Lucy Mae held up her hand To place upon the glass, When a big, bright orange fish Waved and swam on past.

“Oh fishy, fishy, do come back!” Pleaded little Lucy Mae; Fish blew bubbles in her face, When she asked about his day.

“You are my favorite color!” Cried Lucy with delight. “Not too yellow, not too red, But juuuuusssst right.”

“And all your sweet little friends Must look up to you, With big green eyes and flowy tail That I can see right through!”

June squinted her eyes against the harsh sunlight cutting to her skull like tiny daggers. It had been at least an hour since she’d entered the abandoned house in the side of the hill. She’s been out exploring in the mountains near her home of western Virginia while her mother was out for lunch with a friend. June lowered her blue eyes and notice a red beetle scurrying away from her bare feet. She smile absentmindedly and sneezed. There was so much dirt in that tunnel, which was surprising because the cozy little house itself had seemed well-loved and kept up. Yet she had to brush past the cobwebs to get to the other side. She blew out a puff of air, thinking of her excursion, when a brown and blue butterfly floated into her line of vision. She gazed at admirably, and it fluttered towards her seeming to want to give the child a closer look at its beauty. June reached out to meet it in the air, but it fluttered away. She blinked in surprise. A face grinned wickedly from the butterfly’s wing. June shook her head and squeezed her eyes open and shut. The sun was playing an effect on her vision no doubt. She looked around for the butterfly, but it was gone. Oh well, she thought, I’ll see where I am anyhow. She swept her curly red hair from side to side, taking in the sights and sounds. There was a strong scent of honeysuckle in the air, and June breathed deeply of the sweet smell. She walked through tall grasses where she caught glimpses of butterfly weeds poking their bright heads through to say “hello” to the newcomer. A rabbit ran out from the grass and stopped on a flat white rock a short distance away, ears perked, facing the opposite direction. She giggled as she thought she glimpsed his little nose twitch. Then it turned towards her. June’s stomach flip-flopped. Those eyes were not a rabbit’s! That mouth was not a rabbit! No nose?! She felt as if she was sculpted to the the clay dirt, unable to move, unable to look away. And just like that, with a flash of its fuzzy white tail, it was gone. Only ears could be seen as it fled through the grass to the comfort of the woods beyond. June stood for a full five minutes before she could even begin to process what she thought she’d seen. A rabbit’s body with the face of an owl? Impossible! her brain screamed at her. Were her eyes that affected by the sun? And what WAS that awful humming sound? June shook her head and resolved to never let her imagination trick her so easily ever again. She was probably in need of some water, that’s all. She chided herself as she walked, unconsciously steering herself toward the annoying humming that seemed to sink into her subconscious. As she went further, the humming turned into buzzing. It happened so gradually, she only noticed when it suddenly became difficult to remember what she had been thinking of. And then it was almost too late. She very nearly stumbled upon a hive of giant bees. Poor June did a double take, and her eyes bulged as she stood gaping at the enlarged insects as big as the bus she took to school. June hadn’t realized when she’d knelt to the ground, but suddenly jumped up to take a quick several steps back. Her mind was was numb to feeling, but her legs weren’t. She turned and fled as fast as she dared. She tan and ran, back the way she thought she’d come. Stopping to catch her breath, she found herself in a circle of dead trees. Where was she?

Mattias Yorvik held the ring up to the sun and gazed upon the lustrous emerald light it produced. One more day, he thought. One more day until his coronation, and the ring would be his. He closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to simmer. His arms tingled, as if he already could feel the power it would bring him. He brought his gaze lower to his mother sitting at the table in the dining hall, watching him. Mattias ignored her furrowed brow and anxious eyes as they passed from the ring to him, and back again. His eyes gleaned as the snake’s eyes do right before it strikes the unsuspecting victim. Lowering the ring, he passed it back to the ring-bearer with no more thought than if he had been handling a muffin. As it were, the boy had no worries as of then. Those would come all too soon… The villagers craned their necks as Mattias’s short form was crowned King of Dashun. They trembled as he raised his hand, clutching the jewel studded scepter his father had held only weeks before. “Long live Kong Mattias,” the people roared, eyes wide as owls. The king, seemingly satisfied, raised his left hand in a frozen wave as the ring bearer slipped the shining stone onto his hand and shuffled backwards, half bent as he went. The crowd held their breath as they watched the king set hungry eyes on the shining ring. He slowly lowered his hand until it pointed at his people, palm down. Everyone kneeled and bent forward, heads down. No one dared utter a sound. One by one, King Mattias called on every man of each household in the village to come forth and pledge their allegiance. And one by one every man went, swift enough so as not to appear drudging, yet slow enough so as not to appear desperate. Lowering each their head and kissing the repulsive Ring of Dashun.

I see you standing there, Marder chuckled to himself from the stained window on the top floor of his father’s spaceship. Except it wasn’t the Captain’s anymore. A thin smile tugged at the corners of his mouth until it played into a sneer, showing purple-stained teeth. Everything was his now. He had wrecked the ship, perfect timing. It had killed every Milkai on board, save the Captain. He had plans for that. Madder licked his lips menacingly and turned again to the window blackened by smoke that was curling up from the engine room. He sniffed deeply, nostrils filling with the scent of a different kind of flesh. Warm and soft. Not like his father’s had been. The creature outside the window came into view again, covered in a thick red skin, not a scaly one like Marder’s. The creature was holding a small black box and talking at it. Marder squinted. Did they have spirits they conversed with too? He would have to be careful. But still, they seemed rather clumsy, and he was quick. After observing them for some time, Marder couldn’t confirm whether they had spirits or not. Everything was so different here on Earth, with the biting cold and the glassy spears he could see hanging from the looming cliffs beyond. He was thinking of spirits sailing around the Milky Way, when he was interrupted by a deep rolling sound. Milkai may look a whole lot different than the creatures on earth, but there’s at least one thing that works the the same for both species… Hunger is an excellent motivator. Snarling under his breath at the unsuspecting red-skinned creatures, he advanced from the upper deck climbing an iron ladder to the dark metal room below. The scent of flesh grew stronger and sweeter as the bone-chilling wind blew up from the hole that was created by the large boulder outside. Marder grinned wickedly as he noticed a thick red leg emerging from the hole. He crept underneath the iron table bolted to the floor which had once held their maps of the galaxy. He would wait.

When Mommy opened our front door, I reached into my jacket pocket for Squish. I pulled out my empty hand and stared at it. I reached in my other pocket. Not there. I walked into the house after Mommy and tugged at her skirt. “Yes, baby?” “Did you take Squish?” “No, baby.” I stared at my shoes and noticed the mud on the bottom of them. I plopped down to take them off, struggling until Mommy helped me. I didn’t like to ask for help. “Shall we get Bunny for you to sleep with tonight?” I nod but can’t remember what she asked. “What?” “You want Bunny tonight?” “No.” “Well I don’t know where Squish is.” I felt strange and wrapped my arms around myself tightly. Mommy knelt down and combed my hair with her fingers. “Let’s check out in the van.” “Ok.” We looked and didn’t find Squish. I slowly followed Mommy to the bathroom. She gave me animals to play with in the tub. I felt so sleepy that Mommy had to carry me to my room upstairs. She helped me put on pajamas and set me in bed. “Mommy.” “Yes, baby?” “Where’s Squish?” “I don’t know. I couldn’t find him,” she whispered. She kissed my head after telling me goodnight, turned off the light, and closed the door behind her. I rubbed my eye and rolled over, reaching for my blankie. Something small fell from it and hit me in the face. Something soft. I smiled. Squish.

I heard her before I saw her. Heels clicking neatly on the tiled floor. I felt the cold October air swooping in uninvited, and on it wafted the calming scent of rose and amber. I did my best to look busy, shining the champagne glass until it nearly squeaked. But even I couldn’t ignore the gorgeous silk green dress sitting directly behind me on the other side of the counter. I took a deep breath and turned around, shoving a trembling hand deep into my pants pocket. “What can I do for you ma’am?” I ventured to ask, finally bringing my eyes to hers. Her hazel eyes sparkled as she twirled one of the tight brown curls that hugged her face. She almost seemed playful as she flashed me a dazzling smile that had won me over years ago. It was all I could do to manage one of my own, which turned out to be more of a grimace. “I’ll have the usual, Patty.” Another captivating smile. Another grimace. My voice caught as I replied, “Coming right up.” My fingers began to sweat as I wrapped them around a cool bottle of Chardonnay sitting on the bottom glass shelf. I clumsily pulled a wine glass from the bar cart, twisted off the cork, and began pouring. A task I’ve done countless times for countless customers, yet this time a slight dribble could be seen as it spilled over the edge in a silver stream. I could feel her hazel eyes burning into my skull as she watched my every move. Never had I expected her to return. She shouldn’t be here! It’s too obvious. She was a cop, and I was a bartender who’d been walking through the park on his way home from work, accidentally stumbling upon a couple one night, seemingly having a great time. Then she turned, and I recognized her. My dead wife. Before my mind could fully comprehend the impossibility of my wife being alive and well in the arms of another man, everything happened. A knife flashed out of a flashy red handbag and sunk itself into the man’s stomach, making a hissing sound as it entered. All of this happened so fast that I don’t even remember when the knife was placed in my hand, my brain was still trying to catch up. I’m not sure when it hit me. Perhaps when my wife’s ghost flung herself on the ground , facing me with hands up and begging me to leave them be. Or when I happened to look down and see the initials on the hilt of the knife. P. R. Thornton… Me. I set the bottle down and felt my blood boil. This beautiful, elegant woman, smiling as if she’d not a care in the world, was a liar and a murderer. Yet… she seems to still have me wrapped around her finger. I jerked my head to shake the thought away. It was only a matter of time before she lied her way out of it, and I would be sentenced for life. How could I love someone who would do that? I placed the bottle firmly back in its place and turned to face her. But before I could get a word out, she laughs as if we’re old friends(which in a sense I guess we are) and sighs, “I need to confess something…” My heart stops and I forget to breathe. “Mary, you didn’t,” I rasped, my throat closing in on itself. “I did. Now can you pass the wine?” She gives me a different smile. One that makes my heart start beating again and awakens a hope hidden deep within my chest. I know that smile. She didn’t report me. She still has feelings. I can’t believe she’s alive! All these thoughts somersaulted through my head, and I tried to calm myself. She’s glancing at the clock on the wall. I barely hear her when she says, “You’ve got five minutes.” She uncrosses her legs, picks up her handbag and seems to float out of the room. The blood has left my face. My hands cramp, and my whole being seems to have been shot up into space where a thousand blinding lights stab into my eyes through my skull. I fall backwards from what seems like a great height to burst into a thousand glass fragments on the floor. But no, that’s just the shelves breaking. I see nothing.

The storm came in, the wind blew strong, The acorn fell to the earth headlong; When it fell into the soil, The rain burst out in song.

The seed sank down in dark despair, Among the creatures lurking there; It to protect its shiny coat, But soon there was a tear.

Tears fell from the acorn’s eyes, “What is happening?!” It cries; Roots did spread, tilting the head, For weeks it dormant lies.

Then one day it’s had enough, It swallows pride and pushes up! The soil makes it hard to budge, But this acorn is tough.

Pushing out into the light, It grows in decadent delight; The roots grow far into the soil, What a beautiful sight!

Our love is like this oak tree; No matter what the weather be, Our love is deep and strong, As anyone can see.

She ran. As fast as she dared without turning the heads of the guards that were lowered outside the watchtower’s wooden doors. They were discussing the latest attack on Darinsbough, she could tell, and caught a glimpse of the sword flashing in the light of the moon. The guard Ridero was carefully stabbing at the ground, then drew his fist that was clenching the hilt across his throat in a jerking motion, staggering backwards. Alenyth knew exactly what he was depicting to the other guard. She stopped running momentarily and felt she couldn’t breathe, as if the insides of her stomach were trying to crawl their way out through her throat. She turned away immediately and fled to the creaky stable door, slipping out the rusty key and clenching it so hard with her fist, her hand stained with orange. She carefully worked it into the iron lock and twisted until she heard a small “click”. Removing the lock gently, she held her breath and listened for any sign that someone might have heard her. Satisfied, Alenyth swung the door open as quickly as she could to give the old hinges less time to protest. She didn’t waist a moment, slipping inside and closing the door quickly but not letting it bang shut. She waited five minutes then spoke softly. “Jaques?” “My lady” came the strong Eastern accent from a dark corner in the stable. Alenyth’s heart beat faster than it had on her way to the stables. She saw a stirring in the dark corner as the even darker man stepped into the moonlight coming through a barred window on the side. He strode towards her, tall shoulders squared back, black boots striding on the stone floor, and his cloak dragging the scattered straw that the stable hand had left behind. There wasn’t much moonlight, but Alenyth could easily see the white teeth shining like polished pearls against his black face. Alenyth could feel before she could see his hand holding her pale one. “Alenyth,” he whispered, “have you made up your mind?” Alenyth blew out her breath which made her curls bounce away from her face. “Yes,” she said firmly, even though her lips quivered. Again the white smile flash in the low light. He bent down and planted a kiss on the top of her hair. “Let’s go home then.” “Wait,” she said slowly, “I can’t go back to your king.” Jaques seemed to stiffen, but he waited for her to continue. “They will hold me for ransom.” “They’ve never seen you before. And you will have a new name, my love.” “And if they find out…” she waited for him to finish, but he shuffled uncomfortably. “If they find out, you win the war.” “No,” he protested. “I will keep you safe.” “I’ve been safe here for 25 years.” The smile disappeared from view, and she was afraid she had offended him. “I want to be with you,” she said desperately. “I just think we should head South and start a new life there at the edge of the Wood.” The silence that followed was deafening. She swallowed back tears, as he released her hand. “It is impossible then isn’t it?” His voice suddenly seemed small, instead of deep and strong. “For if we go to the edge of the Wood, the Beasts will devour us.” She nodded, hoping he could see her. Jaques suddenly straightened his back and clasped both her shoulders, leaning his face towards hers. “I shall return home and create a plan that both you and I will feel comfortable with. Do you trust me?” Alenyth could see his glinting dark eyes searching hers for any sign of hope. She steadied herself and resolved to hide her emotions, shoving her feelings for him back to the dark parts of her heart. She loved her kingdom, her father, her brother, her people. She would die for them. Alenyth checked herself. Her feelings for Jaques resurfaced and seemed to burst out. “I trust you, Jaques. With my life.” His entire being seemed to sigh with relief at her long awaited words, and he left her standing there in the stables fighting with thoughts of the war at hand, and the war in her heart.

My hands grew colder as I turned the glass that held my milkshake. Not from the milkshake, mind you, but from the words I’d just heard disbelievingly come from the lips of the one I thought I trusted. It had been a great start to a relaxing summer. I finally had my last lone on the house I’d bought paid off, was just starting to feel like a normal person again. And then he returned. He entered my newly-built life AGAIN and threatened to ruin it. He’d dug up the past and shoved it in my face to remind me who I was. A killer. I couldn’t see straight — couldn’t even think straight — for days. I thought I’d fixed my life and that my days of running were over. Slowly, I began to lose my mind until I knew I had to do something. So I called Rich. We planned to meet at Bob’s Burgers to talk things over. I had to be very careful who was around when we talked so we thought Bob’s was the place to go. I couldn’t think of anyone else I trusted to talk to about this than Rich. Rich was in his early thirties but like an older brother to me and had coached me in my battle for human normalities. So here we were after I’d just told him the plans of the man that visited me and what he threatened me with when Rich butts in with, “I think you should do it, Con.” My eyes froze on his face as my brain short-circuited. “Huh?” I replied stupidly, trying to realize what I’d just heard. Rich squinted his eyes and leaned forward turning his body on his swivel chair at the bar so that it he was facing me. He rested his left arm seriously on the counter and slightly raised his eyebrow, repeating what he’d just said except slower, “Con, you need to kill him.” Everything that I’d been trying to forget about, everything that I’d been trying to avoid, came back slamming me in the ribs and knocked the breath out of me. “Rich,” I wheezed, “what are you saying? You can’t be serious! I can’t do it. I won’t do it! All I want is for me to have a normal life, living like a normal person!” Rich did the most absurd thing just then. He laughed at me, and all my hard efforts to normalize my life seemed to disappear down a large black inside of me, and a new burst of anger came flooding back out of that hole. But before I could say another word, Rich sobered up, looked me dead in the eye, and said without blinking, “Nobody’s normal here, Cal.”

I was always quick with my words Stating my opinions When I was most expected to be reserved Most did not approve.

I had a friend I thought understood me But she married a man for money That I could’ve had but readily declined Most did not approve.

I hated the man that I love For ruining my sister’s future For being so unapproachable and full of pride I did not approve.

I made my own assumptions And found out almost too late That judging before you hear two sides of the story Can affect your fate.