May 2017
Midnight Writers
Cover: “Heart of the Sunset,” an
Table of Contents
photograph by Iredscent
This Page: “If Things were Dif-
ferent,” an illustration by The Masked Lady
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Ask Aphro & Dite • Aphro and Dite help out Gretel and Ivy Dose of Dawn • Prom Musings Horoscopes • Horoscopes for this month
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“Every Time,” a poem by Andromeda “Thread,” a poem by The Masked Lady “Thread,” an illustration by The Masked Lady
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“I Complain,” a poem by Dawn “End Of May,” a poem by Eos “Autumn Glow,” a photograph by Iris “Haiku,” a poem by HMMSCORPIO
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“Memoir,” a story by Incadencence
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“Memoir,” continues “Book World,” an illustration by The Masked Lady
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“Welcome to New York,” a photograph by Lucifer “I was promised sugar,” a photograph by Eos
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“Equinology (Parody of Anthropology by AwkwardMarina),” a poem by Caffeinated Pinkie “To The Bunnies I Love,” a poem by HMSCORPIO “A Pocketful of Cuddles,” a photograph by HMSCORPIO
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“Root,” a story by Janus “Others While I...” a poem by Dawn “Howdy!” an illustration by Techicolor Zebra
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“The Wanderer,” a story by Janus
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“The Wanderer,” continues “What did I ever do wrong?” an illustration by Celia Bowen
“Dark Woods,” continues
Page 23: “Dark Woods,” continues “River,” a photograph by Unknown
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“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Dark Woods,” continues “To My Sister Jenny,” an illustration by The Masked Lady
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Good Bye Seniors!
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“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Dark Woods,” continues
“Turquoise Balloons,” a poem by HMSCORPIO
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“Dark Woods,” a long story by The Masked Lady “What’s a child doing here?” an illustration by The Masked Lady
“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Doors,” a poem by Stephanie Safdie “Time Left,” an illustration by Elaine “HELLo,” by Eos “Blurry Vision,” a photograph by Canada “Something in the Corner,”an illustration by Elaine
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“Dark Woods,” continues
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“Dark Woods,” continues “The Beast,” an illustration by The Masked Lady 2
issuu.com/midnightwriters midnightwriters2017@gmail.com
Ask Aphro & Dite
Dear Aphro, I have a huge fairy problem! Yesterday I started hearing noises in my kitchen and I didn’t think much about it. But then the noise got louder and louder so I checked the kitchen and you wouldn’t believe it! Fairies were flying in my kitchen! And they were stealing my food! I tried catching them but they are so fast. They went away, but now they are back! And they won’t go away! Please help me, my house is getting trashed by them! Yours, Gretel Dear Gretel, Sounds horrendous! I happen to be friends with some lovely and sweet fairies… but the ones you described sound nothing like the ones I know. Anywho, I would try and talk to the fairies. They are much more frightened of you than you are of them. Become friends with them and maybe they won’t ruin your kitchen! Good luck. With love, Aphro Dear Dite, I always never had a green thumb, but yesterday I decided to try to grow a garden. So I went and got some seeds and dirt and I followed the directions from online. Everything seemed fine, but when I checked on my garden today it was chaos! Instead of flowers, huge monstrous plants grew and were attacking my house! What should I do? How am I supposed to get rid of these monster plants? Yours, Ivy Dear Ivy, Take a minute to breathe and relax. Did you find the instructions from a reliable source? I honestly doubt that you did… or did you buy magic seeds? I remember that once I accidentally planted some and I had to cast a spell to get rid of them. It totally ruin the rest of my serene garden! So rude. Obviously, you mortals cannot cast spells so I just recommend that you dig them up from the roots and get rid of them. They are a bit vicious though… With love, Dite
A Dose of Dawn
Horoscopes
Prom Musings Aries: You may want to reevaluate your Prom. A night of dance, dinner, and long current situation a bit. Take some time to dresses intended for the fun of high school give yourself a mental clean-up and de-clutseniors approaching the end of their high ter. school careers Prom. When I was younger than a senior Taurus: You may be concerned with some in high school, I thought prom was some- of your closer relationships right now. thing that was a larger-than-life extrava- Gemini: This is a good time to focus on your “inner self.” ganza that would be magical and be the perfect bang ending to high school. I Cancer: You might want to get straight thought I would land a date with a perfect with your loved ones. Maybe you’ll realize someone who I was good friends with something about yourself, especially the and would give me one of those really ones around you. cute “promposals” that I always saw other girls receiving. I thought I would find the Leo: Do you find yourself getting so caught perfect dress that was the perfect amount up with others that you neglect yourself? dressy and youthful. I thought I would be Maybe you should have some me-time. able to make things perfect. Virgo: At the moment you want something Prom. Now it’s finally approaching and in full-swing. I’ve seen other girls totally new. Take some time to evaluate exactly stress out over it. I’ve had friends actually what you want. experience it and I’ve realized it won’t be Libra: You’re known for being affectionthe kind of perfect that I imagined it to ate. Lately, you’ve been feeling emotionally be. The perfect night that people envision frustrated. Have you been open to your prom to be can be tied to the unnecessary loved ones? stressing out over every tiny little thing when the truth is (which everyone knows) Sagittarius: Perhaps you haven’t been that it’s only one night at the end of our paying attention to detail lately. Maybe you high school careers. should be more clear with your intent and We should just do our best to enjoy it be more down to earth which starts with not worrying about really Scorpio: Perhaps today is the day to anything. Don’t spend tons of money on the little things like hair, makeup, and nails re-evaluate your morals and what you really if you don’t have to and/or you don’t want believe in. Capricorn: Today is not a good day to to. And the most important thing: Don’t make big decisions. set high expectations for the night. I’ve never been to prom, but I know enough to Aquarius: You might seem like something know that the lower expectations you have is holding you back. for something, your happiness potential Pisces: Try to meet some new people and during that moment will be maximized choose which friends are really worth keepby that much more. It’s important to be ing. optimistic and excited for big events like prom, but still, try to set the bar low Special thanks to Sra. Steele, The because the only thing you’re really going Masked Lady, Janus, Incadencence, to remember about prom is how you felt HMSCORPIO, Eos, Hestia, Technicolor Zebra, Hestia, and Dawn during prom. J
3
Every Time
By Andromeda If you wanted to know where my heart was You need only have looked in a mirror You were my forever My dusk and dawn, beginning and end If I could’ve picked anyone Anyone in the world It would still have been you Time and time again But even after all the tears we shared And everything we’d been through Everything we’d go through
And all the happily ever after’s we’d planned in our heads I would still never ever be enough for you No matter how much I loved you So I wanted for you to be afraid I wanted you to lie awake at night and think of me I wanted your skin to crawl Your toes to curl Your heart to ache At the thought of losing me. I’d have worn a hundred different faces Drawn a thousand painted smiles Held back a million salty tears And walked a billion long miles So once, just once You’d really look at me
But no matter the hell you put me through No matter how much my soul burned for you No matter how much my heart ached for you My toes curled for you My skinned crawled for you You never loved me like I loved you And the worst part of it is that after every word And every lie and every crime Even after listening to my heartbreak over, And over, And over again I still came back to you every time
“I don’t want to be a product of my environment. I want my enivornment to be a product of me.” -The Daparted (2006) “Thread” a illustration by The Masked Lady
Thread
By The Masked Lady At first I was fine Your actions didn’t affect me But then you stabbed harder and harder And it really started to hurt It grew more painful each time you opened your mouth The scars just wouldn’t stop forming So I just kept sewing my broken heart Every time I saw you It would cost another thread My sewing turned into a daily routine But it hurts. It hurts too much I can’t keep going on like this There isn’t enough thread in the world to fix my wounds anymore
4
I Complain By Dawn I endlessly complain How the teachers are merciless in their assignments And College Board ruthlessly sets up curriculums full of stress The homework takes me forever to do And everyone expects too much from me… I do nothing but complain. There are people who would trade their lives with mine in a heartbeat There are people who beg to have the opportunity to go to school There are people who want nothing more than a teacher to pile them with books and assignments Here I sit, guiltily, with everything a girl could ever need Yet I am a shameful waste for such a good life I am utterly undeserving of this I am blessed with so much yet I complain…
“Autumn Glow,” a photograph by Iris
End of May By Eos I sit outside after the rain Puddle water warmed by the sun soaking through my sneakers Water settling between my toes. I remember when we sat in this very same spot Right next to the neighbor with the strawberry plant’s house Who moved away a month ago When the ground was dry and the sky was blue Not clouded-up gray blocking the sun And withered red berries scattered on the street. I watch as a person passes and for a fleeting second I pretend it’s youIs it? I look into the puddle and see a blue sky behind me The smell of strawberries surrounding me like an embrace that lingers You come over and sit downAre you real? Does it matter? So I sit with the lingering strawberries and the bright blue sky And you Taking me back To the end of May.
Haiku
By HMSCORPIO I don’t write Haikus. They are too hard for myself. Oh I just wrote one.
5
Memoir
By Incadencence This was it. My heart pounding, my palms sweating, I stepped through the doorway, into my personal version of hell. The halls bustled with students chattering excitedly about their summer. My sneakers squeaked on the freshly waxed floor as I tried to find my classroom. I walked around what seemed like the entire school, still not knowing where I was going. Once I saw that the upcoming classroom’s sign declared it to be Mrs. Ritter’s class, I sagged in relief. I put my things away, and stood outside the classroom for a few moments, taking deep breaths as to not look like I’d just ran a half marathon. The relief had disappeared. My entire body now shook of nervousness, unable to keep still. As I placed my left hand on the door knob, I
sent up a internal prayer to
was lively, loud at home--
terrified me. Once again, I
any deity that was listening,
exactly the opposite of how
was at a loss for words. I
hoping that he or she would
I acted at school. I remem-
answered the classmate’s
be merciful just for today.
ber getting asked by one
question with a shrug and
When I stumbled in, I took a
of my untactful classmates
mumbled “I don’t know.”
moment to survey the room
why I didn’t like to talk.
that I would be forced to be
A million reasons rushed
that I was new to this
in for the next nine and a
through my mind at once: I
school, and when Mrs.
half months. It was brightly
wasn’t sure of what to say,
Ritter pointed that out, they
lit, with a garishly yellow
whether it was the right
turned and gawked at me
rug fringed by bookshelves
time to say it, or if what I
like I was an exotic animal
on the right, and the desks
said would be thought of
at the zoo. I sunk down
and white board on the left.
as weird. It wasn’t that I
in my seat, my face red.
Motivational posters were
didn’t like to speak; it was
The rest of the day passed
all over plastered on the
that I didn’t know what to
slowly. I did what the
walls.I slunk to my seat,
say or how to say it. It was
teacher said to do, keeping
which was placed among
like a switch that flipped on
my head down the entire
a group of four. Within the
and off: I was almost word-
time. I felt completely lost
group was a petite girl with
less in class and in front of
and utterly alone, especial-
extremely long blonde hair,
strangers, and voluble as
ly during lunch and recess.
a boy wearing head-to-toe
soon as I was with family
Groups of friends had
athletic gear, and another
and friends. Getting called
already been long estab-
boy with short black hair.
on during class was even
lished, and I was too intim-
They were already convers-
worse, since I feared that
idated to approach anyone.
ing. Everyone in the class
I would get the question
I spent recess sitting at the
was clearly all acquainted
wrong and have my class-
edge of the playground.
with each other, and as I
mates think of me as slow
When I was finally let out
would learn later, I was the
or dumb. Just the thought of
of school, I went home and
only new student in Mrs.
everyone turning their burn-
cried. Not only did I worry
Ritter’s class.
ing stares on me, waiting in
about being a loner, but
complete silence as I tried
now I had to worry about
to produce an answer that
homework too. I had to
To say that I was shy was an understatement. I
didn’t sound entirely amiss,
Everyone knew
6
present my report on bees
to avoid. Or, hopefully, I
next week, and presenting
would have someone to sit at “This is my friend Lucia.”
anything was my biggest
lunch with. You can do this,
fear at school. How was I
I thought. Just go up and say
answered. “It’s really nice to
in forever, I didn’t feel
supposed to get through this
something.
meet you guys.”
like an outsider. From
year?
I shuffled to where The following days
the first girl who spoke.
ten. They invited me to eat lunch with them.
“I’m Jessica,” I
The book series was
For the first time
just a couple words, I had
the girls sat, and tentatively
an extremely easy topic to
made something special--
weren’t any better. By the
inquired, “Is that book from
converse about, and before
friends.
end of the week, howev-
Warriors?” The two girls
I knew it, we were talking
er, I had noticed two girls,
looked up.
about everything and any-
a brunette and a girl with
“Yup,” the brown-
I smiled. Things were going to be okay.
thing, from our siblings to Courage enables
black hair, who were always
haired girl replied, sounding
our craziest dreams. Recess
together. Today, something
surprised. “You know it?”
flew past. From one con-
those who are afraid to
versation, I knew that Lucia
speak out to overcome anxiety and be heard.
had caught my interest--
“Of course,” I
they were both holding
replied, relieved that they
wanted to become a marine
books from my favorite
didn’t immediately dismiss
biologist, and that Justine
book series! I felt the urge
me. “It’s my favorite series.”
had once been to Canada
to go over and talk to them,
“I’m Justine,” said
when she was in kindergar-
but caught myself. With my awkwardness, I would probably scare them. Or, they would take one long disdainful look at me and walk away. But the idea didn’t leave. The next day, I planned on approaching the girls, but my uncertainty stalled me long enough for the bell to ring. The recess after, I gave myself a pep talk. Sure, they could reject me, but then I’d know who “Book World” an illustration by The Masked Lady
7
Doors
By Stephanie Safdie You never really know what’s behind them Fates filled with furry, fear, or faith Some people just keeping spinning in a figure eight And then some people don’t spin at all The just lay still. Behind a cold, motionless door. Her first door was pretty wonderful, really. A shining sun and a family to love. Water to swim in and creativity free to live in. But then came door number two Her very first, of many moves The first day of school she sat on the playground alone. As every other person swung on the monkey bars, And skipping, playing hopscotch, Happily with a friend’s hand to hold. From that day on she thought it was her fault, That she was the salt to all wounds. Then came another door, 3000 miles away from anything she’d ever known before. Little did she know what was set in stone. She couldn’t see from far away, And lied about it for the longest time. She didn’t want others to see her behind a glassed-mask, Calling her names, like, “four eyes”. Door number four She jumped from circle to circle, But none of them ever seemed to click. Have you ever hated yourself? For not looking right, For not laughing right,
For not being what others want? Well, She started to hate herself. Because she wasn’t like them She was shorter She was fatter She was quirky Which meant bad No You’re not supposed to be different, You’re supposed to match the girl in the ad. It was a battle she was always fighting with distraught. So door number five Her family noticed her shame They noticed her loneliness Scared of the supercilious and surprised at the stars Her parents sometimes said things That left her even more scarred. Door number six No friends, no family, no safety. Then she met him He protected her against the storm, Took note of how her heart was worn. For a little while she had hope, That maybe, just maybe He would salvage the damage of what had been broke. But then he changed. He left. He was too scared to admit his love For a girl that no one wanted to love. She decided she no longer liked change. She decided that change was the enemy behind it all. Door number seven Back across the country A new dawn, a new day But she stopped believing in that a long time ago anyways. He kept her by a thread even with the distance, She always believed he was still the puzzle piece
supposedly missing. But eventually his tumultuous roller coaster came to an abrupt stop. She had never felt her heart so heavy, And her body so empty. In all the wars she had fought, She thought she had finally lost. But she took a look in the mirror and decided it was time to face her enemy change and to make a new ladder to climb. A dropping scale and a growing smile Cutting ties with the ones that left her senile. Behind door number eight Was herself But it took time It took grime It took the courage to accept help. Newfound serenity in song: We have to be thankful, for what went wrong. For if she never contemplated her reflection to seek better days to seek a change she would’ve never discovered
her own resurrection. Oh, How I’m so glad we drifted so far, For the ones who walk out the door will show you who you really are. Doors You never really know what’s behind them They bring change Because nothing is supposed to stay the same Change brings time And time heals wounds You deserve to see the other side Because you’re too young, too fragile And I promise you, it’s way too soon. There’s beauty in the other side and then some When you finally face the change to get to the door That you are meant to overcome.
“Time Left,” an illustration by Elaine
HELLo By Eos
There is nothing as shocking in this world than seeing the ghost of your dead brother-in-law. Creon and the messenger rushed to the vault to free Antigone, running with not their heads, but their hearts instead. Their feet ran themselves on the hard, rusted floor, and then screeched to a halt. Right in front of them was Antigone’s spindly, starved figure and Haimon’s arms wrapped tight around her bones, backs turned away from them, talking casually to the ghost of Oedipus. “What the-??” Creon spat, staggering backwards and hitting the hard, unsympathetic vault wall, eyes wide with shock. The loud boom of the impact reverberated deep into the earth. “That looked like it hurt,” Oedipus said with deep disinterest. Creon stared at Oedipus with unbelieving eyes; He looked exactly as he had before, except translucent, and “Something in the Corner,”an illustration by Elaine deeply pissed. Before Creon could make a run for it, Hai“Um,” Creon trembled, “Is that a ghost pipe?” mon lunged for him and pinned him against the still-unOedipus gave him an are-you-really-talking-about-ghostsympathetic wall. Creon searched for the messenger, but pipes-right-now type look. He took another drag on the he had fainted, limbs sprawled on the floor. Oedipus paced the room like a cat waiting to pounce, a transparent pipe in science-defying pipe before speaking, “Lets get right to the point, Creon. It pains me highly hand, to see what you have done to my kingdom. You were the reason my sons were killed. You convicted my daughter of felony. You have achieved in making this family more dysfunctional than any future famous families. I have reason to be angry, no?” Creon unsuccessfully struggled against Haimon’s weight before saying, “I get why you are angry at me, and I’m sorry. Can’t we talk this out at the castle? We can recount the story of your twisted beginnings-“ “Too late,” Oedipus interjected, eyes gleaming, “I set it up so that you’ll die in approximately 10 minutes. Ghosts can do cool stuff, you know,” he said before making a sandwich out of thin air. Creon thrashed wildly now against the wall. He exclaimed with an unstable edge, “Haimon?” Antigone? How can you let him do this?” Antigone shrugged before saying, “Oh, we died about 30 minutes ago. We’re dead because of you, so might as well get revenge.” She then made a pony rise from the ground. “Will I at least get to do cool ghost stuff too?” Creon pleaded. “Nope,” Haimon said, releasing him, “Your going straight to Hell.”
“Blurry Vision,” a photograph by Canada
9
Turquoise Balloons
“Welcome To New York,” a photograph by Lucifer
By Hmscorpio
In a city filled with dread and hunger. No one could bare. People were in cages to see the beyond. Failure always happened when escaping.
The citizens couldn’t take it anymore. They wanted to get out. For years and years. Nothing happened.
One day in the month of I don’t know when. Something happened that won’t be forgotten. Turquoise Balloons covered every inch of the horizon. “I was promised sugar,” a photograph by Eos
From there to here. From here to there.
People were in aw when they see the sky. It reminded them a little bit of life before dreadful. But all good things must come to an end. And so it did. One by one the balloons faded. Soon they were all gone.
The city went back to normal soon enough. Pretending the episode never happened.
10
Equinology (Parody of Anthropology by AwkwardMarina) By Caffeinated Pinkie
Little ponies fascinate me being just the way they are. Tell me silly human, can you bust a cloud or move the stars? Piano is my instrument, but ponies sing straight from their hearts. It’s a mystery, Equinology! Fetlocks, hooves, and rounded muzzles, vivid manes and vibrant coats! How I’d love to go and see their world to jot down endless notes! Everybody tells me that it’s all a silly fantasy… It’s a mystery, Equinology! Aren’t you bored of tying your knots, driving your car with your hands? Well I don’t mean to butt in or flaunt, but my evidence still stands; Ponies don’t have toes or cell phones They don’t need them, they don’t care. All they have are wings and magic; breaking physics everywhere. Fillies, stallions, mares, and elders all alike have spells to spare! It’s so real to me, Equinology!
and study our mythology… It’s so real to me, Equinology! Yeah, they don’t have technology. No pony needs it you see! Still I say I’m born with the right to wish for whatever I please! I don’t need to sit around now, I can stand on four legs! I wish I could leave my life here for a couple more legs! Every pony, come and see me! Cause your favorite girl’s a pony! ME! That is who I’ll be! Equinology! Shh.
To the Bunnies I Love By HMSCORPIO
Oh, bunnies. I love you bunnies. They are so fluffy and fuzzy. They have lop ears or ears straight up. Bunnies are so adorable and so cute. What would the world be like without bunnies? My favorite bunnies are Netherland Dwarf and Mini Lop. Stay true and never forget to love bunnies.
Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer Starlight Glimmer, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, And Princess Luna. Who’s to say that they can’t be? Maybe ponies know of us “A Pocketful of Cuddles,” a photograph by HMSCORPIO
11
Root
By Janus
It started with the fall. Tumbling down from the heavens, the angel’s bones shattered, flesh split and wings tore. Farther they fell, through a fiery atmosphere, until finally they landed with a crunch.
The angel’s pitiful form, crumpled in a crater, looked nothing like one of the Lord’s creatures. Their life should have been extinguished upon reaching the ground. Yet they lived.
In a land where nothing beautiful grew, the angel took root in the dirt. Pale white filaments burst from bone and latched onto whatever it could. As the
angel lay in the dirt, the soil bubbled.
The angel lived, though it no longer breathed or sighed or blinked. Seasons passed and the corpse was watered by rains. Flowers, pale as the moon, sprung from the angel. They glowed gently in the night. Tunneling through the dirt, the fibers grew from the angel’s shattered wings. The angel looked up at the sky with crow-pecked eyes. Truly, this was Heaven.
Images flashed through their mind occasionally. Each thought became more leaden and dull until a spark of memory appeared every few centuries. The body was long gone, eaten by scavengers. Meanwhile, the angel built their home
as they remembered. Clouds of fungus spores burst, coating the area with thin fibers. From them, gardens, flowers and trees sprung. Leaves swayed, lacy and transparent. The grass grew in long stalks and the sky became a pleasant blue. From the angel a pool emerged. It flowed forth from the carcass, splitting the dirt. Translucent creatures floated on the breeze, crude facsimiles of the angel’s siblings. They chittered half-forgotten songs, and circled around where the angel was buried.
Eventually, the land lay transformed, an Eden rising from the ashes. The angel smiled, as they continued forming a Heaven out of Hell.
“Howdy!” an illustration by Techicolor Zebra
Others While I... By Dawn
Others swipe mascara on their lashes and eyeliner on their eyelids While I look in the mirror and think, “Eh, I’m better this way” Others go out on Friday nights and post to Instagram the following morning While I stay at home and watch Netflix and chick flicks Others openly flirt and date boys While I sneak looks from afar and obtain infatuating crushes Others complain about how hot it is While I shiver and zip my sweater further up Others snapchat their friends nonstop While I occasionally break hard-earned streaks Others joke about how they haven’t touched a book in years While I can’t get enough of the library Others claim they hate writing While I write even when I don’t have a pen in hand Others say they aren’t creative Then I say “Join Midnight Writers!” Others say they don’t know what Midnight Writers is... Then I say it is the best club at Churchill.
12
The Wanderer By Janus
The stitches itched under my tunic and I resisted the urge to tear at the flesh. Even with their lips sewn shut, Legion whispered to me. “Let us out, sibling”, a chorus of voices whispered. They were once like me, angels of the Lord. But when they disobeyed, our creator dashed their bodies to pieces and tossed them to the infernal realms. Now they curled inside my chest, trying to control me, their new host. They still called themselves the Choir of Heavenly Reckoning, but I named them Legion. An army of souls, bloodthirsty and gluttonous. “Shut up,” I said, wrapping my robes tighter against my waist. Pressure built in my ribcage, until the bones shook with their cries. I had to get them out of my body, before they split me apart. The trader told me of a torched village, burnt down by an angel horde. Surely I could offer my services. The village emerged from the desert sands, in ruins from the attack. Devils swarmed around burnt huts, rebuilding what was left. Their memories filled the air, broken souls crying for help. Silver strands hung in the air, disappating as I flew through them. A tribal chief approached me, his eyes suspicious. At first glance, I must look like an angel, with pale hair and eyes. “Leave us,” he said, hatred shining in his face. “I offer my services as a healer,” I said. A younger devil approached us. “Chief, Trader Saeva spoke of a devil like them. They can rid us of the nightmares.” Turning to me, he said, “Healer, our tribe has been haunted since the angels attacked. We cannot sleep, and spend
the nights in fear. Please help us.” “Yes, fill us with flesh. Let blood flood us until we grow strong again,” Legion hissed. “Of course,” I said. “Lead me to the afflicted.” The chief sighed but led me over to a sagging tent. I entered it, and the sour memories hit me. Devils writhed, batting away kind hands. Some muttered words of “eyes” and “red feathers”. It was clear: they were struck with madness, from looking at a Paragon warrior. The highest of the Lord’s warriors twisted minds into insanity, their forms too horrifying to look at. Only angels and the holiest prophets saw their true apparences. The memories twisted in the air, knotted and torn into pieces. Their minds were too broken for me to unwind easily, as I did with lesser cases. The only way to rid them of madness was to purge the memories from their heads. But there were two dozen of them, never before did I work on so many devils. Legion salivated upon sensing the devils. “Let us go, and we will devour the wretches. They are not worthy to see Heaven’s glory-“ “Leave. I need silence,” I said. Most of those trailing me obeyed, except for the young devil. “My brother is here. I must stay with him,” he said, crossing his arms. “Very well,” I said. Nobody witnessed my healing before. I hope he did not fear me by its end. I loosened the front of my robes, until my scar appeared, stark on my chest. The creator made my kind androgynous, with no elements of men or women. I was as flat as a doll under the cloth. The stitches ripped away under
my fingers, as I peeled them away. Legion buzzed under the skin. The devil cried out in horror, and stumbled away from me. He gaped at my chest, the scar, stitches dangling from it like teeth, the hum of Legion. I ignored him and approached the nearest devil, their face buried in stinking sheets. I rolled her over and an older woman stared at me with teary eyes. “Eyes in the night,” she muttered, not looking me in the face. The stitches were undone, and the scar split open. Legion growled inside my chest cavity as they realized they were still trapped. “Why do you taunt us, sibling?” they groaned. “We are starving.” Their anger rose with the last word, as they lashed out at my body. My ribcage rattled but stayed firm. Legion chose to invade my body. They used me to feed on the innocent, until my flesh was close to bursting. I’d have been one of their victims if not for my sibling. They saved me from Legion’s wrath. I had to save devils, not for me, but for my sibling. They taught me to be strong. The seams of skin spread, exposing the dark void within me. There was never a stomach. The only organs inside were a useless heart and pair of lungs. My scar lay open like a mouth, and I began to absorb the devil’s memories. Silvery strands leapt from her head. I needed to find the offending memory, and destroy it. Her thoughts filled me, and I felt almost… normal. Joy rattled my frame as I watched moments unravel. Visions of her working river clay with her mother, when she was young. A marriage ceremony that lasted for one tumultuous night. The birth of her children, and the death of one. A life spent in the infernal valleys. I returned these memories to her head. Finally, I found the offending memory, smok13
ing and hissing with frame. Heat blasted my mind, as I saw through her distorted eye. The village burned, set alight by Paragon’s flaming armor and swords. Screams rang out in the night, and she clutched her own children, flying to safety. A Paragon landed in front of her, cratering the ground. She looked up, forgetting the rules that every devil knew: don’t look. Even through the devil’s view, the Paragon’s eyes terrified me. They were devoid of kindness or love. The sockets burned with hellfire and hatred and rage, so much that it consumed the devil’s mind, and her thoughts went up in flames. The devil fell to the ground howling, her mind scattered into a thousand pieces… …Until my scar swallowed the memories whole, scrubbing the horrors she faced from her mind. Legion devoured them greedily, any suffering enough to satiate them. Her mind rearranged itself, forming into logical sections again. The knots unraveled, and the strings of memory were whole again. The woman sighed, and fell into a deep sleep. “What did you do?” The devil said, his eyes wide. He hovered near a boy, his brother most likely. “I took her memory away,” I said. “She will never fear it again.” “You’re a monster.”
“Do you want me to heal your brother?” I said softly. “If you hurt him,” he threatened, but stepped aside.
whole. Now I give Legion memories, so they don’t start feeding on me. Of course I wanted to help devils, but Legion still demanded food.
“I won’t,” I said, and returned to my work.
“We will give you any reward,” the chief said.
The boy was small from lack of food, and his stomach distended. I leaned over him and received his fears. When he relaxed, only then did the devil stop glaring at me. He sat down beside his brother.
“Have you seen anyone that looks like me?” I said, gesturing at myself.
I flitted from devil to devil, destroying their fears forever. Legion cursed me even as they smacked their lips and feasted. Soon, the devils all slept peacefully, no longer disturbed by nightmares. They would wake soon, forgetting their troubles.
A devil said, “In the marketplace, in Tephra. I saw two people like you, talking about traveling north on the Brimstone Path.”
“Two weeks ago, they’d be long gone by then.” But hope still filled my heart. I left the village and headed back to the roads. If I saw my sibling, who freed me from the worst of my enslavement… Legion grumbled within, but they’d be quiet for a few days. I’ll find my family, even if it takes an eternity of wandering.
“When was this?” Were these really my siblings? Nobody in creation looked like us.
I fixed my robe, until the scar was covered. Later tonight, I’d spend hours stitching it closed. The devil didn’t stop me from leaving, but stayed near his brother. The villagers waited for me outside, their faces grim. “Are they healed?” the chief asked. “Yes, they will wake by nightfall.” The villagers cheered, worry melting from their faces. I felt uncomfortable under their gaze. I wasn’t a hero. Healing was as much as a benefit to me as it was to them. Feeding on memories stopped Legion from hammering on my bones until I was bent over in pain. The only way to make them stop was to satisfy their hunger. For the first years I was controlled, I swallowed devils
“What did I ever do wrong?” an illustration by Celia Bowen
14
small child huddled inside the crumbling tree trunk. Her eyes were shut, closed with clumps of her hair laying over them. “What’s a child doing Christopher here?” I wondered. I was doing my rounds I scanned her face and like every other day, walking clothes. She was not like around the charcoal forest the other townspeople. I for hours under the full moon. It’s never been for a purpose; well, at least that’s what I told myself. Then all of a sudden, I heard raspy whispers from the trees. “Someone new is here,” they whispered. I stopped at my tracks, stunned at their statement. Someone new? What did they mean? I scanned through the darkness and lifted my rusty lantern, hoping that more light would show me what was happening. But there was nothing out of the ordinary. “I don’t see anything!” I called out. “That’s because you aren’t looking hard enough,” they snarled back. I groaned under my breath and continued to search. Gliding my fingers upon the passing trees, my ears listened closely to the breathing of the forest. Then I heard it. A soft humming noise in the distance. I slowly walked closer and closer. The humming turned into faint breaths. The forest was right; there was someone here. I arrived at a stubby tree. Its rotting exterior gave off a moldy stench. But to me, it smelled like home. I noticed a giant chunk missing from the bottom of the tree and I peered down to find a small cavern. That’s when I saw her - a
Dark Woods
By The Masked Lady
couldn’t let her stay here. I nudged her shoulder, but her eyes stayed glued shut. “Hey, kid!” I shouted. Nothing - it was like she was under a spell. Her eyelids slowly opened. “Hey kid, what are you doing here?” I questioned. She rubbed her eyes and let
out a sharp yawn. Her tired eyes wandered around. “What…?” She muttered. “I said, what are you doing here?” There was a moment of silence. Then there was a giant push against my chest. I tumbled over to ground, as did my lantern.
“What’s a child doing here?”
15 “What’s a child doing here?” an illustration by The Masked Lady
What had just happened? All of the sudden, the girl burst out from the tree trunk. Her breathing was heavy as her hands shook. “Hey kid, calm-” All of the sudden, I couldn’t speak. I stared at her, stunned. Her eyes were bright blue, but that should have been impossible. Before I could say anything, she made a break for it. She darted past me as fast as her small feet could take them. “Hey, wait!” I shouted. Confusion raced through my mind. I quickly jumped on my feet and darted after her, grabbing her arm. “Hey you can’t run around here! It’s not safe!” I shouted. Quickly whipping her head around, she gave me a frigid stare and screamed “Stranger Danger!” She punched me in the stomach, causing me to let go of her. She ran off. I just stared, stunned. “I’m trying to help you!” I shouted. I groaned as I continued to race after her. “You are pretty scary looking,” the forest teased. “Oh shut up! You’re not helping!” I yelled back. I couldn’t let her get away if she was what I thought she was. I stared nervously at the full moon. “Hopefully he isn’t anywhere near here...” I muttered to myself. Because if he is, that girl is in danger. ***
Elizabeth
I breathed into my palms
of my hands. The warm air gently touched my fingers, but quickly faded away. “Man it’s cold tonight,” I thought to myself. I continued walking along the dirt path. “I wonder where Christopher is?” I never know exactly where he is. A small branch caught the corner of my eye. “Ah, perfect!” I quickly grabbed it and added it to the pile in my arms. I continued walking until I heard a rustling noise behind me. I whirled around to see a tall, narrow silhouette carrying branches come out of the darkness. “Hey, Christopher!” I called out. He walked closer to me. “I didn’t expect to see you, since you’re usually deep in the forest this time of-” I stared at Christopher as he came into the light of my lantern. He was carrying a child on his back. A child! “What…. What?” I was baffled. “It’s a long story.” He groaned and shook his head in frustration, causing some of the leaves to fall from his head. “We need to get back home now,” He commanded as he started walking in the opposite direction. “She’s coming too?” I blurted. He didn’t respond. “You know this is kidnapping! The villagers are not going to be happy that one of their kids is missing.” “Liz, look at her,” he sighed. “What?” “Look at her,” he insisted. I inspected her closely. My eyes widened.
“She has color,” I gasped. “Yup,” he confirmed. “We need to get back quickly then!” I declared “That’s what I’ve been saying,” he groaned. “So…what exactly happened?” I questioned. “I was doing my rounds…” Christopher explained. “And?” I prodded. “And I found her in a tree,” Christopher stated simply. “ A tree?” “Yes, a tree.” Christopher affirmed. I looked at the child who was passed out in Christopher’s arms. Her blond hair was a mess. Twigs were tangled up in her locks and dirt was smudged all over her face. I looked at Christopher, surprised to see a series of small scratches on his face. “What happened to your face?” I exclaimed. “Well, she was sleeping, so I tried waking her up. And then…” Christopher trailed off. “Then?” I pestered. “She punched me and ran away,” he grunted. “ She punched you?” I gasped. “Apparently, I’m scary.” Christopher muttered. I couldn’t resist chuckling under my breath. “It’s not funny,” he said, exasperated. I tried covering my mouth to muffle my laughter, but my obvious mirth burst out anyway. “It’s not funny!” “You’re right, it’s not funny,” I said, putting on my best attempt at a straight face. “It’s hilarious!” My facade
broke as my giggling burst out. My peals of laughter echoed throughoutthe forest. Even the trees began to vibrate, as if they were laughing with me. Christopher rolled his eyes. “So, did you run after her?” “Oh my god, she was so fast for someone with short legs,” Christopher grumbled. “So how did you catch her?” I questioned. “What do you mean?” Christopher asked. “You definitely didn’t catch her ‘cause of your amazing speed. Did you trip her?” I accused “What? No, I didn’t!” Christopher objected. “You told one of the trees to trip her didn’t you?” I smirked “No, I did not!” Christopher snapped. I continued chuckling as Christopher complained. “She fell naturally.” He corrected “ Oh, ‘naturally,’” I snickered. “Yes, she did! She literally fell and when I got there she was fast asleep,” he declared. “Ok, sure.” I sniggered. “Ok, well I have a question for you! What are you doing out here?” Christopher accused me. “Collecting wood.” I waved the bundle of wood I had gathered in his face. “I woke up in the middle of the night ‘cause it was like negative 100 degrees!” Continued on Next Page 16
“You just could have used your magical powers to make it warmer,” he pointed out. “It’s not the same as a nice and cozy fire.” I retorted. “Well, you shouldn’t be out here, it’s dangerous!” he lectured. “Yes, it is dangerous. Especially with people tripping trees,” I joked. “Liz, this is serious!” he shouted. “Aw, are you worried about little old me?” I chuckled as I messed up his hair. Christopher turned his face away in an attempt to hide his bright red face. I looked up at the warm, milky moon. Its dazzling brightness shone onto the ground, giving us ample light to see where we were going. ***
Aurora
My eyelids peeled open. I forced myself up to look around the small room I was in. The walls and floors were all wood-paneled. Even the cot I was lying in was too; it surrounded me with the scent of pine. I slipped out of the cot and attempted to rise to my feet, but winced instead at a sharp pain. I removed my socks to find red blisters covering my feet. I quickly put my sock back on and stood, despite the pain. “How did I get here?” I mumbled. I tried thinking back but my mind stayed blank. “ I was… I was...” Panic quickly filled my mind and body. My breath-
ing became heavier and the urge to escape enveloped me as I quickly lunged to the door and pushed it open. I stumbled into a long hallway and if I wasn’t so alarmed I would’ve noticed that wood was everywhere, including the walls and the floor. There was even a maple syrup scent. I wandered down the hall towards and made a sharp turn, entering in a small room. A woman standing directly in front of me had her back turned towards me. I tried sneak away before she noticed me. “I know you are there,” she called out. I froze, before I nervously turned around. The woman stood up and gave me a small smile. “It’s ok, I’m not going to hurt you.” Her eyes shimmering were light rose color, but then changed to a deep magenta. She kneeled down to my height and extended her hand. “You’re ok, don’t be scared,” she spoke warmly with a voice rich and warm like a cup of hot cocoa. I felt like running, but yet I also felt like I was at home. “What’s your name?” “A-Aurora” I stuttered. “Nice to meet you Aurora, I’m Elizabeth.” She beamed at me. I took her hand and she led me to a table. Her skin was pale, almost like snow, but she her hands were warm. She pulled out a chair for me, before going to a cupboard and taking out a glass. I couldn’t help but stare at her shimmering gray hair. The more closely I looked, the more I realized that
everything here was some sort of gray color. It was as if everything came from a black and white printer. “Tea?” she offered. I nodded as she smiled and went to grab a tea kettle. “I’m glad you’re ok. Christopher found you alone in the forest.” “Christopher?” I inquired. “He isn’t here right now, but he will be back soon, ”she replied. I nodded as if I understood, but I still didn’t remember anything that had happened before. Elizabeth placed the kettle on a burner and knelt down to the fire pit underneath. To my surprise, she spoke under her breath, and snapped her fingers. A small fire sprang up in the pit. “How did you do that?” I gasped. Elizabeth chuckled as she poured water in the kettle. “Magic!” She laughed as her eyes sparkled a shimmering lavender color. “Are you a magician?” I questioned. “A magician?” Elizabeth had a puzzled look on her face. “Like a person who can do magic tricks and stuff,” I explained. “This isn’t a trick, silly.” She laughed. “Then how did you do that?” I protested. “It’s a gift I had since I was young.” She handed me a cup of warm cinnamon tea. I heard the door open from the next room. Creaking footsteps grew louder. “Ah, Christopher must be back,” she mused. A tall, lean man walked in.
His skin, hair, and eyes were all a shade of gray. Branches the length of my arms grew out of his head like antlers. “Hey Liz,” he greeted. He walked up to her and handed her a container. “Hey, look who woke up,” Elizebeth reported, nodding towards me. Christopher looked towards me. All of a sudden, the previous events became clear. I screamed as I ran towards the corner of the room. “Oh no,” Christopher groaned. “Aurora, it’s ok! He’s not going to hurt you!” Elizabeth walked up to me, gently resting her hands on my shoulders. I stopped screaming as Elizabeth gently stroked my shoulders. I slowly sat down and huddled in the corner. Fear raced through my mind - not because of them, but because I still couldn’t remember what happened before this. Elizabeth got back up and walked back to Christopher. “Why isn’t she scared of you?” Christopher hissed. “Because I didn’t chase her around a forest, trying to catch her,” she hissed back. Christopher wrapped his arm around her shoulder. They began whispering, thinking I couldn’t hear them. “We need to get her out of here now,” Christopher murmured. Elizabeth whipped her head towards him. Her eyes Continued on Next Page 17
turned a deep, stormy blue. “She’s a scared, traumatized kid!” Elizabeth protested. Christopher glanced out of the window. Tree branches knocked against the window. “He will notice her presence soon.” “Let’s wait a little bit, please,” Elizabeth begged. Christopher let out a deep sigh. “Fine!” he said, throwing up his arms. He bumped his forehead against hers. A moment of awkward silence filled the room. Elizabeth nudged Christopher and gave him a commanding look. He rolled his eyes and walked up to me. “I’m sorry that I scared you,” he muttered. He knelt down in front of me. “I’m sorry we brought you here without asking but I couldn’t let you stay out there.” I slowly nodded my head and felt fear and confusion swirling inside of me. Yet, I didn’t feel as scared as when I first saw him. “Where am I?” I asked. “You’re at our house.” “But what is this place? Everything here is like from a black and white movie. Even you two are colorless. Except for her eyes.” Christopher and Elizabeth looked nervously at each other. “Everyone and everything here doesn’t have color,” Elizabeth elucidated. “I only have color in my eyes because of my magic.” “Why?” I queried. “It’s just the way things are here,” Elizabeth tried to explain “And where is here?” I
demanded. “This place doesn’t really have a name. I’m not very sure where we are exactly. But right now we are in Christopher’s Forest.” “Christopher? Like he owns it?” I looked at Christopher, who now had an annoyed look on his face. “Not exactly,” he interrupted. He began pacing around the room, brows furrowed. “This probably won’t make any sense, but bear with me. Think of it this way. Your hair is yours. You wouldn’t say you own it since it’s a part of you.” “So…. the forest is your hair?” I raised my eyebrow. Christopher gave Elizabeth a pitiful look. “What Christopher is trying to say the forest is connected to him. He is the forest and the forest is him. He can control and talk to the forest, like a friend that only he can hear,” Elizabeth clarified. “Oh, so you’re like the Lorax!” I exclaimed. “Sure,” Christopher sighed. “That’s so cool! No one can do that back home-” I cut myself off. Home seemed so far, like a person I once knew. I felt sorrow stab through my heart. “I don’t remember,” I whispered. “I badly want to go home but I don’t even know where home is!” I cried. Elizabeth knelt down in front of me and stroked my back gently. “I don’t know what to do.” “I can get you home,” interrupted Christopher. “How?” I cried. “It’s hard to explain, but
I think I know how from experience.” Before I could interrogate them further, Elizabeth and Christopher started devising a plan. “Ok, here’s the thing: we need to go the northern end of the forest. We should leave now before it gets too late.” “What’s there?” I asked. “The exit,” Christopher responded. “And you’re sure it will take me home?” “Yes, I think so,” Christopher confirmed. “You ok with walking? It might take us a while to get there,” Elizabeth confessed. “Yeah, let’s go! I want to go home.” I begged. Christopher headed for the front door as Elizabeth helped me to the door. I know I shouldn’t be trusting strangers but I felt that they were genuinely concerned with helping me.
Christopher
“No.” The trees rudely responded. “What do you mean no?” I shouted. “We are saying no!” they mocked. “Oh come on! Why not?” I groaned. “We can’t simply take all of you to the end gate. Only you can go. It’s impossible for them to go with you.” “That’s stupid! Why can’t you just take all of us?” “No means no!” they shouted back. “Stupid trees,” I muttered under my breath. Suddenly, a long tree branch came smacking against my head.
“We heard that,” the trees said in a sing-song voice. “Why you little-” “Who is Christopher talking to?” Aurora asked, surveying the scene with a baffled expression. “He’s talking to the trees.” Elizabeth whispered back. “Why is he yelling?” Aurora asked with trepidation. “They always yell at each other. It’s their thing.” “Ok!” I interrupted. I felt like a fuse had just popped in my brain. “So, you two have to go the long way. Apparently the trees can’t take you to the exit.” “I was worried about this.” Elizabeth sighed. “What’s going on?” Aurora butted in. “Christopher can go anywhere in the forest instantly. Our original plan was to go with him but as it turns out, only he can. So we will have to go around the forest.” “Why don’t we just go through Christopher’s forest?” “Because part of it gets cut off by The Black Forest. Christopher can teleport to the other side where his forest continues. But we can’t go through The Black Forest. It’s too dangerous.” “I’m sorry for the inconvenience Elizabeth.” I sighed. “It’s fine,” Elizabeth smiled, gently squeezing my hand. “We will be ok.” I nodded, but I still felt wary about leaving the forest. “Let’s go Aurora.” “Wait, isn’t Christopher Continued on Next Page 18
coming?” “Christopher can’t leave the forest. So it will just be the two of us.” Aurora nodded but she gave me a worried look. “Be careful out there,” I warned them. “Don’t worry! Bye Christopher,” Elizabeth responded. I watched as they began walking away in the maze of trees. They grew smaller and smaller until I could no longer see them. “He isn’t going to let them go so easily,” the forest whispered. I bit my lip and clenched my fists. “What are the chances of him not noticing Aurora?” I inquired fearfully. “He’s hungry, Christopher. He will do anything to get her soul. Anything.”
Elizabeth
We walked for what felt like forever until we finally found an opening out of the forest. We arrived at a field of tall grass. The dim light from the moon shone onto the fields. “Ok, we might be walking a while.” I warned Aurora. Her blue eyes wandered around curiously. We strolled across the fields. All you could see was grass and the edges of the forest peeking out. Aurora seemed to become more and tired. But she kept on marching forward. *** “Look, Elizabeth!” Aurora called out. She pointed at a couple of wood cabins far up ahead. “Houses!” “We are passing by the
closest town near the forest. It’s best if we avoid it,” I cautioned. “The people there don’t particularly like people with color.” Aurora silently continued walking alongside me as we passed the cabins. I felt my heart race a little at the sight of townspeople peering at us. As the town disappeared behind us, I felt a wave of relief hit me. “Elizabeth,” Aurora whispered “I think I heard something.” I felt my heart stop as soon as the words left her mouth. My eyes darted behind us, but only found a continuous field of grass. Relieved, I turned back to Aurora and opened my mouth to speak. Then, I felt something hard crash against my back. I turned to see a rock. “Did someone throw that?” Aurora cried. There was rustling all around us. “Aurora, duck!” I shouted. I pulled her down as arrows whizzed past the tops of our heads. “Witch!” a woman screamed. A group of villagers marched towards us. “Get out of here, you cursed creature!” a man snarled as he prepared to shoot another arrow. “Elizabeth!” Aurora cried. I could see her blue eyes begin to water as she began to shake. “Aurora, run,” I whispered. “Now!” Aurora nodded and pushed herself back up on her feet. I did the same and we began to run. “Die!” the woman howled.
A couple of arrows came straight towards us. I shouted an incantation and raised my hand towards the arrows. The arrows froze and fell uselessly to the ground. Aurora’s eyes widened in fear and amazement. I grabbed her arm and together we ran until the shouts could no longer be heard. *** Aurora collapsed to the ground. “Why would they do that?” Aurora whispered. I could see the fear in her eyes. Her lips quivered at the memory of what had just happened. “People here hate color,” I muttered. Aurora eyes widened. “Color is a beautiful thing, but they don’t think so. When I first went to a town. I didn’t know I was considered cursed because of my eyes. I was thrown out like trash.” I let out a deep sigh, looking down at Aurora. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I had hoped they wouldn’t see us. I’m so sorry.” “It’s not your fault,” she reassured me. “It’s ok. I’m fine. I was just surprised, that’s all.” “You sure?” I asked. “Yeah, I don’t know why. But I feel like I’ve been through worse,” she murmured. Aurora stood up and brushed the dust off her dress. “I’m ok, really.” I gave her a small smile. We slowly once again began walking towards our destination.
***
Aurora
“Elizabeth?” I asked quietly. “What’s up?” she replied. “How did you and Christopher meet?” Elizabeth eyes turned a soft rose color. She scratched her head as she thought about it. “I met him in the forest,” she finally said. “It was late at night and I was out on a walk. I came to this opening and that’s when I saw him. He was just standing by the river.” “Was it true love at first sight?” I joked. “Nah, he tried to attack me,” Elizabeth laughed. “What?” I shouted. “Christopher didn’t trust people easily after what happened. So some random girl from the woods seemed pretty suspicious.” “What happened after that?” Elizabeth didn’t respond. A cold breeze brushed against my face. Everything seemed to be swallowed by darkness. Elizabeth stopped abruptly, her eyes shifted around, searching for something. She turned towards me and looked directly at me. A cold chill rushed through my arms as her cold, gray eyes stared at me. “Aurora, we are passing by The Black Forest. Please, no matter what, don’t let go of my hand,” she begged. “I-I promise,” I vowed, startled by the intensity of her plea. She reached out her hand and I grasped it. We continContinued on Next Page 19
ued walking together down the grassy hills, approaching the gray stalks of coarse trees. The forest seemed infinite, with no end to the darkness. Elizabeth scanned our surroundings. “Something’s not right,” Elizabeth mumbled. I could hear the panic in her voice as she nervously looked around. I glanced into the empty abyss, noticing something inside the darkness. A dim shine of light glinted through the trees and it somehow seemed so familiar. Next thing I knew, I had let go of Elizabeth’s hand and started running towards the light. “Aurora!” Elizabeth screamed. But I didn’t stop. I continued running and running. I slid through the bushes to find myself in front of the source of light. A lantern glowed in front of me and I found myself standing in front of a tall creature. A crusty skull plastered on its face oozed black slime from its gaping eyeholes. Tree branches reached out from its head like antlers. A white cover was draped along its back, trying to cover the infection crawling along its body. A decomposing hand revealed a rusty lantern in its grasp. I stared absent-mindedly as the creature tilted its head. Its empty eye sockets stared down at me and it let out a low rumbling chuckle as it moved towards me. My knees buckled. A moment of eerie silence seemed to suspend time. I felt my lungs close in on itself as my heart raced. It lifted its ugly pointer finger at me. “Foolish child,” it croaked.
It began stepping closer and closer. My brain screamed for me to run repeatedly, but no response came from my legs. The trees around me began to violently shake, twisting and turning grotesquely. “I’ve waited so many years,” it wheezed. Its body dwarfed me, like a
giant wave casting a shadow over me. “Don’t worry, little soul, it will be over soon.” All of the sudden, its claws were launched at me. I dashed to my right just in time to escape its talons, causing me to tumble over. A harsh, dry chuckle filled my ears.
“Stupid, stupid child.” I let out an ear-piercing shriek as I tried to scramble away. Suddenly, I felt something curling around my ankle. I crashed back down on the cold, hard ground as I felt both of my angles being squeezed like a tube of toothpaste. I quickly looked behind me
“Its body dwarfed me, like a giant wave casting a shadow over me.”
“The Beast,” an illustration by The Masked Lady
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to find, shockingly enough, rotting tree roots throttling my feet. I quickly grabbed the roots, trying to yank them off. But as soon as I responded, more tree roots launched themselves at me. They began wrapping around my arms and legs like a boa constrictor with its prey. I yelled in pain as the beast stood right in front of me. I began to hyperventilate, unable to gasp for air. Its hand once again reached down towards me. I squeezed my eyes shut as I tried to block my face with my arms. I let out desperate sobs as I felt its corpse-like hands grab onto my arms. From the distance, a voice rang out. A harsh cacophony of screeches and screams was let out in front of me. I slowly opened my eyes to find, to my astonishment, that the beast had been felled. Red arrows had pierced through its bark. Black ink spewed out from where the now steaming arrows had made contact. The beast shook violently as it howled in pain. “Stay down,” an intimidating voice commanded. Without warning, three more arrows flew from the darkness and stabbed the beast’s’ body. It let out another scream as it shook in pain. A figure came out of the darkness to reveal someone in a blood red cloak. “Elizabeth?” I asked, unsure if I was hallucinating or not. She ran up to me and quickly yanked the roots off of my legs. “Are you ok?” She inspects my foot to see how much damage I had sustained. Before I could respond, a
raucous, thundering noise filled the woods. The creature lifted its head and slowly crawled towards me. “I said stay down!” Elizabeth hollered. She pointed her hand at its face and muttered under her breath. A red arrow magically appeared next to her hand and launched itself at the beast’s face. The arrows pierced the deer skull, causing black ink to spray out like water out of a fountain. The remaining shards of the mask fell down to the ground, revealing a decomposing skull. The remaining flesh on the bones was burnt black, with lumps of flesh peeling off. Gagging, I quickly covered my mouth to prevent myself from throwing up from the nauseous smell. Its head began to droop, before smacking down on the ground. “Is it dead?” I whispered. “Not even close.” Elizabeth sighed. She removed the remaining roots from my legs, revealing purple and blue bruises all over my ankles. “Can you walk?” I nervously looked at my feet as I tried putting weight on them. A sharp pain shot through my leg, forcing a sharp yelp out of me. Elizabeth quickly placed her hand on my ankles and whispered a spell. Suddenly, the bruises on my ankles disappeared. She gently released my feet and placed my arm on her shoulder. “I healed most of it, but you will have to hold onto me for support.” I nodded as I slowly got up, with Elizabeth firmly holding into me.
“We have to go before it recovers.” “You didn’t kill it?” I asked “There is no killing what is already dead,” she said sagely. Before I could question her more, the ground began to rumble. “That’s our cue to leave.” Elizabeth dragged me along her sides we speed walked through the maze of trees. “What was that thing?” I cried. Elizabeth remained silent as we continued marching through the thicket of trees. “Eliza-” Before I could finish, a tree collapsed behind us, releasing a loud hissing noise. Elizabeth pushed me behind her and used her body as a human shield. A tall figure lurking in the darkness came out, crawling slowly. “You can’t come here!” Elizabeth warned. “This isn’t your territory anymore!” The beast glared at Elizabeth with its empty eye sockets. It let out a snarl and started crawling towards us like a tarantula. My legs shook, but Elizabeth stood her ground with a stern glare. “Elizabeth!” I cried out fearfully. “Don’t worry; it can’t enter past this line,” she stated confidently. I looked in front of us to see no obvious border. I pulled her arm, trying to urge her to keep on running. “Why aren’t we running?” I cried. “Because you don’t need to.” A familiar voice came from behind us. I quickly turned around, only to see nothing but trees.
I felt a cold presence in front of us like a shadow, and turned around to see Christopher waiting impatiently. “You know you can’t come in here!” Christopher taunted. The beast arched it back as if it were preparing to pounce on its prey. Christopher let out a frustrated sigh as he shook his head in annoyance. The beast launched itself towards us like a bullet out of a gun. Suddenly, the beast came to a complete halt, as if it had whacked into a brick wall. It screeched in frustration as it tried grabbing at us with its grubby claws. “Now look who is the stupid one!” Christopher mocked. “I waited so many years for a new soul to come into my territory! Stop getting in my way Karayan!” the beast screeched. “My names not Karayan,” Christopher blankly stated. The creature howled and snarled like a wild animal. The trees around it began to shake violently. It hissed words in an indecipherable language at Christopher. But Christopher simply glared at it and shouted something back. He turned around and began walking towards us. “Let’s go,” he commanded as he continued walking away from the beast. Elizabeth didn’t reply but nudged me along. The beast’s bloody screams still echoing behind us.
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Elizabeth
“Oh, thank god that’s over,” I gasped. My body slumped in exhaustion as we came to a stop. “What happened?” Christopher demanded. His eyes were charcoal black as he stood in front of me. “It’s my fault,” Aurora whispered. We both looked at her. She leaned against a stubby tree trunk, her eyes rimmed red from crying. “I thought I saw…” She cut off her thought and hid her face in her arms. Christopher let out a sigh and began to pace. He knelt down in front of Aurora but she continued crying, burying her face in her dress to avoid Christopher’s gaze. “Aurora?” Christopher whispered. Aurora shook her head and began rocking back and forth. “Aurora, tell me what happened.” Aurora violently shook her head and began shaking. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking,” she said softly. “It’s not your fault,” Christopher sighed. “You couldn’t stop yourself, right?” Aurora slowly nodded as Christopher stood back and resumed his pacing. “I knew he would have tried anything to get to you. I should have been more careful.” “What exactly is he?” Aurora murmured. “He’s… like me. He is the guardian of The Black Forest.”
“What did he want from me?” Aurora implored. “He wants souls. Especially yours.” “Why?” “Because you have color.” Aurora stared blankly at Christopher. “Aurora, let me explain,” I interrupted. I stepped forward, next to Christopher. “Everyone has a soul. But what makes you different from the people here is because of your color. Put it this way, imagine your soul as a fire. Yours is bright and colorful and big, while everyone’s here is dull and gray and small.” Aurora nodded. “What did he want to do with my soul?” “Eat it,” Christopher answered. Aurora shivered at Christopher’s words. “He craves souls like yours. It’s been years since he fed on any. That’s why he lured you to his forest. So it’s not your fault. We are sorry we didn’t tell you. But we didn’t want you to worry.” “But I’m safe now?” Aurora’s voice quavered. “Yes. He can’t leave his forest like I can’t leave mine,”Christopher reassured. “Good,” Aurora sighed with relief. “Thank you, Elizabeth, for saving me.” “Don’t worry - no way was I going to let him take you.” I comforted. “We should go, we’re close to the gate,” Christopher piped up. Aurora nodded and went up to Christopher. “Does your foot still hurt?”
He pointed at her ankle which still bore the marks from the branches. “A little, but it’s fine,” Aurora stated. “Here,” Christopher began. Christopher knelt down next to Aurora. “I’ll carry you. It’s fine.” “Really?” Aurora exclaimed. “Yup! It’s fine; I’m used to it.” Aurora looked at me, unsure. I gave her nod, showing her that she would be safe; I knew he wasn’t going to drop her. “Thanks,” Aurora replied. She quickly wrapped her arms around his shoulder. Christopher hoisted her up slowly. Her eyes widened at the new view she was now seeing now that she was at Christopher’s height. “Let’s go,” Christopher commanded, and we started off towards our destination. *** “We are here,” Christopher announced. We stood in front of a gap in a cluster of trees that curved over a shallow path. “This is where I stop,” I declared. Christopher nodded sadly. I looked at Aurora, who had a confused expression on her face. “Elizabeth is not coming?” Aurora exclaimed. “I can’t pass. Only you and Christopher can,” I explained. Tears began dripping down Aurora’s face. “Thank you for everything,” Aurora whispered. I felt tears forming in my eyes. I wiped them quickly to make sure Aurora didn’t
see them. “Goodbye, Aurora. Take care.” Aurora slowly nodded. She slowly let go of my skirt and backed away. “Now go home, Aurora! You deserve to after all you’ve been through.” I tried to jest. “I will!” Aurora laughed. Tears continued to pour down her face. “I’ll be right back.” Christopher said to me. Aurora waved goodbye as they both walked up the path.
Aurora
I wiped the remaining tears off my face. Even though I had not known Elizabeth for a long time, it felt like we had been friends for years. “Aurora, I need to tell you something,” Christopher spoke. “What is it?” “I wasn’t always like this,” Christopher whispered. “Like what?” I questioned. “The way I am now.” Christopher disclosed, “Before, I wasn’t a colorless, walking tree.” Silence filled the air. “What were you like before, then?” Aurora blurted. Christopher looked at me solemnly. “I’m pretty sure I was a brunette.” He chuckled. “Everything from my past is like a dream I can’t remember.. Sometimes I can’t tell if they are memories or just my imagination.” “What happened?”
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I felt him tense up. “I ended up in this place,” Christopher murmured. “You mean...” “Yes… I’m from your world.” Christopher let out a deep sigh. He shook his head and then gave me a sad look. “I used to live in a small town. You’ve probably never heard of it - no one has. It was summer… no, it was fall. Yes, now I remember: all of the leaves were changing color. I had just started my senior year of high school. I couldn’t wait to be finished with that dreadful place. I remember being really upset that day; I had gottena reply from the college I wanted to go to, but it was a rejection letter. It felt like my world had fallen apart. Everything I worked so hard for was all pointless. I was too embarrassed to tell my parents about my failure. So I just walked around the neighborhood aimlessly. After a while I got tired of being in the same place, so I decided I wanted to go somewhere quieter. A couple of blocks from my house is a small park. It’s right next to the forest that surrounds my neighborhood. I ended up staying there till the sun went down. I was sitting on this green plastic bench when I heard a voice.” “Who was it?” I interrupted. “My little sister.” An uncomfortable silence fell once again. “She was 11 years old,” Christopher suddenly stated. “Really? I’m also 11!” I gasped. Christopher’s chuckled at my reaction but then resumed his silence.
“What happened next?” “She told me she was wondering where I was since it was so late. And she told me our parents sent her to get me. I didn’t want to go home yet and she knew it. She made a spur of the moment decision, and pulled my arm and began dragging me to the forest. She kept trying to cheer me up, saying “I know what will make you feel better!” And next thing I know she runs into the forest. I ended up chasing her through the trees.” “How could you see if it was nighttime?” I inquired. “There are lights set up along a trail in the woods. Many people like walking there when it’s nice out.” “As much as I’m enjoying this story, how does this relate to you ending up here?” “We fell.” “What?” “We were running and we came to a road. I should have told her to stop running but… a driver came speeding towards her as she ran
across the street.” “Did… she...” “No; I managed to push her away. But we both fell off the road, into the river along the side.” “Then what happened?” “We woke up here.” “How?” “That’s still a mystery we haven’t been able to solve.” “When I first saw you…I didn’t think much about it. But when I realized you had color I instantly knew you came here just like how I did.” “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” “I didn’t feel it was necessary.” “Then why now?” “Because there is more to the story. I fear it might affect your ability to go home.” “Tell me what happened.” “We tried to find a way home. We didn’t remember anything, just like you, so we were lost. We tried getting help from the townspeople. But they ended up
chasing us out. I’m sorry you also had to experience that.” “Wait - but where is your sister?” “She’s back home.” “Why are you still here?” “I can’t go back.” “Why not?” Christopher opened his mouth, but then closed it. “Please tell me,” Aurora begged. “Because of Karayan.” “Didn’t the beast call you that?” “Yes.” “Who is Karayan?” “He was the person who controlled this forest. He’s the reason why I’m stuck here.” Christopher looked up at the sky. “We couldn’t go through the exit without his permission. He took that and used it to his advantage. He said only one us could go through the exit and one of us had to stay to repay him.” “What did you do?” “I decided that I would
“But we both fell off the road, into the river along the side.”
“River,” a photograph by Unknown
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stay.” “What did your sister say?” “She didn’t know about the deal. She was asleep. I made the decision for us.” “What did he want?” “My body. He needed a new body every 100 years. I was supposed to be his puppet.” “But you’re not… him. Right?” “No. Something happened; I don’t know what. I woke up and found myself like this.” “Is he dead?” “No - I still hear him in my mind sometimes.” “Christopher, I’m so sorry.” “Don’t worry - it’s fine. All that matters right now is getting you home.” “I feel like I’ve heard this story before,” I murmured “What?” “I don’t remember much, but I do remember my school. I remember the smell of books and pizza. And how the air conditioners were broken, so the teachers had to keep the windows open all the time. And I remember the school held an annual book festival in the library. Authors of children’s books would come read us their stories. It was probably the only good part of the school year. This year, a lady came in to read us her story. She wrote a short picture book about a girl and her older brother. It was about how they got lost in a forest. And how they had to find their way out. Everything in the forest had no color. And the people who lived near the forest were mean and wouldn’t help them. And I remember how on their journey this thing with antlers ambushed them. Now that I think about it, the thing kind
of looked liked you, but it was scarier and you never really saw its face. It’s funny cause the forest they were in reminds of this one.” Christopher’s stayed silent. “I can’t remember the author’s name. I think it started with a J... Jennifer…. Jessica…I remember! It was Jenny Thomson. That was her name.” Christopher came to a complete halt. “What?” he blurted. “Jenny Thomson. That’s her name!” Christopher turned his head towards me. His eyes were wide and a deep gray color. “Are you sure that’s the name of the author?” he pressed. I put my head against his back and closed my eyes, reaching through the dim recesses of my memory. “I’m pretty sure. I remember the poster they put up that advertised her book. It said Jenny Thompson reading her number one bestseller: The Dark Woods,” I confirmed. Christopher turned away. I could feel his body trembling. The trees around us seemed to quiver in sorrow with him. “How was she? Jenny, I mean.” He whispered “She seemed happy. She wrote bunch of books before, but this one was her bestseller.” “I’m glad,” Christopher choked. “Christopher, are you ok?” I whispered. Christopher body’s hasn’t stopped shaking. He looked back at me. “Yes. I’m fine,” he said, clearly lying through his teeth.
I knew he wasn’t. I could see in his eyes tears trying to escape. Christopher spoke up. “Let’s keep going.” He began walking at a slow pace. The recurring silence once again stretched between us. The trees began to droop in depression as Christopher kept walking forward. “How did her book end?” Christopher inquired. “The girl manages to get home but the monster thing took her brother. But she managed to go back and rescue him,” I replied. “Thats a good ending,” Christopher whispered. I nodded in agreement as Christopher let out a forlorn sigh. “Thank you for telling me,” Christopher said, addressing me. “No problem,” I responded; yet, I couldn’t help feeling guilty. I looked up in front of us. There was a tunnel of light up ahead. Something cold landed on my cheek. I looked up at the sky to see small snowflakes fluttering down the sky. “Here it is.” Christopher announced. “Do you think you can walk from now on?” “I’m fine,” I reassured him. He knelt down, allowing me to jump off and land on the ground. I looked towards the tunnel; the trees seemed to fade in the infinite tunnel of light. “Just walk through the light and you should be able to go home,” Christopher explained. “You sure?” “Yes; that’s what the forest is telling me.”
I looked back at the light. I felt my heart pounding in excitement, yet I also felt it sinking. This is what I had been waiting for, but I was scared. I took a step closer to the light. A faint, warm breeze brushed against my face. Suddenly, my mind felt less heavy, like something that was blocking it was gone. “I remember,” I murmured. “Remember what?” Christopher asked. “Everything.” Christopher’s looked at me, shocked. “I was trying to run away.” “Run away from home?” Christopher guessed. “From everything,” I sighed. I looked down at my shoes. Everything I hoped that home would be was now a foolish dream, shattered like china on the ground. “The girls at my school always pick on me. At first it was just name-calling, but then they got more aggressive. No one wanted to be friends with me because I was the school weirdo. But one day a girl in class came up to talk to me. It was the first time someone was actually nice to me. I was so happy. But I guess I was too clingy or something. She told me she was just being nice to me because our teacher told her to. She wasn’t interested in being my friend. I never felt so alone before in my life. So I just ran. I ran far away. I
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wouldn’t stop running. No, I couldn’t stop running. I ended up running into the trail near my school. I’d never been in there before, so I knew I was going to get lost. But I didn’t care. I just kept running and running until-” “Until?” Christopher slowly asked. “I wasn’t looking where I was going so I fell in a ditch.” I felt my mouth turn dry. My eyes began to water. “Why did I want to remember? Why?” I cried. “I don’t understand Christopher! I don’t know what to do.” Knees buckling, I collapsed on the ground. Tears rolled down my cheeks, splling down onto my dress. “No one cares that I’m gone. No one ever cares. So why should I go back?” I looked to Christopher for help. Christopher looked up at the sky, as if the answer was written there. “I know you want to run away. That’s what I did,” he sighed. “But you can’t continue running, Aurora. Your problems won’t go away no matter how far or fast you run.” Christopher looked back at me. “You know, I’ve always wondered if it was my destiny to end up here.” “Do you still think so?” I asked. “Nah, I was unlucky,” he chuckled. “Hey, Aurora.” “Yeah?” Christopher kneeled down and embraced me gently. “You didn’t deserve that.” “What?” “Everyone being mean to
you, feeling alone, and ending up here.” For the first time I felt some warmth from Christopher. “Maybe I was lucky to end up here.” “Huh?” “because if I didn’t, I would never have met you and Elizabeth.” Christopher chuckled as he let go of me. “I don’t really have an answer for you, Aurora,” he sighed. He stood up and walked near the light. “Truthfully, if I were you, I would just stay here. But you and I both know that’s not the right answer.” I looked back down at my feet. I knew he was right, but I couldn’t figure out why. “I could say the typical ‘it’ll get better’ junk. But honestly, I have no idea. Who knows, it might get worse.” Christopher turned around and faced me. I could see a glint of pride shine in his eyes. “But don’t let it stop you! I know it might sound cheesy, but I truly mean it!” I stared at him in shock. “Those kids can just go and live their sad, little lives! But you are better than them! You don’t push people down just cause you feel bad about yourself! I know I have only known you for little more than a day. But believe me when I say this: you are one of the strongest, bravest person I have ever met.” I tried to speak but I couldn’t grasp any words. Christopher gave me a small, genuine smile. “So, what do you say, kid-
do?” I felt a smile form on my face. “I’m going to stop running!” I cried I felt my heart became as light as a feather. The weight on my back seemed to have dissolved, along with the melting snow. “I believe in you Aurora,” Christopher cheered. I ran over to him. We stood at the line where the light began. “I’m ready.” I spoke proudly. “Aurora, can you do something for me when you return home?” Christopher interrupted. “What is it?” I asked. Christopher opened his jacket and reached in a pocket. He pulled out what seemed to be a stuffed animal. It was missing one of its ears and eye. Fuzz was falling out from a hole on the back. “If my sister is still there, can you give this to her?” Christopher requested. I nodded as I reached out to grab the stuffed animal. “And tell her that it’s not her fault.” “For what happened?” I asked. “During our journey she kept on blaming herself. Tell her she shouldn’t blame herself.” “I will!” I promised “Promise me you won’t tell her what happened to me.” I agreed to his wish. “Bye, Aurora.” Christopher smiled. “Bye,” I whispered I began walking towards the light. “Go show those classmates what they’re missing!” Christopher’s called.
I giggled. “I’ll always remember you two!” I called back. Christopher’s nodded as the trees branches around him waved goodbye. The trees around me began to be engulfed by the white light. I squinted my eyes as the light became brighter and brighter until everything went blank. *** “I found her!” I slowly opened my eyes to see myself lying in a 20 feet deep pit. A head peered the top. “We’re going to get you out of there!” a person called out. I heard shouting and other blaring noises above me. “Was that a dream?” I wondered to myself. It felt so real, yet it also felt like a dream. I looked down on my lap to find a stuffed animal lying across my lap. I picked it up; stuffing fell out of its back. I inspected it closely. Then it hit me. “It wasn’t a dream!” I shouted. “What?” a person yelled from above. “It was real! It was all real!” I called back. I felt excitement and sorrow overflowing through my body. “I’m coming down!” A fireman was carefully lowered down with a thick rope tied to his harness around his waist. “Are you alright?” he asked as he landed.
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I nodded. “Don’t worry - we’re going to get you out of here.” I smiled as he began hooking the harness onto me. Looking around at the dirt pit, I noticed a small pile of snow beginning to melt, just as the fireman began pulling me up. *** I was waiting outside with my mom in front of medical clinic. After I was retrieved from the pit, I was taken to the clinic to make sure I was ok. When I didn’t come home after school, my parents ended up calling the school. When the school told them I wasn’t there, they quickly called the police. It turned out that I was in the pit for hours until they finally found me. My parents cried in joy when they saw me. I told my parents why I ran away. They were shocked to learn that I had been bullied for months, since I never told them. The school didn’t seem to care; they just ignored my problems by claiming no prior knowledge of the bullying. My parents erupted in anger over my classmates’ harsh treatment and how the school did nothing to help. My dad ended up calling the school and chewed out the lady on the phone. As soon as we entered the car, I remembered my mission. “Mom! Dad! I need to go to the school library!” My mom looked at me, confused. “I need to give someone something!” I replied. My parents both gave each
other puzzled looks. “Please! It’s really important!”
to speak, grasping for the words I had rehearsed earlier before, “Chri….is...pher.” I stopped myself. I took a *** deep inhale, making my chest feel light. I squeezed My parents drove up to Pine the plush doll in my hands in Grove Elementary school. frustration and realized, with As soon as my dad parked surprise, I was still clutchthe car, I jumpedout of the ing it. I pushed the stuffed back seat and raced towards animal toward her and cried the school door. I burst desperately,“Christopher through the doors, shocking wanted me to tell you it the janitor, and took a sharp wasn’t your fault!” turn down the school hall. I Mrs. Thompson’s eyes swung open the library door, widened with surprise at the snuck through, and prayed stuffed animal. She proceedthat Mrs. Thompson was ed to lift the stuffed animal still here. out of my hands as if it were I scanned around the library made of glass. but there was no sight of her. I breathed in and out rapidI jogged up to the old lady ly, still trying to gather my with big red glasses reading words. a book at the front desk. “He also said he misses you “Excuse me!” I shouted. very much and that he loves The lady scowled at me and you and always will.” whisper-yelled, “Indoor Mrs. Thompson’s eyes never voices!” left the stuffed animal, but “Sorry,” I whispered, she brought one hand up “Where did Mrs. Thompson to her mouth in shock as go?” water filled her eyes and “The storytelling event has threatened to overspill. The ended for today. She just child in her was exposed as left.” She pointed towards she collapsed to the ground, the side door that leads to sobbing, and clutching the the school parking lot. tattered stuffed animal with I quickly ran towards the enough anguish to bring door and burst through them. even the cruelest person to I raced out to the small tears. That was the first time parking lot beside the school I’d ever seen an adult cry. and noticed Mrs. Thompson walking towards her car. “Mrs. Thompson!” I called out. Jenny She quickly turned around, I don’t remember how I got and I couldn’t help but back home. All I remember notice the similarities beis Christopher carrying me tween her and Christopher. on his back. And I was cryHer short hair flowed as she ing because I sprained my turned around. ankle. The rest is just blank. “Yes?” She asked in a soft I remember I was so cold voice. when I opened my eyes. I I ran up to her till I was a felt water clogging up my couple away and attempted
Epilogue:
lungs, causing me to vomit. My jaws felt like they had wire stabbing through them. And my body wouldn’t stop shaking from the ice-cold water. I somehow ended up on the muddy riverbank alongside the road. I heard someone shouting but it just sounded like gibberish. The shouting became louder and clearer. “Are you ok?” A voice shouted. I looked behind me to see a person standing on the edge of the road looking down at me. I felt my vision became hazy as the person kept on calling out to me. Then everything went black. *** They couldn’t find him. That’s what the cops told me at the hospital. They tried staying optimistic, saying he might floated off to another shore. Or he got out and was confused and just started walking around somewhere. But a part of me knew that they would never find him. Weeks went by, and still, nothing. They drained the river but found nothing but litter and weeds. After another week, Christopher was considered dead. I tried telling people he was still alive. They always gave me a pitiful look. No one believed me when I said he was at that place. Where nothing had color and it was always dark. My parents thought I was just scared from the experience. 21 years have passed since the incident. Many people in our town forgot about the sad tale. But 26
I still remember every detail. Our parents have given up on him, but I haven’t; I know he is still alive. I know he is somewhere in those dark woods.
The End
To my sister Jenny
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Goodbye, Seniors! Dawn: Usha Konduri A.T. Pacem: Tara Manzari Hestia: Jennifer Duan Janus: Sara Miller
Carpe Noctem