<2/3>

A few hours later Rocky pulled up to a nondescript flat. He was welcomed in by a woman with a sly smile.

"I wondered if I be seeing you," she laughed.

"Why must you always make my job so difficult, Rosie?"

He knew it had been her since the moment he felt that twinge of  their twin telepathy hours ago, when the murders were being committed. It was his sister who left the two murder victims. Her mind he understood.

"I feel I actually make it easier. Less bad guys on the streets."

"Who were these guys?" Rocky asked.

"Remember the student who escaped her abductors last month? She told your men that she didn't have a description of her captors. She told me differently. Not my fault some prefer to work with my style of justice over yours."

He sighed. "Be careful, sis. I can turn my head to some things, but only if there's no evidence. "

"Which there won't be. I know how to keep things clean.

There was a sudden knock at the door, and the twins exchanged glances. "We're you followed?" Rosie asked as she gave the door a wary look.

Rocky shook his head. "I checked for a tail, didn't see one." Even so, he kept his hand on his weapon as Rosie went to answer the door.

Thank you!

I'd probably choose to have dinner with VE Schwab. I've met her at a book signing, and follow her on Instagram and she seems like such a wonderful, relatable person.

I haven't participated in NaNo for awhile, but I do have thoughts of expanding one of the short stories linked above (the one with the prince and the peasant girl) into a NaNo attempt.

Thanks! I've downloaded the discord app, but haven't done much exploring of the community there yet, but hopefully sometime soon.

I read a variety of genres, mostly fiction. I enjoy cozy mysteries (Bailey Cates's Magical Bakery Series being my favorite cozy series), thrillers, historical fiction, magical realism, and fantasy. Some of my favorite authors are Fredrik Backman (for when I want a character driven story), VE Schwab, and Ruth Ware.

Thank you!

Usually my favorite place to write is in the comfort of my own home, preferably on the couch. Keeping a cup of tea handy always helps, and if I'm in the mood, I'll listen to instrumental music. Occassionally I'll handwrite a story before typing it up, as it allows for a little more time for the words to flow.

If I could only write one thing, I may need to twist the rules a bit and create an expansive universe with dozens of characters to put in stories. It would likely have a bit of fantasy to really allow for a wide range of possibilities.

I definitely prefer prose to poetry. Poetry is not my strong suit - I feel like it has more "rules" than prose, and I'm a bit unsure as to what makes a poem good. While I haven't attempted to write much poetry, I do like to read the occasional novel in verse.

I prefer short stories over flash fiction. My usual approach towards anything with a word limit is to write, then sigh when I realize how much I need to cut. That being said, I really like the challenge Follow Me Friday presents to tell a portion of a story in limited words.

Thank you! This was a happy surprise. To answer some questions

1. I've been writing since I was a kid. One of my favorite childhood birthday presents was a "write your own books kit" that consisted of a few blank books and some art supplies. I've also always been a reader, and since I enjoy reading stories I realized I'd enjoy writing them as well.

2. My favorite genre to write in is fantasy. I love to lose myself in a fictional world for awhile, and get away from reality. While many of my stories tend to be lighter, I also really enjoyed writing the horror prompts for SEUS in October.

3. If I could have dinner with anyone, I'd probably choose my granny. She passed away 14 years ago, while I was in college, and I'd love the opportunity to have one more meal with with her, now that I'm an actual adult. As for what I'd make, I'm not that innovative of a cook, but I can follow a recipe, so I'd open up her recipe box and attempt a few favorites (which could get interesting as many of those recipes are just a list of ingredients and very minimal instructions).

#Notes Left Under a Maple

"Nooo," Liz muttered Alex started crying. Half-brother was an appropriate term, she thought. Half the time, baby Alex seemed brotherly. The other half, like now, he seemed on a mission to misqueme her, to use a recent Word of the Day.

She heard Mom mumble something, and Steven get out of bed. They deserve to be woken up, Liz thought. They made him. As Alex's cries started to wane, Liz wondered if her mother would respond if she called out. She grabbed her phone and texted Mom.

"I'm awake too you know."

A ping sounded across the hall as the text was delivered. Alex let out a fresh cry. Liz sighed. It had to come to an end at some point, right?

She didn't get a response to the text.

First period was brutal. How one was supposed to understand math after being up half the night was a mystery to Liz. She found herself staring out the window instead.

"Having a moment of reflection, Elizabeth?"

She turned to see the instructor looking at her.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

When the dismissal bell rang, Liz glanced at the line of buses and frowned. She wasn't ready to go home yet, so she decided to walk. The route took her by a park, and Liz stopped to rest under the shade of a maple tree. As she sat down her hand brushed against something. Paper. Tucked under a rock at the base of the tree was a note. Curious Liz opened it.

"Sometimes I feel invisible."

Taking a pencil from her bag, she wrote a reply.

"Same. Even my mom left me on read."

She tucked the note back in place, then left.

She sat under the maple again the next day, lifting the rock and unfolding the paper.

"Dang, I wasn't expecting a response! I'm not going to leave you on read though. It's good to know someone feels like I do."

Liz paused, then wrote "Do you have siblings too? It was just mom and me until she remarried, and now there's a baby. It's like I'm an after thought."

She began to make daily stops at the tree. She learned her penpal was a middle child, with a high achieving older brother and an energetic toddler sister. "I get lost in the shuffle. I have some friends, but I'm more of an introvert. My family doesn't get that liking quieter activites doesn't mean I want to be overlooked," they wrote.

"I hear you." Liz wrote back. "My mom was a homebody, but Steven is an extrovert. Movie nights with Mom made me feel special. Now they've been replaced with dinner parties with neighbors and playdates for Alex. I don't need to always feel like this" - here she drew a stick figure - their smile shone brightly with colored pencil work - "but I'm feeling like this" - she drew another stick figure, black and white, head spinning.

There was rain the next day. Liz was concerned it would make her latest note illegible. Those worries seemed small as storm sirens went off, and teachers ushered students into the halls. Later, after the worst had passed, the news made its way through the school. High winds. The worst damage was to the nearby park. Liz's heart sank and without even thinking it through, she ran out of school to the park.

The maple lay across the grass, years of growth torn down in seconds. She heard footsteps and saw a boy, about her age, running to the tree as well. The two looked at the tree, then each other.

"I'm Liz," she said. "I wrote the notes."

"Drew. I did too."

"I guess....we could just tell each other what we were going to write?"

"We already left school, might as well hang out," Drew agreed. They sat near the ruined maple talking for an hour until four adults hurried towards them.

Mom, Steven and a couple Drew identified as his parents. Apparently someone assessing storm damage had seen them, and called the school who called the parents.

"I was so worried!" Mom said, hugging Liz. "The storm, then the school saying you ran off and - what's wrong dear?"

Liz had started crying. "You were worried for me?"

"Of course, Liz, how could I not be? I love you so much. I know it's been a lot of changes with Alex and Steven, but that doesn't change how much I love you!" Mom glanced at the tree and Drew. "Is this why you've taken to walking home?"

"Sort of," Liz admitted. "Can we have movie night soon and I'll tell you more?"

"Of course," Mom said. "For now, let's get home."

Liz gave Drew a wave. She might not have a neon bright smile, but her head was no longer spinning.

WC: 797

#Time for Sundaes

On August 29, 1877 the town of Willowsdale welcomed two baby girls. Sarah Anne Gerhardt was born in the morning, and Emma Theresa Olson twelve hours later. The townspeople thought they'd be lifelong friends, and they had many play dates their first year. But while Sarah would be a lifelong resident of Willowsdale, Emma would disappear suddenly on the girls' first birthday.

2018

Julia threw her phone on her bed.

"That prick!" she shouted. "Two weeks, and he says the long distance isn't working, and 'we should date other people.' Probably cheated on me, and wants to break it off before it's all over Insta."

"What a piece of human garbage." her roommate Tess said. "Don't string this out any further. Dump him."

"I mean, I knew it was one of many outcomes when we decided on different schools, " Julia admitted. "But two weeks?"

"Garbage. How about we get peanut butter and strawberry sundaes and binge Netflix?"

"That sounds amaze - wait how did you know those sundaes are my comfort food?"

"You mentioned it?" Tess said. "They remind you of PB&Js?"

"No I didn't. That's why I like them, but I haven't had a PB&J sundae situation yet."

"You were tired. It was after last week's all nighter."

"Huh," Julia said. "Well the answer is yes. Let's drown that scumbag with ice cream."

They used the tunnels connecting their dorm to the dining hall to procure the deserts, and settled into a Netflix binge.

"Dang," Julia said pushing her empty sundae cup aside. "I lucked out getting you for a roommate. "

With some encouragement from Tess, Julia soon found herself putting her ex in the past, and focused on enjoying Freshman year. While at times life seemed an endless loop of classes, dining center meals, and parties, the chill to the air suggested Christmas was approaching.

Two weeks before break, the girls were waiting for the elevator. Julia would have taken the stairs, but Tess said something about being tired. When the doors opened, two guys struggling with a couch attempted to get out. Julia recognized one of them as her Devon, who she'd been crushing on for a month, though she doubted he knew of her existence.  "Need help?" she offered, hoping she didn't sound too eager.

Twenty minutes later, as they left the guys' dorm, Devon's number newly added to Julia's phone, Tess grinned. "Bet you're glad we waited for the elevator."

After Christmas, Julia and Devon started dating. Tess didn't seem surprised.

When spring came, and it was time to make living arrangements for next year, it seemed obvious to Julia to keep rooming with Tess.

Tess, however, looked anxious at this request.  "I can't," she whispered. "I won't be here next year."

"What do you mean?" Julia was confused.

Tess seemed to be debating something than sighed. "I'm a time traveler." she said. "Unwilling, but each year, on my birthday, I end up somewhere different in time for the next year."

"Haha. Come on, room with me again. "

"I'm serious. New year, new time. The only constant is each year I get an amazing best friend, and every one of them is either an ancestor or descendant of Sarah Gerhardt."

Julia gaped. "That's my-"

"Third great-grandmother? We were both born in Willosdale, August 29th 1877. I've been bffs with various ladies in your family ever since. Including your daughter."

"My daughter?"

"It's how I knew about the PB&J sundaes. You served them to us in 2044 - which was two years ago for me."

"Your serious," Julia said, stunned.

"Unfortunately. Please, don't ask me to reveal more about the future, or show you some futuristic gadget. Anachronisms are risky with time travel. I never know if I'm going backwards or forwards, so I leave the tech behind."

"Have you tried to stop it?"

"Multiple times. Always fails. So let's enjoy the time we have, and know you'll see me again."

After that conversation, both girls treasured what they knew to be limited time. They spent August 28th throwing Tess an early birthday, and Julia hoped that when she woke it would be an elaborate prank.  That there was time enough at last for a lifelong friendship. But when she called Tess on the 29th, the number was disconnected. She was gone.

September 2044

Julia scoops ice cream into bowls, strawberries and peanut butter ready for toppings. Her and Devon's daughter Lily is bringing her new friend Emma over after school today. She hears the door open, and Lily's voice, along with one she hasn't heard in years. The girls enter the kitchen, and there she is. Tess - Emma - slightly younger than when Julia knew her. Julia steadies herself and smiles. "Hi! Do you have time for sundaes?"

WC: 790 Edit: formatting

Thank you! You had a great middle. I didn't think of Hotel California, but I saw "resort" and "blood red fur" in your middle and knew I could work with that.

I like all the action in your ending!

<3/3>

"Come, we'll show you your lodgings!" one of the creatures said.

Amelia considered. "If you insist, but I'll need to leave soon."

"You may leave whenever you like. "

Amelia is led through the winding passages to a door marked 15. The room was massive and ornately decorated. "I guess I could do one night, " Amelia agreed.

That evening she enjoyed a delicious meal delivered to her room and one of the best night's sleep of her life.

When she awoke, she asked for directions back to her apartment. Her host looked crestfallen. "You may leave whenever you like, but we'd hoped you'd stay longer. Have you tried our spa?"

"I'd love to, but my job -"

"Our concierge service produces doctor's notes."

Amelia grinned, "in that case..."

And so she stayed one night, and another. After a week, she was having difficulty recalling details of her apartment.

One morning a rabbit appeared at her door, saying payment was due. His fur was pale pink. Before Amelia could explain she was unaware of charges, the rabbit bit into her arm, drinking blood, and memories of the elevator flooded back.

The rabbit stepped back, its fur now a deep red. "Payment accepted."

"I want to go home!"

"You can leave whenever you'd like, but perhaps you'd like a last visit to the spa first?"

Amelia's head felt fuzzy. Why was her arm bloody? She smiled, "Alright."

The next night Amelia had an odd dream. She was in an apartment lobby, and a new resident was moving in. With horror, Amelia recognized the place. She rushed forward, "Don't take the elevator!" she warned the newcomer.

Amelia awoke fightened. A nightmare! About an elevator and...she shook her head, and rang for room service to bring breakfast. Resort 517 was home.

WC: 295

<2/3>

Remaining level headed for the moment, Amelia decided to push the button for the 15th floor, to direct the elevator to her level. Her heart sank as she saw the control panel however, because instead of a neat array of buttons, there was only one, glowing softly with a yellow light.

"Here goes," Amelia said to herself. While the elevator appeared to be going in an upward motion, she was already regretting her decision to take it, and was wanting off, regardless of how many stairs she would need to climb. She pushed the button.

The elevator shuttered to a stop. Amelia let a sigh of relief, and waited for the doors to open. However, the panels in front of her remained closed. Instead, the back of the elevator, which she had been certain wasn't a door, slid away.

"Impossible," Amelia whispered starting at the dim hallway before her. The elevator shaft ran along the outer wall of the building. There shouldn't be a hallway.

Debating whether to stay or get off the elevator, Amelia noticed a figure of someone appear in the hallway ahead. Making a decision, she stepped off. Immediately the door snapped shut behind her.

Amelia took a shaky breath, and then called out to the figure down the hall. As they drew closer, Amelia realized they wore the same distinctive coat as her neighbor Todd from floor 9. 'Thank goodness,' Amelia thought, figuring perhaps she mistook the building's layout in her tiredness. As their face became visible, however, she noticed it was not Todd. She wasn't even sure it was human.

WC: 265

#Game Night

I step into my apartment after a long day at work, and kick off my wet shoes. Having walked from the bus stop through a caliginous night, I want nothing more than a glass of wine and my pajamas.

I make it a few steps when an ominous musical theme plays, freezing me in place. "This is Game Night! The viral Gameshow livestreaming from our contestant's home. Playing tonight is Fiona."

My stomach drops in fear. I run back to my door, and find it locked from the outside. Desperately I knock, hoping my neighbors will hear, knowing it's no use. I've watched this show before. The neighbors never hear.

Gulping down my terror, I turn back around, knowing I'm on camera, with millions watching.

"For those unfamiliar with the show, here's how it works. Someone close to Fiona tipped us off about something she desperately wants. Let's find out what it is!"

An image is projected on the wall in front of me. My co-worker Aaron. "Fiona seems like your basic twenty-something, eager to grow her career,  but I saw through that, " he said. "After happy hour, she confirmed my suspicions. Told me she loathed this job, and couldn't wait until she was rid of it. What a perfect contestant for my favorite web show I thought. "

"I saw through you too, Aaron," I growl. "You brownnosing weasel."

"So Fiona wishes to be rid of her job," the host's voice returns. "And, Fiona, you can be! Thanks to Aaron breaching your trust, you just need to win Game Night! A challenge awaits in your bedroom. Win it, and a comfortable life, free of your job is yours. Lose, and let's just say  you won't be around to return to work tomorrow."

I let out a shaky breath. I've seen this show once, and heard about it even more. It's always violent. The time I watched, the contestant didn't succeed. By the time the police determined where they were, they were too late. Somehow, the police are always too late.

With shaking legs, I make my way to the bedroom, feeling all the unknown eyes on me. My sacred place of rest, reduced to some sick vicarious entertainment. My bedroom door is closed, and when I push it open, I'm met with a horrific sight.

The CEO of the company sits gagged and bound to a chair, and on my bedside table is a knife.

"You wish to be free of your job. To win this challenge, and Game Night, ensure you will never be able to return."

The host's voice is right behind me now, and I whirl to see a masked figure holding a gun. There's no escaping if I don't win.

Fear floods me as I look between the knife and the CEO. I don't like the guy. He's an inappropriate brute who underpays and overworks his employees, but can I really kill him?

"In the right situation, we are all capable of the most terrible crimes," the host says encouragingly. The audience will want blood. "You have three minutes."

My hands tremble as I pick up the knife. I keep my eyes on the CEO, but don't move toward him yet. Fear grips me, and I know he's terrified too. The time is ticking. If I fail will the host shoot us both or just me? Panic is on the verge of taking me over when I spot my filing cabinet.

Still gripping the knife, I walk toward it, and pull out my copy of my work contract. I slice it in half with the knife. "I quit," I announce.

There's silence. Is this sufficient? Or will the show's host demand blood?

"Congratulations," the host sounds amused. "You've won. You win one million dollars, safely stored in an offshore account. This concludes this episode of Game Night. Thanks for playing Fiona!"

The host walks forward and hands me a business card, "In case you want another job in the future - you could find out why the cops are always late, " he says with a grin.

When I look up again, he's gone. A minute later the cops arrive. They free the CEO who has no details on who abducted him. "Don't come into the office. I'll mail your last check, " he tells me. "That Aaron fellow is out of a job as well."

The police ask if I have any information of use. I think of the business card in my pocket, and the host's words about the police. They're in on it, I realize. I shake my head, "Nothing. Just a guy in a mask. "

They confirm all the cameras have been removed, and when at last I'm alone in my apartment again, I break down and weep.

WC: 793

"And home again, " Thomas said touching down in his sister Sarah's garden, and allowing Sarah and her son Tommy to hop off his back. He heard a gasp, and noticed the neighbor woman hurriedly usher her children inside.

"Surely your neighbors know by now I mean them no harm," Thomas said. "I've stopped by enough. "

"It's not everyday you see a human riding a dragon, Thomas," Sarah pointed out, "it scares them, to think I might control a dragon in that way."

"But you are my sister, not a random human. I allow you to ride under my own free will, and it's much quicker. A day's worth of walking reduced to an hour by flight." "I know that, but it still frightens them, despite me explaining you're my brother." Sarah sighed, she knew it could be frustrating to Thomas when innocent people ran in fear of him. "I'll remind them again you mean them no harm, and that they can expect occasional dragons in my garden, seeing as you're family. "

"Thank you," Thomas said. "I must be off, do take care, " he rose to the air, ignoring a shout of fear from another home near Sarah's.

When Thomas arrived home to his cave, he was greeted by his wife Elle, and daughter Ash Bringer.

"Papa, you're home!" Ash Bringer said happily, flying circles around him. "Goodness Ash," Thomas laughed, "it's only been a few hours."

"I have something to tell you!" Ash said landing in front of him. "Papa, I want to learn to read!"

"She saw some writing on one of the pieces in my horde," Elle explained. "And wanted to know what it said. I never learned to read myself, so its been quite the wait to learn what this mystery message is."

"I imagine it would be," Thomas agreed, "let's see this writing in question." Elle pushed an ornate plate his way. "It says 'twenty- five years of love.' Thomas read. "It seems this was someone's anniversary gift at one point. Now, to avoid hours wait to decipher a message in the future, I do agree Ash, you should learn to read." He smiled at Elle, "and you too love, it's never to late to learn. Sarah and I were fortunate  that our parents taught us our letters, but many weren't as lucky. Especially as the old king enjoyed an illiterate population. It made them less likely to rebel."

"I always wondered what it may be like to read a story, " Elle mused, "I guess you'll have two students."

Thomas smiled, "learn to read, and I shall write you a story."

The next day, the dragon family sat in a patch of dirt, Thomas scratching the alphabet into the ground. He'd quickly ruled out parchment as Ash could not quite control her fire.  Patiently, he began to teach his wife and daughter to read.

Two weeks passed before Ash successfully scratched her own name into the soil. As the family celebrated, they heard a shout of terror. Thomas turned to see a man running back towards the village. This could lead to trouble.

As Sarah tended bar at the pub, a panicked man ran in. "Dragons!" he shouted. "Dragons mere miles out of town. And they were writing!"

The pub quickly grew frantic with the news. Dragons were of course feared by most, but many in the city were wary of anyone who could read or write. "What devil's work is this?" Cried one of the villagers. "Surely these dragons spell doom for us all!"

Sarah felt her stomach sink at their frevor. She suspected these dragons were Thomas and his family. The new queen's reign had led to more prosperous times, but still so many were suspicious of the written word. She needed to settle things before her brother was forced to defend himself. Leaving the bar to the cook and dish hands, she made her way toward the palace.

The next day Ash Bringer was very disappointed to learn they would not be leaving the cave for their lesson. "Not until we know it's safe, Ash," Elle had comforted her. "We can still practice our letters here. "

Ash had brightened a few hours later when Thomas heard footsteps coming to the mouth of their cave. He and Elle stepped protectively in front of Ash as one of the Queen's knights appeared.

The man took one look at the dragon couple and the writing on the ground and gasped. "It's true!" he yelped.

"Who are you?" Thomas demanded, "and what business do you have here?"

"I told you to let me go first, " came a familiar voice, and Sarah appeared next to the knight. "Hello, Thomas. Sir Franklin has a message from the queen for you. Also, I prevented an angry mob from searching for you, so you're welcome. "

Thomas relaxed upon seeing his sister, and Ash Bringer ran out from behind her parents to greet her aunt.

With a trembling voice, Sir Franklin began his message, "Her Majesty Queen Vivian recognizes the dragon couple Thomas and Elle and thanks them for their role in overthrowing her tyrannical brother a few years ago. It has come to Her Majesty's attention that Thomas, Elle, and their daughter Ash Bringer have been seen reading and writing outside the city. "

"We have, " Thomas said. "And we do wish to continue. I assume that will not be an issue?"

"N-n-no, not at all!" Sir Franklin stammered, "there's more to the message! The queen wishes to assure Thomas and family they are welcome to continue their lessons, and villagers have been strictly forbidden from preventing them doing so. Her majesty is also pleased to announce free literacy classes to all citizens, in the hopes that dragon writers may not inspire such panic in the future."

Thomas huffed, "About time some of them leaned to read and stop being hysterical at the sight of a few letters. "

"Yes, yes,  of course, " the knight said, bobbing his head. "Well, I think I must be going. I bid thee well." He stepped out of the cave. Thomas turned to Sarah. "Would you like a ride? I do seem to owe you from keeping us out of the target of a mob. "

"I would much prefer that to traveling with Sir Franklin again, " Sarah agreed. "And when we get home, I will give you a slate and chalk for you to continue your lessons."

The siblings soared over a startled Sir Franklin on their journey back to Sarah's.

When Thomas returned, he set the slate on the floor of the cave. It took a couple attempts to comfortably hold the chalk in his claws, but when he managed, he wrote out a message.

Elle studied it for a moment, and then sounded out the message "T, E and A. Dragon writers."

This story is part of my Thomas the Dragon collection. You can read the others here