Reflection january 13 downloadable

Reflection January 13 W&R Mag

Joe P. Attanasio Story Contest Winner

Best In Short Poems Stories

Novel Summaries

Articles

MOPH

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Managing Editor Iram Fatima 'Ashi'

Magazine Artist R. K. Verma

Magazine Layouts Team Reflection

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reflection18@ymail.com

Contents

Saving Tow Hero's From Jail

Joe P. Attanasio

The Moment

Basilia

Emerging Issues Of Human Rights And Women Mental Health

Dr. Priyanka Mathur 11

Seeking Shallow Aiden

Angel Bella

The Painting

Aarati Salian

My lovely child

Aarati Salian

Beauty Of Rose Sea Shore

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Shaleheen

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15 19

Stolen Into Another Time

Eva Stone Adair

How To Read A Cursed Book Without Getting Killed

Norah Aberdaire

Let It Snow

Cristopher Blakeney

Keep Smiling

Raven Snow

The Happiest Musician

To Remember You Is My Destiny

Rapturing Moonlight The old Man Short Story Contest The Priestess Of The Four Gods

A Tribute To Artist Mr. Om Dutt

Mercado Michelle Shahid khan

Sumruti Nayak

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Imad Ul Islam

Some Paintings And Sketches By R. K. Verma

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47

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43

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Alexandra Perchanidou 50

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Cosmic Writer

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12

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Richa Dixit

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From Editor's Pen A fresh morning with sparkling sunlight, a dew drop with the shine of a pearl, a rain with fragrance of a ground, a cry of child that gives feeling of being complete, a beautiful flower with sweet smell gives beloved a feel of her love, a first day of new year that comes with a new hope and promises that fills us with enthusiasm and refreshes us to forget previous sorrow and sufferings and inspires us to give our best..... With similar feelings I am introducing our first online issue of Reflection, a magazine by the writers and for the writers. As promised earlier I will come with new budding talent to provide them a platform to reflect their talent, I am so excited to see an overwhelming response of creative writers all over the World, I am proudly presenting creative work of these writers from India, Greece, USA, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Philippines, Jordan, Bahrain etc and it is my endeavor to include all colors and flavors from the pen by creative writers from all the part of world. We have included short stories, articles, poetry, paintings with all shades of life. This magazine is a journey of creative people capturing different moods and fantasies which carry the reader into dreamland, romance that will make you happily fall in love, a realistic experience of a soldier which will show you truth behind the curtain, a true condition of women in current time which left you to think over that are we really in the twentieth century?

I wish I am able to fulfill the expectations of my readers and from the very inception, I would love to hear your opinion and suggestions in my questions section for improvement and development as I always love to connect directly with all readers.

I would like to congratulate Dr. Priyanka Mathur (Indian) for achieving O P Sharma award for best publication for her book on women empowerment and proudly presenting her research work summed up in one article on women's condition worldwide and Mr. Joe P. Attanasio (USA) who is well known writer on Amazon and Booksie with lots of published work and served US Army in his young age and now totally devoted himself for literary work is sharing one of his realistic experience though his story 'Saving two heroes from jail'.

I would like to thank Mr. R K Verma for beautiful paintings and Mr. Vikrant for designing fascinating pages and working as a strong pillar behind launching this dream project of International online magazine.

I wish everyone a very happy new year 2013, may this year bring luck, love, peace and success in our life. I would like to present my poem on New Year: Closing the chapters Of tears, and of loss, A pain that will now be gone!

Crossing the fingers, for blessings and for good luck A faith that nothing's lost!

Admiring the skies, For freedom and for peace, A longing that someday I'll be free!

Embracing the new dawn, for hopes and for desires A yearning that tomorrow will bring good!

With Love And Best Wishes Iram Fatima 'Ashi'

(Managing Editor)

Saving Two Hero's From Jail (True Story) Joe P. Attanasio

(Story Contest Winner First)

This is a true story. The year was 1968. I returned to the states from my tour of duty in Vietnam and had one more year to serve in the army. I was stationed at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn New York. I was a clerk in the office that handled notifying the next of kin and providing survivor assistance for all army related deaths for New York State and Connecticut. One evening when I had the next two days off, I bumped into two army MP (Military Police) friends of mine that were stationed just across the bridge on Staten Island. I got in their car and we smoked a marijuana joint and listened to Hey Jude as we left the base for an evening out. I did not hang around

drink alcohol. So I took one and ordered a soft drink only. We hung out there for a while and I was pretty loaded between the marijuana and the pill. We went back to their apartment and they were going to take me back to my base in the morning. I was to sleep on the couch. I will never forget this part, they told me that I would sleep like a baby on the Tuinal and I would wake up feeling so good and refreshed. I heard a loud knock on their front door, as they were still in bed At the bar they asked me if I sleeping I answered it. It was a have ever taken “downers�, I told man with a hard hat and looked to them I never did. They offered me be a construction worker. He told a Tuinal (brand name barbiturate) me they were paving one side of and told me it was a nice mellow the street and the car had to be moved to the other side. I walked high but if I took it I could not with them very much and had not seen them for months but I was 19 years old and game for most anything. They took me to a bar on the waterfront.

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into the bedroom to wake my friends to move their car and this man walked with me. When I got into the bedroom, he flashed a badge saying he was a narcotics officer and we were all under arrest. It seems my two friends were buying drugs and selling them to a few of their close friends on the base and somehow this undercover cop had managed to buy some and had been watching them for a month or more.

At the police station after questioning me for quite some time they realized they had nothing on me and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and they had to release me. A few days later when I was at work I was approached by a man called Irvin Leigh Matus. He informed me that he used to work with Joe and Mark at their base but he finished his time in the army and got out a few months ago. He told me he heard what happened and that I was with them when they got arrested and he wanted to talk to me about something. He explained that he heard the army was going to “throw the book” at them and make an example of them and they would probably get 20 years each

in Leavenworth (A military prison). He explained that they were both heavily decorated Vietnam vets and got involved with drugs over in Vietnam to help cope with the horrors they went through there and that he believed it was not fair for the army to punish them like this instead of treating them for drug abuse. He further explained that he was a “free lance” journalist and had a

being treated for it the army was shirking its responsibility and prosecuting them. Wechsler, who was previously the Chief Editor of the whole New York Post newspaper, had a reputation for taking on causes. He had the guts to attack J. Edgar Hoover among others and the New York Post had a reputation as a liberal newspaper.

He had contacted James Wechsler the Editorial Page Editor and Columnist for the New York post newspaper. Wechsler wrote an article in the post about the two decorated army war hero’s that had a drug problem caused by their service in Vietnam and instead of

The Senators did in fact let the army know that they were interested in seeing justice and not just “a hanging” of these two hero’s. My two friends we given probation and received the drug rehabilitation they needed. I never took another illegal pill again!

With the article in hand, Irvin Matus and I took the train to Washington DC. Mr. Matus had done his research and with me in uniform and him armed with the article we visited 5 U.S. Senators.

We asked them to please let the army officials know that they were interested in seeing justice in this case, not just heavy handed punishment. We targeted the Senators on the Armed Forces Sub plan to help them. He wanted to know if I was willing to help also. I Committee. Mr. Matus was an eloquent speaker and very told him I would do anything I persuasive. could for those two.

Note: Irvin Leigh Matus had a most incredible life. I looked him up when I started to write this story

prompted by Gideon Elrod. I found him to be listed under Wikipedia on the net among other places. I suggest you take a minute to read about him. I will cut and paste a small part of his bio.

An Excerpt from Wikipedia:

statistics. His father was manager of the Western Union office in Time Square. He was a scholar-inJanuary 5, 2011) was an independent scholar, residence at Shepherd University for the academic autodidact and author. He is best known as an authority on Shakespeare but also wrote about aspects year 1992-1993 of Brooklyn's history such as the Vitagraph Studios, The following story appeared in the Washington Post and developed a method of modeling baseball Newspaper shortly after Matus died: Irvin Leigh Matus (July 25, 1941 -

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By Matt Schudel Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, March 5, 2011; 9:03 PM

Ever since arriving in Washington in 1985, Irvin Matus seemed to survive on little more than charm, wit and the kindness of friends and strangers.

He seldom had a paying job 足 mostly out of stubborn pride 足 choosing instead to spend the past 25 years as an independent scholar of the life and works of William Shakespeare. He showed up each day at the Library of Congress or Folger Shakespeare Library to conduct his research, then slipped away in the evening to cadge food from Capitol Hill cocktail receptions, striding in as if he were a congressman.

He lived in dozens of places as an itinerant house sitter and became known as something of a "man who came to dinner."

"Invite him to stay the night," a fellow Shakespeare scholar told The Washington Post last week, "and he might still be in your home a month later."

Mr. Matus (pronounced MAH足tuss) traveled to England to explore the places Shakespeare knew, dug through archives and published two well足received books, but any similarities to other scholars ended there.

He was not affiliated with a university and had no academic credentials beyond a high school diploma. In 1988, just as he was putting the final touches on his first book, "Shakespeare: The Living Record," Mr. Matus ran out of borrowed couches.

For several months, he spent his nights sleeping at a construction site behind the Library of Congress. In the morning, he would slip into the library, wash up, shave and comb his luxuriant head of hair, then go back to his research. Whenever people asked where he was living, he said, "the Hill."

Two months after Mr. Matus died Jan. 5 of a stroke at his apartment in Silver Spring at 69, people who knew him are still puzzling over how a brilliant man whose scholarship was recognized around the world came to lead such an unconventional life, often just one step from destitution.

Joe P. Attanasio (USA)

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EMERGING ISSUES OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND WOMEN MENTAL HEALTH Dr. Priyanka Mathur, Jaipur ( India) INRODUCTION

From last three decades the definition of

‘Human Right’ is continuously changing and restructured in the light of altering needs and changing social environment.

Now ‘Gender equality’ with dignity and social justice is also a new entrance in human right’s issues list. The UN declaration on the ‘Elimination of Violence against Women’ in 1993, by the General Assembly, Concerned that violence against women is an obstacle to achieve, quality (as human being), development and peace. The Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women recognized and recommended a set of measures to combat violence against women, and the full implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The violence against women constitutes the violation of the human rights and fundamental duties which impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of basic rights and freedoms. It also concerned about the long-standing failure to protect and promote the basic rights and freedoms.

International polices have evolved that main problem is that women do not constitute a homogeneous group and the nature of their sufferings and violence differ from woman to woman. In Article 3 U.N states that Women are entitled to the equal enjoyment and protection of all rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.

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In this paper I have concentrated upon the emerging gender issues of human rights and analysis of consequence of denial of fundamental liberties & basic human rights in women’s mental health and their personality development. For same I am analyzing some major fundamental rights given by constitution of India like the Article 21, Article 19a , Article 19d, Article 19g,and

movements are playing in drawing increasing attention to the nature, severity and magnitude of the U.N recognize that problem of violence against violence against women is a women alarmed that opportunities manifestation of historically unequal power relations between for women to achieve legal, social, men and women, which have led to political and economic equality in society are limited domination over and discrimination against women by The term "violence men and to the prevention of the against women" means any act of full advancement of women, violence against women is one of gender-based violence that results the crucial social mechanisms by in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or which women are forced into a suffering to women, including subordinate position compared threats of such acts, coercion or with men and denial all basic arbitrary deprivation of liberty, human rights. whether occurring in private or U.N is concerned that public life. Violence against some groups of women belonging women shall be understood to encompass but not be limited to, to minority groups, indigenous women, refugee women, migrant the Physical, sexual and women, women living in rural or psychological violence occurring in the family, rather it should remote communities, destitute women, women in institutions or in include all those traditional detention, female children, women practices which include denial of her basic right as human being with disabilities, elderly women and women in situations of armed right to move and speak, right to conflict, are especially vulnerable food etc. to violence and deprived from In Article 3 U.N state there basic human rights. The U.N that Women are entitled to the welcome the role that women's Article 16(2).

equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. These rights include, inter alia: (a) The right to life; (b) The right to equality; (c) The right to liberty and security of person; (d) The right to equal protection under the law; (e) The right to be free from all forms of discrimination; (f) The right to the highest standard attainable of physical and mental health; (g) The right to just and favorable conditions of work; (h) The right not to be subjected to torture, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Denial From The Article 21 The Article 21 of Indian constitution ensures the right to protection of life and personal liberty for all human beings. In contrast, this basic right is largely been denied for women by the virtue that women is a symbol of honor and it is the duty of the male members of the family or society that they should protect and rather kept them with in the boundary of house. Male has set an ideology in favour of the act that this is best in the welfare and

interest of women themselves. The most crucial part of this denial is that the fundamental liberty of the women is first and foremost barred with in the family. The government and legal law also legitimize this superior authority of males on the lives of females by overlook these matters and by included family as a strict private affair.

The famous Arushi Murder case at Noida is the latest example of honor killing in high 6

class elite society.Although the case still pending in court. The concept of family privacy and family honor has snatched away the basic human right of women on her own lives.

Indian government is very concerned about decline in sex ratio and negative consequences of NRTs like amniocentesis, chorion villi biopsy, sonography, and ultrasound and imaging techniques in last one decade, sex ratio with

940 female per thousand male according to census of India 2011, as national average, is an alarming call. New reproductive techniques were designed with an aim to provide child to barren couples and small family norm and family planning. This pious objective is turned as major threat to life of baby girl child in India. NRTs in the neo-colonial context of the third world economies emerged an unequal division of labour between the first and the third world economies which have triggered a weird scenario and cut throat competition among women body chasers, intellect chasers, and supporters of femicide. Now woman’s body can be sale, purchase, use or dump like any other inhuman object available in capital market. A woman is no more a human being,

According to the latest government policy on gender Ultra Sound and Sonography techniques are under strict vigilance. Prenatal Diagnostic Act of IPC is amended in the light of new emerging requirement in India. But the fact is, law alone cannot change the mind set of society. Right to life with equality and dignity is publicly denied as the cases of throwing newly bourn girl child on road side and dustbin are increasing every day. According to the statistical data publish by daily news paper ‘Rajasthan Patrika’ date 20/11/12 (on page No: 1) from November 11, 2012 till November19, 2012 i.e. within nine day 6 newly born babies (alive and dead) found silently damped in dustbins, railway tracks, hospitals and in desert shrubs, in bags or polythene bags etc to save family honor in different districts of

Rajasthan like Nagaur, Bharatpur, Chittorgarh, and Hanumangarh which is a severe denial of right to life. birth of a girl child is still considered as disgrace to woman and family.

It is giving serious consequences of sex ratio published by census of India, in Rajasthan it is 926 (as per census of India 2011).This has lead to the under–development of personality of women and lack of self reliance there by more susceptible for social crimes. Case of rape, abduction, and molestation has increased and women are safe on road even in day times.

Denial From The Article 19d According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) all people are entitled to the recognition of inherent dignity and certain inalienable rights, which are the "foundations of freedom and justice in the world." Freedom of movement is part of the "liberty of man" thus making it one of the most basic human rights. Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulate: Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and return to his country. It’s actually is one of the most basic rights that in many nations around the world, when violated, causes numerous

problems and cases of suffering.

The Article 19d of Indian Constitution ensures the freedom of movement for all human beings. Moving unescorted or visiting without taking the consent of the male members of the family still treated as displeased work for women in India and throughout the world. Power in the hands of male members of the family to decide where she is safe to go or cannot go, with whom she is allowed or not allowed to visit, and when she must return back and how. The process of the socialization for accepting these restrictions started form early childhood for a girl both physically and mentally and thus institutionalized as “feminine 7

grace” for the women in the society.

In yet another incident of crime against women, a 16-yearold girl was molested by around 30 men in full public view for about half an hour on July 9, 2012 at night outside a posh nightclub here.

The incident was witnessed by hundreds, but no one came to her rescue. The incident would have gone un-noticed but for the footage uploaded on Youtube on July 10. It sparked outrage across the nation — highlighting, the increasing incidence of lawlessness and crimes against women. Public pressure finally forced the police to act, and on July 11 and 12, four arrests were made. The teenager girl had gone to celebrate a friend’s

birthday at Club Mint on GS Road.

She was singled out and targeted after her friends left at 9.30 pm.

The police team, which arrived half an hour later, said the group was evicted after a brawl.

The situation is more crucial in India for married women who are not only bounded for the matters out side the house but also with in the family. They can not visit to their parent’s house without the permission of their husband and in-laws. Similar situation is applied for well educated and employed females. They are not allowed to visit to their friends after office hours or with out the permission of husband. There are many cases when a women

arrested, insulted and detained in police lockup because she was failed to provide a satisfactory answer why she was out of home late at night. In this circumstances women assumed as a prostitute or as a pickup.

In metropolitan cities the gate of women hostels still lockup by 7 or 8 o’clock at night.

Hostel authorities also laid down strict rules for the immediate returning of women hostlers and meeting with only a few close related visitors. This denial has led a limited scope for women for the world out side the family like in employment, higher studies, public and private sectors etc.

As a consequence women are forced to depend on males as their intermediates when ever they stepped out side the world or to seek a job, find accommodation or find out any official procedure. Women accept these restrictions in order to glorify themselves with the symbol and social honour of “Homely & Shy girl” mentally these are two most acceptable prerequisites for matrimonial purpose.

Denial From The Article 19g

Globalization has indeed raised hopes of women for a better and elevated status arising out of increased chances to work but, at the same time, it has put them in a highly contradictory situation where they have the label of economically independent paid workers but are not able to enjoy their economic liberty in real sense of the term. India is the first among countries to give women equal franchise and has a highly credible record with regard to the enactment of laws to protect and promote the interests of women, but women continue to be denied economic, social and legal rights and privileges. Though they are considered to be equal partners in progress, yet they remain subjected to repression, marginalization and exploitation.

The Article 19g provides right to choose an occupational and pursue a lawful

vocation to all citizens of India.

Women provide variety of services for family yet she is not free to decide the condition for her own labour. Men primarily decide whether the women will be allowed to work or not and what will be the nature and place of work. No matter women is either educated or no educated, skilled or unskilled. Even if the women are employed they in general do not posses any independent control over their income they rarely spend a bit of income for her personality development. The situation is more crucial for higher educated women like doctor, engineer, lecturers etc. because they are victimize even though they are educated and holding a social status.

Some times judicial system also legitimize in crushing the resistance of women on few occasion. In a decision given by 8

full bench of Punjab high court it accept that the husband has a quasi- proprietary right over his wife and he can order her to leave the job as it is his “Legal Right” (violence against women – by Manushi). In contrast of above sometimes men put immense pressure on the women to withdraw from paid employment.

This is another way to deny the basic right of women. Men find sole satisfaction by control over the economic resources of the family this enhance the social status or prestige of male. The ideology of control on economic resources by men is similarly prevailed in low income grade family so work participation of women to an extent is not considered as economic boost up. Since the income of a single man can not provide sufficient resources so that men compel women to opt poor and low paid work which can be done either at home or under severely

exploitative conditions allowing minimum social contact .

In this way women become mentally and physically dependent on men for mediating between them and market, in collecting payment or for getting raw material or supply of finished goods. Women constantly move from house hold work to paid work, cleaning, cooking and upbringing of children and thus keep a balance between families and out side the family

responsibilities. Even economists do not consider paid value of her domestic work. This does not only put women in a disadvantageous condition in seeking work but also deny them from basic information’s and skills that would help them to become more independent in copying with the world outside the family and in fighting for their rights with in the family as a human being. Women epically in rural sector accept the dominance of males for the satisfaction of his “male-ego”.

As a mental consequence in almost every Indian family girl her self give priority to those marriage proposals where the boy is earning more then the girl and who do urge the economic support from the girl’s side.

Denial Of The Article 16(2)

This Article provides the basic right of no discrimination in respect of employment. Fewer wage, less privileges for the women at work and man’s enjoyment with high payment and more privileges is now the old way of portraying the discrimination of women in employment, now the recent way of harassment of women employer at work- place and there by denial of fundamental right as human being is the sexual harassment. The jobs that provide

more social exposure for women are usually require round the clock duties and high job responsibilities and provide minimum security for women. The sexual harassment is more frequent and dangerous in these sectors. Under such circumstances the most respectable situation available for the women in this patriarchy is to remain confined themselves escorted at home. Recently on 2nd March 2004 in sanganare, jaipur, a woman tried to suicide in women

rehabilitation center because she was sexually assaulted by a male worker of women rehabilitation center. Women with the sense of fear, insecurity, power less ness and lack of self confidence become more dependent on males. The attitude and concept of the society for working women play an important role in making women believe that the only way they can gain social respect is to stay at home performing unpaid labour.

This provide right to freedom of speech and expression.

This right has been denied thousand of times. Women can not speak or mention about the ways they socially victimized because the press censorship within the family ensure their silence better then speaking. This silence is ought to be kept by the women both in the case family violence and

violence inside the community.

him.

Denial Of The Article 19a An event took place at Barmer on 16th Feb 2004 at Rajasthan where a village woman “Dhapu” when unveiled how she was sexually harassed by her own brother in-law, she was burnt and thrown out from her house by her husband in the presence of all villagers. No body dared to stop

Conclusion

The family structure is which give little support that is one among those few arrangements available to women. . Although 9

According to news published in a daily news paper on November 29, 2012, a father sexually harassed her own daughter for six months. The story came out in public by the district police as the girl become pregnant and severely beaten by father. She was expelled out of the house. wide variations exist between families like in high income grade

grade families’ women enjoy with more care and privileges as compared to those who belong to low income grade families, less educated and unskilled yet it is not an easy task to draw a universal sharp line between the privileges of male and female members of the family. Male dominance is not always the only reason for female subordinated status. Some times women play a role to exploit the other women. In most cases of dowry homicides and family violence registered under (IPC & SL) are actually rooted by female members of the family. When women performed this role however they do not strengthen the power domain of women as a group but rather the power of male dominated family. Keeping women thus divided each other is an important way in which they are

kept oppressed. Mere the formation of human rights, policies and governmental obligation can not change the status of women for this purpose rights and policies should be flexible enough to suit the cultural grounds of the societies and provide multiple options for women to come out from exploited environment and effort for their personality development. Changes at first should be brought in the process of socialization and psychology of women. Policies for the improvement in the status of the women should be drafted by women themselves and put in action with the support of local government and UN commission.

A revolution should be brought to dismiss the myths which are responsible for the traditional exploitation of women in the

society. A separate chapter should be included in the education system at school level which can provide a full knowledge about the rights and liberties of women. To enhance the mental growth education system should explain the meaning of “moral duties” of women within the family and the society. Participation of women in politics, education and employment should be enhanced.

REFERENCES: ­ 1.

Madhu Kishwar: Some Aspects of Bondage.

3.

Rajasthan Patrika Dated 2nd March 2004.

2.

4.

5.

6.

Declaration of UN General Assembly 1993.

Abzug, Bella., and Davis, Susan. "India." Mapping Progress: Assessing Implementation of the Beijing Platform year1998.

Bunch, Charlotte. "The Intolerable Status Quo: Violence Against Women and Girls."

The Progress of Nations New York: UNICEF year 1997.

Burns, John F. "Though Illegal, Child Marriage is Popular in Part of India." The New York Times. May 11, 1998.

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The Moment Drowns out my voice to your symphony Into fathoms of thoughts to accompany The chords of heart, plays every string When I sense you, like daffodils in spring Blooms bright smile as my eyes beseech For your presence, in silent melody speech Besotted with you in bosom of this moment Seeks a ripple of pleasure ambient Freeze oh time! when I reflect deep In his charming eyes, in his arms as I sleep Basilia (India)

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Story Contest Winner Second

"Aida, stop reading that stupid book and come over this moment," her voice shook every part of me.

"Yes mother what is going on now?" I innocently responded, "I still have three chapters and I will finish Miracles of Aiden," I added enthusiastically. " Just go to town and bring me the journals", she ignored me," I do not want Mr. Wilson to be upset if he came and found out his journals are not here", she shot a mocking look toward me, "and I do not want to tell him that his journals have not been delivered for you were busy in reading".

"As if he is reading any of it," I stammered in my place.

"What did you say honey?" she interrupted.

"Nothing, I am on my way," I verbalized my words and left her waiting for her prince to come.

The moment I left the house I sighed into the air in relief. Secretly I kept making fun of that Mr. Wilson who kept visiting to have a flirty chat with my mother. He never touched any of the

journals that I kept purchasing for the recent years. I had to do that for he paid me and my mom for a living. I could not show my dislike to him in his presence for he was the sanctuary for my mother physically and psychologically.

Mr. Wilson was a short middle aged man, with black narrow eyes and a long thin nose. He got involved with my mother when we buried our only man three years ago.

The image crept into my memory remembering how he and my mother got involved in a childish affair.

"Mrs. Manson I would love to be by your side now and as long as god can offer me life and breath, and I promise I will look after both of you," emotionally he drew her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. Then I realized that a drama was given birth. The moment I saw that look in his eyes, when he passed me, I knew he was a clever liar. He passed by me without recognition and that affirmed my doubts. He was using my mother's beauty and not as he claimed to look after her forever.

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My mother was a pretty young widow, turned hopelessly emotional after my dad passed away. She showed her need for a man, more than an actual woman who was seeking virtual blessings.

As for me, a young orphan, lived her early moments lacking a tender shelter. I have never tried being with a real father before for he never acted as one of them.

However, I have to be grateful, for without him I would not be on this miserable planet. My passions for reading and writing never felt since I was a kid; although I left school before tasting the earth, I had a good taste and talents. There, I could discover the real world, where all can do what they like and want to be.

Miracles of Aiden was the only

book that I read more than five times. I loved all Aiden's adventures to save humanity. He was a hero in his own way; he was raised alone in the woods and learned all the civility from her, his mother, Nature. After he was ready to face the other world he came across a

tribe and lived with them for the rest of his life. One day, Baby Armanda was missing; she was the daughter of the older man in the tribe. As he heard that she was abducted by the Evil, he prepared himself to go and save her as soon as possible. With courage, he left the tribe and went to the island seeking baby Armanda. His journey was supposed to start from where he was the woods and pass the longest river to reach the island as he suspected. The irony here was not that I missed something but the area where I Aiden was living was so similar to mine. The small tribe in the woods kept him trapped to see the beauty around him like my own home and the place he was heading for; to me

was the life I want to escape.

My heart was aching and pouring with grieve, every moment I read those lines: Aiden went after the Evil to save the Baby, with courage and never fading hope. Days passed and he never came back. Later on he was honored a grave tomb in the village titled by The Lost Survival.

Again I felt my hot tears on my trembling cheeks, upon remembering my Hero. I could not live the moments of misery so long for I reached the book store. I paid for the day's journal and left automatically.

On my way back, I was not thinking of my mother or that Wilson, I was

thinking of Aiden. I decided to go and find him for he deserved a heroic burial since he lived as one of them.

I planned it to be this night for my mother and Wilson were dining out, and again I was able to have solitude with my own thoughts.

I reached our place and found out that they were as I have left them, narrating their pasts to each other.

"Here are you're never touched journals Uncle," I smiled with a faint mockery.

"Thanks dear," he returned my ironic gaze," Your mother and I will be out for dinner tonight," without waiting my response he sipped his tea.

Angel Bella (Lebanon)

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Beauty of Rose Vigorous dream flooded heart glee, dumbness flash the pensive mood� quaking mind is nucleus of dragging love, ocean of emotion catalyze the kinky close, deep ache pop heart and stone, render conceived glimmer chord splashed, utmost inflame and outburst, burst into fire of gaiety�

Psyche pours fathomless passion till death.

Shaleheen (Bangladesh)

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The Painting Aarati Salian (Bahrain, NRI) (Story Contest Winner Third) Wrapping Noel in a white blanket, I put actually it is an hour-glass but we would ‘But what if that someone is a person him to sleep by singing him his favorite call it a sand-timer. I gave him that so who I love the most and don’t want to let lullaby. He instantly shut his eyes and that he would start understanding the go?’ immersed himself into a deep slumber. importance of time and use it wisely.

He looked exactly like his father when ‘See, no one is going to be with you he slept, with his mouth open.

And for my 17th birthday, he gave me a forever. Everyone has a set time period. hand-made painting of little birds flying So when it is time for them to go, instead His father, Nikhil and I were friends above the sky and a girl waving her hand of crying, you should let them go with a since childhood. Our parents knew each them, with a smile. When I asked him smile. Don’t be sad because they are other quite well. We never had the same what was the significance of that going away but be happy that they have group of friends and also never went to painting he had said, ‘Well, Neesa, you left you with wonderful memories to the same school or college but we spoke tend to get attached to people very fast, cherish.’ to each other almost every day and even isn’t it. And when time comes to let though we had never met each other’s them go, you break down and don’t I had been upset the week before my friends, we knew about all the people in know how to handle yourself. So, I birthday when my best friend, Kira, had each other’s lives. thought I will make this painting to show left town to go and study in the city. And you that when someone leaves you, it is Nikhil had had enough of my crying and On our respective birthdays, we would because it is time and you should let bawling. So probably that was why he gift each other something unique and them go gracefully and not cry and be had gifted me that painting. Anyway, I special. Like for example, for his 12th upset over it.’ kept that painting in my room, hung birthday, I gave him a sand-timer. Well across my cream colored wall.

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Because he and I were so close all through our childhood and teenage years, I developed a deep liking for him. I will never know when the transition took place from a friend to lover, but it did and it was intense. I started dreaming of our future together. He always told me about his plans for future studies and I would accordingly adjust my plans so that they came into place with his.

Nikhil had just stared at me with his mouth open. I looked on to him for an answer. Obviously, it was going to be positive, but I wanted to hear it from him.

‘Neesa, I … well Neesa I do adore you and I love you too, but only in a friend kind of way. I never saw you as my lover.’ He paused for a second and It was on a winter evening at my house, continued ‘I am really sorry for this but on his 23rd birthday, when he announced Neesa, I can’t marry you. Please don’t to his parents and mine that he was going feel bad but this is what I have to say. I don’t want to give you false hopes. You to go to America for pursuing his Masters. He almost burst with happiness understand me right?’ and enthusiasm as he broke the news to all of us. His parents were ecstatic and my mother went into the kitchen to get a plate full of sweets to celebrate the good news. My dad was so happy as if it was me who was going to go to America and not him. But that was how close our families were. Our happiness was theirs and their happiness was ours.

We were a painfully happy group of people.

Of course, I had to nod my head at that I waited to be alone with Nikhil. When time. How could I tell him how finally after around 15 minutes the elders heartbroken and sad I felt by his were done with their celebrations, I took response? I had smiled and told him that it was okay and I would get over it. And Nikhil out into the garden. we walked back home.

‘So Neesa, what are you going to give me for my birthday this time?’ he asked The following week, Nikhil took his flight to America. I did not go to see him with a smile on his endearing face. off. I would have surely cried my heart I closed my eyes shut for a few seconds out while watching him go. I made up and then took in a deep breath. ‘The gift some excuse and stayed back, crying in my room.

I was going to give him would change his and my life forever, for the good,’ I In the course of 3 years, Nikhil and I thought always kept in touch through emails and phone-calls. He would constantly ask me I opened my eyes and looked towards him and said,’Nikhil …. I love you. And to Skype but I would refuse. I did that …. And I want to get married to you and because I knew I would burst out crying watching his face on my computer stay with you forever as your wife. ‘ 16

screen and he would then know that I had been lying to him about my moving on and living a happy life. Yes, even after 3 years had passed I had not gotten over him.

Occasionally, I would ask him about his love life and he would just dodge that question. I never thought much about it and would change the course of my conversation. He had told me how he intended to settle over there and make America his home and I would listen with a heavy heart. And after our conversation would be over, I would cry while looking over our old photos and gifts that he had given me. I cursed myself for not going to the airport to see him off for the last time. I mean, I wasn’t sure if I would get to see him unless I made a trip to America or he came back, both of which were unlikely.

As time passed by, I got busy with my work and he got busy with his projects in America and we started speaking to each other very rarely.

Even our emails had reduced to just forward mails, which would be around once or twice in a month. Our yearly birthday gifts were replaced by the formal birthday card greetings that we would send each other by post. In short, our lives had got busy and there was no time to even tell a nice hello across to each other.

It was a few days before my 29th birthday that we got the sad news of Nikhil’s demise. He was part of a delegation that was going to Spain for a conference. Their flight crashed due to glitches in the aircraft. The months following the sad news were a whirlwind. I did not come to know when the formalities had

the formalities had

married but Nikhil was now no more and she did not want to bring up the child been completed and when we performed alone as a single unwed mother. She the last rites. I had become even more requested if they could take the child upset with the way life was turning out. with them.

After a few months of Nikhil’s demise, his parents were informed over the phone that Nikhil had fathered a child.

The person who gave the news was the child’s mother. She very casually told about how she and Nikhil had been in a relationship and how she accidently got pregnant. They had decided to get

my mind I spoke aloud,’ I will adopt the child and look after it. It needs someone to take care of it, so why not me?’

I still remember how stumped both the sets of parents were at my decision. It took a lot of convincing and cajoling but then they finally agreed and I flew to America to get Nikhil’s child home.

That night, Nikhil’s parents and my parents spoke the matter over and were having heated discussions over what should be done. They were not able to reach a conclusive decision. I was in the That was then and now a year later, room too, listening to their conversation Nikhil’s child, Noel who is 18 months but not saying a word. I had a lot of old now, is my son. things in my mind. As I made peace with

Aarati Salian (Bahrain, NRI)

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SEA SHORE !

Remember that sea shore, The silver was the sky, Twinkling stars far apart, Seems shining for You and I, That walking along the sea shore, Hand in hand we go, Just You and I, Remember that sea shore……….

That silence in ur eyes, That smile on your face, Mean to me my world, O My love,,,,,,,O MY LOVE,,,, JUST You and I,,, Whispers of the sea, Seems screaming to me, Wear love and just flew away, Nobody else,,,, just You and I,,,,,,,,,,,,You and I,,,,, Roaming like nomads, On the sea shore sands, World seems just paradise Just wanna close my eyes, Wanna hold this magic time, O my love,,,O my love,,,, JUST You and I,,,,,,, So pious is this feel, It just makes me believe, It can't be denied, That love is what? ,,,,,,,,, JUST You and I,,,,,,,,,, JUST YOU AND I……………..!

Richa Dixit(India)

My Lovely Child The day you opened your eyes, I looked at you with surprise.

You are a part of me Yet you feel new to me Holding your little finger I hold back the tears.

Tears of joy and love That will bind me and you for years.

I watch you sleep in my arms, Making those small gurgle sounds.

I wonder what it is about you That makes my heart jump and pound.

Is it the way you smile?

At all our curious faces Or is the way you cry As we make silly noises.

Is it the color of your fresh skin?

Or is it the scent of your babyhood?

Think as much as I might, I couldn’t think of anything as good.

Thoughts come and go That confuses my mind.

If now it is one reason Then the next is of a better kind.

I thought and thought And had some theories compiled But in the end it struck me It is simply because you’re my lovely child.

Aarati Salian(Indian)

Stolen Into Another Time Iva Stone Adair (USA)

I woke in a room of all white.

White walls, white ceiling, white carpet, a white bed with white sheets. And a man, tangled in those white sheets wearing white himself. I supposed to match the room. I was also in white. Looking around, I saw no door. I slid out of the covers and let my feet sink into the warm, plush carpet. I walked over to the wall and began pushing, hoping for a door that was made to look like the wall. My hands felt around for a seam or maybe even a crack I could break through. I thought I was banging quiet enough to not wake the stranger but I guess he was a light sleeper because from behind me I heard, "You're not going to get out doing that."

he kidnap me then not talk to me!

How rude!

that load of crap! "Why?" I asked.

"Why me!? Why not some beggar from the street or.... Or was I a "I did not kidnap you, Cherry. You beggar? Oh! This is so frustrating!" came on your own accord.

I began crying.

However, I did erase your memory and for that you may think me "Now listen!" He picked me up by rude." I stared at him blankly. my shoulders and gave me a shake.

Thinking of how he could have "I did not bring you here from guessed I thought he kidnapped 2012 to sit on the ground and cry! me. "I didn't guess. I am a mind You are to be my sex slave reader. Well, I can't call myself a whether you like it or not! It took a mind reader." He laughed. "At very long while for me to get the least not a true one. I had my brain council's approval to even go back reprogrammed to let me hear to that forsaken time!" When I people’s thoughts." He paused and didn't agree right away he said, when I said nothing he continued. "Keep in mind that if you do not do "The year, my dear, is 2356 and what I want that you will not be you come from 2012. Now, I'm sent home but to a type of holding sorry but that is all I can tell you." house where they keep sex slaves He smiled a killer’s smile. "If I that could not please their told you anything else it might masters." By this time I was In freight, I jumped and faced him. trigger something I don't you to shaking by myself out of fear. trigger. This part may be hard to "Who are you?" I yelled. In all Finally, he let me go and I fell back calmness he stared at me. "I said, hear but I brought you here to be, to the ground. "I will be back in who the hell are you!?" Instead of for lack of a better term, my sex several hours with food and new slave. Now, get up. You look like a clothes for you." With that he left looking at me like I was daft, he moved forward. I cowered into the child there on the floor." me alone. While he was gone I corner of room. He stood over me, cried myself to sleep, woke up, still not saying a word. How dare How could he expect me to believe realized I was still in this tiny 20

white room and cried again. Hours had gone by when he finally came back with food and drink. I must admit that the food smelt amazing and I knew I was hungry but I didn't feel like eating. He left everything for me on the bed then left again without a word.

glimpse of myself in a mirror that had been hanging in the room. I never felt the need to look in it. He was going to basically rape me no matter how I looked. But as I past by it one day I noticed it wasn't the girl who looked back at me almost two years prior. This girl had lost some of her color and most of her With all my free time I thought weight. That was when I decided it about where I came from. Though I was time for me to get away from tried to remember family and that awful man! friends all I could think of were the buildings, the sights. Sometimes I Once we were back in 2356 where mustered up flashes of faces but I knew for sure there were more nothing that made my memory time machines, it would be his last come back. Every so often a face time having me put on those of a girl came up and it made me cry. I had no idea why, but it did.

Months went by with me living like this. Though by that time I had realized that I had no other choice than to pleasure him and forget about my past life. He would come in almost every day or at least every other day with a new costume and another fantasy. He would have his way with me two or three times, lay there on the white sheets for a while, breathing heavily, then leave with a simple good-bye as if he weren't keeping me here against my will. I never slept in the bed. I tried, but I couldn't. As soon as he disappeared from the room, I went to the floor.

Though I wasn't showering, I never felt my hair become dirty or my face seem oily. I supposed it was something new they had come out with in the last three hundred and fifty odd years. Probably in the food or drink. I hadn't felt like me, whoever that was, in weeks. I felt a dried out version of that girl who had woken here a few months ago.

After a year and a half of living in that horrible box I finally caught a

skimpy outfits and parade around my tiny room like an animal just for his pleasure! I was done with it!

He came to me that day with a red silk in his hand. He tossed it to me and I shamefully put it on. I did a little dance which made me want to barf and he took me to the bed.

Afterward he had just lay there like usual.

I had been practicing for weeks, jumping from the bed to the one spot he always stood when he hit that little green button. Every time he came into the room I thought of anything other than my plan for that would have been a waste. And it had paid off! He stood on that spot on the carpet. He bid me farewell like he would any other day. But he wasn't expecting me to 21

jump. I was out! The smell of fresh air was almost so intoxicating that I forgot what I was doing for a moment! I snapped back to what was happening and began to run!

Considering he wasn't expecting me to jump on him, he was shocked. I was able to run about a block before he began yelling at me.

I ran past startled humans and strange animals, all the while wondering why no one was helping me. Finally, I came to a right turn and took my chance of getting off what looked like a main street. At the end of the alley way there was a small wall but with all the adrenaline pumping through my body I cleared it with no problems.

On the other side, I caught the attention of a group of people. I must have been some sight in my red silk dress. No doubt I was drenched in sweat. I looked for a brief second on where the largest clearing between the people was and ran for it.

The places I was passing seemed very old as if someone wanted to keep the past alive. They looked a lot like the buildings from my memory. I didn't see any floating machines outside the homes I passed but when I glanced through the windows, I saw many machines. Some were moving, some were stationary.

I knew I had to get out of these garments to stop drawing so much attention to myself. I rounded a corner in what looked like a neighborhood to see an older woman taking clothes from a wash line. I snuck in real close and when her back was turned I grabbed

I saw a vendor pulling carts of food into his store, some with bread and fruit, others with cheeses and other various items. I timed it out so that while he was taking in the second cart I was next to the third which had bread and apples. I shoved a few apples into my pockets and ran off with a loaf of bread. I returned to the park where I had taken the young boys hat and sat behind a tree. I bit into one of the apples and was surprised at how juicy they were. After finishing off the first apple I turned my attention to the bread. It was flaky on the outside and somehow warm on the inside. I wondered how they made them stay fresh for so long. I ate enough to feel like I could burst. Then I made myself a bed below the tree and fell asleep.

something that made my blood go cold. It needed a key! How could I have been so dumb to think I wouldn't need one? I sat on the floor of the machine and felt bad for myself. With my head resting on my knees I began to cry. I was so close! Now I was going to be stuck in this strange time for the rest of my life! I lifted my head and wiped my eyes. As I moved I saw the light from a lamp post outside catch something shiny. I stood up and walked to it. It was the key!

I released it from its hiding place below the dash and pushed it into

After a few days of sleeping in the park I became paranoid that the man would find me so I started sleeping in different areas and looking for time machines. I finally found one. The woman who owned it seemed to be young. She had red hair and was short. Most people that walked by said hello to her and she would wave back with a smile.

I felt bad just thinking about taking her machine but I had to go home!

I watched her for a while, learned her schedule and tried to figure out how to work the machine from a distance. Eventually, I figured the best time to take it. That night I stalked up to her house and opened the door to her machine.

the nearest town, past buildings similar to the ones in my mind, and found the police station. When I walked up to the counter the woman behind it smiled at me and said, "Can I help you miss?" I couldn't speak! My tongue felt like cotton. The woman's smile began to fade. "Miss?" she asked in a worried tone.

Finally, I blurted out. "I was kidnapped." The woman stared blankly at me, as if trying to slow my quickly spoken words in her mind. I took a deep breath and said again, "I was kidnapped. I was drugged and can't remember anything." I thought it best to not tell anyone about the time travel part. They might have thought me to be crazy. I almost thought I was crazy. "The man that took me told me my name was Cherry. But it doesn't sound right. Can you help me?"

The woman stood up from her chair and walked around to me.

"Of course! Come with me, dear.

That must be horrible to not know anything about yourself." I followed the woman past the counter and into the back rooms.

"Sit here, miss. I'll check your fingerprints and see if your name really is Cherry. I'm sure someone's missing you somewhere." She took my fingers and placed them onto a touch pad, rolling them back and forth. After a few seconds, the computer's screen popped up with a picture and name. "Your name is not Cherry, it is Diana Home. You have been missing since February 5, 2010."

the ignition. Before I turned it, I clicked the numbers on the key pad to the beginning of the year 2013 since I had no clue which month I was taken from in 2012 and didn't want to risk running into myself. I held my breath and turned the key.

It was surprisingly quiet. My heart began to race as the machine clicked and clucked while it warmed up. Outside, lights came on as the owner ran out of her door, screaming and yelling at me to get out of her machine. Before On the inside it looked a lot like she could get to the door, a huge the cars that drove past. But it had white light flashed and the house a key pad that seemed to be was no longer in front of me. I was attached to screens labeled "Year", rushing through time!

"Month", and "Day", which was I stared at her in shock. That lying different. There were controls, all In moments, I was in a little field bastard!"Do you know where I labeled. As I looked around I saw without the machine. I walked to came from? How old am I? Do I 22

I live with someone?" I looked around for a moment then asked, "Where am I now?"

from..." She glanced at the screen.

"You were taken from Sierra Vista, Arizona. Wow, you have come a long way!" She paused while she She looked at me with a sad smile. was reading, then said, "You are "You don't know where you are?" I twenty seven." She clicked around shook my head. "You're in on the computer a few more Pennsylvania. In Reading to be minutes before saying, "I e-mailed exact. Now, as to where you are the police in that area. You will be Iva Stone Adair (USA)

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reconnected with your family in a few hours."

"Family?" I asked hopefully.

The woman smiled and said, "Your daughter misses you.

The Happiest Musician I’m just a poor man from the land of far away.

Wandering from streets to streets To earn money for my family;

And I have some debts to pay.

I know I’m not so lucky but I’m blessed anyway;

You see God had given me something that makes me a man with faith.

And I thank God; I still had my lunch yesterday.

I’m glad that my son can read A, B, C and can count 1, 2, 3.

You have dollars in your wallet, I have coins in my old jeans.

But I’m contented, I can still sing

With my guitars worn out strings; Oh, I know I have nothing.

But my heart’s still warm, as long as music is with me.

No regrets, I’m happy.

The musician is still living.

And he’s right here, inside of me.

Mercado, Michelle (Philippines)

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How to read a cursed book without getting killed Norah Aberdaire

Dear Reader!

if you happen to be a veteran reader, send me a letter. I am interested in your past experiences!

Before you start, I want to assure you that this humble diary is absolutely curse free! (Well it should be.)

I would also advise that you refrain from reading any cursed ones without proper guidance if you are an amateur. It is highly dangerous and can also be lethal to an inexperienced reader. However,

I hope that you will find this a good read, even though it isn't cursed!

Sincerely yours, Caithlynn Marsh

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"That, which you are holding now, Miss Marsh, is the so called "Cursed Diary of Annie Goldchild". Have you ever heard My name is Caithlynn Marsh. of it? Ah, of course you haven't. Not many people know of it. Annabeth or I am attending my first year at Gressenheller University of History and Annie Golchild was the daughter of an aristocrat family, during the reign of Archeology in London. I am twenty years old, and have already solved over Queen Victoria. She had a single older 125 mysteries, all thoroughly described brother whom she loved very much, until in this diary and five more alike, stored he was slain by the hand of Richard Fairmouth, eldest son of the family that safely in the back of my bookshelf. the Goldchilds were in a bloody feud with. Annie was lead to believe that her Today Professor Goodham graced me brother was lost during a horrible storm, with an unexpected task. After his on his coach ride home from a ball lecture on the god ships of the Mayan culture, he approached me with a humble which she was still too young to attend. plea to meet him at his office during his Annie was determined to find her brother, and that determination lead to break. The Professor is an interesting gentleman in his mid fifties who has traveled around most of the Earth's globe. I accepted his invitation, and paid him a visit as he desired.

April 21, 1907

He greeted me as a proper gentleman, escorting me to the chair in front of his desk and held it out for me to sit on it.

As I did, he perched on his leather armchair across the desk from me hastily and started rummaging through the stacked pile of papers and books to his right. Finally, he produced a small, worn out looking book bound in leather the color of fine red wine. He handed it to me, carefully observing my face as he did so.I took the book gingerly, as it looked very fragile. He said that it would be fine to examine it to my liking since he wanted me to get to the bottom of its mystery. Upon hearing the word, my head jolted upwards and I stared at him with eyes wide open. He leaned back in his armchair as I took out my notebook and pencil to jot down every information that he could provide me with about it.

Here is what he said.

her death as well. She died at a young age, only twenty five, of pneumonia. She never married, had no children, and all that was left behind by her was this diary in which she carefully dated every single detail of her fifteen year long search for her brother. The diary has never been read past the first twenty pages, and if there are more notebooks, and I am positive that there are, they cannot be found. This diary, which you are holding at the moment, Miss Marsh, is haunted by the ghost of Annie Goldchild, and every person who dares read it is bound to die a painful death."

I sucked in a deep breath, suddenly very aware of the notebook's weight. It was a preposterous idea! There were no such 26

things as ghosts, and I should know. I had dealt with a similar issue last year.

Questions were piling up in my head, and I was eager to ask every single one of them, but the Professor suddenly interrupted again.

"If you feel intimidated by it, I understand. I have heard about your previous encounters with curious matters akin, and thought that you might be interested in this little puzzle as well."

I answered that, indeed, I was very interested, and I would love to take such a challenge on. He nodded and smiled, then beckoned me to try and read the first page. He said that, as soon as I feel something odd or out of place, I should stop reading and close the book immediately. I nodded and flipped it open cautiously.

As soon as I read through the first page, which by the way wasn't the least bit interesting, I felt tremors in my chair.

By the third line of the second page, the tremors got so forceful, that I had to jump off of the chair, and it was a good thing that I did, too! The chair suddenly bolted up into the air with such force that it embedded itself into the ceiling and remained hanging there. I gapped, staring at it wide-eyed, but the Professor seemed unshaken. He sighed, saying that the same thing happens every time and instructed me to close the book. I apologized for the damage I had caused, but he smiled and said that these things happen all the time. I looked at him with obvious confusion, but he only smiled, said to report to him every day with what I had found out, and sent me on my way.

Before I exited, he added shortly to be careful not to die and that if I feel overwhelmed by the task, I should just say so.

looked at him with obvious confusion, but he only smiled, said to report to him every day with what I had found out, and sent me on my way. Before I exited, he added shortly to be careful not to die and

that if I feel overwhelmed by the task, I should just say so.

In the hallway, I stared at the book tightly gripped by my fingers, and felt determination rising up inside me. I was

going to solve this mystery! It might be my biggest one yet!

April 22, 1907 I left Annie's diary on the coffee table in my living room before going to sleep last night. I have to admit that this isn't my first encounter with a supposedly cursed relic. A layman would probably be surprised by the fact that every tenth household believes that a part of their furniture, book collection, even pets sometimes, has been possessed by spirits. Of course, none of it is true in reality. In most cases, the culprits would be light and shadows playing tricks on people's eyes.

In the spring of my eighteenth year, I had to tell the old lady neighbor that her darling cat wasn't possessed by the spirit of her late husband. The cat had a habit of always falling asleep in the same spot as its deceased owner, and spent hours only staring at the couple's wedding portrait. This one time, he gobbled down a little too much cat food and felt sick.

The poor lady Laura was convinced that she had heard him call her name right before he vomited.

the sofa. She was writing about her birthday. She had turned fifteen that day, and couldn't get over the fact that her beloved brother wasn't there to witness it. She carefully described the facial expression which she imagined he would have had, were he present, which he wasn't. She kept pointing it out

constantly. She mentioned very little of the party. Merely listed some presents that she liked, and complained about how dull the party was. Nothing concrete on the last few pages, either.

By the time I had finished the eighth page, I felt strangely fatigued. My My Sheltie Lacie seems to be quite eyelids were too heavy to hold up, and a captivated by the diary. Since last yawn escaped my lips. I covered them evening, she refuses to let it out of her with my hand. Forcing my eyes open, I sight. She is, like me, very fond of tried to stand up, but my body would not mysteries. I almost had to fight her for it. respond. It remained glued to the sofa, Finally, she stepped down and I grabbed refusing to move a centimeter. Realizing hold of the diary before she had the time that fighting it clearly wasn't an option, I to change her mind. gradually gave in to the sleepiness. My body responded, relaxing completely, Annie had an odd way of writing. One and soon enough, I lost consciousness. could get the idea that she had probably had a brother complex. I wrapped myself I can't determine how much time passed into a soft blanked and leaned back into between the moment when I fell asleep 27

and the moment I felt a tugging sensation at the base of my neck. It felt like somebody was pulling the scarf tied around my neck with great force. The tugging made me gag and cough. It was pulling me forward in hasty jolts, and I could feel the scarf's loop tighten around my neck like a noose. My eyes, still refusing to peel open, turned behind the closed lids, and I coughed forcefully, thrashing and sawing the air hoping to hit my aggressor. It bared no fruit at first, but soon enough the tugging stopped. I fell to the ground panting and gripping my throat. Forcing my eyes open, I tried to scan the room for a culprit, but they wouldn't focus, and everything was one big blur. Lacie licked my cheek and I used her to help myself up. The room was still spinning and I had to sit down. When my eyes finally focused, I wasn't surprised to see that, apart from Lacie, I was alone in the room. I checked the entrance door, but it was locked tight. There must be a logical explanation for what happened. My vision was still somewhat blurry, so I sat back onto the couch. No matter how much I thought about what might have caused the strangling, I couldn't quite grasp an answer. My head was starting to pound, so I lay down and pulled the covers around me. It took me a while to fall asleep, what with the fear of being strangled again, what with the mystery pecking slowly at my brain, but I was too tired for further speculation. After staring at a blank spot on the wall for some time, my eyes fell shut once again.

April 23rd, 1907 While I was sitting through my morning Sitting on the sofa, Lacie’s head in my lectures at the Gressenheller, my room lap, I tried to put all the pieces together. was broken into. The lock was covered However, I was failing badly at it. Why in scratches and there were other tracks would two rich gentlemen want to break of forced entry visible on the door. I into the room of a middle-class woman rushed into the apartment to assess the who is a student? Obviously, they did damage. The first thing I noticed was the not want to rob me. Moreover, it was unconscious lump that was my dog’s clear, from the length of their stay, that body, sprawled across the floor. I fell they were looking for a specific beside her and checked her breathing. something. Now either they could not She was still alive. They must have find it, or… knocked her out so that her barking would not give them away.

I straightened my back, eyes wide. It was the diary! They wanted Annie’s Even though the rooms of the pension I diary. The only important thing I live in mostly sit empty, there is always brought with me to Gressenheller, apart the landlady on the first floor. She is an from notebooks. I grabbed my satchel old dame, but has surprisingly good and took it out. It looked so worthless, hearing for her age. I decided to go ask clamped between my fingers. It might her about our dear guests, but first I had have been expensive looking once, but to determine if anything was missing. now it was all worn and dusty... I shook Burglars certainly do not intrude young my head, staring at it with disbelief. ladies’ rooms for the reason of Obviously, it was not the notebook itself sightseeing. that they were interested in, but its As Lacie came to, I praised her for her contents. I flipped it open, removing the courage and fed her. She was very happy bookmark and started from the top of to see me. Afterwards, I examined my page eight. humble belongings, which were all neatly arranged each in their usual spots. I did not understand. The contents were It was clear to me that instant that I was just teenage jabbering. She wrote about not dealing with burglars. her everyday life, mentioned her brother only when she complained about his not The landlady, Mrs. Pennywise, was not being there to see her do something she of much help to me. She described the considered important. There was nothing intruders as two important looking of great significance written in here… gentlemen, dressed in expensive looking coats and carrying staffs with hilts made There was a soft thump and my head of something resembling silver. She jerked upward. Slowly, I turned my head apologized for her bad eyesight, adding to the side where the sound came from. that she could not really make out their A thin, finely constructed silver dagger, faces. When I asked her whether they its razor-sharp blade glistening in the had talked to each other while climbing sunlight, deadly yet beautiful, was upstairs, she said that they scaled the wedged into the wall behind me. I traced stairs in silence. Also, they were not up its path carefully to the old ceramic doll there for a long time. I thanked her and I had gotten for my sixth birthday from returned to my room. my grandparents. It was a pretty doll, with golden locks and dressed in a silk 28

blue dress. With time, her lashes got stuck in her lower eyelids and her eyes could not be open any more, but now she was staring at me, her stare piercing. Her rosy lips were parted, revealing a gapping hole, like a ventriloquist doll’s mouth, and the tip of a second dagger gleaming ominously was aimed right at me. I ducked my head and slid off the couch just in time, before the dagger lodged itself into the cushion of the sofa.

I did not know if there was a third dagger so I rolled out of the doll’s range.

Lacie was growling and barking at it, and I tried to move her out of the way, but the stubborn dog just would not move. When the third strike did not come, I crawled over to the cupboard the doll was on and took a long look at it. It looked exactly like my old doll, apart from the mouth. In her gut was hidden a complex clockwork mechanism built to discharge daggers at bullet speed. They replaced my old doll with this contraption, hoping to kill me and probably get a hold of the diary. I wondered how they had known what the doll looked like, and remembered yesterday’s close encounter with death.

Maybe it was they who tried to strangle me yesterday, too. Even if that was the case, I could not explain how they entered or exited unnoticed.

The feeling of uneasiness started spreading through me and I grabbed the notebook, Lacie’s leash and threw a coat over my shoulders. I hooked the leash onto Lacie’s collar and stalked through the door. I needed to see professor Goodham. This notebook was not haunted, it was wanted.

April 24th, 1907 I got to Gressenheller as fast as I could yesterday, but the professor had already left. I was told to come back today around two in the afternoon, because that was when the professor would most likely be coming in. I took my coat and cast a quick glance on the old grandfather clock in the corner of my room. It was half past one. I hooked the leash onto Lacie's collar and tugged on it softly to let her know that we were leaving. Out on the street, it was cold.

Winter was coming into town and you could almost smell snow in the air. Lacie was hurrying up ahead for no apparent reason, dragging me along. We passed a man walking an English bull terrier, at which point she paused only to say hi, and continued in her usual speedy pace.

tea, his hazel eyes calmly examining my face and told me to proceed. I unlatched the buckles of my satchel, took out the notebook and laid it on the table. I could see him arching his eyebrows, but I couldn't determine whether it was surprise that caused it. I clasped my hands together on top of the diary and started talking.

Realizing that I really couldn't get much more out of him, I snatched the diary off the table and shoved it into my satchel.

He spun around with eyes wide open, but I was already at the door. I shouted to him that I would read it to the end and get to the bottom of this mystery, and that I wouldn't stop until I reached that goal. He told me to hand the notebook over, but I was already out the door and I told him everything. About the running towards the main entrance of the strangling, about the strange men and university. I sized the end of Lacie's how they planted the killer doll in my room, about how the landlady described leash from the doorkeeper's hand, them. He just sat there and listened, his thanked him, bolted through the door expression opaque. Once I finished, all and onto the street, leaving a very he did was sigh. For a while we sat there surprised doorkeeper, eyes wide with shock, and an equally surprised professor standing at the university's entrance.

I was advancing down the street with Lacie in lead, clacking of heels and scraping of claws against pavement filling my ears. I threw an occasional glance over my shoulder to make sure that nobody was following me. I was relieved to learn that the only pursuers were the bewildered stares of the passers by, who apparently have never seen a The professor came in at two o'clock, not in silence, his eyes on the diary, mine on a second early or late. I admired his him. Finally, he stood up and looked at grown woman run. I have to admit that punctuality. He tipped his top hat and me. His eyes were different than before. heeled boots can hardly qualify as smiled when he saw me waiting in front They were dull and tired, like the eyes of running shoes, so after assuring myself that I wasn't followed, I was forced to of his office, saying that he had a feeling a really old man. He apologized for all slow down to a speedy walk. Lacie I would be here somehow. I asked if the inconveniences that he had caused wasn't satisfied and she kept on pulling maybe the feeling had something to do me. I tried to interrupt, saying that I me forward. I answered by tugging on with a grumpy seventy-year-old knew what I was getting into when I doorman watching my dog at the accepted his offer, but he only raised his the leash, but I did it a bit too hard and entrance, to which he did not respond. hand to silence me and shook his head. she let out a low yelp. I felt bad about it, He said that I no longer have to work on but at least she calmed down a bit. By the time we reached the pension, she As he offered me a seat, I noticed that this case and asked me to return the grew restless again and I had to pinch the ceiling was spotless. It struck me as diary to him. He said that it was too odd, considering that three days ago, a risky, and that he was surprised that they her nose lightly to calm her down again.

She shook her head and retreated behind chair was hanging from it, but I decided had found the diary's whereabouts so me as I scaled my first step. When I not to mention that. He asked me fast. When I asked about "them" he reached Mrs. Pennywise's door, her head whether I had found out anything new turned away from me and said that it considering the diary, and I told him that would only put me in more jeopardy if poked out from behind it. She said that she was meaning to talk to me about the I had, and that it probably was not hat he he told me. Apparently, they were not noise coming from my room. I gave her had expected me to find. He took a sip of your average small fry.

It was ten minutes to two as we reached Gressenheller. I left Lacie with the old doorman, apologizing and promising that he only had to watch her for ten minutes tops. He scolded me some more, then pointed me to the professor's office, telling me to wait until he arrives.

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her a puzzled look and she asked me at what hour I had gone out. I told her that I was out since one thirty o'clock. She looked somewhat shaken and I asked her to tell me what kind of noise it was. She said that it sounded as if somebody was moving furniture from one end of the room to another. I drew in a breath, thanked her and marched up the stairs as fast as I could.

My room was in disarray. All of the furniture was in the wrong places, the

drawers, wardrobes and cupboards were wide open, their contents strewn over the floor, my desk was a mess, all of the figurines I've been collecting over the years broken into pieces. I couldn't tell whether something was taken because the place seemed like a bomb sight. My legs gave in and I slumped to the ground, but I did not cry. The force of the shock was like a fist to the stomach. I reclined, directing my stare to the ceiling. At first, something seemed off, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. After taking a

harder look, I noticed a very small hole just above the place where my couch used to be. My eyes widened and I continued examining the ceiling. I found three more. One above my desk, one above the "filing cabinet" and one above the door. I shook my head in disbelief and jumped to my feet. There was one in the little bathroom as well. They were peeping holes. Someone was observing me.

April 25th, 1907 I handed the rent money to Mrs. Pennywise and told her that I was leaving. She looked kind of sad as I walked out the front door, and I felt sort of bad because I was her only tenant, and now I was leaving, too. The suitcase I was carrying wasn't very heavy. After yesterday, the amount of my humble belongings halved. It hung in my hand half full.

passers by, and that they were following me.

I could see a coach pulling by the roadside and sped up to almost a jog.

The carter was just helping an elderly couple down from the coach and I waited by, somewhat impatiently, as they paid him. He asked me whether he could be of service and I told him that I needed to go to Canterbury and that it I decided to move to my aunt Sophia's would be great if we could get going house in Canterbury. Hopefully, the right away. He looked at me people who were after the diary won't suspiciously, but agreed when I told him find me there. I decided to take a coach that I'd pay him extra. The men behind instead of the railway, because they me almost caught up to us as he loaded were the only ones who allowed animals my luggage onto the coach. I climbed in on board, even though I had to pay extra. as fast as I could, but felt someone grab As I paced down the street looking for my arm. I started and let out a small an available coach, I noticed two scream, but felt it subside as I saw that it gentlemen who, until now, were reading was only the carter helping me up. He newspapers while leaning against the gave me another suspicious look and wall of the pension, suddenly dispatch closed the door behind me. I could see and start walking behind me. They were the men stop him and ask him talking to each other and I didn't dare to something. He only shook his head. One turn around and take a look at them. I of them reached into his pocket and loosened the hold on Lacie's leash and offered the carter a bunch of money. The she picked up her pace, as I hoped she carter looked at me through the small would, giving an excuse to do the same. window on the door of the coach, took Maybe I've become paranoid, but it the money and answered “Canterbury”. I wasn't without reason. The gentlemen gasped loudly and ducked as the men glanced at each other and sped up a little gave the coach a lazy look and departed. as well. I knew now that my hunch was I could feel the carter get on. The coach right, that they weren't only random bucked and I felt the sensation of 30

moving. I knew that they were going to follow me to Canterbury, I just hoped that they wouldn't be able to find me Aunt Sophia welcomed me with a smile.

She was surprised when she received my telegram saying that I would be visiting her. I asked her if it was okay to stay over for a month. She only smiled and ushered me into the kitchen for some tea and biscuits. She asked me a lot of questions as she always did, and I answered them patiently. After we caught up on the two years that we hadn't seen each other, she showed me to my room and told me to freshen up and rest because I surely ought to be tired from the trip. I thanked her, and she left me to my business.

I emptied my suitcase and put everything in its place. Finally, after taking a long hot bath, I slumped onto the bed with Annie’s diary, and continued where I had left off.

will be paying a visit to the library.

The men are still leaving me in peace. It might be because I am living with family They have not found me yet thank Heavens. Apart for joining aunt Sophie now and they are afraid to make a move. for shopping when I was up to it I haven Whatever it is, I am glad because I have not left my room much. I am spending my peace once again. my time trying to get to the bottom of why this diary was so important. I don't June 9th, 1907 see anything significant in it. I better go I think professor Goodham has some back to reading. more explaining to do. I will be heading back to London tomorrow. At dinner I June 7th, 1907 told aunt Sophie that I will be paying a I'm almost done with reading the diary. visit to a friend in London and she said There were some incidents described in that she knew a coach rider who could there that I found somewhat disturbing. take me there for free. I thanked her and She said that she had seen her brother in told her that I would be returning as front of their house, and there was also a soon as I finish my business. She nodded, finishing her last bite of kidney letter stuck to one page which was apparently sent by him. How could this pie. I collected the dishes and helped her wash them. After that I went to my room be? Her brother was apparently killed. and gathered all the notes and research There is something wrong with this. I need to do some more research. I think I material used on the case. I knew that I June 3rd, 1907

Norah Aberdaire (Croatia)

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was going to need it tomorrow.

I took a quick bath and packed my things up for the trip. I felt a sudden wave of uneasiness rising inside of me. I didn't want to admit, but the thought of encountering those strange people again intimidated me. I didn't think that I would be able to get any sleep tonight. I asked aunt if Lacie could stay in my room tonight since I was going to miss her during my trip to London. She didn't really like the idea of a dog sleeping on a bed, but after some begging and a puppy-eyed look from Lacie she gave in.

Lacie refused to fall asleep until I was awake so we ended up curled up in bed next to each other, and spent the night reading Annie'd diary all over again, in case I had overseen something.

June 10th, 1907

To Remember You Is My Destiny Every thought that comes to my mind, Instructs my mind to think of you.

Every night when slumber make me blind, States my eyes to dream of you.

Every drop of blood that flows through my heart, Reminds my heart to remember you.

Every beat that throb my heart, Tells me that they beat for you.

Every breath that keeps me alive, Prompts me that I live for you.

Wherever I am or whatever I do,

Now it’s my destiny to just remember you.

Shahid Khan ( India)

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Let It Snow

A Christmas Story

Cristopher Blakeney (USA)

selfish, but when he asks you what you want for Christmas, he gives it to you. Just like that. End of story. When I woke up I don't.

Christmas morning to discover that there wasn't any snow falling to the ground, or Every year for Christmas, I wished for the never would be, that was the end for me. same exact thing: snow. I, however, had learned to keep my hopes down because every Though I was upset, I continued to wish for it year for Christmas, my wish got turned down every year with the same results. I was twelve, now and this year was again turning and instead, I got the sun and the warmth. out to be the same. I couldn't even watch the Now that might sound like a good thing for most people, but when I thought of Christmas weather on TV anymore, for I knew that it would be hot, just like the years before. or even looked at something of the subject, those little white flakes were always involved.

I turned to thinking about my older brother, Ryan to keep my mind off of snow. He was As for the 'Santa Claus' thing, I lost my off at his first semester of college, studying beliefs in him a few years back when I was the weather for his degree. He attended some five. It might be childish of me and even Do you believe in miracles?

33

University in Colorado, or as I refer to it as, a place it liked to snow a lot. A lot! So much for keeping my mind away from it. He would be coming home tomorrow for the holidays, Christmas was just a week away, and I was super excited about it. I simply couldn't wait to hear all about his new adventures. Boy did I have some questions for him.

The rest of my family, or my grandma, had already arrived to my house in Phoenix, Arizona from some location in the country.

Florida, was it? It was nice to see everyone again because Christmas was for sure in the air, with them around, as it got closer and closer. Everything seemed to be so great leading up to the holiday.

The next day came at last. My brother would be flying home to me. When the phone rang, I was the one to answer as it was him on the line.

"Hey, Ryan, I am so excited for your return!"

"Yes, I am," he replied. "My plane is late.

And when it arrives, it won't fly out until the storm has blown over. You must be upset, Max, I'm sorry."

"I'm not upset! I'm jealous, Ryan! Bring the snow with you, won't you? "

"I am too, buddy, but--" "But? But what? Don't tell me you aren't coming! Mom! Ryan is on the phone and he says that he isn't--"

"I would if I could, buddy."

I turned to my mom. "His plane is late and his flight is delayed due to the snow."

"Yo, Max! I'm still coming. It just might take "Is he okay" longer than expected..."

"Yes," I answer. "He's just fine.

"What do you mean?"

"Haven't you been watching the news? I'd think that you would be watching it the most... It's snowing like crazy up here. I'm snowed in until it lets up."

"Max, what were you hollering about?" My mom was descending the stairs from the second floor. She wore green sweats with a red Christmas hoodie and her hair was brown, like mine, and it was up in a bun appearing to be an ornament. As she got nearer her green eyes, also like mine, were in question.

"Ryan won't be here as early as we thought.

He's snowed in."

"Is he at the airport?"

"Mom wants to know if you're at the airport?"

"Hello?" I said answering the phone.

"Okay, well I got to finish the laundry with your grandma. Give Ryan my love." She ascended the stairs, her bun moving all over the place atop her head. "Oh and have you finished your letter to Santa yet?"

"Mom! You know I don't believe!"

"So? When you're finished on the phone, go write your letter." She continued the rest of the way up.

"Mom gives you her love. And I have to go.

She wants me to write a stupid letter to Santa. No matter how many times I write it, my wish will never come true, it's just too warm!"

"Okay, bud. Well, I'll see you later tonight!

Love you all! Bye!" "Bye!"

I hung up the phone, then ran straight up to my room to do as my mom wished. At least someone would get their wish this year. I've written this letter so many times before, that it was literally ingrained in my brain.

Dear Santa, What do I want for Christmas, you ask? All I would like for Christmas is snow. Enough snow to stick around for a while for people to enjoy it during the day as it falls. If that were to happen, I can honestly say that I would be the most thankful and happiest kid in America.

Thank you so much, Santa, Maxwell Fagan.

"Mom! I'm finished with your stupid letter!"

I said the last half under my breath, so that she wouldn't hear it.

"Great." She entered my room, a bunch of my clothes in her arms. She swapped my clothes for my letter. "I'll drop it off at the post office later when I go to the store with your grandmother. Thanks, Hun." "Whatever," I thought to myself. "Cool, mom.

"It will snow this year, I just don't know it will, Max." "She knows it won't snow." The thought clearly marked on my face. "I'll believe it when I see it." She left on that note without anything else to say.

soon!"

bye."

"That's awesome! See you then and make sure you bring the blizzard with you! Please!"

"I'm not kidding with you, you know. Bye" I hung the phone up for the second time that day.

"Dad! Ryan is on his way home!"

"Hey, buddy, I'm calling to say that I'm finally boarding my plane. Should be there in an hour and a half to two hours! See you "All right, buddy. I got to go,

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"Okay," he shouted back from the office,"we'll leave for the airport when your mom and grandma get back. Go eat some pizza, you don't have to wait anymore, you know."

"I know." I was starving myself before until I got the phone call. When Ryan called, I would then eat. Now that he had, I hurried to the kitchen and grabbed the entire box of pizza and ran to my bedroom. I should probably save some for everyone else, but it wasn't like anyone else was having any anyways.

An hour later, I heard my mom and grandma down in the foyer which meant that it was finally time to go to the airport. I absolutely loved the airport even when I wasn't going anywhere myself. It thrilled me to see all the other destinations people were going to, especially for the holidays. Then, there were the planes we could see taking off or landing. It was just an awesome place to be.

"Slow down, Maxwell," My mom orders,"before you run somebody over.

"Gotta hurry, mom. Ryan will land soon. We have to head for the airport." Realization dawned on my mom right away. She was the only one that understood my fascination with airports. I wonder if that's where I got it from?

"Hurry, put your shoes on already, Max," she said. "Rodger? We're home. Let's go to the airport."

"Okay, darling, let me just shut down the computer and I will be ready to leave."

When I finished tying my shoes, my dad was ready. He had short brown hair, like me and I'm down the stairs as quickly as my feet will he wore a Christmas sweater, much like mom's. The only difference he had were his carry me and grab my shoes by the front door, passing by my mom and grandma as I blue eyes that were magnified behind glasses.

Out of all of us, my grandma appeared to be go. My grandma had that same look as all grandmas do with short gray curls upon her the most normal because even I was in a ridiculous Christmas apparel. head and a wrinkly face that was covered with makeup making her look too young to be my mom's mom. She also wore the same The night air was still hot and dry as if the day had never cooled down when we left. type dress that they all wear and it looked The winter solstice was just two days away, way too old for this century. White pearls but winter was the last thing on my mind for dangled around her neck and a diamond the new season. It was more like spring or wedding ring fit her left ring finger, though early summer if you asked me. Why my parents were bundled up, I have no idea. I her husband had died many years before.

We arrived at the airport a little before eleven at night. Even at this time of night, it was busy. You could see people hustling about doing all sorts of things: checking in, going through security, finding their gate, running to their next flight, picking up family members, everything.

would be arriving at. The line moved slowly of course, nothing too unusual, but we're at the front before we know it. A lady behind the extended desk, called for us to come at last.

"We all need tickets to the Denver to Phoenix gate. Our oldest son is flying back And I loved it. The best atmosphere I could from college tonight and we're here to pick possible be in at the moment. him up," my dad explains politely to the frontier check-in lady, her tag read Rebecca We waited in line to check in, not for a flight, which must have been her name. She had but for passes to go to the gate my brother shoulder length black hair with matching 35

was in a Christmas t-shirt and Christmas shorts. Just looking at them made me want to sweat or die of a heat stroke.

We loaded into the car. My dad volunteered to drive, my mom sat next to him in the passenger seat, and my grandma and I sat in the back. When my dad turned the car on, Christmas music was playing on the radio.

Once it had turned on, my mom and dad began singing along with it straight away.

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh hey..."

"Can we please change the channel," I asked over their obnoxious singing "What for," my mom replied, "it's Christmas!"

"Sure doesn't feel like it."

"Oh cheer up sport," my dad added.

"It's okay, Maxwell," my grandma said, speaking for the first time in hours it seemed like. "It will snow here before you know it.

Then it will definitely feel like Christmas."

"I hope so, grandma."

eyes and she seemed as if she didn't want to be there.

"I'm sorry to say, but only two members can go back to the gates at a time," she said all of this in a squeaky voice and didn't look the least bit sorry.

"I'm sorry?!" My mom began. Here she goes. "But it's Christmas! Can't you make an exception for a loving family?! My son has been trapped in the Denver airport all day due to a blizzard and you expect some of us

to stay behind to wait?! I don't think so lady!" My mom's face was just inches away from Rebecca's emotionless one and she was leaning over the counter with both palms smashed firmly against it.

"Ma'am, I cannot allow that. Now step back before I call for security."

"I WILL NOT--" "Violet, dear," my grandma spoke up, "let it go. It's not worth it. You and Rodger can go.

Maxwell and I will wait here."

"No, you and Max can go on ahead, we'll wait by baggage claim."

"Are you sure, Violet?"

"Yes, mom. You two go on ahead."

Rebecca handed over the two passes to my dad respectively and he gave them to my grandma to keep for the time being.

"The nerve of some people," I heard my mom say louder than was really necessary. I

looked over my shoulder and noticed Rebecca gave my mom a look. She had definitely heard her.

"Violet, dear, calm down. It's going to be fine," my grandma reassured. "We'll be back here within a half an hour I assume."

For we had just arrived at baggage claim.

My grandma and I continued up the escalator, heading for the security area.

"Ryan!" I shouted excitedly. I ran up to him and gave him a brotherly hug. He returned it with a huge smile on his face. He looked like an older version of me with the brown hair, but more so like dad with the same blue eyes behind glasses. Ignoring the weather in Denver, he wore khaki shorts with a Christmas t-shirt like mine.

"What's up, little bro? Sorry about the long wait, but the snow was just brutal."

"It's all right. I love the snow remember.

Nothing will make me hate it. So...did you bring some with you?" I asked looking all

around his slim figure trying to find it.

"Ha-ha, I'm sorry, Max, but I didn't bring any snow with me. It's just too hot. It would have melted. You know that." He looked down at my smiling face.

"I know, I was just jokin'. C'mon, let's go get your baggage."

"All right. Hey Grandma."

"Hello, dear. How was your first semester at CU?" She went up and gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek. It was an interesting sight seeing her do that, however because he was so tall and she was too short.

"It was really great actually. I have the best dorm mate, Josh. And my classes are great.

But we can talk about it later."

The doors to the gate were opened when we arrived. Grandma and I sat down directly opposite from them so that we could get the first sight of Ryan. People were already coming out, but there was no sign of him.

"Max! Grandma! Over here!" Came a voice near the entrance of the gates. There were so many people that I guess we couldn't see him through the crowd.

"Ryan, honey!" My mom shouted for the whole airport to hear when she spotted us.

She ran up to him and squeezed him around the middle which caught him off guard.

"How are you?"

"I'm good, mom. Can you let go, please?"

She let go and took a couple of steps back.

"Here's your suitcase," she handed it over to him.

"Thanks, mom!"

She nodded, "You should have seen the trouble we went through to get to you

though."

"Why what happened," Ryan asked curiously.

"Oh nothing," Grandma said.

"It's just that the rudest people work here."

She glared over her shoulder at nobody in particularly... Our dad took this opportunity to step forward and also gave Ryan a hug. They stood at the exact height, but Ryan was still growing and our father was shrinking little by little.

"Nice to have you home son," he said.

"It's good to be home, really. I absolutely missed the warm air and you all!"

"Excuse me? You miss this weather?" I gestured to the air around us as we had just exited the airport into a blast of hot and dry air, our bodies already covered in sweat. Did it get more hot while we were in there? Is that even possible? "Unbelievable."

"Oh come off it, Max," Ryan laughed. I stuck my tongue out at him as my reply.

36

37

"Maybe I could give you a little extra," she offered.

"Oh no, grandma, I couldn't have you do that."

"It's the least I could do."

"I said no. Please, I don't want it."

"Max, I think it's time for you to go to bed," my mom said.

"But I'm not in the least bit tired! Aw, mom!

Can I please stay up? Please?"

"See what you've done, Ryan, now he's too excited to go to bed. But I said that it's time to go to bed, Max, so off you go."

"But?" "I agree with your mom, Max," dad stated.

"In fact, I think we should all get off to bed.

It is a bit late." Both Ryan and Grandma yawned at that moment and headed off to the guest bedrooms. I knew I was defeated then and followed after, not looking towards either of my parents. I wasn't mad at them at all, my mind was just racing with my upcoming vacation with Ryan. I undressed and re-dressed into my pajamas when I got to my bedroom, before hopping into bed where I would remain awake for hours, thinking.

I had finally drifted off to sleep when the first rays of the sun were starting to rise. My room was dark thanks to my curtains, so it still felt like night. All was well."

"So how was your first semester of college,"

our mom asked once we got settled into our family room. It was almost midnight at this point and well past my bedtime.

"It was really enjoyable, much better than high school. As I told grandma, my dorm mate, Josh is a cool guy and all my classes were interesting. And the weather is amazing up there. They have a saying: 'if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes.' Boy was that true. It doesn't snow or rain for very long, but there are more than enough sunny days there. More so than Florida, Grandma."

"Sounds fun," I said. "What's the snow like, Ryan?"

"You don't remember?"

"I was so young the last time I witnessed it."

Just after my fourth birthday, we went to Vermont for Christmas to visit my nana on my dad's side of the family. While we were there, it had snowed so much and I had fell in love with it. That was the first and last time I was in snow. We were never able to visit nana again because we were too poor.

Ever since then, I had wished for snow for Christmas.

"Yeah, you were only four, I forgot. I was only ten at the time myself. Snow is amazing.

It's cold, but makes you feel all warm and cheerful inside. And when it falls to create a winter wonderland, it's the prettiest sight ever. Maybe after the holidays, I could take

you with me and show you around. There's always snow on the ground there. Even during the summer months."

"That would be so totally amazing! I am so excited right now! Looks like I will be getting snow after all, though it's not on Christmas day. Oh well, I still get to see it and travel by plane to Colorado! Oh my gosh, this is like the best thing ever. I am so-" I rambled on and on until I was threatened to have my mouth glued shut, or worse, go to bed.

"Well, mom, dad, would that be okay if I took Max with me for a few days?"

"I don't see why not," Ryan, our dad said.

"What do you think Vi?" "It's not like we have anything planned after Christmas. Not until New Years anyways.

Yeah, I guess that'd be all right."

"Oh, I forgot about new years. Looks like we'll have to go afterwards, buddy."

"That's totally okay with me. School doesn't start up again until mid January anyways and you have to stay with us until New Years..."

"Cool, then we're all set."

"Do you have the money, hun," grandma asked.

"I do. I picked up a job and saved some money up for vacation."

escalators to where the baggage claim was, before heading to Ryan's roommate, Josh's car. Though this place was huge, it was really well organized overall.

Once we were outside, the frozen air shocked me. It was so much different then back home and I loved it. The snow came down heavily and it was building up all over the place and fast. I was just so speechless.

"Hey, Ryan," Josh greeted. "and it's nice to meet you, Max. I have heard so much about you." Josh had short blond hair with hazel eyes. He wore a grey hoodie that made his eyes pop and a dark pear of blue jeans to complete is ensemble.

"Hey, nice to meet you too, Josh." Ryan

climbed into the front seat and I sat in the back behind him. "Ryan has told me a lot about you too."

"So, Max, what do you want to do first?"

Ryan asked "Play in the snow, of course!"

"That was a stupid question."

"Hey, do you want to go sledding?" Josh offered. "I know of the perfect hill."

"Do you even have sleds?" Ryan questioned.

"Yes, they're at my parents house."

We grabbed three different sleds, all of different sizes and made for the hill. My first thought of the hill was 'wow!' It was so long and covered in feet of old as well as fresh snow. The local children must have been

bored with this place because nobody was around and the hills were already glassed over with ice making it firm and patted down with sled marks, perfect conditions for sledding as I soon found out. At the bottom, the hill sloped upwards toward the cloudy sky acting as a neat ramp. This was going to be such a blast.

The snow continued to fall, even heavier here than it was at the airport. This was such a dream come true. And I knew, without knowing that I would move to a place as cold and as snowy as it was there. Nothing could make me more happier then I was right then.

Snow! It was snowing! Just outside my plane window.

"Look, Ryan it's snowing! It's snowing!"

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"Ha-ha, I know little buddy. It snows a lot here, especially this winter."

"Since it didn't snow on Christmas back home, I'm glad that I can see it here. At least I still get it! And it looks like there is so much!"

"That's because there is a lot! Come on, we got to go find our luggage."

We entered the airport through the C gates because we flew with Southwest airlines instead of Frontier and man was this airport huge! There were people everywhere, most returning from their holiday vacations. We headed to the center of what was a lengthy hallway, with all the C gates on either side, to an even larger room. Food joints lined the sides and even a small plane hung from the ceiling.

We had to descend down two flights of escalators to the ground floor where the mini train was. Since the C gates were so far from the main airport, we had to use it because it was just too far to walk to. But the mini train was fast and we were in the main part in no time. This was the most unique portion of the

place. The ceiling was made of pointy white tarps. Some sign read that they were energy efficient or something. To me, it was still cool.

We went down one more flight of escalators to where the baggage claim was, before heading to Ryan's roommate, Josh's car. Though this place was huge, it was really well organized overall.

Once we were outside, the frozen air shocked me. It was so much different then back home and I loved it. The snow came down heavily and it was building up all over the place and fast. I was just so speechless.

"Hey, Ryan," Josh greeted. "and it's nice to meet you, Max. I have heard so much about you." Josh had short blond hair with hazel eyes. He wore a grey hoodie that made his eyes pop and a dark pear of blue jeans to complete is ensemble.

"Hey, nice to meet you too, Josh." Ryan climbed into the front seat and I sat in the back behind him. "Ryan has told me a lot about you too."

"So, Max, what do you want to do first?"

Ryan asked

"Play in the snow, of course!"

"That was a stupid question."

"Hey, do you want to go sledding?" Josh offered. "I know of the perfect hill."

"Do you even have sleds?" Ryan questioned.

"Yes, they're at my parents house."

We grabbed three different sleds, all of different sizes and made for the hill. My first thought of the hill was 'wow!' It was so long and covered in feet of old as well as fresh snow. The local children must have been bored with this place because nobody was around and the hills were already glassed over with ice making it firm and patted down with sled marks, perfect conditions for sledding as I soon found out. At the bottom, the hill sloped upwards toward the cloudy sky acting as a neat ramp. This was going to be such a blast.

The snow continued to fall, even heavier here than it was at the airport. This was such a dream come true. And I knew, without knowing that I would move to a place as cold and as snowy as it was there. Nothing could make me more happier then I was right then.

"Can you do it?"

"Of course I can do it! Who do you think I am, the Easter bunny?"

"No, I meant, will you do it."

"You know that's against regulations!"

"Jack."

"Santa?"

"I will put in a word to Mother Nature."

"That will only make mother more angry.

Instead of snow for the boy, she will create a flood or something worse. You mustn't bother her. You know as well as I do!"

"I'll think of something! This boy has been wishing for the same thing for eight years. I

can't let him down again especially since he's been at the top of the nice list all his life."

"I understand, but mother isn't."

"Don't worry, I can handle this."

"You can try."

"Don't you have some blizzard to create in Colorado or something?"

I woke up with a start, sat up in my bed, and gasped all at the same time. I glanced over at the clock. It read eight-thirty in the morning. I had only gotten a couple hours of sleep, but for some reason, I was wide awake and my mind was racing again.

"What was that, that I was dreaming about?

It felt so real. Well, the last part did, anyways.

The first part would actually be happening; well the vacation would, not so much on the

blizzard. But the last part? Santa Claus isn't real and neither are Jack Frost and his mother? Mother Nature? Nope, they weren't real. Just a dream, just a dream, JUST A DREAM!" I repeatedly told myself in my head.

I couldn't go back to sleep. There was no way after the dream I had dreamt. I hurried down the stairs after freshening up in the bathroom to find everyone at the breakfast

table drinking coffee and eating eggs and bacon. My favorite. Ryan scooted sideways closer to grandma and invited me to sit beside him. I grabbed my plate and loaded it up with so much food that you'd think I was starving myself. Usually, I don't drink coffee because my parents don't allow it, but since it was a special morning, it was all right for the day.

"Good morning, dear," my grandma said

with a cheerful smile on her face. "How'd you sleep?"

"Well, I couldn't get to sleep last night, but when I did, I had the most wonderful dream!"

"What was it about?" My mom asked.

"It was about my vacation, of course!" I

chose not to inform them all on my crazy dream. That was private and I didn't want them to think I was overly obsessing about it snowing, though truthfully, I really was.

Even with my brother around, my mind couldn't stay off of a white Christmas. "Are we doing anything today?"

"Not that I know of," my mom answered.

"We've already cleaned the house, so I guess we get to relax until Christmas." Just my luck. What was I going to do for five whole days? And how was I going to keep my mind off of snow? I wasn't.

"We've been dating for a while now..." he got down onto one knee. "...and I was wondering...would you marry me, Mother Nature?"

"Oh my gosh! Yes! Santa Claus, yes! I will marry you!"

"Really? That's great!" As he slipped a gorgeous rock on her left ring finger.

"Where'd you get this?"

"I made it, dear."

"It's beautiful!" Santa said nothing and remained silent a bit too long." You're hiding something, aren't you? What is it? You can tell me."

"Well, there's this kid who has been wishing for the same thing every year at Christmas, but

I cannot grant it. This is a kid who sits at the very top of the nice list every year, even though his dream doesn't come true. He deserves what he wants and I won't give up until he gets it!"

"Okay, Santa, calm down, will you?!" Mother Nature said, for he had raised to his black booted feet to make his point. He sat back down at this. "What is this boys' wish anyways?"

"He wants snow."

"And why can't he have it? My son would be glad to give it to him, especially since he deserves it!"

"Well, there's one problem; it never snows where he lives in Phoenix, Arizona..."

"That is a problem, but exceptions can be made."

"What?! Are you serious?!"

"Of course I am. It's Christmas and he sounds like a wonderful kid!"

"Wow, the total opposite of what Jack said."

"What do you mean? What did my son exactly say?"

"Well you can't tell him I said this or he won't do as we ask, but he said that you were stubborn in a way."

"Oh, no need to worry about him. He will do exactly what I ask of him or else there will be a problem."

"I love you!"

"I love you more!" They kissed passionately.

"Whoa," was the first thing I said when I woke up. My room was still pitch black and my clock read two-thirty. Again, the dream had felt so real, but it was seriously weird.

"That boy they were talking about was me.

But this was just a dream, just a dream, JUST A DREAM!" I tell my self over and over again.

I hadn't had any interesting dreams for a couple of days, until that night that is. My days were passing by slowly with nothing to

keep me busy. The days were more hot than ever reaching record territory. Snow was the last thing that would happen. The rest of my family new how I was feeling and yet they didn't seem to care. They never asked how I was feeling or even tried to reassure me that everything would be just fine. But things weren't 'just fine.' No matter what they did, it just wouldn't snow.

The night before Christmas cheered me up, however. I was finally getting into the

Christmas spirit when we handed each other one gift before bed. We all knew what was inside of course, but we acted surprised when we opened them anyhow. Our new pajamas were soft and thin to help against the heat. We all pretty much got the same, the only difference were the colors. Mine were green. We all undressed from our old night clothes and re-dressed into the new comfortable ones before having one last glass of eggnog and and heading off to bed.

39

40

"YOU'RE WHAT?!"

"I'm getting married to your mother, Jack.

We've been dating for a while, it was just a matter of time before we got married, you know that!"

Jack looked down towards his feet. "And what of the snow in Phoenix?"

"She accepted! The boys' wish is going to come true after all!"

"That's great! How'd you do it?"

"I asked, It's as simple as that."

Later, that night, Jack Frost flew down over the southwest region of North America and blew a cool wind. Instantly a dark blue and grey cloud covered the States reaching as far west as Texas and as far north as Colorado.

Light flurries began to fall in areas that hadn't seen snow in years. The temperatures dropped dramatically from above average fifty degree temperatures to below average twenty degree temperatures. An event that is so

"That might have felt real like the dreams before hand, but there is no way that it snowed a single flake overnight," I thought to myself. It was 7 in the morning and the sun appeared to be shining through my curtains. I was correct, no snow if the sun was out. I jumped out of my bed and gasped at the crisp feeling of the hardwood floor under my bare feet. I searched for my slippers in my closet and put them on before pulling back my curtains to a blinding light.

I screamed!

"What's wrong?" My mom asked as she barged into the room with my dad behind her and my grandma behind him. They stopped in their tracks also blinded by the light from outside.

"Why are the floors so cold this morning?"

My brother asked as he too entered my room. "My feet are so cold." He looked up and received his answer.

"IT'S SNOWING!" I shrieked with

"You didn't use your Christmas magic to persuade her, did you?"

"Jack, you don't need magic when you're in love."

"Stop, okay? Just stop! When will I make this happen?"

"Tonight. The boy needs to wake up to a light dusting of snow already on the ground and it snowing lightly, then picking up ever so slightly throughout the day."

"Okay. How much snow shall I give him?"

"That is up to you, Jack. Mind you, the folks there aren't used to snow in Phoenix..."

"Then this shall be interesting for me!" He had a sneaky grin on his face with which Santa didn't notice.

"I better go, Jack. I have a long night ahead of me and there's much to prepare for still.

Good luck and Merry Christmas."

"Thanks, you too! You know, you're not to bad, dad..."

unbelievingly rare that it is more likely to get struck by lightning there even though it never rains in some parts.

It was enjoyable for Jack, however. A dusting of snow already lay across the grass and the residents of each house were atop their blankets in their beds trying to keep cool not knowing or caring about what was occurring outside.

After a while, he began to get carried away,

by making it snow even heavier as well as expanding the boundaries of the unexpected storm. It stretched towards that of the south into northern Florida and beyond. Kids would be all giddy inside when they discovered the winter wonderland in the morning. That made Jack happier more than anything which hardened the snow all around.

exhilaration. "I can't believe it! This can't be happening! My dreams were true. Were real! Somebody pinch me!"

"I don't understand," my mom spoke up first. "The news...it said that it was supposed to be abnormally hot. Where did this come from?"

"Santa," I responded.

"Max, Santa doesn't exist," my dad said.

"You've been right all along."

"Then explain this."

"The blizzard in Denver must have stalled and come south," Ryan suggested. "Weather changes all the time, buddy."

"That blizzard was a week ago. You would still be stuck if it had stalled."

"Quite the young weather man we have," my grandma said.

"You believe me, don't you, grandma?"

"Of course I do. There isn't any other explanation."

"Mom?" My mom said with a look of

reality.

"Violet, it rarely snows here, you know that.

Looks to me that there is already a good half a foot on the ground and it's still snowing heavy. What else can this be?"

That shut my mom up. "I agree with Ryan," my dad, however, said.

"Do you," My grandma asked. "How about go open presents. It's Christmas after all."

I was the first to run out of my bedroom, my brother right behind me. We sat directly in front of the tree while our mom, dad, and grandma sat on the couch. My mom flipped on the news.

"What an unexpected surprise we got this morning, Bob" the woman news anchor on the left said. "The city is under a state of emergency with the six inches of snow already reported on the ground this morning.

"I know, Jane. I almost crashed my car when I backed out of my garage this

41

morning What a surprise this was. And this event hasn't just hit us, folks, but also to all the people in the south. Places that have never even seen snow before like Miami, Florida. And it has hit the Los Angeles and San Diego area too, it's just so rare. Now let's go to Mike with the weather, Mike?"

"Good morning Bob and Jane and Merry Christmas to you both. I have no explanations for this rare occurrence. I was one-hundred percent sure of another hot and clear day in the Phoenix metro area. As for my predictions on the amount of snow, it looks to me that it's not planning on letting up anytime soon. We could have a foot to a foot in a half before this is all said and done, which has never happened in Phoenix history or the rest of the southern States as far as I'm concerned. Everyone just stay at home today. Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas. Bob, Jane back to you."

"See?" My grandma asked. All of our eyes were glued to the TV during the news segment.

"This has got to deal with Santa and my wish. I just know it. There's no other way."

"Stop it!" my mom and dad commanded.

"And stop encouraging him, Mom." My mom looked to grandma.

I just wish the culprits behind this awesome attack would show themselves to prove that I was right. But I did have a way: my dream.

"Mom, dad, Ryan, I have something very important to say."

"What is it, son?" My dad questioned, a look of curiosity not only on his face, but also my mom's, Ryan's, and Grandma's as well.

And I told them about my dream. I started with how it began with the vacation I was going on with Ryan with which they had remembered. Then, I told them that it had changed that same night into a stranger

dream. A dream that felt so real, it was like a vision of some sort, like I was actually there witnessing it. It surprised them when I had the same kind of dream, but on a different night with a different story. That is when they seemed to think that I wasn't making this whole thing up. All of them could tell that this dream had been bothering me for a while now, I just never spoke up to tell them about it. When I was finished telling them about the latest dream overnight, comprehension had finally dawned on their senses.

"Do you believe me now?"

"We have to," my mom spoke through all of them. "You had a vision, not a dream. It has to be real."

"Let's open presents now," Ryan said.

I jumped with joy. This was the best Christmas ever! "Merry Christmas everyone!"

"That was very sweet of you, sweetheart."

"Thank you, Santa. It makes me feel good inside when something like that happens," Mother Nature admitted.

"And thank you, Jack for doing my bidding."

"No problem, dad."

"Though I think you overdid it some, dear," his mother said.

"Eh, it's Christmas. The snow will be gone soon enough. It just made me happy watching the boy play in the snow all day."

"He's the true meaning of Christmas, I think," Santa said.

"Yes, indeed," Mother Nature agreed.

"Can we do this again next year?" Jack asked.

"Definitely not!" Mother Nature turned the

suggestion down."

"Why not? We could give Alaska a warm spell for a day or two."

"I said no!"

"See, dad, I told you. She's a piece of work.

Good luck on the marriage!" " Ho, ho, ho," Santa laughed, "Merry Christmas, Jack." Mother Nature joined in on laughing.

That was the last vision I had as I continued reason, I had an urge to go to Alaska next to sleep on Christmas night. Everything was Christmas. It would be nice to visit the rest just right in the world. And for some strange of our family up there for the holidays. I

would just have to ask my my parents about it. Don't count on it happening though.

Merry Christmas.

The End Cristopher Blakeney (USA)

Rapturing Moonlight When I lay upon my pillow at night I go deep in my mind and know everything is alright For the things that awake me, will never forsake me I Remember, what makes me stronger, can never break me And what is not a stealer, for it can not take me And for what protects me, will never danger me What is the motto for living life?

For young teens commit suicide and husbands leave their wife For the human nature is wrong but they only know right For the people who believe in God and the ones who don't For the ones who worships God and the ones who won't God gives us choices, he wants us to choose For if we don't play his game, at the end, we all lose For the 10 commandments that some of us don't follow We live tomorrow today and don't cherish life tomorrow For our being we're not promised the next day You can't succeed in life if you don't live life His way This is not for atheists and not even for the people who believe It's for our mind, so in your mind, this message you receive I'm not telling you to believe in God if you don't Because that is not my job so I won't Just use this tool to build your knowledge For the answer you know and we all know that is modest In God's eye, we're all brothers and sisters, in this we learn Just prepare yourself for the rapture of when Jesus returns CosmicWriter (USA)

Keep Smiling Raven Snow (Jordan) Seasons changed as time went by everyone told me time would heal my wounds but nothing could do me any good. What I faced was unforgettable.

The trees and flowers bloomed around me and the tears started rushing down my eyes again. She was a tree hugger she always had been one even when she was a little girl but now there was nothing left of her, only the memories that haunt me. I did this to her but here I was living like nothing had ever happened.

It all happened one summer, when my life changed. I was 13 but she was 10, we’d spent our whole life together, we were always there for each other. I’d promised to protect her, to me she was a princess and I was her loyal knight but so much for all that small talk. Our parents weren’t really around. Dad was doing time for drugs and murder, and mom, well I guess I could say she was in

another world, she had no idea what was going on around her ever since dad killed Leila our youngest sister while under the influence, but hey I guess life goes on. So I was the man of the family dad had been in jail for like 3 years, that’s when mom lost it, I never thought she’d get back to her senses again. I watch as dad kill Leila but I wasn’t going to let anything else happen to this family, no I had to protect us that’s why I didn’t report my mom, I didn’t want us to be separated, I could only imagine if they didn’t let her see us again. Elizabeth was so peaceful, the most precious, delicate, valuable person in the world, well at least that’s how I saw her. I remembered a conversation that happened between the two of us, when dad was first locked up.

“They finally got that jerk, serves him right; I wish I never see his face again.”

“Don’t say that Sam, he still is our dad

43

and he didn’t mean to do all those things,” Liz replied hesitantly, but still confidently. “Look what he’s done to our life, from a mansion to this pathetic excuse for a house and don’t get me started about what he did to mom. Why are you even defending him?” “Why? That’s easy he’s our dad silly. If it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be here right now, no matter what happens he still loves us, I’m sure of it. Everyone makes mistakes and when he gets out he won’t have anyone on his side, we need to be there Sam, he’s family. If we don’t forgive him, who will? I’m also sure he regrets what he did; we don’t know what he’s going through right now. Family needs to stick together.” She said with a smile. I looked at her discussed and not believing what she’d just said, I just wanted to slap her out of it right then and there. “What are you talking about I have nothing to do with that man, never

say that again. He dissevers to rot in hell for the rest of his life. He’s not family, he’s not even human. What organism with the right mind kills his own daughter and ruins the rest of his family’s life? If you consider someone like that to be family, than you’re, you’re,” I tried to calm myself down as I saw the tears in her eyes. She’s never seen me so mad before, she’d released the demon inside of me with all the anger and furry that was locked up in my heart. I left so she wouldn’t have to see this side of me, what was happening to me, could I control my anger, in front of my sis at least.

Thinking about it, she was like an angel. She always had enough heart to forgive anyone, it’s all my fault I should have never live that lie she was too delicate. Anyways, after a while I went back, she was just sitting there right where she was and crying but when she saw me she somehow managed to stop and ask if I was ok. It should have been the other way around, I went and hugged her. “I’m sorry, I got mad, I promise it’ll never happen again, don’t worry my princess.” I picked her up and we headed home.

When we reached the house mom was at the door, “where have you been?

And who is he? Leila, go inside this instant.” “Mom, I’m your son, Sam.” I replied. “Who are you trying to trick? I don’t have a son; I only have Leila now please leave and stay away from my daughter.” Liz looked shocked, “mom, I’m...”, but I cut her off. “Bye, see you tomorrow LEILA, I’ll pick you up after school.” I then directed my speech to mom. “It’s for a school project, it’s

called the little sister group. Its part of our assignment, you don’t mind, do you?” mom nodded and smiled, “sure, as long as you don’t do anything fishy” then went in. So that’s how I shut Liz up and forced her into this lie. Liz came up to me with tears in her eyes. “Listen please pretends you’re Leila. Mom’ll back to her normal self if you do. I promised I’d protect you guys, so you have to do it, this way I’ll be sure you’re safe. Please.” “But what about you?

Why doesn’t mom remember us? Sam I don’t want you to go.” “Don’t worry about me, I have friends, I can handle myself. This way you’ll stay loved

forever buy as little Leila, do it for all of us. I’ll come and check on you every once in awhile everything is ganna be ok. Don’t worry.” She hugged me than we herd mom yelling from inside, “Leila, come in darling it’s getting cold.”

She hesitated at first but then she saw me telling her to go, “coming”.

Days passed and that’s how things stayed for a while. Liz turned into Leila, and mom got her to her senses.

Everything was normal again. The only problem was that I was literally on the streets now, but that’s the price I had to pay for everyone else to be happy. I was happy as long as they are happy, at least that what I kept telling myself. That’s about time when Liz began to change, 44

she started becoming more open, and her life was becoming better. She had a mom that loved her, a brother that cared for her, and with me out of the picture she actually started making friends.

Nevertheless she wasn’t Liz anymore, all this happiness was for Leila, not Liz. The only time she was herself was when she was with me. It was a curse I placed on her.

Once I was at my house, or should I say Leila’s house. Mom had gotten to know me as one of Leila’s friends, at I could still be close to them. So I was at their house and mom was going into one of her phases, when her memory temporarily came back and we were supposed to remind her of the lie again, to make her feel ok.

This was the first time I was there to see one, and I was frightened.

Liz could see the worry on my face. “Who are you, what are you doing in my house?” mom started.

“Is that you Leila?” I looked at Leila and she looked back at me, she was fed up with this.

“No, I’m not Leila, I’m Liz. She’s dead mom, Leila is dead. This is Sam, my brother, your eldest son. Don’t you remember us? I know you do, mom it’s time to wake up.”Mom went into total shock and rejection. “No, no Leila isn’t dead, she didn’t die. Leila my baby you’re right here, you can’t be dead, you’re alive. I wouldn’t let my daughter die, that impossible.” Tears streaked down her eyes. Liz realize the sorrow I faced, she could see it on my face whenever I would come home. She knew I hated acting like an outsider. She knew how painful it was, pretending you didn’t care, pretending, you had nothing

to do with anything, not being able to go up to my mom or her and hug her, not being able to say ‘everything is ganna be ok’. I couldn’t hide my feeling anymore; the tears pushed their way out. Liz answered mom again, this time with a firm voice. “I am Liz, Leila is dead. Dad killed her, you let it happen, now just forget the past. Mom that’s what happened, you watched as it happened, you didn’t do anything to stop it, but know you have to come back to us, so nothing like that will happen again.

Please stop this mom, I don’t want to be her anymore.” Out of rage and disbelief mom grabbed the knife next to her and bolted towards Liz. “Liar, your lying, Leila isn’t dead, your Leila and your right here.” not wanting to hear another word emerge from Liz’s mouth she stabbed her in the stomach, right then and there and I just watched.

I could have stopped her. I was stronger than her; I could have taken the knife from her. I could have covered Liz, I could have backed her away, I could have saved her, but I didn’t I just watched. I’d promised I’d protect her, but I couldn’t, no I didn’t. I dragged her in to this, and now look what happened.

Whoever heard of a princess dying to protect her knight, she did that so I would have to suffer. I wish I would have died instead of her, she would have good for the world, unlike me, I’m just an excuse for someone trying to improve the world, like all other people on this earth. I do good so I would benefit. I was as big of a failure as my dad, I was even worse. I killed my family; I killed them all with my selfishness. Once mom woke up from her episode, she saw Liz, saw me and realized what she’d done.

She went and hung herself, and that was it, I was alone. I was the real murdered, but once they came I was let go. I wanted them to lock me up, to kill me but instead my life just kept getting better. My real punishment was worse; I

was forced to live with that guilt on my shoulders. Forced to remember how I killed everyone around me. I destroyed the most precious thing in life, I lost my family, friends, honesty, loyalty, I lost my ability to smile. Everything would have been alright if I had only took mom to the psychologist, life would went on.

Everything would have been perfect.

Instead, I forced Liz to play along until she couldn’t take it anymore, she couldn’t handle the lie. I killed her, she’s dead.

I remember seeing Liz on the floor and mom running around. I saw myself run up to her, screaming. “Liz, are you ok? Liz answer me.” Once you think

about it, it was a really stupid question, but there was nothing else I could do, it was too late. “Sam, you’ll be my knight, I love you and always will, I, I just couldn’t put up with this lie anymore. I’ll miss, you. You are the best brother I could have ever wished for.” That’s when I knew it; she was dying, like really dying. This wasn’t some joke, it was reality and that’s when I lost it. But then I heard her sweet, soft voice again.

“Big brother, promise me you’ll keep smiling.”

Silence and that’s how it stayed until the police showed up. They took her, “no, leave her alone, don’t touch her, don’t” I yelled. The officer grabbed me and then gave me a sleeping dowse. Next thing I knew I was in the orphanage signing some paper work, so I could get adopted. And here I am. I finally woke up. If it wasn’t for her words I‘d probably be dead by now, I already kind of was.

Raven Snow (Jordan) 45

Death was way easier than to dream about the same thing over and over again, every night. It wouldn’t leave me alone, nor did I deserve to be left alone.

That’s all I am now an overachiever on the outside but broken and lost in reality.

There is no way I’m going to forgive myself. I disserve to suffer this sorrow until I take my last breath. I could never be happy again.

So I sat there staring at the cherry blossom and smiled, that was all I could do. My tears had all dried up and the only thing left was that unfulfilled promise that I decided I had to do, a smile. Jessica looked into my eyes and asked if I was ok. I looked back up and gave my last words.

“No, he was a good person so young, why did he have to go?” Jessica cried as they took the body away. Everyone was in black and loads of people were there to watch the funeral. Everyone was in tears once the priest finished his speech everyone got up and left. That’s what happens when you die, people cry and moan for a while, but the live takes them on their own journey, they forget.

Everyone is forgotten and nothing is left of except your bones and your uncompleted dreams. All of a sudden a tall broad man came; he had huge gray eyes and dark black hair with some white streaks he looked exactly like Sam. He read the tombstone aloud “here lays the body of Sam a beloved friend and a hard worker. When he finally forgot about the tragedies he faced, he passed away not able to see the wonders of this world. ‘Keep smiling’ were his last words. We all hold you dear in our hearts. R.I.P.” the man whipped the few tears that were on his face. “The same moment I was released, you died .what a coincidence. I’m sorry son, I’ve always wanted to say that, but I guess it’s too late wow your smile killed you, comes to show how cruel this place is.” Then walked away.

The Old Man Everything has finished, Just a few to go To go towards the destiny, Towards the end, Towards the presentation ceremony.

I am tired, I am waiting for the last breath..

The morning has left my company The noon already vanished up The afternoon played hide and seek and disappeared, The evening is no more pleasing, The dining table has been washed up, Time to sleep, waiting for the last breath.

The sleep having no end Having no morning Having no dream But a dream without soul Having no regrets to get up.

It is all peace, waiting for the last breath.

O dear mother, Your son is tired, Finally played the last game, And finally he left the ground, He wants to take rest forever, In your loving lap waiting for the last breath.

The role is ended in climax, Tired of acting in many roles, Being a son to being a brother, Being a friend to being a lover, Being a husband for being a father, Being a grandpa, waiting for the last breath.

O earth take your part, O fire take your flame from me, O water I am returning your droplets, O air thanks for your company, O sky finally I am repaying your gift, Finally waiting , waiting for the last breath.

Smrutikant Nayak (India) 46

The Story Contest

Imad Ul Islam (India) 1

sitting room. As he opened the door the That day the sun was at its best. Rizwan boy got up from the sofa to greet him. was strolling down the road towards the The boy was wearing a white shirt and park with his elder brother Sheeran. The still the sweat was pouring down his face. It seemed that his face was air was gentle and the birds were thawing. tranquil. Some of the children were “Hello” said Rizwan shaking hands with loafing around the park. The park as him. always was monotonous. The flowers “I have been waiting for you for a long were moribund or dead as nobody time” said the boy. looked after them anymore. So, they “Don’t lie, not more than five minutes” don’t remain there for a long time. As said Rizwan glancing on the sofa he was they came out of the park a group of birds flew past them making an infernal sitting on.

“How can you be so sure?” asked the noise. It seemed that they were boy. expostulating.

“The sofa on which you were sitting is On the way home two garrulous boys back to its real position. I mean to say passed them talking to each other that if one sits on it for a long time as simultaneously. One of them gesticulating wildly at the other, neither you said it will remain pressed. But in this case it isn’t. So, you have not been of them was paying heed to other, and sitting on it for a long time” just throwing words at one another.

Rizwan went to them and offered them “But what if I have been standing for a long time and then sitting on this sofa some chewing-gums which they took for a short time?” civilly. And so the wrath died away “Good question, but you have not been suddenly, standing” When both the brothers reached home “How do you know?”

Rizwan was informed that a boy was waiting for him in the sitting room. So, “I think that you forgot to clean your shoes at the door” after throwing some water on his face The boy checked his shoes and they which invigorated him he went to the

46

were very untidy.

“Look, here are your footprints. They lead straight to that sofa. Therefore you have not been standing but sitting” “Yes, you are right” “Now tell me how can I help you” asked Rizwan seating himself on his rocking chair.

“My name is Rinchan and I have applied for…”

“For the story contest, am I right?” interrupted Rizwan.

“How do you know?” the boy sprang up from his chair and the pile of books toppled over.

“You have put the details of the story contest at a very conspicuous place” Rinchan checked his pockets and found the details missing.

“They are on the floor” said Rizwan pointing towards the sheets on the floor.

“You surprised me” said Rinchan.

“It’s my habit, continue with your story” “Well, as you know that I have applied for the story contest. The contest is going to be held tomorrow morning. I had prepared my story for the contest” “Wait a minute you said I had” interrupted Rizwan.

“Yes, I had because I have lost it. I mean

to say that someone stole it from my house” “So, this is the problem” said Rizwan “Tell me more” he added.

“Today in the morning I completed writing my story, it was a good one. I had a lot of expectations from that story.

After completing it I put it safely in the drawer of my room and went out” “Did you leave the door open?” asked Rizwan.

“No, I closed it but I didn’t lock it. I don’t think the thief may have entered through the door” “Unless he is one of your family member” “But why would from my family steal that story?” questioned Rinchan.

“Ok, put that topic aside. Tell me did you leave the window open?”

“Yes, I left it open. It seems more reasonable that the thief may have entered through the window” “We will see it later what is reasonable and what is not. Do you find any clue, any footprints or something like that which will be helpful to me?”

“No, I found none” replied Rinchan.

“You have to recite the story before some great writers, am I right?”

“Yes” “Alright, I will try to find your story and the thief” “You may need my address it is Tundwa Square” “Thanks, good bye” said Rizwan and when Rinchan was gone slammed the door inadvertently.

2 Rinchan reached Bun-Doda street sharply at seven 0 clock in the morning.

This was the time Rizwan had told him to come to his house. Rinchan knocked at the door and Rizwan answered.

“Come in Rinchan, come in” he took Rizwan to his room.

“Want some tea?” asked Rizwan.

“No just tell me have you found my story and the thief?”

“No, I tried my best to find your story but I haven’t been successful. But I have something better for you” said Rizwan taking out some papers from his drawer.

“What is this?” questioned Rinchan.

“It’s a story I want you to recite today before those writers” “What!” exclaimed Rinchan glancing over the pages “This isn’t my story” he added.

“I know but it is better to recite something than nothing” “I thought you will be able to find my story and the thief easily” “You will see, do as I have told you.

You have no other alternative. So, try your luck with this story” “Alright” said Rizwan and went out to try his luck.

The contest was going to take place at 10:00 am that day. After giving some more suggestions to Rinchan, Rizwan went to his room, unfolded a blanket over his body and was soon asleep.

Rinchan reached Town-Hall, where the contest was going to be held ten minutes before the time. He hadn’t got time to read that story at his home. He checked the list and found his name at the fourth place. So, he went in and seated himself comfortably with the other exultant contestants. He heard the stories of those three contestants with keen interest. And then came his turn. He was very nervous because he himself doesn’t know the story he was going to recite. He just hoped it was good. He went onto the stage boldly and adjusted the microphone. Then he opened those pages and started to read aloud.

“Respected judges and my dear friends, a warm good morning to all of you. The title of my story is ‘SOLVED’” he read those words with confidence and all the judges leaned forward to listen to the story.

“As Richacn was returning home he was way laid by his friend Sani near the mosque” continued Rinchan .“Sani as it seemed had just come from the 47

newspaper shop as he was holding a newspaper in his hands.

Rinchan was a boy of seventeen who loved reading and writing stories.

Everyone knew that. Sani his friend had waylaid him to talk to him about a story contest” “‘How are you Rinchan?’ said Sani advancing towards him.” “‘I am alright what about you?’” “‘I am fine. I thought you may be interested in this’ said Sani turning the pages of the newspaper” “‘Here it is, read it for yourself’ Sani handed him the newspaper pointing towards the news titled STORY CONTEST”’ all the contestants and the judges were listening keenly.

“Rinchan started to read the news” continued Rinchan.

“It ran as: A story contest is going to be held on 11th of April. Everyone above the age of twelve and below eighteen can take part in it. All the applicants have to make their own story and recite it before some great English authors. The entry fee for the contest is Rs. 500. The one who will be chosen as the best performer will be recognized as a great writer. And will be awarded Rs. 10000 and a gold medal. All the other needed information is given on the form which is to be filled with all he applicants. The form is available at Town Hall Doda” “‘That’s great’ said Rinchan handing back the newspaper to his friend”’ “I think this is the chance of your life, to prove yourself” “‘You are right’ replied Rinchan”’ “After that both of them parted to their homes. Rinchan rolling the matter over his mind again and again. After that Rinchan went to Town Hall collected the

form and entered the contest. On 10th April he completed writing his story, which he thought was a good one. After completing it he put it safely in his drawer and went out. His mother didn’t want him to be a writer because she thought it was just wasting time. So, when she went to clean Rinchan’s room there she found the details of the story contest and the story in the drawer which Rinchan had kept a secret. She doesn’t want her son to waste his time in writing stories. So, she simply took out the story leaving the details and burnt it”

Rinchan’s heart started to beat faster.

“When Rinchan returned to his room he was shocked to find the story missing. It was gone! He searched everywhere but all his efforts were fruitless. Eventually he went to Rizwan, the detective, and told him about his problem. Rizwan told him that he will try his best to find his story and the thief. So, when in the morning Rinchan went to Rizwan for his story Rizwan informed him that he was unsuccessful in finding his story. But he had something better for Rinchan and that is this story. Rizwan told him to

recite this story instead of his story. So, now he is out to try his luck” Rinchan completed the story with sweat all over his face. The judges could make neither head nor tail of the story. They looked at each other in frustration. Rinchan don’t bother to wait to see whether he was chosen as the best performer or not. He don’t even bother to go to Rizwan and ask him questions about his missing story, Because he had got all the answers to his questions.

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Novel Section Twins Lily and Monica had always lived together, pulling through their hardships, especially after their parents’ death. They were adopted into their aunt’s family but the distance between them and their spoiled cousins had always giving them a hard time. But life for them wasn’t too hard. Lily, although blind and with eyes at the color of amber, has an exceptional talent on dancing, which enchants everyone around her, while Monica has always been well composure, and with many leader traits.

But one day the two of them discover a strange looking tree, an Ebu tree, with shining pink petals and with the ability to talk. The Ebu tree begs for their help and it transports them, just before it dies, into the mysterious world of Denmor who is for a long time in the midst of a horrible war. There they are saved by Darth, a young boy with a mysterious past, who works as a wandering merchant together with his talking golden dragon Limon and a black puppy, with an amazing appetite, Dings. They decide to help them in their attempt to return home but fate has other plans as she unites them together in the search of a way to save Denmor.

Together they set on a journey in order for Lily and Monica to find a way back home and also, reveal the secrets that lie behind the myth of the Priestess, a being chosen in order to restore the lost balance in Denmor and the Four Gods who accompany her. Pursued by Nevol, the tyrant of Denmor, and his Three Generals Lily and Monica discover the beauty and the mysteries of Denmor,

along with the possibilities of their own selves, in the forms of a golden ribbon and a silver bow.

They come across with many people from Elder Fin of the Library of Namur and the Earth Golems to the Three brave Captains of Melba and the mermaids of the Bone Desert.

They meet a woman from ancient Greece and they join forces with the Northern Rebels in order to put an end to Nevol’s tyranny.

From North to the South and from East to West Lily, Monica, Darth, Limon and Dings combine their powers in order to fulfill forgotten prophecies and answer the expectations of those around them.

Concealed secrets and forgotten memories, friendships, betrayals, and a chance for love, combined with lots of magic in the midst of their survival Lily and Monica discover all those new feelings and together with their companions and with the help of the Four Gods Azure, Clomin, Bener and Menfor they change the history of whole Denmor forever, no matter how many sacrifices are bound to make, sacrifices that may hold our heroes together or tear them apart.

Follow them as they travel in the lands of Denmor along with their companions. Who is the Priestess of the four Gods and what is Lily’s and Monica’s connection with this forgotten myth? What secrets lie behind the red moonlight and why Darth has always been wandering, labeled as the “traitor”?

Summary Of The Novel By Alexandra Perchanidou

This great novel is written by Alexandra Perchanidou, a young author from Greece. If you want to read the complete novel, please visit the following link. http://www.booksie.com/fantasy/novel/rosenlexy92/the-priestess-of-the-four-gods-(novel-version) 49

Art Section

O m Du

tt

Lonely Girl By Mr. Om Dutt

Mr.Om Dutt a well known artist in the artists' society of India, passed away last year. Once I got a chance to see his paintings at his own art gallery situated in Meerut. It was an amazing experience to see his finished and half finished oil paintings. When his son, our magazine artist, R. K. Verma told him that I also had an interest in art and painting, and also made some pencil sketches, he appreciated me and encouraged me to continue and practice more and more. That was really quite an experience to see that great artists face to face and to talk to him. I feel honored to present one of his paintings to the world. This is the reflection family tribute to that great artist.

Vikrant 50

Paintings By

R. K. Verma

Rising Sun In Oil Paint

Dockyard In Acrylic Colours 51

Temple In Acrylic Colours

Pond In Acrylic Colours 52

Two Pencil Sketches By

R. K. Verma

Your

Reflection

Without dreams, life would be lacking spice. You have a wonderful dream for not only yourself but others. May your dream come true. Best of luck and wishes to you and your friends! Joe P. Attanasio (USA) it is really a fantastic and inspirational step by u guys(reflection team) in being booksie.i am giving thanks from bottom of my heart to all of u guys as well as to booksie .u guys really rocks ....eagerly waiting for the issue.....thank you very much Reflection..

Smrutikant Nayak (India)

It is really a very huge step......proud to be among those great writers....

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