It was a sunny weekend. Birds flew over the trees. Grass bristled in the breeze. A lovely time of year.

The school year was over. Ann was driving carefully home. Home to her elder parents. They lived by a lake. Just settling in the cabin.

Ann was excited to see them. She pulled into the driveway. The door was opened quickly. The family embraced loving arms.

She stayed for two weeks. Sad goodbye...

It was the most joyous time of the year. A blanket of snow over the ground. Decorated trees displayed in homes. Children eagerly awaited the visit from Santa.

But this Christmas would not be like all others before it.

Far north where the heart of Christmas beats, things were not going well. After years and years of making children happy around the world, working all for just one day to bring oth...

Season’s Greetings, we cannot give,

For many are contained, an outbreak relived.

No family to hug, no friends to spend time

While the Christmas bells ring, a bittersweet chime.

Over the phone, it’s simply not the same,

We’re tired of playing a pandemic’s game.

So we can only hope next year will be merry,

But until then we remain cautious and wary....

Fall was a lovely time in this small town. Colourful leaves covering gardens, and freshly carved pumpkins displayed on porches.

It was an especially exciting time for a seventh grade class. Today was the day they took a trip to the local Fall carnival. There would be games to play, candy to eat, and tons of fun to go around.

Lisa had saved three months of allowance to spend at this carnival. Eve...

Without you days would be long and tiring,

Sitting in silence, ever unsmiling.

When the world drags me down, there’d be nothing to hold,

My heart that is now warm, filled with sorrow and cold.

But perhaps I would not realize it if I never knew you,

I’d think myself unlucky, without any clue.

I’d have nothing to pull my weary self out of bed,

And no one to call when my mind fills with drea...

His sword nearly pierced my side, but I was quick to turn and deflect his next swing. With each attempted strike and block my arms grew heavier and heavier. Sweat became slick on my neck.

“You are quite experienced,” I said to him, using the brief pause to take a breath.

“I’ve been trained by the best… as you are,” he replied, tossing his weapon between hands.

I lunged forward bringing my sword...