The sound of screaming filled Lotilucia's ears. She covered them, groaning and rolling her eyes. It was probably just some overreaction... Again. "LOTTIE! LOTTIE, HELP! I'M DYING!" Lorelai shouted. "I'M BLEEDING OUT! CALL 911!" Lotilucia shot up from her seat, rushing to her sister. The worried look quickly slid off of her face, replaced with annoyance and exasperation. "You're not dying." Lotilucia sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. She definitely didn't get paid enough for this. "You know, when girls reach a certain age..." "What?" Lorelai was still panicking. "Am I ill?" "They... ah..." "What?" Lorelai repeated, more urgently. "We call it shark week."

She pulled a book from her backpack and I knew that was my opening. It wasn’t the best, but it was something. We still had three hours till our destination in Amsterdam, and I didn’t see a better one presenting itself. I couldn’t see the cover, but I could make out the reviews on the back.

"Heartwarming!!!"

"A joy from start to finish!"

Alright, so it wasn't my kind of book, but it's still an opening, right?

Or was it?

How long could I hold a conversation about a book I had no interest in? What if this went south and I had to spend three hours sitting next to a girl that I made uncomfortable? What if she moved seats? Could she do that mid-train ride??

Just then the train jumped, how I don't know, but it did, and it caused her book to fall to the floor.

There's your opening!

I picked the book off the floor and handed it to her with a smile.

"Thank you," she said. She moved her wavy black hair from her face, revealing a beautiful smile.

I cleared my throat. "What are you reading if you don't mind my asking?"

She smiled and I saw a hint of blush. "No, of course not. It's a memoir about journalist Valerie Collins...just about her life. Stuff like that."

"How do you like it?"

She shrugged, "Not bad...but I'm a slow reader. I'm 75 pages in and I've had it for two months. I think I can finish it by the end of next year."

That made me laugh, which made her laugh, and the rest was history. Ava, was of Chinese descent, just like myself. Born and raised in the Netherlands where she learned English, Dutch and Chinese. We talked about our families, and how we respectively handled a year in quarantine thanks to Covid. She thought it was crazy that I'd never caught it and I told her that if I did it would be from this trip. She brought up spots to visit, places to eat, and snacks to try. She said that the fastest way of travel was by bicycle, and I told her I was willing to rent one.

Just then the train stopped and the lights cut out, and in the split second before my eyes adjusted I saw fear in her eyes.

"This normal?" I asked.

She didn't answer, and that's because we both heard that blood-curdling scream. I spun around and looked out the window. I could hear something, it sounded like squeaking but it came from every direction. A conductor was running toward us, covered in blood, and following him was a bicycle with no rider. The bicycle sped up and into the man's back, he landed with a thud and slid forward. We watched in horror as the bike released its chain and wrapped it around the man's neck, viciously going back and forth...until the man's head fell off with a sickening thud.

"You killed my pa!"

"How was I t'know he was yer pa?"

Denali looked at the sinewy ranch hand . She remembered him. Wayne Fordham. She'd seen him working at the Bar-W last summer. Shirt off, sweat dripping... No, she shook if off, reminding herself to focus on the Colt's front sight. She had him dead-to-rights.

Something stopped her, kept pulling her away from cold blue steel to the warm blue of his eyes.

"Yer lyin!"

He stated softly, "No, Miss Guthrie, I'm not. It weren't my fault. He thought I was stealin'. But I was only after my horse. It was all that corrupt sheriff; He done stole it from me, for some crime he said I done which I ain't done. He sold it to yer pa."

Denali cocked the big .44. "Yer lyin', you cur!"

"I ain't. He thought I was drawin' but I was just going fer my wallet. I wasn't 'bout to fight no sheriff, so I figured just rebuy my horse, unfair as it is. He winged me, right here." He pointed to a tear in his jacket, dark material made darker with blood. "I didn't know yer pa. I... I just returned fire. I'm so sorry."

She couldn't allow this. She must avenger her father. She reset, Wayne nothing but an out-of-focus blur.

She squeezed the heavy trigger of her dead father's weapon.

A flash. Too big to have come from the gun. Her eyes shut tight against the brightness.

She opened them; One blurry figure now two.

Wayne was still standing, unharmed.

Next to him, a man wearing some kind of armor, like a knight in one of the books pa read to her as a child. Accept it wasn't shiny but multicolored, bright reds and blues and whites.

"Hello, Denali. I realize this is a bit of a shock, but I don't have time to explain. I've been sent back to prevent you from killing Wayne here."

"Sent... back? Back from where?"

"Well, this'll surely be the toughest thing for you to grasp. I'm from the future. The year 2022, to be exact." The stranger looked at the two bewildered faces, longing to tell them more, but checking his Chronometron, opted for, "I have to take you back with me. Both of you."

"Listen mister, I appreciate what you done for me, but--"

The stranger raised some kind of contraption, aimed it at Wayne, and he was suddenly gone.

"What'd you do?" Denali said, now pointing the heavy gun toward the stranger.

"Listen, time is of the essence here. We need you, too."

"Need me to what?" she emphasized with a hammer-cock.

"Save the world."

The stranger took two steps toward her. She held the gun as steady as she could.

"You stop right there, mister!"

"Denali, you can't hurt me with that silly thing." He tossed something toward her, landing it in the dirt in front of her feet.

She looked down. It was the crumpled bullet she'd fired at Wayne.

“when i told you i loved you i meant it” he said. “if i told you i felt deeply about you you would believe me”.

the tugging of heart strings is an normal occurrence in his heart. he believes he has discovered love just to end up dealing with someone else’s damages.

and to tell the truth, it keeps him up at night. he stares at the ceiling for hours trying to find a remedy for the painful reoccurrence.

“why don’t we just get away, let’s find a hideout far away from this city that jest us be authentic for once.” she replied. “somewhere where it’s just you and me, then maybe our energy’s can communicate more effectively with each other.”

he thought about this for a few seconds. he finds it astounding that just as he’s ready to give up, this girl finds a way to reel him back in for more.

“it might be just what we need.” he said “but if this doesn’t mend our love, i don’t know what will.”

the two planned a round trip up to camp a few days at the yosemite mountains in california. Just about a three hour drive from their hometown san francisco.

“ i’ll come pick you up tomorrow at two p.m. be ready and at least try to pack light.” he said

as the next day came, he threw all his camping equipment and necessities into the trunk of his car and was off to go pick up his lover.

soon enough the where off to the yosmite mountains where their drive consisted of passionate expressions and arguments tying to the love they both shared.

on arrival a sense of peace and silence accompanied them both, which contradictorily slowly but surely made their skin start to crawl.

they couldn’t help but to feel like there were eyes all around them, watching and anticipating there every move.

“let’s just chalk it up to the wildlife. this time is meant to be a serene experience between us both. We shouldn’t think too deeply into it, i mean look around us, this place is gorgeous.” he said.

as they set up camp and and got a small fire pit going to keep warm throughout the rather chilling nights, dusk started to set in. The crisp air was refreshing and the two decided to find a open area close by to star gaze.

the two trekked along a small trail the led down to creek just a half a mile from where they set up camp. he led his girlfriend down the trail but soon became annoyed with her, as she wouldn’t stop composing about her goosebumps and the feeling that she is getting preyed on.

“i feel like a sitting duck.” she said “please don’t ruin this moment with your ainx-“ he wasn’t even able to finish his sentence.

a gust of wind blew behind him, almost knocking him off his feet. he turned around confused as to what just happened and his girlfriend was gone to no avail. Almost like she just vanished within thin air.

a screeching sound traveled from the side of the trail deeper into the forest and a scream let out. His adrenaline spiked and fear traveled up his spine.

“Maybe this time she was right…”

“Princess Bri, my sweet, magical Princess, I know we've only known each other for three hours, but,”—Bowing his head, he bent to one knee—“from the moment I saw you, I knew we were meant to be together. My true love.” He smiled, and a crystalline tear slipped down his porcelain cheek. “Will you marry me?”

Clutching her heart, Bri blushed—just as her mother had taught her. “Oh, Luke,” she gasped and took his hand, “Of cour—”

The double doors burst open and in entered a figure.

Face hidden by a black eyemask, they drew a bloody axe from the fold of their cloak.

Luke lept to his feet, his sword in hand. The intruder lunged forward and, in two steps, their gloved hand tightened around Luke’s throat, throwing him to the floor.

Bri flailed back and cast out her arms—aiming. She called forth the wind, but all she managed was a measly whistling puff.

The intruder raised their axe. Swung.

“No!” Bri screamed. “This was supposed to be about me, not murder! This was supposed to be my happy ending!”

Bone snapped as the intruder struck Luke’s chest with a wet thunk. Luke yowled, blood consuming his white tunic.

“Stop it!” Bri yelled. “Stop!”

The intruder halted midswing.

Jake’s limp eyes fluttered back. Blood seeped from his gaping mouth and down his chin, pooling in the triangular trench of his collarbone. He groaned, and a bubble burst, red splattering his translucent skin.

The intruder hummed. Craning their neck, their two burning eyes glared at something standing, hidden in the corner. Something that looked a lot... Like...

YOU!

“Should I stop?” They asked you.

Seen, your heart lurched, and you stumbled back, hard, cold stone cutting your shoulders as you hit the wall. Your lip trembled, and the stench of blood burned your throat.

A weak “Yes.” is all you can manage.

“Why should I stop?” They said, their voice burrowing deep into your chest.

Sweat clung to your body, and you searched for the answer in Bri’s face, but it seemed your sudden arrival had already become a memory to her, as her attention remained solely on the now breathless boy.

“Because...” You stuttered, “Because fairy tales... Fairy tales are supposed to be happy! They are supposed to be good!”

“A fairy tale, you say?” The intruder grinned, teeth sharp. “Who's saying this is a fairy tale? Don’t you remember, we changed the genre...”

From their belt, they yanked a dagger, and your eyes widened. “

Use your magic!” You yelled at Bri, but the shocked princess remained frozen.

The intruder cackled. “Magic? There’s no magic here.” Tilting their head, they let the weapon fly.

A scream tore from your throat as the dagger struck right between Bri's eyes. Her gaze never left her prince as she face-planted to the floor.

With the prince dead and princess too, the intruder's bloodlust focused on you.

They licked the bloody axe. “No survivors.”

Quickly, you closed the book.

Deborah felt her bosom heave as Roderick’s adoring eyes met hers.

“I cannot bear it any longer. I don’t care who your family is! I love you!”

As they shared a kiss, Deborah thought about all they’d been through.

Their awkward first meeting at the house, where she worked as a lowly scullery maid. Their occasional secret rendezvous. Roderick’s family trying to keep him away from this “commoner.” Princess Christina, who was meant to marry Roderick from the beginning, and would have done anything to eliminate Deborah. The attack by a wolf one evening as they strolled through the forest. The weeks of recovery from his wounds.

She, a commoner, overcame all of these obstacles to win her man. How hard she had labored, and so sweet the reward!

As they embraced, a soft breeze rustled the falling leaves. The sounds of the society ball, the horse-drawn carriages clopping along the cobblestones, the gentle burble of the fountain in the courtyard, even the chill of the early evening, seemed to fade out of existence during this moment.

They shared a passionate kiss—she had waited so long. It was torture to let the kiss go!

“Darling,” Roderick whispered. “I cannot wait any longer!”

He got down on his knees and pulled a small box out of his jacket pocket.

“Will you have me?” He asked, his eyes once again burning into her hers with passion.

“Oh Roderick!”

“Before you answer though —“ and his head turned to look above at the bright full moon — “there is something you should know.”

“Roderick? What is happening to you?”

The hands holding the box suddenly sprouted a pelt of coarse fur.

Roderick began to spasm, his body contorting as a cry of agony turned into a howl.

The box fell to the ground. A snout emerged from Roderick’s handsome face, while fangs burst from his bloodied gums.

His eyes, once full of love and adoration, turned to black orbs of indifference.

As Christina coldly watched from the balcony, she ordered the orchestra to play louder, to drown out that ridiculous girl’s screams.

Teddy has been trapped for two weeks, well at least he thinks it’s been two weeks. It is stuffy, small and smells of cigarette smoke and stale beer. He has no memory of getting to this point. There is only one way in and out of this room and he’s only seen the opening a few times. In order to get out he will either have to jump high, which he won’t be able to do due to his height and weight. Or he will have to catch a ride on the metal machine that is lowered randomly into the sea of captives and let’s people go randomly. The only hard part about that machine is that it is very in consistent and sometimes it is days before we see it again.

He is not the only prisoner and has made friends with the ones around him. One calls himself “Dog,” who has the worst breath and really needs a hair cut. He can barely see out from underneath it. Also, what kind of name is Dog anyway? Stupidest name Teddy has ever heard. One said her name was Ele, and she is a bigger lady, or big boned if you will, but Teddy can’t judge because he knows he has a big ol squishy belly. Ele has beautiful, soft, gray hair and has aged well otherwise.

There has to about 20 other prisoners kept here, Teddy thinks. He can’t see every person kept in this hellhole but he can hear them. They all have stories about where they came from or where they hope to end up. Some have talked about wanting to be someone’s prized possession, or the love of someone’s life. Nobody has asked him who he wants to be with or where he hopes to end up. But he does wonder how long they have been held here as well. Two weeks? Longer? He doesn’t know how much longer he can take this. He is very claustrophobic here.

Every night there is loud music, almost like a party going on outside of this room. Maybe that is why nobody can hear them yelling for help?

Teddy and his small friend group has started to accept their fate of being here forever, when out of nowhere they see the metal machine coming towards them. He is filled with excitement, fear and hope. Finally he thinks, “it’s my turn” he whispers. It comes down right next to him and Ele bumps him out of the way and jumps on before he even knew what hit him.

Teddy was crushed. He couldn’t believe that happened to him; that he had come that close to leaving this prison. He had officially given up on trying to leave. When he looked up and saw his savior coming down again. Twice in this short of a time? This time it was coming right for him. He was so close he could feel the warm bed he was going to lay in tonight, the cuddles and hugs he would get from the girl of his dreams. He hopped on the machine so fast and never looked back.

2 years later

Ele the elephant and Teddy the bear made it out of the claw machine and happily comfort a little girl named, Holly. She of course gave them both new names, and his new name was Barry, and Ele’s new name was Mrs. Tyke. They didn’t care though. They slept on a comfy bed every night, went on so many adventures, and even went to school!

Riley was a regular Boy Scout, loyal, industrious, and well prepared. Most people would call him a hard worker and a smart guy, nice if not a little bit weird. He always laughed at the wrong places and never knew when to end conversations. Riley was just awkward. Tablet tucked under his arm, he walked up the long curved driveway to the Baconer house or at least what was left of it. The house, a late Victorian mansion with original cedar shakes, wraparound porches, a turret, and widow’s walk, had been a grand lady. Now it was soaked burnt skeleton. Whistling, Riley stood by the yellow police tape and put on his bunny suit. He smiled to himself. Riley had ridden his bike past the house each day on the way to school. The Baconers were the old money and country club set while his family was paycheck to paycheck and backyard barbecues. Legs pumping, he rode by and wondered about the people inside. There were three Baconer daughters, triplets, gorgeous triplets. Riley had gone to school with them for twelve years. Bruna was the jock, all tennis skirts and face punching. The high school even the teachers avoided the Queen Bee and her muscle bound coterie. Head cheerleader, prom queen, class president, Alba was simply the skin of evil. Riley shivered as he remembered Alba with her big glittery hair ribbons was never satisfied until she made someone cry. Riley snapped photos of the charred stove top. Then there was Jett, the third sister, the artist. Riley had been even more weird in high school. Peasant skirts and a cloud of patchouli and rose, Jett had always been kind to Riley. Jett smiled at him with passing in the hallway. Jett let him help her with her science homework. And once Jett waved to him from this very house. Riley shined his flashlight on the disconnected stove gas line. The Baconer girls’ parents had passed and Bruna, the oldest by eleven minutes, inherited this house and control of the family wealth. Remembering Bruna died in windstorm climbing Mount Merapi, Riley headed to the point of ignition. Alba inherited and had been remodeling the family home. Jett had told him. She was back in Remusville to sign some papers, she said. They ran into each other, literally, at the art house movie theater at the Harold Lloyd festival. They shared a jumbo popcorn in the silvery darkness. Jett asked him out for coffee and for the first time ever with a woman Riley was completely at ease. Jett had touched his arm when we caught the matinée of Von Stroheim’s Greed. Riley knelt at the remains of the dryer. The fire had destroyed the 100 year old mansion and Alba and Alba’s husband and their baby son. Riley poked at the dryer’s innards. Jett had asked him to her brownstone for dinner to keep her company since her terrible loss. Riley snapped more photos. Riley smiled again. He knew why he was so comfortable with Jett. He was weird not stupid. Jett was pretending to like him to get something. She always had. It was easy to be comfortable when it was all an act. She probably thought she could get info on the arson investigation. But Riley was a regular Boy Scout and he knew kitty litter soaked in kerosene was a great way to start a fire. Whistling merrily, Riley gathered his sample.

Until I was 23 years old, I had never been romantically involved with anyone. I occasionally went on blind dates set up by family and friends but nothing serious came of it. I thought if I at least had my family and friends, I wouldn’t need to date anyone. Besides, I had my job as an architect so I was working endlessly. My job usually consists of working on projects given to my team and I to work on. It wasn't until my first day on my project’s construction site, that I was first introduced to being attracted to someone.

I was on the construction site with my team members scoping out the area and double-checking to make all the materials were correct to reduce any flaws and I realized someone had used the wrong material to build a support beam. Although this mistake is very common with construction, it is also hazardous if it is not fixed right away. I immediately run to the project manager to explain the situation to him, but before I get there, the support beams starts descending toward me.

Before I could even react, I saw a faint blurred image of a person lunging toward me, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground. I open my eyes to a dashing young man with piercing amber eyes. I don't think I've ever seen eyes as vibrant as his. It was as if I was looking directly into the sun, so bright that it hurt. I thought to myself, “I should probably look away” but I just couldn't bring myself to. How could someone attract my attention this much?

The moment he got up he started to walk away but I couldn't let go of those dazzling eyes. I wanted to see him again. No. I needed to see him again. Before I could even think of what to say the words just blurted out of my mouth, “Coffee!”. I could tell I messed up by the confused look on his face so I tried to redeem myself by saying, “Since you practically saved my life, can I take you out for coffee?”. His confused gaze turned into a soft smile and then into a light laugh. How adorable, I thought.

Waiting for his answer felt like waiting an eternity. He finally answered saying, “ Yeah that sounds great!”, followed by a chuckle. I tried to plan out the date by saying, “Ok! I was thinking maybe we-”. “Actually why don't we have dinner at my place tonight?” he interrupted. My jaw dropped as my face blushed even harder. How could someone be this forward? I didn't think I should go becauseI had just met him, but taking a look into those daring amber eyes, I couldn't help myself. So, I replied saying“Ok!”.

After work, I drove back with him to his apartment in his pickup truck. He wasn't a bad driver so that made me think he was a decent person. His apartment was also very clean but I couldn't tell if that was a good or bad thing because it smelled of bleach. Did he just enjoy the smell, or did he use it to clean up something messy? Throughout our whole dinner, the pungent smell kept coming back making it hard to eat.

Once we finished, I helped him do the dishes. Then he asked me if I wanted to stay longer and watch a movie. I wanted to say yes but the bleach smell left me uneasy. Even thought it was hard for me, I politely declined and apologized. As I approached the door, my stomach began to feel uneasy and my vision started to blur. Although I’m not incredibly familiar with the art of dating, I’m not completely hopeless. I know what it looks like when someone’s being drugged

Even thought it was a challenge in my drugged state, I still tried my best to reach the door. However, I was unsuccessful. Two steps in and I ended up lying on the floor. The ceiling, walls and floor were all spinning in one harmonious motion. I tried to center myself, and looked up at this man who I thought was beautiful. How could someone who once had eyes as grand as the sun, now have eyes as black as night? That is a question that will never get answered for me. Not here, not now, not ever.

His head started hurting and his chest was burning. “Albern? You okay?” Nina stopped and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. He was bent over with pain. “H…” “What?” “Hu…HuN..” “…?” “HuNgrY!” He snarled. Suddenly he stood up and towered over her. His eyes were red and black. His long tongue swayed back and forth with drool dripping from it. His sharp teeth had never looked more terrifying. “Aaah!!” She ran away as fast as she could. “Albern! please!” He ran close behind her. She tried to lose him but he stayed on her heels. He jumped to bite her but she turned down an alley and he hit the brick building. He had to regain his balance which gave her enough time to turn down an alley. The alley ended not far ahead. She turned back but he was there. Blood poured like a scarlet waterfall down his forehead. He was licking it from around his lips. She was scared and tears ran down her face. She was crying so hard she could hardly breath. “Help me!! Please someone!” He seemed to know she couldn’t get away, he had started to walk. “Albern! Please I need you! You have to wake up!!” He swayed closer. Was it the injury? He suddenly stopped and turned away whimpering. “Albern? Are you there?” She slowly and carefully walked closer. He had his against the wall and his hands were on his head. His hands and head was bleeding. He was scratching his head and pulling his hair. Trembling and whimpering he started to bang his head against the building. She gently placed her hand on his head. He quickly pulled away from her, but he wasn’t trying to hurt her. She was still scared, but she sat down next to him. He stopped hitting the building. “Albern?” He shifted to where he was sitting beside her. His knees were against his chest and his head was hidden behind them. She could hear him silently sobbing. He was mumbling something under his breath. She could only make out some of the words. He was calling himself a monster and other harsh comments. She reached up and stroked his curly and messy hair. He tensed for a moment but eventually relaxed. She pulled him closer so she could hug him. He rested his head on her shoulder while she petted his hair.

He may be a monster, but he was her monster. And she would always love her monster.

His head had finally stopped bleeding. She had some band aids in her bag that she had used. He was holding her hand tightly. Like she was an illusion that might disappear at any moment. They walked back to his apartment. He had apologized every breath of the way. She was just happy to be okay. She only had a little blood on her from his head. “You better clean your cut when you get inside.” “I will, I’m so sorry. I know you don’t really want to be around me anymore so I’ll just..” he couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eyes. “Do you think I care about you so little that you could scare me off? No, You’re stuck with me, Albern Raith. Till you want me to leave.” She stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. He finally looked at her. His expression was so many things at once. Sad, tired, surprised, but it settled on loving. He kissed her hand before letting go. “See you soon then?” “See you.”