”. I smile at her already knowing this. I know, and we love you too. I have already talked to the bank, and everything is fine now. I could tell she didn’t really believe me. After reassuring her that everything was going to be fine, I was able to head out.

As I’m driving home, my cell rings. Hello, I answer. Yes, Mrs. Bradley, this is Mr. Deaton. I try not to let the panic show in my voice. Why would the bank be calling me so soon after I had left? I just wanted to call and let you know that everything was finalized, and the money will be in your account tomorrow. Oh, thank you Mr. Deaton for letting me know. Also, there’s one more thing he continued. I start to sweat a little at his words. Yes, I answer slowly. Are you aware that a substantial amount of money was just deposited into your account very recently. I immediately pull over on the side of the road. I was completely confused. I’m sorry, how is that possible, I ask him. It seems that an anonymous person has transferred money to your account. I try to keep my breathing from going erratic. Why would someone do that, I thought. Are you sure, it isn’t some mix up I ask. No mam, I double checked it myself. Is there any way you can tell me who it’s from, I ask. I’m afraid not, but this is great news, he explained. I thanked him and hung up. While still sitting there, I realized it had to be Sally. I quickly called her. As soon as she answered I started asking her about the money. ‘’Lindsey, slow down my dear”. I don’t know anything about any money. Are you sure, I ask. I explained to her what the bank said. Oh, she said quickly. What is it I ask? She proceeded to tell me that a young man who was in the back of the store while I was there, asked who I was. What did you tell him I asked. I talked about how you were a hard worker, with the sweetest little girl. Do you know the man’s name I asked? “I’m sorry dear, I sure don’t”. Do you think he could have been the person behind the money she asked? At this point, I’m starting to think it might be possible. I don’t know, I answer. Sally, I have to, but can you not mention any of this. Sally agreed and we hung up.

I finally calm my nerves and start heading back home. It was very possible a complete stranger would be so kind. But, in this day in age, it was hard to believe. I decided it would be best not to mention it to my sister. At least not yet. When I got home I could hear the two in the kitchen. Amelia was already asking about cookies after supper. I stop by the door frame and run my hand along the markings. Thanks to the anonymous helper, there will be many more marks to come. I smile to myself, knowing that everything is going to be, Ok.


“Come, Ylotli! We’re going to be late and miss the whole thing!” “Yes, yes. I’m coming.” Ylotli sighed, laying down her bronze stylus. She closed the lid on the wax tablet and moved it out of the sun.

Don’t want it melting and erasing my hard work… There was a skip in Cualli’s step as they reached the terrace of the administrative pyramid. They were on its upper levels, allowing a clear view of the great city of Tlanexnan. Stone edifices jutted from the jungle canopy, towering over the green sea. People poured out of every visible temple, palace and pyramid, all converging on the sacred shrine to the east. She could see them in the squares far below, marching like ants along the jungle roads. Ylotli groaned at the long staircase leading to the jungle floor. Caulli took the steps two at a time. By the Night he’s practically dancing with glee. “Stop that.” She snapped, resisting the urge to yank him by his plaited braid. “Don’t tell me you actually believe this nonsense.” “Believe?” Caulli asked. “What’s there to believe? We know Mazacotl will appear before us. It is written.” “Bah!” Ylotli scoffed. “Ancient stories written by priests to keep us in fear of the gods. Probably an ancestor of that quack, Iccauhtli…” “Don’t you believe in the gods?” Caulli asked. Did she? Once, maybe. She existed, so something must have created the world and all within. But… she’d seen too much of life and too little of divinity for her faith to survive. Where were the gods when the jungle floor flooded? When the enemy was at the gates or the plague decimated a village? Where were they when her son— No, she’d never seen the gods. But she had seen faulty dams and priests offering the gods’ forgiveness in exchange for a few coins. “I believe the gods exist, but I don’t believe they care about our rituals and platitudes. They certainly don’t care about our coin.” she muttered. “They made us and moved on, as uninterested in their children as a soldier in a whore’s get.” Caulli gasped, looking around. They were alone, thank the Night. That was sloppy. While Ylotli’s opinions weren’t a secret, voicing them like this in public was close to heresy. She may not share the priests’ beliefs, but she didn’t want to end up on the Bloody Altars because of a loose tongue. They reached the jungle floor and walked a few steps in silence. By now their sweaty robes clung to their backs, insects buzzing around their heads. They passed a group of farmers, clay still on their ands and feet, before Caulli turned to her. “So what do you think will happen today?”

“Probably nothing.” Ylotli shrugged. “Maybe it’ll rain or something.” “Isn’t the rain a sign from the gods?” “You predict rain enough times…” she left the rest unsaid. “The Bloodstone tablet prophesizes that on this day the Sungod will rest his gaze. Rain clouds covering his great eye,” Caulli pointed towards the sun, “will fulfill that task well enough.” Ylotli cocked an eye at the clear sky then back at Caulli. Not so much as a puffy white cloud marred the perfect blue above the green canopy. “I still think it’ll happen.” Caulli huffed. Ylotli had read of the ‘Sungod’s Respite’, as the Bloodstone tablet called it. Utter rubbish, in her opinion. What use has Mazacotl, the great Sungod, of rest? What a… mortal concept to entertain, thinking that a god needed rest. The Respite was rumored to take place once every two hundred and thirty one years. Long enough that only sparse writings survived to describe it. Whatever the event, their records all agreed that it preceded a period of religious fervor. A dark time of bloody sacrifices and eating the hearts of heretics. What could possibly be dramatic enough to inspire belief? Clearly something must take place for all their records to actually agree on something. It was the one thing that gave Ylotli pause. Soon they joined the stream of humanity pouring out of Tlanexnan and into the surrounding jungle. The time for talking heresy was over. They spent the next hour of their trip discussing the the week’s events. There was farmland to redistribute after the flood, trade shipments to approve and a new temple to be consecrated. And coal to be distributed to the forges, of course. The day grew warmer as they walked, the great orb of the sun climbing higher and shining brighter. The way it glared down at them, radiating power and heat, Ylotli could almost believe it was the eye of some giant being. Ylotli huffed as she trudged, eager to reach the shade of the jungle surrounding the holy hill. The tide of bodies broke on the tree line and slowed to a drizzle as they entered the canopy.

The trees were thick, choked with brush and vines and moss, effectively preventing them from seeing more than a few feet to either side. Her feet sank into the mud of the jungle floor, launching clouds of gnats into the air. Though they couldn’t see them, Ylotli heard the rustling leaves and snapping branches of a thousand pilgrims passing through the brush. They reached a clearing and rested on a fallen trunk, sipping water from Caulli’s water skin. “Night, I forgot how far the Sunhill is.” Caulli gasped. Ylotli wiped her mouth on the back of her hand and squinted at the sun. It’s almost like its punishing me for my heresy. “At least the company’s good.” She said, elbowing him in the ribs. “I wonder w— oh, Night, no. Not him.” A low rumble came from the woods moments before a giant metal cauldron on a cart lumbered into the clearing. It was burned black, with religious scenes painted in bright colors. Six acolytes, dressed in robes of orange, pulled the heavy cart to the middle of the clearing and fell to the mud, heaving and gasping for air. “Tired already?” Iccauhtli, High Priest of Mazacotl, strolled from the woods. His robes were the same orange as his acolytes’ but of better cut and pierced with gold ornaments and bone fetishes. “Your physical exhaustion is merely an external sign of a weak inner faith. Remind me to assign you more prayer time when we’re back.” The acolytes mumbled something that sounded like agreement. The old geezer took it in stride, sturdy cane testing the ground as he walked. His gaze fell on Ylotli and Caulli as he rounded the cauldron. “Ylotli! How’s my favorite heretic? I’m surprised you’d bother making the trip.” “Blessed one!” Caulli dropped to the dirt, one hand covering his eyes and the other reaching for the priest’s robes. His lips moved, muttering silent prayers. “Iccauhtli,” Ylotli said, not getting up. “I thought the plague took you.” I was hoping, anyway. “Nonsense,” he said cheerfully, letting his robes touch Caulli’s outstretched hand as he joined Ylotli on the log. Caulli kissed the robes and wiped them on his forehead before standing once more. “Mazacotl protected me, of course, as one of his chosen faithful.” “I’m sure.” She muttered. “Is that also the reason you’re having this… monstrosity pulled to the Sunhill?” Iccauhtli shrugged. “People are bound to be in a giving mood after today’s spectacle. And temples cost money. No sense wasting a good opportunity.” Ylotli scoffed. “They’ll be so angry when nothing happens, they’ll cook you in that cauldron.” Iccauhtli laughed. Caulli gasped. “How I love a challenge. Truly, Ylotli, converting you will be the pinnacle of my religious career.” It was Ylotli’s turn to laugh. “Arranging your funeral will be the pinnacle of my administrative one.” Caulli sputtered, turning from one to the other in horror. “It’s all right, my boy.” Iccauhtli said, “We grew up together. I know Ylotli is devout, just in her own ways.” “You take that back!” After a few more minutes, the acolytes were rested enough that they were able to resume their journey. The ground soon began sloping upwards, gently at first but growing steeper. Iccauhtli walked with Ylotli and Caulli at the front, in case his acolytes dropped the cauldron.

Despite the pace and slope, Iccauhtli and Ylotli somehow bickered the whole way. By mid-afternoon they were closing on the peak. “Blessed one,” Caulli said in a pause between insults, “what sort of miracle are you expecting to see?” “The Bloodstone tablet tells us we will witness the Sungod’s Respite. That in a blood-red light, Mazacotl will rest his eyes for a few minutes.” “Is that why you had that cauldron repainted?” Ylotli asked, pointing over her shoulder at the struggling acolytes. “That giant red eye wasn’t there during the harvest ritual.” “Have to keep up with the times.” He shrugged. “Yes, but still,” Caulli pressed, “what form will the god’s miracle take? Will he cover the sky with clouds so he can rest his eye?” Iccauhtli stared at him like he’d just sprung another head. “Cover th—” he turned between Caulli and Ylotli, “Is the boy daft?” “I—“ “Covering the sky’s no feat worthy of a god. No, he will move the moon in front of his eye, blotting out the light so he can rest without us staring at him the whole time.” Caulli’s jaw dropped, bobbing his head as he muttered more prayers. “It’s called an eclipse,” Ylotli said, “and there’s nothing divine about it.” “Divine enough for some.” Iccauhtli chuckled. “Tell you what, Iccauhtli, if I see any sign divinity today, I’ll buy you a jug of wine.” Caulli’s jaw dropped again. The jungles surrounding Tlanexnan were too warm and humid for grape vines. Wine was a rare delicacy, imported from the far north. A whole jug was more than Ylotli’s wages for a month. “Deal. If you win, I’ll never push my doctrine on you again.” They clasped hands, sealing the bargain. They walked a few steps in silence before Ylotli asked. “I thought your religion prevented you from drinking.” “Considering the fact that I’m converting you, I’m sure Mazacotl will forgive me this one time.” She scoffed again but didn’t press the issue. It wasn’t her problem how the priest dealt with his religious restrictions. As far as she was concerned, she just won her peace and quiet from Iccauhtli’s sect. The rest of the journey passed by uneventfully. They crested the hill just as the sun was beginning to dip from its zenith. The top of the hill was mostly bare of vegetation and the only structure was a small, weather-worn shrine. To say the hill was crowded was an understatement. Everybody and their brother’s come to bear witness. Ylotli thought. Every available stone was a seat, every log a bench. They were only able to move through by virtue of Iccauhtli’s chanted prayers and the heavy cauldron that wouldn’t be stopped. They pushed to a small area around the shrine and made themselves comfortable. Well, as comfortable as the circumstances allowed. Iccauhtli chanted prayers to the crowd as they waited, entreating them to toss their coin in his cauldron. Some coins rattled in, but not enough to justify carrying the behemoth all the way up here. Ylotli felt bad for the acolytes. The sun’s heat was waning and a light breeze picked up, carrying the last notes of Iccauhtli’s chant. It was about this time when Ylotli’s patience was at an end. “So where’s this miracle you promised priest?” “Have faith, Ylotli. The Sungod will no disappoint.” “Faith?” she spat, “All I’ve seen is you chanting for coin with nothing to show for it. At least at the end of today you’ll never pester me aga—“ The light began to dim. A murmur swept the crowd as every face turned to the sun. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, something began covering the sun from the bottom and top, like… eyelids? The light turned red, casting the world in a bloody aura as more and more of the sun was covered. People fell to their knees, foreheads pressed to the dirt as they chanted and muttered. Children cried and distant animals howled. Ylotli turned in the ruby light and noticed she was the only one still standing. But she couldn’t move. Her eyes were fixed on the giant orb in the sky. In minutes it was covered, the bloody light vanishing and leaving the world in darkness. There was a moment of silence before the prayers picked up again, growing in pitch and intensity. Ylotli stood in the darkness, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. She really did try, but her mind couldn’t comprehend it. She just stared at where, minutes before, the sun was shining brightly. The darkness didn’t last long, and a red dot appeared in the sky. It widened as the flaps slowly peeled back, flooding the world in blood-red light. She kept staring at the sun, slowly growing back to its normal size as the light resumed its regular hue. Her mind was numb. There was no way to explain what she’d just witnessed. The sun… blinked. Mazacotl was real! The new light was greeted with the pinging of metal. Metal? It was coins, striking the inside of Iccauhtli’s cauldron. Earlier she’d made fun of him for bringing the massive thing, now Ylotli was beginning to think it wasn’t going to be enough. As the sun returned to normal, and the people’s prayers reached a whirlwind’s pitch, Ylotli’s only thought was that she owed Iccauhtli a jug of wine.


[WARNING The following story will contain writing and depictions of gore and other disturbing graphic description] It led me here.. it was still after me.. THEY wanted me... I've been running for what felt like hours, I shot a glance back into the forest, only to see nothing but the darkness from the dark night but I can still hear the running footsteps getting closer and closer... I made it out of the forest and I shot a glance back, out of breath and my heart skipped a beat at the terrifying sight of what seemed to be a young boy in the forest. I couldn't see its face, but it appeared to be grinning at me as it raised its decaying hand and pointed at me.  "I̢̪̪̯̱̙.̶̗̠͓̪̪̖͉.̢͉̈́ f̵̵͖͓̣͔̝͗ͥ̓o̵̴̵̯̘̬̜͖̲̎̊u̵̷̡̧͖̲̦ͭ͟ņ̶̻͚̜̂̀̄d̲͔̠.̷̶̷̡̫̞̰̝̪̫ͤ̅́̌_̶.̶̨̛͚͕͍̤ ỷ̴̴̶̸̰̗̣̪̞͈ơ͓_̣̫̝̟͓̬ư̢̛̼͕͑̈.̰ͤͤ.̸̶̟̙̲̂ͪ͝ͅ.͍ͭ̂͑ . J̛̛͉͓͙Ȃ̷̸̴̡͔̥C_̟̣̲̉̃̂K̵̢̳̗̜_̡̧̛S̶̶̨̞̱̝̩̣̺̑Ơ̶͓̹̹̤̠N̳̠͕". My heart dropped.. IT knew my name.. I made an escape home and began locking all the doors and closing the blinds. When I took a peek outside through the blinds I couldn’t see anyone anymore. Thoughts raced through my mind.. what was that? How did it know my name? what am I gonna do?.. What CAN I do?... I suddenly woke up to the sound of my alarm, “Did I pass out from the panic attack from last night? I can’t remember…”

The events from last night kept endlessly repeating in my head. Its words kept echoing in my mind, those soulless eyes.. It was like looking into a dark abyss. From what I could remember it was as if it was a corpse. I needed to investigate this further, but that was for another time as I was heading for work. While I put the tools and items in their place at work, David questioned me, asking if everything was okay. Clearly he was concerned about me. I filled him in on the nightmare from last night that caused me to have a panic attack. As he listened to me about the events he began looking shocked. According to him, I have been shivering since I got to work so he suggested that I go to a party with him after work. I was hesitant but I needed to get my mind off last night so I agreed. When we got to the party that one of our friends was throwing, I started feeling relieved and relaxed, that is until I noticed a kid staring at me through the window. But then he disappeared when I looked away for a second. I didn't know what to think of but maybe it was someone's little brother or kid that was dragged into the party but that still questions me, why would a kid be at an adult party?

When I was just minding my own business enjoying the party, I suddenly felt cold as if someone or.. someTHING was watching me. I looked around only to see nothing but the crowd of people talking and partying. Maybe it's just my head messing with me. After the party I thanked my friend for inviting me but before I could walk away I noticed that same kid again.. just watching me from the upstairs window... I suddenly felt cold but then its eyes started to turn all black and lifeless just like the other kid from last night and it pointed at me and I felt my heart drop.. "J͉͓aͭ̀̆aa̴̸̢̛̬͉̘̬a͙̜̻_̧̨̛̻͚̺a̹̰͐c̥̲̫̰_̖̤̓̔́k̛͇̯_͈̤́s̴̜̞̬õ̶̧̞̘̠n̶̅͑~.̴̴̰.̬̪̼ͩ" I heard a voice right behind me in my ear… When I looked back at the window the kid was gone but I kept hearing laughter all around getting closer and closer until it went quiet... I looked up and it was as if nothing happened. I turned to walk back home but I saw a kid standing right in front of me staring at me with a wide smile and its head turned sideways as if its neck was broken, and was holding its stomach which looked like it was stabbed repeatedly and started walking towards me. I ran as fast as I could only to faintly hear a child screeching behind me getting closer and closer and suddenly… I was led back into the forest and I heard children laughing and giggling all around me but I couldn't see anyone except the darkness. How do they keep finding me? Why can't they leave me alone? As I sat on my knees in fear I looked up only to see 7 kids in front of me.. all of them just staring at me… Their smiles grew bigger and they all looked at me with their black abyss empty eyes and hands bloody with wounds like slit throats, stomach ripped open, and burned skinned… I couldn't move, I was shaking too much and in tears but was able to get up and make a run out of the woods and as I got further away from them.. all I could hear was they're constant screeching and inhuman child screams... As soon as I got home I quickly boarded up all the windows and doors as I was still hearing they're screaming and all I could hope for is that it'd go away soon... When the sun rose and hit my eyes from between the boarded windows I took a quick peek outside and thankfully the screaming children were gone... I quickly searched up ways on how to get rid of these haunting spirits and one was that they have to find peace or complete they’re unfinished business so that they'd move on or.. destroy the thing that they are trapped in.. I started to think… Maybe that's how I can end this once and for all... After I got all of the items I needed for those things I drove down to the forest again.., I need to end this, I can't let them haunt me anymore.., I need to get rid of them.. one.. more.. time...

He got out of the car and picked up an axe, gasoline can, and a lighter and started walking into the forest... w꙲e꙲ were watching h꙲i꙲m꙲.., they were watching me... The giggling.. the faint silent screams of despair and agonizing pain.., I used to like it.. but now I feared it.., they wouldn't leave me alone... There he was.. standing right in front of us.. j̴̚ust̤͆ l̮̗̽ȉ̠̘ḱ͙͝e̒ t̃h̪e̩ daȳ̶̃ he͆_͆ k̒i̩̩l̴̺͛l̝e̷̖͛d uͬs̈́̓.̈́.̚. There they were standing right in front of me.. just like the day I killed them... And behind them.. they're dead rotten corpse buried in the dirt.., it was time I ended this... They all screamed in agony and started chasing me but after I swung my axe at them.. it was no use.. I couldn’t hurt them…H̪͛e̺͞ c̬̄ou͉̻̍l̝̓͘dͤ̄n̢̧'̷t̷ h͂u͕rt͔ u͍͊͡s͘ a̺͎nŷ̻m̹or̹e̙͓ͬ.̎.̩̒. He ran from u̖ṣͣ.. but w̵͛e̮͍ had a gift just for him… I could still hear them behind me.. they were getting closer and felt like something grabbed a hold of me but I managed to escape but I needed to end this, I needed to burn their bodies... I took out the gas canister off my back and started to pour it down as soon as I got back to their rotting corpses. As soon as I poured every bit of gasoline on the bodies they were just standing in front of me with no smiles.. I won… "HAHAHAHA CAN'T HURT ME NOW CAN YOU?!" I yelled at them but then.. they started smiling as soon as I lit the gas on fire and now I know why... He didn't realize that he tore a hole in the gas tank.. but before he knew.. it was too late… he panicked and started to burn alive and in the panic he didn't realize the cliff behind him. He fell.. he died.. finally.. after all he's done to us.. all 7 of us.. he died and suffered just like he did.. t͂o̴̴ u̺̎͌s̞.̞͓͒..̫̔


Look at this tie. Do you think it goes with this shirt, my suit, these pants? Do they seem wrinkled to you? I don’t know why they couldn’t have stayed with the polyester, it never wrinkled. You could put it through a car wash, and it would come out looking like it just jumped off the rack. Do you suppose that when this jacket gets wet… it’s supposed to rain you know. Will I begin to smell like an old sheep? I worry about things like that, because once I was accused of smelling fishy. It was a long time ago, but that kind of insult doesn’t leave your memory easily. Have you ever been accused of smelling like something, well something unpopular? I know being popular isn’t, or shouldn’t be a concern, but you must admit it has an effect on you. When you are avoided I guess you can take it one of two ways, perhaps more, but for the sake of argument, let’s just say two. You are either in a realm so far above those around you that they can’t possibly relate, or that their perception of you is totally dependent upon possibly, that one stupid mistake you made. No need to go into which one, it only brings up bad memories and feelings. Half the time any more, I don’t know which way to turn. Everything has gotten to a place where if you make a wrong turn, you can end up dead or wishing you were.

Then there’s this thing about the world cookin us in our own juices. I don’t know much about it, but it seems we usually get what we have coming to us. Something to do with dying, and how we deserve it. Nothing new in that, we all know we are dying, just don’t know when. I guess that’s what keeps us from doing extreme things, even more stupid than the things we do anyway.

But this is all becoming too depressing, we need to talk about something else. What do you say we try and decide which one of us is the most likely to get elected president. I know I’m smart enough. Hell, after that last guy, my dog is smart enough. But you are prettier, even though you are a woman. Seems to be a negative thing as far as getting elected though, but then times have improved. Wasn’t that long ago you couldn’t even vote or own property.

I can’t help but wonder if God changed his mind on things, or whether we have evolved to the point where if it is factual, it probably deserves some respectability. I don’t know that for sure, but then that seems to be the problem, nothing is for sure.

Take happiness for instance. Guy told me one time you’ve got to make your own happiness, no one is going to do it for you. Or was that something about walking a lonesome road by yourself. I don’t know for sure, but do you think I could be slipping? By that I mean, I ain’t as young as I used to be, and they say we tend to forget as we age.

I haven’t decided yet whether I believe that, or maybe we just forget because it’s easier than having to pretend we understand things we just don’t want to. Remember that guy Ronny Rhubarb, don’t think that was his real name, but what different does it make, anyway. We only get the name we are given, and it is hard to change it, because they always want to know why? I tried once to change my name, but got tired of filling out papers and pretending I could come up with a name that was a better fit. That ever happen to you? You know, I been talking with you for quite some time, and you don’t seem to be joining in. Don’t you have anything to say? I get like that myself from time to time, but it usually passes. Something about communicating that keeps you sharp. Not that people have to agree with you, can’t hardly agree with myself most of the time. But you’ve got to try.

I probably lost more debates with myself over the years than anyone. They told me when I was a kid it was because I was raised by Democrats. Well everyone back then was a democrat, or afraid to say they weren't, thirties depression and all. They said I looked too hard at things trying to figure out the right from wrong, and therefore never got around to deciding. That ever happen to you? I knew a guy like that once, wasn’t me. He was smart as old Methuselah, but would spend half an hour deciding which sock to put on first. Always wore red socks so I don’t know what the problem was. It isn’t like there is a left or right. No, I think he was superstitious. You know superstitious people can’t find the right answer, because they never seem to remember which came first, the chicken or the egg. This guy he claims it didn’t matter which came first, but what did matter, was that you were considering the choice.

I think what he was getting at was that he had forgotten which sock to put on first, and that kind of unsettled his morning, probably more than his morning. He spent a lot of time deciding, and I think that’s why he had trouble figuring out which is which, and what is what. We had a discussion one time about whether, two and two is four, or that it is just an assumption because that is what we've been taught to believe. Did it matter which of the twos came before the other?  He was difficult to follow at times. I couldn’t tell why that would even be part of the argument… discussion, but he seemed to think it was a critical element because of the periodic tables. I don’t know much about the periodic tables, but I suspect they have little to do with, which red sock has to be put on first, before two and two no longer add up to four. But then I could be wrong. I remember once, when I wasn’t wrong for nearly a whole day. You don’t forget things like that. You planning on saying anything, or did I put you to sleep? Hello, Hello? Hey, anyone here got an extra quarter; I think my phone needs something to keep it doing what it is supposed to be doing. But then there are a lot of things that are supposed to be doing something, but aren’t.

Like I always say, blame it on the government, or the economy, can’t go wrong. No matter how people feel, they seem to be able to feel something for the government or the economy. Of course there is always religion, if that fails. Ah! A quarter.

I thank you.  For what I can’t recall, but I’m sure I must owe someone, for something. “Hello?”


Just three days from leaving Afferton, Armin saw the tower built by old King James puncturing the horizon like a hundred-foot needle. Its long shadow cast the final leg of his day’s journey into darkness. One hundred soldiers call it home, guarding the kingdom of Peccothia from the foul beings that haunt the waste. Armin had heard the stories of scorpions with claws that could cut a man in two, and worms that could swallow a horse whole, he supposed they were little more than stories. As they approached, a guard hailed them from atop the battlements, liveried in red emblazoned with the golden eagle of House Thorebourne. ‘Halt! What business do you have this close to the waste?’ ‘Hello there! I am Armin of Jakai, and these are my men, Asad and Kadeer, we’re on a mission of exploration.’ ‘You must be mad!’ ‘Many have said the same, but I still breathe! I bring with me some of Averleon’s finest vintage. I’m sure your comrades would appreciate a drop?’ ‘Well, when you put it like that!’ His head disappeared below the parapet. They heard shouts from behind the wall, before a great groaning of iron hinges as the gates swung open to reveal a small courtyard. They entered through the barbican into the darkening ward and the guard introduced himself. ‘Watch Sergeant Jon Berrington at your service. It’s been quite some time since we’ve had guests here.’ ‘The men of the border towers do us a great service, for which I am extremely grateful. It only seems fitting to share a little drop of something with you whilst I’m in the area.’ ‘Most kind sir, follow me and I’ll take you to the sergeants mess.’ Jon led them inside the tower and up the circular stone staircase. Men in the same red and gold uniforms rushed this way and that, sergeants strutted around like peacocks, barking orders. Armin looked at the chaos in the tower, surely the military was supposed to be organised. A young soldier of no more than twenty years approached them and addressed Jon, looking worried. ‘Sir, a report has arrived from Seawatch, they’ve had numerous attacks on their patrols today. They request assistance from us at first light.’ ‘Very well. Tell tomorrow’s Patrol Sergeant he can have half of my watchmen. If they ride at first light they should get on top of the situation.’ Jon seemed unflappable, a rock of calm in the tempestuous ocean of the tower. ‘Very good sir.’ The young guard sped off, dodging between other men on his way downwards through the tower. Jon shook his head at the group and proceeded to an unremarkable door in the corridor. He opened it and stepped back to allow them to enter. The room was large with a fireplace at each end, to one side stood the beds of the sergeants, each with its own nightstand and chest. The other end was the sergeants mess, a large round table in the middle dominated the space, a few armour stands and dressers stood against the walls. On one dresser there were full bottles and empty glasses, Armin doubted the sergeants were ever short of a drink. ‘Please sit, take the weight off your feet.’ Jon said, pulling chairs out from under the table. Armin sat between Kadeer and Asad, the two guards he’d hired in Elvia. Kadeer was tall and lean, muscles rippled under his shirt, Asad short and stocky, but deceptively quick. He’d been assured they were the very best. His intention was to prevent them drinking too much, there could be fighting tomorrow when they crossed into the waste. Jon poured them each a glass of red wine he retrieved from a dresser. ‘I believe I can uncork this since we have guests.’ Armin sipped the wine, it was excellent, if a little dry for his taste. ‘That is fantastic, where did you find that little gem?’ ‘Some of the men returning from the crusades brought it back. Say what you like about the Teyans, but they produce a fine vintage!’ Jon smacked his lips and filled his glass again. ‘How goes the crusades? I’ve been away in Jakai and news doesn’t travel so far these days.’ ‘Ah Jakai, wonderful city I hear. If only I could visit one day, I would dearly love to see the coliseum.’ Jon began with a rueful smile. ‘I’m afraid the crusades don’t go as well as they ought to. Rumour has it that the Teyans are looking east for aid, Gelgarand and Elon-Gar have sent troops.’ ‘What does that mean for the northern armies?’ ‘I couldn’t claim to know the mind of Lord Wedderburn and King Tristan but I expect his highness to want to meet force with force. He needs to calm down if he’s to be remembered as fondly as his father.’ Armin noticed Jon’s glass was again empty. ‘Asad, fetch the cask of Averleon red, our host needs a refill.’ Asad poured another drink for Jon, making sure his glass was full. Much to Armin’s delight, Jon approved of the wine. ‘What is it about Averleon that means they can create such a fine drink?’ Jon mused, slurring his words ever so slightly. ‘It must be the warmer climate in the south, the grapes grow bigger and juicier. I’ve seen their great glass houses where they grow all manner of queer fruits. There’s one that’ll grow as big as a man’s head, bright yellow they are! They call them melons; can you imagine such a thing?’ ‘Ha! I’d love to try one, what are they like?’ ‘Juicy and light. Refreshing on a warm summers day!’ Armin was keen to get some more wine down the man and gain more information of the world. ‘A top up for our gracious host!’ He called, ignoring that his wine glass was still half full. Asad poured another full glass for Jon, careful not to spill a drop. It was bad manners to spill in your host's hall. ‘How fares King Tristan? He’s not been on the throne more than a few moons now, surely?’ ‘Three or four now, I think. He’s bright enough and wants to do the right thing, but he needs better people around him. Between you and me, I’ve never liked that Khoran fellow who leads the army. Slimy and manipulative that one. Hell of a swordsman though, some reckon he’d even best Luthar Shoresmith. Shame we’ll never see that, it’d be a battle to end all battles.’ ‘What’s wrong with his advisors?’ ‘You hear there was a dragon sighting over Myllyria last year? Well, Lord Hanford travelled personally to Threftall to report it, and asked for money to build scorpions and other defences. Anyways, Lord Andron, steward of the realm, told the king that dragons have been gone for hundreds of years and Lord Hanford couldn’t trust his eyes. This is all third hand by the way, but I hear there was nearly swords in the court! Khoran had to step in.’ ‘That doesn’t bode well for King Tristan! If he has lords nearly fighting in the court, then it’s going to make his reign a troublesome one.’ ‘Aye, and we don’t need any of that! Well, it’s nearly dark outside and I’m full of wine, so bed it must be! I’ll show you to our guest quarters.’ ‘Just one thing before bed, sergeant. I was wondering if we might join a patrol tomorrow. I’ve always wanted to see the waste and would feel much safer with the men of Peccothia at my back.’ Armin hoped he’d plied the sergeant with enough wine to wash away his inhibitions. ‘Of course! More the merrier. We often have the warrior’s guild sending their men and squires. Be ready at first light and I’ll get you on patrol.’ Jon’s face had turned a bright red and his speech was ever more slurred. Armin doubted he would be doing much in the way of patrols tomorrow. As he stood up, Jon swayed and grabbed the table to steady himself. Armin could see Kadeer stifling a laugh out of the corner of his eye. ‘We’ll see ourselves to the guest chambers, you need some rest sergeant. If you could direct us, please?’ ‘Of course, up one flight and it’s the only door there. Here, take this key to let yourselves in.’ He fumbled in his pockets for a moment, all fingers and thumbs. Eventually he retrieved a key and held it out to them, Asad took it from him and put it in his own pocket. ‘Good night sergeant, see you tomorrow for a day’s adventuring!’ Armin called cheerily before retreating out of the room in search of bed. The guest quarters were sparse, but comfortable enough. Straw mattresses lay upon wooden beds, a trunk at the end of each. A rectangular table big enough for six men occupied the other end of the room, along with washing bowls and one great copper bathtub. A fire had been lit in a hearth on one wall, keeping off the autumn chill that attacked the room, Armin laid on the bed closest to it, straw stabbing at his back. This could be worse he mused. Before long, his eyes became heavy and began to close. The next morning was bright, but cool. Armin, Asad and Kadeer met with Patrol Sergeant Tomos Bevyn near the gate, but there was no sign of Jon. Tomos was a tall, lean man, stern of face with a thunderous voice, but he shared the good humour of Jon. Armin noticed that Tomos occasionally fiddled with a string around his neck, adorned with what looked to be teeth. ‘Does Jon not join us this morning?’ Asked Armin. ‘He’s a watchman, so not assigned to a patrol. Plus I think he’s unwell, wouldn’t know anything about that would you?’ He smiled as he asked Armin, presumably this had happened before. ‘That’s an interesting necklace you have there.’ He said to Tomos, changing the subject. ‘Aye, made it myself. Most of the lads here have them too. You see these?’ He held two particularly large, curved teeth in his fingers. ‘From the rock worms, big nasty bastards. Wouldn’t take one on with less than ten men. Might see some today if you’re lucky.’ ‘I think Lady Luck would keep us as far away from them as she could!’ Armin had no intention of doing battle with a rock worm. ‘Sergeant, the men are saddled and ready’ A middle aged soldier had approached from behind Armin and spoke to the sergeant with a confidence that oozed experience. ‘Thank you corporal.’ He nodded at the newcomer who swiftly departed back to his own horse. ‘Gentlemen, if you’d like to ride with me?’ Armin fell into formation next to the sergeant, Asad and Kadeer followed on behind. The sergeant had a fine horse, at least fourteen hands tall and muscular; she was a beauty. Tomos seemed to have a real affinity with her, treating her with respect as an equal, he caught Armin looking sideways at her. ‘She’s a fine animal, what’s her name?’ Armin asked. ‘Breeze. King Harold bought a load of horses from the Alarston plains not long before he passed. A few made their way over to us out here, I was lucky enough to be on duty at the right time.’ He patted Breeze’s neck as he spoke, clearly seeing her as a friend. They walked along the border between Peccothia and the waste, setting a decent pace. The men of the towers clearly looked after their horses well, not one seemed to be flagging. To their right Armin could see the great cliffs jutting out from the scorched, dry earth. Not even a bird circled over that cursed place. They’d rode a couple of miles before a scout riding on their right flank caught their attention. ‘Tunneler ahead!’ He pointed with his sword to a small mound of earth about a hundred yards in front of them. ‘Men, dismount!’ Roared Tomos as he leapt from his own horse. He turned to Armin, Kadeer and Asad. Stay back with the horses, don’t come too close unless you’re ready to fight.’ Armin dismounted as smoothly as he could, adrenalin coursed through his veins, half excitement and half fear. He retrieved his whip and sling from his saddlebags. ‘We don’t mind a bit of rough and tumble, do we boys?’ Asad and Kadeer were already on foot, scimitars and bucklers in hand. They didn’t look the part compared to the well armoured Peccothian soldiers, but Armin knew their looks were deceiving. Both former coliseum champions in Jakai they were more than a match for anything the waste could throw at them. ‘Very good.’ Tomos commented before approaching his men, already in a square. ‘Shields!’ He roared. The soldiers each lifted their large, rectangular shields to cover the sides of their formation. The men in the middle lifted theirs and held them above their heads, making a shell around them. Armin had never seen such organisation from soldiers. ‘Water!’ Tomos now commanded. A slight movement in the middle of their shell was the only sign of activity, a couple of shields moved briefly to allow someone more room. Armin couldn’t work out what was going on, until a puddle of water began to emerge from the gathered soldiers. It spread out in all directions, faster and faster, before coming to an abrupt stop about twenty yards away from them. Armin looked from Asad, to Kadeer, none of them knew what to say or do. They each gripped their weapons, ready for whatever might come next. The earth began to rumble beneath them. Before Armin could open his mouth to ask the question, the earth erupted before the soldiers, showering them with mud. Stones, roots, and sickly plants bombarded their formation, bouncing from their shields onto the ground. Behind the shower of mud followed a worm as big as a carriage. It was a sickly pale brown, mud clung to its long thick body and a great yawning chasm of a mouth opened at the head. Rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth glistened in the sunlight, curved inwards to trap its prey. It flopped to the ground in front of the men, slithering across the wet earth towards them. ‘Spears!’ Was the next call from Tomos, watching eagle eyed from the back of the formation. Spears slid through the gaps in the shields, thrusted firmly towards the worm. One pierced its skin above its mouth. The worm screamed an awful, high-pitched cry, making the bile rise in Armin’s stomach. ‘Archers!’ A handful of men withdrew from the rear of the soldiers, bows in hand and arrows nocked. ‘Loose!’ The arrows whistled above the men and planted themselves in the body of the screaming worm, it writhed in agony, showering yet more dirt over the soldiers. ‘Advance.’ The men advanced to the worm, spears now driving at the animal and piercing flesh several times. Blood so dark it was almost black spilled out of a hundred cuts or more, stark against the pale, dry ground. ‘Break!’ The formation broke, men with spears still jabbed the worm as it desperately fought to escape. More men circled it, armed with short steel swords in one hand, rectangular shields in the other. They unleashed a ferocious barrage of strikes upon the worm, not ceasing until it moved no more. Armin, Kadeer and Asad all approached the soldiers, many of them breathing heavily from the exertion. Inspecting the bloody mess that had been a rock worm a few minutes ago, Armin could sense an unseen evil about its body. The corporal that had spoken earlier prised apart it’s jaws with another man, revealing those fearsome teeth again. A third, armed with a short knife stuck his arm inside the mouth, seemingly cutting away at something. After a few short moments he held aloft a great tooth, dripping blood on his hand and down his arm. ‘My first!’ He called, to a few cheers from the other men. The corporal handed him a string he retrieved from his pocket. ‘You’re one of us now son.’ He clapped him on the back before retreating to the worm to take his own trophy. Each man took their turn as a dentist, removing more and more of the beast’s teeth for their own necklaces. Finally, Tomos retrieved teeth for his own string, he shouted ‘Number twenty.’ Before approaching Armin. ‘That’s what we do to keep you safe. A nasty business to be sure, but a necessary one.’ He explained as he slid the tooth on to his necklace. ‘Is that really the twentieth of them things that you’ve killed?’ Armin could scarcely believe a man would continue doing this for so long. ‘It is. The more, the better. Keeps them away from the outlying farms and villages. The gods forbid that any should reach Lorez or Afferton. Hundreds could be killed if they did.’ The smell of the dead worm began to sting Armin’s nostrils. The foul beast decomposed quickly in direct sunlight, even if it had passed high summer. The men all mounted up once again, ready to move on with their patrol. ‘Sergeant, where is the easiest place to pass into the waste?’ ‘About three miles south from here, there’s a gap in the rocks.’ Suddenly suspicious he frowned at Armin. ‘Why do you ask?’ ‘It’s where our adventure leads us next my good man. Lead on!’ Tomos looked at Armin, confusion rising in his face. He clearly though Armin was mad. Shaking his head, he stuck his heels into Breeze and proceeded on their southward journey. As he followed, Armin looked westward over the waste, dry, scorched earth gave way only to rocky outcrops and the occasional shell of a long dead tree. The former kingdom of Isiliar seemed to have killed the very earth it stood on.


NB (swearing and indications of abuse) Jim strolled into the drawing room. It smelled of furniture polish, perfume and after shave. He stood before the ornate fireplace, his hands held loosely behind his back. His eyes skimmed the mostly bowed heads and solemn faces. The huge gold-framed mirror behind him reflected the multi-faceted chandelier. In the centre of the room stood an oval mahogany table and six chairs everyone had avoided. Instead, they crowded on the three sofas and four armchairs scattered about the drawing room. Jim took an in-breath and began. I’m sure everyone here is aware of my granddad Harry Grimes’ death in Thailand two days ago. He was in some small remote village where he had a heart-attack and then someone stole all his belongs. Luckily, the police traced him to a local hotel and then they were able to inform me of his death. Some remote village? Heart attack? More like spending too much time in a house of ill repute. Low moans and grunts reverberated around the oak panelled room. Harry was an amazing character. We all loved him. I’m sure all of you in this room loved him and will miss him as much as I do. Jim gazed at the bowed heads. One woman wiped her nose on a paper tissue. A man covered his mouth as he gave out a gentle cough. He was an arsehole. Everybody loathed him, including me. He helped many people. Always with a smile on his face, asking what he could do for them. So long as there was money in it. When we had that terrible snowstorm two winters ago, Harry went to nearly every house in the village and cleared their snow for them. He didn’t ask them if they wanted it cleared. He did it anyway. He was selfless. He went back later and asked for money from each of them. He always looked after the elderly and the most vulnerable in the village first. Always. Yea, the vulnerable so they didn’t know he was frisking them and the elderly ‘cause they had tonnes of dosh and he knew it. He really was a kindly soul throughout his life, and I am sure he is greatly appreciated now that he is in Heaven. More like he’s gone straight to hell. Harry kept some livestock, as you all know. He knew a great deal about animals, sheep, cattle, dogs. He also rescued animals and got them back on their feet and found them new homes. I have one of Harry’s dogs myself. It was extremely thin when I first got it off Harry, but it is fine now, and Harry helped me look after it. Told me what to feed it and stuff like that. He was very good to me regarding the stray dog. I’ve seen him ill-treat those animals. Cows he left un-milked until he got some poor neighbourhood kid to do the job and work for nothing. Animals left in filthy conditions. He didn’t care about the creatures at all, he just wanted to look good in the neighbourhood. Good old Harry, the dog and cat rescuer. Harry loved sport. Not the kind of sport you’ve got in mind. He enjoyed chasing balls around the football pitch. Harry would be the first to admit he was not that good at football, but he enjoyed a run around at weekends with the boys in the field. If you think chasing boys is a sport, then yes, Harry really enjoyed that. He’d pretend to chase the football and have a fumble, I mean tumble, with one of the lads. And he’d give the lads the run-around in the showers afterwards. My brother’s friend Jack told me all about it that night we had our first kiss behind the rhododendrons out the back. It was Dave’s party and I really fancied Jack, and he fancied me back then. He told me all about Granddad Grimes and what he used to get up to on and off the football field. Harry was very good with his hands, too. Too right. Handy Harry, the girls at the club, called him. A hand on your backside or a hand around your waist that slowly crept up and up. I’m sure there isn’t one person here who has not been on the receiving end of Harry’s generosity and his handiwork. I know he often came to our house to mend a cupboard or shelf or re-do a bit of wiring. He was a carpenter by trade and, as far as I know, he did his apprenticeship. A brilliant man when it comes to wood. Would you come round the back with me for a minute? Would you like to come and see the stray dogs I’ve got in at the moment? Would you like to see the litter of kittens that Maisie, the stray cat, just had? Yep, he was very good with ‘would’. Harry was a gentleman through and through. Harry was no gentleman he was a lousy deceiving git. Now that Harry has left us, we are short of an accountant at the club. Harry did the job well for what must have been twenty years. It was a voluntary position, as you all know. Now we need a new accountant or at least a stand in until we can get things sorted out further. I’m hoping somebody here at this extraordinary meeting will volunteer the job. I have someone in mind, but first I want to put it out to all of you to give everyone a fair chance at the job. So, hands up if you feel like volunteering. Fidgeting and feet shuffling noises resounded around the room. No-one raised their hand. I want to know exactly how the scumbag forged our signatures and syphoned all that money from the club without anyone finding out. You don’t get to own a holiday home in Florida and another one in Spain with the kind of pension Handy Harry got each month. I knew he was up to something, and he knew I knew. Mary raised her hand. I’ll do it. Thank you, Mary. I was hoping you would. I know you have a maths degree and some accountancy knowledge. If you hadn’t put your hand up, then I was going to ask you to volunteer, anyway. I’ll give you the keys to the safe and filing cabinet before you leave today. Now, if there are no questions, then you’ll find tea and sandwiches in the kitchen. I hope we can all stay for a while and reminisce about my wonderful Grandad Harry Grimes. I can’t wait to get my hands on those accounts and find out EXACTLY how Harry syphoned off all that money…..