It was a rather uneventful day in the suburb of Lewes, until Florence decided to wade in the quick, rushing river. As she initially plunged her feet into the icy water, she shouted in surprise. She was headed for the opposite bank, where she had seen a glimmer of something bobbing in the water. She attempted to hold up the edges of her multilayered green dress as she waded deeper into the river. Her teeth began to chatter and sharp pains shot into her submerged legs. But she persisted, and grabbed the shiny locket snagged on the branch. Immediately, she turned around to return to her side of the river. Florence held the locket in her hand above the water in an iron grip, and did not loosen that grip until she had gotten out of the freezing river. Once she was on the shore, she ran back into her house, a cabin a few hundred feet away from the chilling river.
As she sprinted in, nearly slipping, and dripping cold water everywhere, she surprised her brother, who was previously asleep in a chair in front of the crackling fire. After a cruel awakening, he shouted, "What happened Florence?"
"I found a locket in the river
downstream Jacob, take a look at it!" Florence exclaimed.
She opened her hand to reveal a glistening silver circular locket and an equally fine chain that accompanied it. Jacob stood up and began examining it. He lifted it from her hand, searching for engravings to signify the owner.
"Ah!," Jacob stammered, "It-it seems to have some initials and a note engraved into the back."
"What does it say?" Florence questioned.
"To my love, your words mean more than you will ever know," he read, "Then there are the initials L.W."
Florence thought about all of the kind folks she had met at the market, and what their initials were. She thought about the Williams, but realized no one in that family had L as their first initial. But then, she remembered the secluded couple she had seen leaving town many times, and calling the town doctor on many occasions. It belonged to the Woolfs, who were Leonard and Virginia. She had heard from the grocer once that Virginia was a writer.
Florence voiced her realization with Jacob. She planned to find the Woolfs next time she was in town to return the lovely locket, and ask Virginia how she lost the locket.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Holland Road
As I looked up and gazed into the sky, I felt a cold drop fall on my cheek. I felt another on my outstretched hand soon after. Within a minute, hundreds of snowflakes were slowly making their descent towards the ground all around me. The ground crunched underneath my footfalls with the increasing cover of snow.
Up ahead, I saw a street lamp flicker on. The next, and the next lamp lit up following the first. This pattern continued down the long street, gradually lighting my way. Soon, I recognized the sign that read 'Holland Road', and turned down it. Skeletal trees encompassed me on both sides as I walked down the ancient cobblestone path. I maneuvered around a few indents in the road filled with an slush. After awhile, the old cobblestone path turned into a bumpy dirt road. The path turned a corner, and suddenly the skeletal trees surrounding me disappeared as the road began downhill. I tried to control my pace down the steep and winding hill, but the combination of speed and ice did not help.
I nearly slipped as I came to a halt at the gates blocking the road. Fishing in my left coat pocket, I found a black, skinny, and ice cold key and turned it in the lock on the gate. I removed the key from the lock and pushed the gate open. Walking though, I pushed the gate closed behind me with my foot. The rough downhill road gradually turned into a smooth rolling slope. Shrubs dotted the landscape along with numerous boulders, all vaguely visible in the darkness that swept over the hills. Although the stars shone clear on the moor surrounding me, they were only a dim spotlight to the beauty that was all around. The moor appeared slightly green, for the northern lights were casting a green hue across the land. Mesmerized, I nearly stumbled off of the path multiple times. The northern lights weren't supposed to appear here until 1868, but a year early wasn't bad at all. But soon, I saw the lights of a warm home up ahead. I quickened my pace, excited to arrive. The icy gravel crunched under my boots as I walked up to the door. I took a deep breath and rapped on the door four times. I heard the quick pattering of feet inside the house, and locks being undone on the door. The heavy door creaked open slowly, as a woman looked at me from behind it. Her face was thin along with her her fingers, and her black hair hung limply by the sides of her face. Her brown eyes widened as she took in who I was. She pulled the door open fully and embraced me tightly, as if the winter winds would sweep me away if she let go.
"Erlina" I whispered, surprised.
"Alastar! I didn't expect you for another month! How are you?" Erlina inquired.
"I'm wonderful now that I'm back!" I replied, smiling.
We walked into the kitchen, and I took my hefty bag off of my shoulders and set it on the kitchen table. As I began unloading it, Erlina got a look of astonishment on her pale face.
"There's more than enough food here for the winter Alastar. I thought your brother wasn't sending any more for at least a fortnight!" Erlina exclaimed.
"I know, it took my by surprise. I left as soon as I received it." I commented,"It looks like we will make it through this famine after all."
Up ahead, I saw a street lamp flicker on. The next, and the next lamp lit up following the first. This pattern continued down the long street, gradually lighting my way. Soon, I recognized the sign that read 'Holland Road', and turned down it. Skeletal trees encompassed me on both sides as I walked down the ancient cobblestone path. I maneuvered around a few indents in the road filled with an slush. After awhile, the old cobblestone path turned into a bumpy dirt road. The path turned a corner, and suddenly the skeletal trees surrounding me disappeared as the road began downhill. I tried to control my pace down the steep and winding hill, but the combination of speed and ice did not help.
I nearly slipped as I came to a halt at the gates blocking the road. Fishing in my left coat pocket, I found a black, skinny, and ice cold key and turned it in the lock on the gate. I removed the key from the lock and pushed the gate open. Walking though, I pushed the gate closed behind me with my foot. The rough downhill road gradually turned into a smooth rolling slope. Shrubs dotted the landscape along with numerous boulders, all vaguely visible in the darkness that swept over the hills. Although the stars shone clear on the moor surrounding me, they were only a dim spotlight to the beauty that was all around. The moor appeared slightly green, for the northern lights were casting a green hue across the land. Mesmerized, I nearly stumbled off of the path multiple times. The northern lights weren't supposed to appear here until 1868, but a year early wasn't bad at all. But soon, I saw the lights of a warm home up ahead. I quickened my pace, excited to arrive. The icy gravel crunched under my boots as I walked up to the door. I took a deep breath and rapped on the door four times. I heard the quick pattering of feet inside the house, and locks being undone on the door. The heavy door creaked open slowly, as a woman looked at me from behind it. Her face was thin along with her her fingers, and her black hair hung limply by the sides of her face. Her brown eyes widened as she took in who I was. She pulled the door open fully and embraced me tightly, as if the winter winds would sweep me away if she let go.
"Erlina" I whispered, surprised.
"Alastar! I didn't expect you for another month! How are you?" Erlina inquired.
"I'm wonderful now that I'm back!" I replied, smiling.
We walked into the kitchen, and I took my hefty bag off of my shoulders and set it on the kitchen table. As I began unloading it, Erlina got a look of astonishment on her pale face.
"There's more than enough food here for the winter Alastar. I thought your brother wasn't sending any more for at least a fortnight!" Erlina exclaimed.
"I know, it took my by surprise. I left as soon as I received it." I commented,"It looks like we will make it through this famine after all."
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Hopeful Wanderer
Aikaterine walked swiftly on the path, silently traveling through the active forest around her. Colorful dragonflies flew past as bright red birds with gold-tipped wings shot after them. Ancient owls hooted boldly from their perches in the purple hued trees that were spread across the hills. Small luminous plants grew on the trunks of the trees and were sprinkled around on the ground. As she advanced further down the mossy path, she began to hear the violent smash of the salt water waves onto the rocky shore. Quickening her pace, she passed through a monumental archway, engraved with many engraved runes that told stories of the ancient forest and its inhabitants. The way was illuminated by the outstanding marker and its tales of the past. She stopped, tapping one of the runes, and felt connected, in that instant, to a past people and time.
A few yards ahead, she caught sight of a grouping of small buildings on a hill. After passing by a multitude of small cottages, she began down the other side of the hill, and saw a glimpse of the coast. Running rapidly down the hill, all she could hear was the cool wind whistling past her ears. A pale white fox dashed out in front of Aikaterine, nearly tripping her. But she regained her balance and soon enough reached the shores of the great ocean.
The strong winds that blew off the waves whipped through her loose red hair as she walked beside the sea. In the distance she could see the boat docks. As Aikaterine neared the docks, she could see several of the citizens of the town she had just passed through fishing off the docks. The docks stretched far off of the shore, so it took Aikaterine awhile to reach the end. She greeted the fisherman, who politely greeted her back. Walking to the boat dock just a few feet ahead, she greeted a fellow traveller. They conversed, and determined that they were going to the same place. Aikaterine, tired from her extensive journey, sat on a nearby crate and set her bag beside her. She stretched her feet in her tall leather boots.
After a short while, the ship that Aikaterine was waiting for became visible on the horizon. Within several minutes, the ship began to turn as to approach the dock sideways. She stood upon its arrival to the dock, and waited to board until it had been cleared for loading.
Once she had found the small cabin that she had rented for the two day trip across the ocean, she rested in her bed. Waking with an abrupt bump from the ship, Aikaterine got out of the bed and groggily went out into the deck. A beautiful sunset shot color into the sky and reflected over the calm ocean waves. The brilliant sun colored everything a dim red as stars began to peek out at the edges of the grand display. Aikaterine stayed out on the deck, even after the sun had sunk below the waves and the stars dazzled in the dark sky. The moon was just a sliver of light in the dark, calm night.
As Aikaterine came closer to a new destination and drifted farther away from her home, she felt at peace. For wherever she could ever go, the beauty of the world would never cease to show itself.
A few yards ahead, she caught sight of a grouping of small buildings on a hill. After passing by a multitude of small cottages, she began down the other side of the hill, and saw a glimpse of the coast. Running rapidly down the hill, all she could hear was the cool wind whistling past her ears. A pale white fox dashed out in front of Aikaterine, nearly tripping her. But she regained her balance and soon enough reached the shores of the great ocean.
The strong winds that blew off the waves whipped through her loose red hair as she walked beside the sea. In the distance she could see the boat docks. As Aikaterine neared the docks, she could see several of the citizens of the town she had just passed through fishing off the docks. The docks stretched far off of the shore, so it took Aikaterine awhile to reach the end. She greeted the fisherman, who politely greeted her back. Walking to the boat dock just a few feet ahead, she greeted a fellow traveller. They conversed, and determined that they were going to the same place. Aikaterine, tired from her extensive journey, sat on a nearby crate and set her bag beside her. She stretched her feet in her tall leather boots.
After a short while, the ship that Aikaterine was waiting for became visible on the horizon. Within several minutes, the ship began to turn as to approach the dock sideways. She stood upon its arrival to the dock, and waited to board until it had been cleared for loading.
Once she had found the small cabin that she had rented for the two day trip across the ocean, she rested in her bed. Waking with an abrupt bump from the ship, Aikaterine got out of the bed and groggily went out into the deck. A beautiful sunset shot color into the sky and reflected over the calm ocean waves. The brilliant sun colored everything a dim red as stars began to peek out at the edges of the grand display. Aikaterine stayed out on the deck, even after the sun had sunk below the waves and the stars dazzled in the dark sky. The moon was just a sliver of light in the dark, calm night.
As Aikaterine came closer to a new destination and drifted farther away from her home, she felt at peace. For wherever she could ever go, the beauty of the world would never cease to show itself.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Chasing The Sun
The pollution clouded the sun and the wind was hot and full of dry dust. The citizens rushed to their destinations, cloth wraps over their mouth to protect from the dust. It was not clear because of all of the dust that stuck to and covered every surface, but everyone seemed to dress in a similar color of light brown.
One man stood out from the crowd. With a fitted black coat covering his tall figure and long dark brown pants that barely covered his ankles, clad with white socks. he strolled quickly down the street, looking as if he had important work to do elsewhere. His blue and grey eyes were shielded by a pair of antique riding goggles. His brown hair was slicked back and did not move although the winds persisted. A minute smile shone on his symmetrical face.
The man began to increase his speed and was nearly jogging. The surrounding citizens have him strange looks and began to point and whisper.
He started into a quick run, as he rushed past people, scaring and confusing most of them. One of them shouted angrily at him as he rushed past, determined to not stop.
Large clouds rolled in and only the lights on the street lit his way. An authority was chasing him, shouting at him to stop immediately. But he easily outran the out-of-shape authority, who eventually stopped, giving up on the chase and gasping for air.
Then he saw it, the separation. It was a 31 foot fence made up of everything from old boards to large pieces of concrete. With a running start, he jumped up and with his right hand caught ahold of a rather large fence post sticking out of the wall horizontally about 5 feet from the ground. He swung his left arm up to the bottom shelf on a small bookcase embedded in the barrier. His feet scrambled up and found footholds in the mass. By now, the authority had alerted the other authorities, who had let out large ferocious dogs. The man quickly began climbing higher. By the time the dogs reached him, he was a good 15 feet above them. He quickened his pace, knowing that the authorities had firearms and didn't care for his life, especially if he was about to defy their biggest rule, do not leave.
He was about 22 feet up and, as he predicted, the authorities began to fire at him, not caring for his life. A few bullets came extremely close to him, but he continued on. Then he made it to the top. He opened his black coat, revealing rope attached to a harness that was secured to him. He tied the en of the rope to a large steel cable
Protruding out of a gargantuan block of cement. Then he began to propel quickly down the other side of the wall. Soon, he felt the ground, but here it was luscious and soft, for it was a blanket of grass and soft moss. He turned and saw thousands of trees filling the hills that laid ahead of him. Birds soared overhead and the sun shone brightly into his eyes so that he was disoriented. Then someone walked in from of him and handed him sunglasses. He immediately switched his goggles for the sunglasses and recognized the person. It was his sister, Molica who had been separated from him by the wall.
"Hello Tom." Molica said, smiling at her brother.
One man stood out from the crowd. With a fitted black coat covering his tall figure and long dark brown pants that barely covered his ankles, clad with white socks. he strolled quickly down the street, looking as if he had important work to do elsewhere. His blue and grey eyes were shielded by a pair of antique riding goggles. His brown hair was slicked back and did not move although the winds persisted. A minute smile shone on his symmetrical face.
The man began to increase his speed and was nearly jogging. The surrounding citizens have him strange looks and began to point and whisper.
He started into a quick run, as he rushed past people, scaring and confusing most of them. One of them shouted angrily at him as he rushed past, determined to not stop.
Large clouds rolled in and only the lights on the street lit his way. An authority was chasing him, shouting at him to stop immediately. But he easily outran the out-of-shape authority, who eventually stopped, giving up on the chase and gasping for air.
Then he saw it, the separation. It was a 31 foot fence made up of everything from old boards to large pieces of concrete. With a running start, he jumped up and with his right hand caught ahold of a rather large fence post sticking out of the wall horizontally about 5 feet from the ground. He swung his left arm up to the bottom shelf on a small bookcase embedded in the barrier. His feet scrambled up and found footholds in the mass. By now, the authority had alerted the other authorities, who had let out large ferocious dogs. The man quickly began climbing higher. By the time the dogs reached him, he was a good 15 feet above them. He quickened his pace, knowing that the authorities had firearms and didn't care for his life, especially if he was about to defy their biggest rule, do not leave.
He was about 22 feet up and, as he predicted, the authorities began to fire at him, not caring for his life. A few bullets came extremely close to him, but he continued on. Then he made it to the top. He opened his black coat, revealing rope attached to a harness that was secured to him. He tied the en of the rope to a large steel cable
Protruding out of a gargantuan block of cement. Then he began to propel quickly down the other side of the wall. Soon, he felt the ground, but here it was luscious and soft, for it was a blanket of grass and soft moss. He turned and saw thousands of trees filling the hills that laid ahead of him. Birds soared overhead and the sun shone brightly into his eyes so that he was disoriented. Then someone walked in from of him and handed him sunglasses. He immediately switched his goggles for the sunglasses and recognized the person. It was his sister, Molica who had been separated from him by the wall.
"Hello Tom." Molica said, smiling at her brother.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Winter Winds
Louise was 14 years old when she first saw her after the tragedy. Her aunt, Gottlieben, was a kind woman. She had piercing green eyes and wispy grey hair that was always done back into a perfect bun. She wrote in her journal every night, and read many books. Gottlieben was always optimistic, and she treasured her home and even her most distant family.
Louise walked down the hill from the Vietsburg Castle where she lived every day to her aunt's quaint cottage to take care of her. Louise learned how to cook delicious meals, helped her in her grand garden, and assisted her in keeping the house clean. She had done this every single day from the day she turned 10 to nearly her 14th birthday.
One day, Gottlieben and Louise went on a walk around the castle grounds. It was snowing and everything was beautiful and white. The moon lit up the blankets of snow and they sparkled in the night light. They eventually went back to the cottage because the winter winds quickly became too cold.
A few days later, Gottlieben developed pneumonia. Every day, her condition worsened, no matter how much Louise tried to help her get better. She passed away after a few weeks of having the illness, and five days before Christmas.
Louise was utterly heartbroken, and stayed in her room, which was up in the castle turret, most days. She didn't care to open the curtains and look out on the beautiful castle grounds and the town. Instead, she sat at her desk and thought about everything she could've done differently. Was it the cold winter wind that took her aunt? The crack in the wall that made the house a bit colder? She stopped writing in her journal and cooking; for each reminded her greatly of her aunt.
Aunt Gottlieben's will was read to the family, and in it Gottlieben left Louise some of her most beautiful jewelry, such as her beautiful garnet necklace. Louise wore the precious necklace every day so she could have a piece of her aunt close to her heart every hour of the day.
As spring approached, so did Louise's birthday. On her birthday, her mother came into her room and tried to reason with her to go outside and get fresh air. Louise wouldn't go, so her mother dragged her out of her room by her arm. As they descended the old spiraling steps, Louise grasped the garnet necklace with her free hand. They eventually made it outside and Louise's mother told her to get some fresh air, to take in the renewed landscape.
She looked on the grand Vietsburg Castle with new eyes. It seemed as if she had never layed her eyes upon the large turrets and great walls, enveloped in ivy and old trees, slowly climbing with their ancient tendrils across the castle walls. Every window was a unique stained glass masterpiece, each telling it's own family story or ancient fable. Moss and succulents grew in between the cracks of the old granite stones that made up the castle.
Louise decided to ascend the steps to the top of the old, now unused, watchtower. Her heart beat in her ears as she made her way to the top. Finally, she was on the highest level. She could see all of Ravensburg. The tops of the trees were populated with birds, and many people bustled over the cobblestone roads in the town. It was a warm day, and an untamed wind was picking up the blossoms off of the trees and swirling them through the air.
Louise turned to look at the rest of the countryside, but instead saw her aunt, standing on the opposite side of the watchtower. She was somewhat transparent, but appeared friendly and was smiling at Louise.
"I've been waiting for you to come outside Louise." her aunt said calmly.
"You're...you've been gone." Louise muttered, confused.
"I am. But I need your help. My will was not completely right. There is one other item I wish to give you Louise." aunt Gottlieben explained.
"What do you mean? You gave me your garnet necklace, what else?" Louise questioned.
"Come with me to my old cottage and I will show you." Gottlieben said, with one hand gesturing towards to stairs to guide Louise towards the cottage.
They descended the stairs together, and Gottlieben began talking to Louise. Soon, they were at Gottlieben's cottage. Louise took the key to the door out of her coat pocket where she hadn't removed it since December. She put the crooked key in the lock and turned the knob. The door creaked slightly as it was opened because it had been unused for so many months. Louise stepped into the remote cottage, and a flood of memories with her aunt came back to her.
"Where is it, Gottlieben?" Louise asked.
"Come with me and I'll point you in the right direction." Gottlieben answered.
She led Louise to the broom closet in the opposite side of the house. She gestured for Louise to open it. Louise swung open the door and quickly jumped back as two brooms clattered to the floor.
"The box on the top shelf, it's yours Louise." Gottlieben said, seemingly relieved and smiling.
Louise retrieved the box and set it on the floor. The top was a sliding lid, and Louise carefully removed it. Behind the lid were journals, all with dates on them and in perfect order. A single tear ran off of Louise's cheek and splashed to the floor.
Gottlieben spoke, "Now you have my whole life, from when I was younger than you. Every problem, sorrow, or joyful memory is in those books. You don't have to feel like I was cheated out of life. Once you read these, I think you will realize that my life was full and I am at peace."
"Thank you." Louise said quietly, clutching the necklace in her hands and staring at the journals.
"And one more thing Louise." aunt Gottlieben added, "Do not blame the winter winds."
Louise said goodbye and soon Gottlieben was gone. Louise took the box of journals and went back to the castle, ready to live again.
Louise walked down the hill from the Vietsburg Castle where she lived every day to her aunt's quaint cottage to take care of her. Louise learned how to cook delicious meals, helped her in her grand garden, and assisted her in keeping the house clean. She had done this every single day from the day she turned 10 to nearly her 14th birthday.
One day, Gottlieben and Louise went on a walk around the castle grounds. It was snowing and everything was beautiful and white. The moon lit up the blankets of snow and they sparkled in the night light. They eventually went back to the cottage because the winter winds quickly became too cold.
A few days later, Gottlieben developed pneumonia. Every day, her condition worsened, no matter how much Louise tried to help her get better. She passed away after a few weeks of having the illness, and five days before Christmas.
Louise was utterly heartbroken, and stayed in her room, which was up in the castle turret, most days. She didn't care to open the curtains and look out on the beautiful castle grounds and the town. Instead, she sat at her desk and thought about everything she could've done differently. Was it the cold winter wind that took her aunt? The crack in the wall that made the house a bit colder? She stopped writing in her journal and cooking; for each reminded her greatly of her aunt.
Aunt Gottlieben's will was read to the family, and in it Gottlieben left Louise some of her most beautiful jewelry, such as her beautiful garnet necklace. Louise wore the precious necklace every day so she could have a piece of her aunt close to her heart every hour of the day.
As spring approached, so did Louise's birthday. On her birthday, her mother came into her room and tried to reason with her to go outside and get fresh air. Louise wouldn't go, so her mother dragged her out of her room by her arm. As they descended the old spiraling steps, Louise grasped the garnet necklace with her free hand. They eventually made it outside and Louise's mother told her to get some fresh air, to take in the renewed landscape.
She looked on the grand Vietsburg Castle with new eyes. It seemed as if she had never layed her eyes upon the large turrets and great walls, enveloped in ivy and old trees, slowly climbing with their ancient tendrils across the castle walls. Every window was a unique stained glass masterpiece, each telling it's own family story or ancient fable. Moss and succulents grew in between the cracks of the old granite stones that made up the castle.
Louise decided to ascend the steps to the top of the old, now unused, watchtower. Her heart beat in her ears as she made her way to the top. Finally, she was on the highest level. She could see all of Ravensburg. The tops of the trees were populated with birds, and many people bustled over the cobblestone roads in the town. It was a warm day, and an untamed wind was picking up the blossoms off of the trees and swirling them through the air.
Louise turned to look at the rest of the countryside, but instead saw her aunt, standing on the opposite side of the watchtower. She was somewhat transparent, but appeared friendly and was smiling at Louise.
"I've been waiting for you to come outside Louise." her aunt said calmly.
"You're...you've been gone." Louise muttered, confused.
"I am. But I need your help. My will was not completely right. There is one other item I wish to give you Louise." aunt Gottlieben explained.
"What do you mean? You gave me your garnet necklace, what else?" Louise questioned.
"Come with me to my old cottage and I will show you." Gottlieben said, with one hand gesturing towards to stairs to guide Louise towards the cottage.
They descended the stairs together, and Gottlieben began talking to Louise. Soon, they were at Gottlieben's cottage. Louise took the key to the door out of her coat pocket where she hadn't removed it since December. She put the crooked key in the lock and turned the knob. The door creaked slightly as it was opened because it had been unused for so many months. Louise stepped into the remote cottage, and a flood of memories with her aunt came back to her.
"Where is it, Gottlieben?" Louise asked.
"Come with me and I'll point you in the right direction." Gottlieben answered.
She led Louise to the broom closet in the opposite side of the house. She gestured for Louise to open it. Louise swung open the door and quickly jumped back as two brooms clattered to the floor.
"The box on the top shelf, it's yours Louise." Gottlieben said, seemingly relieved and smiling.
Louise retrieved the box and set it on the floor. The top was a sliding lid, and Louise carefully removed it. Behind the lid were journals, all with dates on them and in perfect order. A single tear ran off of Louise's cheek and splashed to the floor.
Gottlieben spoke, "Now you have my whole life, from when I was younger than you. Every problem, sorrow, or joyful memory is in those books. You don't have to feel like I was cheated out of life. Once you read these, I think you will realize that my life was full and I am at peace."
"Thank you." Louise said quietly, clutching the necklace in her hands and staring at the journals.
"And one more thing Louise." aunt Gottlieben added, "Do not blame the winter winds."
Louise said goodbye and soon Gottlieben was gone. Louise took the box of journals and went back to the castle, ready to live again.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Writer's Block
It was a dull afternoon on Hill Street in Brandyn Wyatt's small apartment. Brandyn wrote short stories for Writer's Block Magazine, a magazine for writers in need for inspiration. Usually, he would just look at something outside or read a newspaper to find something to write about. But there was a serious problem; Brandyn was getting writer's block himself! He had read the newspaper, went on a walk, cartwheeled through the nearby park, and even made up a song about his fridge. But after all of that, he had nothing except a headache. So he went to the elevator to go outside and bang his head against a tree.
When the elevator door opened, he saw a monkey sitting on the ground. He cautiously looked at the monkey, seeing that it had a collar on it.
"Who owns a monkey in this town?" he asked himself.
Slowly, he reached his hand out to the collar, and held up the tag so he could read it.
It said:
Hi, I'm Lizzie
Please return to 5694 Dew Street
Brandyn, confused and dazed, picked up the monkey and brought her back into his apartment. Surprisingly, the monkey was not that heavy. He brought the monkey into his bathroom and weighed her. The scale read at 13 pounds. Brandyn grabbed his laptop and typed '12 pound domesticated monkey' into the search engine. The first result he clicked on. It had a long list of monkeys that you could buy and keep as a pet. He only found a few that could weigh 12 pounds. Of those, he looked at the picture and descriptions, and finally found what kind of monkey the one in his apartment was; a white faced capuchin. Brandyn found out that it ate mostly fruit, so he went into his cramped kitchen. Rummaging through his fridge, he found a mango, a bag of grapes, and three bananas.
He went into the bathroom to get the monkey, to find that she wasn't there. He looked all over and couldn't seem to find her. He had a sudden sinking feeling in his stomach. He had left the balcony door open! Quickly, Brandyn went out on the balcony looking for Lizzie. She was crawling up to the apartment window above his. Without a thought, he ran back into his apartment and got a broom. Then desperately, he swept it back and forth, trying to get Lizzie to fall into his arms or grab the broom or something! Anything but getting in the neighbor's apartment. Before he could realize what was going on, Lizzie was falling, and so was the broom. Choosing a living thing over household cleaning supplies, he caught Lizzie in his arms, the broom smacking him in the face, mainly eye area. His vision went black for a few seconds, and as it came back, he heard a loud crack. He looked down to see an utterly destroyed broom scattered in the street. Luckily, there were no cars or other things to damage in sight.
Holding Lizzie close, so to not let her escape again, Brandyn walked back into the apartment, slamming the balcony door shut. He went to his freezer, grabbed an ice pack, and held it up to his face where the broom smacked it. He gave Lizzie some grapes from the bag, and sliced the mango in half, giving half to Lizzie and the other half he ate.
Brandyn needed to get to the pet store.Surprisingly, Brandyn still had a small dog carrier from when he had to take care of his sister's chihuahua for three weeks. He put some grapes in the back of the carrier, and set it on the floor. Lizzie slowly walked towards it, she went in the carrier and started munching the grapes. Brandyn quickly closed the door, and Lizzie started making a high pitched squealing noise. It was horrid noise, but he had to get the carrier downstairs to his bike and strap it on the back. So he got some bungee cords and went to the elevator. Fortunately, there was no one in the elevator. He quickly pressed the lobby button. The squealing echoed immensely in the closed elevator. When he got down to the lobby, he quickly got outside and found his bike. He strapped the carrier on the back and was off.
The pet store was only about a mile away, but with all of the stoplights and the many staring bystanders and onlookers, it seemed much, much longer. Brandyn almost ran into the shrubs by the side of the pet store. He locked up his bike and unhooked the carrier. Trying to act as inconspicuous as possible, Brandyn walked into a pet store with a screeching monkey inside a small dog carrier. He walked up to an employee in the store. He was a tall man with a mustache and green eyes. He was holding a bulky bag of dog food in his arms. Brandyn opened the carrier door and Lizzie sprang out, immediately quieting down in the presence of the pet store employee, whose name was Paul according to his name tag. Paul dropped the bag of cat food, the kibbles showering the floor.
"You found her." Paul said surprisedly.
Paul introduced himself to Brandyn and closed the store for what he told his customers his lunch break. Brandyn told Paul how he had found Lizzie and everything that had happened. Paul then told Brandyn why he was so glad he found Lizzie.
"You see, Lizzie and Thom, her owner, used to come here a lot. He would pick up specially ordered food and things for Lizzie, since she isn't the usual cat or dog. Anyways, Thom was here with Lizzie when some idiots robbed the store and took the animals too. I don't know how Lizzie got away and survived in the city, but I'm just glad she is okay. I don't know how she got in that elevator either." Paul remarked.
"I never told you she came out of the elevator" Brandyn said confused.
Brandyn, trying to look normal, said he had to go, grabbed Lizzie and the carrier and quickly left the store. He grabbed his cellphone out of his pocket, ready to call the police. But somehow, the audio recorder on his phone had turned on in his pocket, and it had recorded the whole conversation. He quickly strapped the carrier on his bike and rode to the police station. He rode his bike as fast as he could to the police station. Panting and completely out of breath, he hopped off his bike and locked it up. He opened the carrier and picked up Lizzie, and they walked in the front door of the police station.
Brandyn went to the front desk, introduced himself, and asked where he could go to talk to a detective. The receptionist gave him a strange look and then directed him to a Dt. Raynor energetically.
"I cannot believe you found it sir! Right this way Mr. Wyatt!" the receptionist said, excitedly.
The receptionist opened a door and ushered him in. A man was sitting at a dull desk with a bright desk lamp shining on a some papers the man was scribbling away on.
"Why, you found her!" detective Raynor exclaimed as he got up and forgot about the papers he was working on."
Detective Raynor introduced himself and shook Brandyn's hand. He showed Brandyn a file of Paul Wilsyn, the man he had met at the pet store. From what was in the file, there had been clues leading detective Raynor to believe that Mr. Wilsyn had been illegally shipping and selling endangered animals, but there was never any solid proof.
"I have this recording you may want to listen to." Brandyn commented to the detective.
***************************************************************
The next day Mr. Wilsyn was arrested by detective Raynor with the help of Brandyn's evidence and Lizzie. Lizzie was sent to the city zoo to be cared for, and Brandyn went back to his apartment. Although he was slightly crestfallen that, after all the excitement, he had to return to his daily life, he was officially free of writer's block. And he had a great story to tell.
"I cannot believe you found it sir! Right this way Mr. Wyatt!" the receptionist said, excitedly.
The receptionist opened a door and ushered him in. A man was sitting at a dull desk with a bright desk lamp shining on a some papers the man was scribbling away on.
"Why, you found her!" detective Raynor exclaimed as he got up and forgot about the papers he was working on."
Detective Raynor introduced himself and shook Brandyn's hand. He showed Brandyn a file of Paul Wilsyn, the man he had met at the pet store. From what was in the file, there had been clues leading detective Raynor to believe that Mr. Wilsyn had been illegally shipping and selling endangered animals, but there was never any solid proof.
"I have this recording you may want to listen to." Brandyn commented to the detective.
***************************************************************
The next day Mr. Wilsyn was arrested by detective Raynor with the help of Brandyn's evidence and Lizzie. Lizzie was sent to the city zoo to be cared for, and Brandyn went back to his apartment. Although he was slightly crestfallen that, after all the excitement, he had to return to his daily life, he was officially free of writer's block. And he had a great story to tell.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Breath Of Life
Florence had only a few seconds of an advantage. They were coming- all of them. One misstep and she was dead. All she could hear was her heart in her ears. Her legs were being scraped up more and more as she sprinted through the thorny shrubs. Her lungs felt as if they had been thrown into a fiery furnace; each breath was a flame shooting through her throat. Maybe there was an owl hooting nearby, or a cougar ready to pounce on her, but she could only focus forward. It was twilight, and the canopy of the trees stopped the light from entering the forest.
She just had to make it out of the forest. By her rough memory, she was about 400 meters away. Her arms were weakening, but she pumped them faster. She couldn't go on like this forever, she was losing energy.
Florence began to slow down, ready to give up and let those devils win. Then she saw Lisele. Florence thought that the devils had captured and killed her. But Lisele was right beside Florence, running with her.
"I can't do this, Lisele." Florence whispered, nearly out of breath.
"Yes, Florence. Breathe, breathe the breath of life. Do you see it, the heavenly light?" Lisele answered.
Florence took in a deep breath and her lungs were doused from the flame engulfing them. It was the breath I life. She looked ahead and saw the light; she as almost there. Immediately, from her heart to her legs, sped up. Within seconds, Florence had crossed the boundary and was safe. She saw Frederick.
"Where is Lisele?! She was right beside me! Where is my sister?" Florence inquired.
Frederick answered "No... She-"
Two men walked by, each holding a side of a stretcher with Lisele's body lying on it.
"She's been dead since this morning Florence. I'm so sorry."
Florence understood the heavenly light that Lisele had seen, it was not the lights of civilization.
She just had to make it out of the forest. By her rough memory, she was about 400 meters away. Her arms were weakening, but she pumped them faster. She couldn't go on like this forever, she was losing energy.
Florence began to slow down, ready to give up and let those devils win. Then she saw Lisele. Florence thought that the devils had captured and killed her. But Lisele was right beside Florence, running with her.
"I can't do this, Lisele." Florence whispered, nearly out of breath.
"Yes, Florence. Breathe, breathe the breath of life. Do you see it, the heavenly light?" Lisele answered.
Florence took in a deep breath and her lungs were doused from the flame engulfing them. It was the breath I life. She looked ahead and saw the light; she as almost there. Immediately, from her heart to her legs, sped up. Within seconds, Florence had crossed the boundary and was safe. She saw Frederick.
"Where is Lisele?! She was right beside me! Where is my sister?" Florence inquired.
Frederick answered "No... She-"
Two men walked by, each holding a side of a stretcher with Lisele's body lying on it.
"She's been dead since this morning Florence. I'm so sorry."
Florence understood the heavenly light that Lisele had seen, it was not the lights of civilization.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Two Person Dialogue
It was a hot, scorching day in an open field in Georgia. The sun was in the middle of the sky as a soft breeze blew through the surrounding forest. Two brothers were talking to each other nervously as one paced back and forth. They were Tyrone and Michael, Tyrone being the elder brother.
"What will we do, talk to them?" questioned Tyrone sarcastically.
"Maybe we could put food out? Or... or maybe call the cops?" Michael brainstormed.
Tyrone stopped pacing and gave Michael an are-you-insane look.
"Have you been to town? Have you heard the news reports?" Tyrone said, frustrated and exhausted.
"Yes, but they are just sick." argued Michael.
"You're my brother, and I care about you, but you are wrong!" exclaimed Tyrone.
"Let's say you're right Tyrone, what proof do you have?" reasoned Michael.
"When I went to the bank, I saw one of your friends from school being hauled away in handcuffs, trying to attack anyone in sight. He even tried to attack his girlfriend! It's not just a disease, it's a brain change! You have to understand, or you just won't survive!" Tyrone argued.
Michael stepped back, appalled, and said to his brother, " I thought you were fine, but you're probably dehydrated, you're not thinking straight...."
"I'm fine. I just wish you wouldn't be ignorant." Tyrone replied.
"What will we do, talk to them?" questioned Tyrone sarcastically.
"Maybe we could put food out? Or... or maybe call the cops?" Michael brainstormed.
Tyrone stopped pacing and gave Michael an are-you-insane look.
"Have you been to town? Have you heard the news reports?" Tyrone said, frustrated and exhausted.
"Yes, but they are just sick." argued Michael.
"You're my brother, and I care about you, but you are wrong!" exclaimed Tyrone.
"Let's say you're right Tyrone, what proof do you have?" reasoned Michael.
"When I went to the bank, I saw one of your friends from school being hauled away in handcuffs, trying to attack anyone in sight. He even tried to attack his girlfriend! It's not just a disease, it's a brain change! You have to understand, or you just won't survive!" Tyrone argued.
Michael stepped back, appalled, and said to his brother, " I thought you were fine, but you're probably dehydrated, you're not thinking straight...."
"I'm fine. I just wish you wouldn't be ignorant." Tyrone replied.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
My Vignette
It was the first time in my life that I was participating in cross country. We were on our way to Seaside, Oregon for the biggest meet of the season. Runners and their coaches flocked to Seaside for the biggest meet of the season. Runners and their coaches flocked to Seaside from Hawaii, California, and Washington. We were to spend the night in oldarmy barracks, and races would take place the following morning. I was anxious, and I continues building up anxiety.
The morning was rushed as everyone ate quick breakfast of juice, power bars, and fruit. We all put our coats on and walked the course. Everything that I was previously worried about faded as new worries arose in my mind. We soon arrived at the mud pit. I would later find that it was so deep, it was up to my waist.
Once we had finished walking the course, we had about 20 minutes until until the race started. As my team and I gathered at the starting line, I began to realize just how people were here. Quickly, we pinned our numbers on our shirts and paints our faces, arms, and legs with green and gold. Then a cluster with people with drums or batons began to play loudly. It changed my whole experience. Suddenly, I was attentive, excited, and ready to run. As the heart-like thumps from the drums palpitated through the ground, I could fell them echo in feet.
The sky was calmly overcast and the wind blew sharply over the hills. They called the runners to the start and arms and legs trembled in an electrified excitement. The drums continued to shake the ground as the race began. All of the runners shot forward like herd of wild animals. As the runners spread out, I took my place in the middle of the pack.
After sprinting down a large sandy hill and keeping a steady pac eon the slow inclines, I approached the mud pit. Most of the runners were merely wading slowly through the sludge. But I unhesitantly plowed through it as fast as possible, nearly falling at one point.
As I made it over the last hill, I could see finish in the distance. The song "Keep On Running" popped into my mind as I continued on, utterly exhausted. Yet, when I began to hear the drums again, they galvanized me to run even faster than I thought I could. As I entered the last 100 meter stretch, I heard my team members and coaches screaming my name and cheering.
There was one runner about 5 meters in front of me. I had already hit my limit, but somehow began sprinting even faster. My lungs felt like they being enveloped in an inferno of exhaustion and dehydration. Everything flew by me as I propelled myself forward with my feet, scorched with friction and sweat. I nearly fell over as I tried to stop and tell the people my name and my number.
I was given a cup of watered down blue gatorade as I walked away from the finish line. I drank the whole cup as I walked to where my team was congregated. They congratulated me and we cheered on the remaining runners.
As we rode the bus back to Sweet Home that afternoon, all I could think about was how good I did in the race. I realized that day that there are a lot of people in this world, and with their help and encouragement, you can accomplish great things. I also realized that there are people in the world who accept you and will make your life better, you just need to find them.
]]
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Why Are The Lights?
Sparks and lights; blinking, flashing
Is that one moving? A shooting star perhaps...
A night sky flashes in my eyes
Day and night, day and night
An entire universe condensed under my eyelids
Daydreaming is a lie
For when my eyes close
I see the night
The night is my peace
For in my eyes,
The night makes the world a beautiful place
The clouds will come
But they cannot cloud what is already dark.
A Night In The Forest
We set up our tent
As the sky darkens quickly
The ground is squishy and soft
I walk towards the tent, past the warm fire
Thousands of different shades of green
As far as the eye can see
I take off my pine needle encrusted, mud covered boots
And enter the comfort of the tent
Before I fall asleep I zip up all the doors
I sink into my sleeping bag
And listen to the loud silence
The steady dribbling of the rain above my head
And the trees whispering to each other
The river sings a mysterious lullaby
As the stars declare the night
Sky Blue
The red sky unveils
As the rain begins to fall
It soon turns to hail
How will this befall?
The hail fall increases
All people are amiss
As the sky falls to pieces
What will become of this?
There’s flooding in the street
The weather’s awfully dismal
Lightning and ground meet
Will this be cataclysmal?
The sky turns blue
And the clouds go away
The Earth is anew
How long will this stay?
My Final Dream
My life is nothing on this cot; there is nothing here for me on this abysmal world
I drift away into a deep sleep.
I am in a forest; sounds echo throughout the cave behind me
Water drips slowly from the stalactites that line the ceiling
Then run forward, faster
I jump over fallen trees and advance through the foliage
Skidding to a stop, nearly cascading down the cliff directly in front of me
The cliff leads to a an opaline lake
My toes curl around the edge of the cliff
Mud seeps in between the cracks of my toes
I inhale the deep scent of the nearby flowers
Slowly I raise my arms above my head with poise
When I fly into the air and forward; my arms are outstretched as to fly
And glide towards the water
I launch into the deep lake with precision and I swim underneath the water awhile
It is so peaceful under the water
With the goatfish, dragonets,triggerfish, and epaulette sharks
After swimming without a need to breathe, I surface
And I swim to the sandy shore
I traipse through the greenery until a mammoth tree towers over me
Slowly and carefully I climb to the lower canopy
I sink into a large bed of leaves
Fireflies surround me as the forest comes to life
I sadly say goodbye to this dream world as to I must return to my own world
I wake up in my bed of leaves.
The Scourge Of The Salton Sea
It took their minds, their souls. I am sitting alone in the middle of nowhere surrounded by bloodthirsty, mindless savages. The whole town has gone mad, cannibalizing the ones who still have minds. They have lost their intelligence, I think. They haven't tried to break into my motel room yet. All I can do is sit here as I slowly go into shock and then become insane for a different reason than everyone else.
I was visiting my friend, who lives here, by the Salton Sea. It was supposed to be my short vacation. But now I know that I will succumb to this horror that sits outside my room. It must be the water; they all drink water, right? But I didn't. I never drink from the tap, and I bring my own water everywhere. At first I thought I was lucky I didn't get infected. But am I really more fortunate than them, or am I just waiting to be murdered?
Now I hear them, making seemingly random grunts and groans. The doorknob wiggles as they try to open the locked door. They soon grow tired of trying to open the door, and I hear them begin to shuffle away mindlessly. I think the coast is clear, until I shift my weight and my leg hits the TV remote. Off all buttons on that lousy controller, I hit the ON button. Coincidentally, the volume was as loud as humanely possible, so they started pounding on the door again. Thanks to modern technology, my life was over.
I had to do something, I wasn't just going to let myself die without a fight. But since running seemed easier, I grabbed a knife in the kitchen and used it to cut a rather large hole in the screen on the open window. I crawled awkwardly out of the makeshift escape route. Luckily, my car was parked ten feet away. I snatched the keys out of my pocket and singled out the one that unlocked my car. I pressed the unlock button and opened the door. I slammed it shut and put the keys in the ignition. There were a few cannibalistic savages headed my way, so I quickly pulled out of the parking lot and made my way to the main road.
Surprisingly easily, I had made it out of a deathtrap of a tourist town. I was in shock, and drove until I saw the sign for Palm Springs. I stopped at the first store I saw. But something was off; something was horribly wrong. There was a drooling, wild-eyed citizen making their way towards my car. The cannibal with blood dripping down their face tries to break my window to get in. I was wrong. I thought this was an isolated accident. But it had affected everything bordering the Salton Sea , and most likely more. If only California had fixed this environmental disaster, then I wouldn't be facing a certain doom. I quickly drove away, simultaneously hitting the insane, incurable cannibal with my car.
I didn't know where I was going, or what I was doing. But I knew one thing, I wasn't going to succumb to madness like everyone who surrounded me. I would find a way to survive.
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