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booksbookandmorebooks · 3 years

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Emma in the night Book review.

Hello there my lovelies, I know its been a little while since I last posted and I have honestly missed doing this so much, so thank you to anyone still here and still supporting me, it means the absolute world.

As everyone is fully aware 2020 was an awful one but hopefully this year we can aim for a little more positivity and happiness, which is why im back today with a review of my first read of this year and bloody hell did I pick a goodun! So this is my first review for my first book of 2021, enjoy!

The writing style

One of my favourite things about this book was the different points of view you get to experience and how well they mesh together. For example, we are told very early on that the events Cass is recalling aren’t exactly what you would call accurate and that she has spent months planning and creating this false narrative in an order to manipulate the people she's describing them to (which in itself is something I always get drawn into, the mystery and the need to figure out the characters motives and intentions along side the biggest question of all WHY?! Which is a question will find yourself screaming at the pages) This is made very apparent from the use of the choppy and restrictive way that these scenes are written. Wendy also somehow manages to create a feeling of desperation and messiness whilst having the characters maintaining such a mellow and collected exterior, you know the calm before the storm! Which is such a jarring feeling but one that realty captured and immersed me. A feeling I don’t think is easy to convey through a book format. That in itself is a testament to Wendy’s talent as a writer.

When you compare Cass’ chapters and inner dialogue to detective Abby’s they are so different but when they are looked at side by side they create a very interesting contrast that as I said before works so well, while there is a calm chaos to Cass’ words there is in turn a very structured and balanced feel to Abby's, almost a little detached like you were reading sections cut directly from a police case file. Through this constant difference in characters POVS the story flowed flawlessly and at the perfect pace for a thriller book.

The climax of the book was not just shocking but also depicted so well in how the writing matched the pace of the reveal, the whole book alternates between cass and Abby with each chapter assigned to one of the characters but towards the end you see that the different POVs are whittled down to single sentences or just a few paragraphs that get shorter and shorter as the tension builds, creating this intense feeling of panic, alert and fear. A method that I swear had my heart physically racing at the end! It was like watching a classic cat and mouse scene play out in my hands/

I also have to mention that very last chapter. I'm sorry for waffling on but please bare with me. For a book based around secrets and deception the ending was that of a perfect one because of its ability to make you feel like after reading it you now share a secret with Cass and you are now part of this extremely messed up story and family, you have this understanding of her whole character and her motives which really brings everything full circle.

The character development:

The character development in this book is one of the best ive seen in awhile with each character being incredibly layered and yet undeniably flawed. Its done in such a human way that it doesn’t feel too far fetched like some thrillers ive read in recent years. Ensuring that all of the emotions tied in with said characters hit 10 times harder than that of those very basic 2 dimensional characters, even the worst people in this story have a difficult background or some type of abusive past, just a catalyst for their behaviours and characteristics and by gradually being informed of them you and being given the bigger picture you almost create an individual relationship and opinion on them ranging from hatred to pity. We get amazing development in every single one even the seemingly unimportant ones because even they are given enough backstory to still secure a connection of some kind with them, something I know we can all appreciate as readers.

The relationships.

The main relationship ill focus on is that of the sisters Cass and Emma. I know there are a lot of relationships in this book that over lap and intertwine in really interesting and sometimes awful ways but as these two characters are the basis of our main storyline it makes a little more sense to focus the attention on them

As a huge plot point throughout the story we see that due to the actions of their mother and her lack of genuine maternal instinct and well, love we see the girls in this constant battle of who can earn their mothers love trust and affections first. Which was so heart breaking to read, through their mothers constant manipulation and abuse we see them fighting the resentment and distance that they know is growing between them and sadly a lot of the time losing because of Mrs. Martins influence and involvement. Its very obvious when reading about their mother that her abuse is based around the fear she feels at the idea of any kind of alliance that the girls could potentially form with each other, god forbid they turn against her and out her as a bad mother! So she decides its easier to create a wedge between the two of them by openly favouring one over the other which unfortunately results in a lot of cruel actions from Emma direct at Cass, creating another toxic relationship and situation for the girls to live in. Although we do get the occasional glimpse at these really beautiful and raw moments of sisterhood and love they share deep down. After seeing so much pain in their story it made these moments just that little bit more special and down right beautiful which was a part that i especially adored.

The themes:

In its relatively short amount of pages this book manages to explore a huge variety of themes from love and obsession to betrayal abuse and manipulation, which lets be honest is everything you want in a good thriller book but usually when a writer takes on this many themes I always find some of them are either touched upon very quickly then dismissed and never revisited or thought of again or done so badly with such a lack of care that its obvious they were just included for the author to be able to say they've hit all the key themes a reader would expect a good thriller to hit. Yet Wendy manages to not only explore all of these and more, but manages to do it well and so subtly you don't notice until you sit back and think about them all which to me just shows a writers real talent.

The psychology:

Another huge part of this book and something I adored were the analysis parts of the book, the in-depth look into narcissism and its effects on the children it surrounds. We are constantly listening to Detective Abby explaining and exploring the characteristics of the people Cass is talking about in her chapters, exploring the connections and the risk factors associated with such a serious disorder as narcissistic personality disorder. I found this to give the story and writing some real merit, it felt like i was reading a psychology book and getting down to the real science of why characters work the way they do and giving the reader a chance to explore it themselves instead of just being told this person has this which is something I cant stand in books. Instead of investing time and effort into helping guide you to a conclusion or even showing you they just tell you this is how it is and expect that to be enough. So frustrating! None the less, this is something I haven't experienced in another book and a technique I hope to see more of!

Similar books:

When reading this I got very strong sharp objects vibes, the fractured relationship between families, focusing on mother and daughter, a highly manipulative mother, an obsession with public facades and the desperate need to keep up appearances and so much more! If you liked sharp objects you will love this, as Emma in the night has all of the important story beats and intrigue that sharp objects has but more intensity and a faster paced story something I felt was missing when I read SO’S.

Over all I adored this book, as you can probably tell and considering it is my first Wendy walker book I can safely say i have fallen in love! I can promise you now this will not be my last read from her collection. I was captivated by her story and her writing which is why i couldn’t recommend this more!

A very very easy 5/5.

so that's it, thanks for reading my review, i really hope you enjoyed it! sorry if I waffled at all its been awhile since ive written any reviews and am still getting my bearings with it again so please be patient with me. Hope you have a fab week my lovelies, Bye!

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stupidlittlejournalentries · 4 years

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April 5th, 2020 (continued)

The memories are good though, they really are. So here’s what I remember:

I remember watching The Prestige with Abby over and I realized you wouldn’t lean into me in fact you would actively pull away, but once she left and it was just you and me it was all leaning into each other and cuddling. It’s a good memory, it’s funny. I don’t think you’d believe me sometimes when I say I think things are funny but I really do, you know? I see the situation outside myself objectively and laugh because sometimes it’s a little absurd.

The first time I ran my fingers through your hair- that’s a good memory too. I just sort of did it and you told me not to. I remember looking up at you and asking why. You said it was dangerous. I kept going anyway. You didn’t stop me.

You found a spot behind my ear that you would rub or scratch or something and I loved it. I had no idea it was there.

I remember accidentally elbowing you in the dick. (Sorry)

I remember sitting in the Wendy’s drive-thru while you told me about a clown that tired to attack you that you beat up instead. I remember being so nervous because I had feelings for you and its the first time I remember really being alone with you.

I remember when I actually saw you at auditions when Clair had us do the game show scene. I didn’t really see you or Nick or David or even really Clair before that because I was nervous as all hell. I remember you being sweet, letting me look over your script with you and I remember us laughing at the end of the scene cause I didn’t actually have any damn lines in it.

I remember Abby driving me crazy always asking me when we were going to get together.

I remember you didn’t believe me no matter how many times I told you that Gone Home was not a scary game. I remember we had to replay it because you missed the most important journal entry right before the end. I remember you kept putting my stuffed animals on your head.

I remember that hat you kept in your car. I loved it. I loved wearing it because it was yours.

I remember auditions/call backs for Into the Woods. I remember being shook as all hell seeing you in your glasses, your hair cut, and a leather jacket. I remember Abby coming up to me like “Did you see him??” Lmao yes I saw him. Hot as hell. I remember stealing your scarf. I liked wearing your things I guess.

I remember it always being awkward when I had to come to the door to get you. I always want to hug you or kiss you but I never could. And then my residents would watch us walk through the lounge. Ugh.

I remember laying on the bouch, leaning into you looking up at you smiling. You’d look back down at me and my heart would soar. I remember feeling your eyes on me more than they were on the TV. I remember you almost falling asleep. I never wanted you to leave. I wanted you to stay every night you were there.

I remember you staying the night. I could hardly sleep. You, well you remember what happened. I loved you a lot because of it. I remember smiling and laughing and you would ask why and I’d say “nothing” but you never took that as an answer. Looking back maybe you were self conscious. Sometimes I really didn’t know, sometimes I think it was just because I loved you but I couldn’t say it. Other times it was because you were snoring. Or because the bed was too small for the both of us to be comfortable and we had to shift around. I remember being content. I don’t remember sleeping but I know I did. I remember not wanting you to leave in the morning.

I remember playing games! I’d kick your ass at our DND board game until you finally got me back. We’d play dungeon mayhem or exploding kittens. It was always fun. We’d watch The Good Place and it would be funny (and sometimes kind of hard, morally) but I was just enjoying being around you. Cuddling. (I think being apart from each other fucks us up. I mean part of why I got so distant in January was we hardly saw each other despite both of us being on campus every night. Seems stupid now. I was also you know jealous of your girlfriend so there’s that. Part of me really thinks that if we were to hang out right now it would go right back to how it was. We’re good at that. Picking back where we left off. Maybe we don’t know any different. Maybe I’m just being a romantic again. Maybe this time we changed for good)

I remember decorating my tree. I remember being so nervous to give you your gift and honestly embarrassed (it’s my love language). I remember you liking it. It was one of the hundreds of ways I said I love you (I remember every gift I’ve every given you). I remember you offered to DM a game for me as a gift but I refused. I don’t think I’m good at acting or thinking on the fly and I wanted you to believe I was. I remember going over the tree decorating rules, what goes where. I remember lying in bed. I remember you wanted to stay and part of me wanted you to stay too. But it’s my mom’s house and my mom’s rules and I knew she was judging me the longer you were over. It was late, you were in my bed, you had a girlfriend. And I had feelings for you. (God my hand hurts from writing)

I remember standing in my room maybe saying goodbye? We were in front of my TV just a breath away and I remember wanting to kiss you so badly. I almost did. I almost just leaned in. I think I actually did if I remember correctly I leaned in and almost kissed you but wizened up and put my head on your chest at the last second. I remember each time you kissed me. Just on the top of the head. I remember I caved and kissed you once on the wrist. It felt great at the time, but I felt so dirty about it later.

I remember when you sent my She by dodie. I remember thinking there’s no way this is how he feels about me. There’s no way anyone on Earth could ever love me like that.I didn’t think I deserved it. I didn’t think I’d ever be loved.

I remember sharing our poetry with each other. Almost every poem I sent was about you. There were ones you sent that I wondered if they were about me.

I remember when you told me you liked me back! I remember texting Abby freaking out because I was so afraid it was all in my head. There were some days I wished you’d let me think it was all in my head. Mostly I’m glad you didn’t. I remember all the friends who told me I was stupid and that you’d break my heart but I just wouldn’t listen. I’d tell them they didn’t know you. I am a good judge of character. Maybe I got my heart broken, but I tried, I opened up. And all these things I remember- they’re all great, they’re all happy and I do not regret any of it. Well I regret a lot of what I did. I regret being so afraid of getting hurt that I hurt you instead. I regret letting my anger and fear get the best of me. But all the rest of it? It was good. Maybe it could be again. (God I hope so) And maybe if you ever read this you’ll understand just how much I’m in love with you. I think it’ll be a long time until I text you Jess.

#youre easy to love #journal #diary #personal #stupidlittlejournalentries #love #memories #unrequited love #theyre all very good #i think im falling out of love #maybe #maybe im just in love with the memories #i could love you again #if you let me

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protectorsofthewood · 5 years

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Abby and Wendy - Episode 40

SAILING IN THE LIVING WORLD

Lluvia slowly motored up the left bank of the river. “We’ll put some distance between us and the college, and then we’ll sail. There’s a nice wind blowing upstream.”

The sky was overcast with thick gray clouds. Moisture was in the air. The sun was in hiding. Time went by. Abby began to calm down. The murmuring had receded far away, barely to be heard at all. Yet it was still there.

The prospect of sailing began to interest Abby. She had been longing to try it for months, and now examined the mast and the boom with the sail wrapped around it, lying almost under their feet. Lluvia noticed Abby’s attention start to perk up. Keeping one hand on the outboard motor, she lifted the boom and began to draw it back over the stern of the boat. Abby got the idea and helped slide it out from under the benches. Lluvia told her how to clamp the boom and the sail to the mast.

“We’ll raise the sail going into the wind. It’s safer and easier.” She made a U-turn and suddenly the boat was headed downstream. “Pull on that rope. It’s called the halyard.” The rope was attached to a pulley at the top of the mast. Abby slowly raised the sail, which fluttered in the wind. “Okay, take that rope. It’s called the sheet. Let the sail out slowly on the left side, that’s where the wind will catch it.”

Lluvia quickly removed the motor and slid a wooden tiller into place. She looked carefully ahead and behind, and then made a slow U-turn into the middle of the river. “Let the boom out little by little.” Suddenly the wind filled the sail. “More, more. Keep going!” Soon the sail was out at right angles to the boat. Lluvia guided the boat up the left side of the river. The boat rocked against the rolling water, splashing up over the bow.

Abby was thrilled. They made very slow progress, but moving against the current it felt as though they were going fast. Everything suddenly seemed alive, as if they were part of a new world.

“Does this boat have a name?” she asked.

“This boat is brand new. We just finished it a week ago. I’ve been waiting to name it, and paint my logo and decorations. Think of a name.”

“How about ‘the world is alive’?” “Very nice, but too long.” “’The Living World’?” “Mmmm... not a normal name, but... maybe. In fact, yes, that’s it!”

Lluvia was enthusiastic. “It’s the Living World! Our Living World.” “This is fun. I feel so much better.” “Thank God. I saw you struggle. Want to talk about it?” “Not now, not yet. Maybe later.”

“I’ll make a deal,” Lluvia offered. “I’ll give you a long sailing lesson, teach you everything. And then you talk about it.”

“How long will it take us to get back to Middletown?” “As long as you like.” “Really? What if I want it to take a very long time?” “No problem. All the better.”

“It’s a deal.” “Promise?” “Yes, I promise. You’ll help me.” “Okay, Let’s start. First, I think we should wear life jackets. I have to

teach you the difference between jibing and coming about.” She grabbed two orange vests from a storage compartment in the bow, and they fastened them with Velcro. “Now,” Lluvia went on, “notice that the wind is gusting, and blowing on our backs, and the sail is out wide on the left side. We make at least some progress against the current, and don’t have to tack back and forth across the river the way we would if the wind were coming at our faces.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“You’ll get it once you actually see it. Mmm... let’s say a boat is coming downstream right at us. Of course, they’re supposed to stay in the middle of the river, but maybe they’re trying to pass somebody. So, we have to get out of the way. We can’t turn sharp to the left because we’ll run into the bank. No choice but to turn right. Watch what happens.”

Lluvia looked up and back, and then slowly turned right toward the middle of the river. “Pull in the sail a bit once you see it start to flutter. They call it luffing.” The Living World was now heading at a 45 degree angle to the opposite bank, the sail still on the left side, pulled closer to the boat. As they drew near the bank, Lluvia said, “Now watch this. Let’s say we have to turn left. And pull your head down low. Very low.” She turned sharply back across the river.

“Pull in the sheet! Duck! More, more!” Suddenly the wind at their backs caught the sail and sent the boom flying over their heads to the right-hand side. The jolt tipped the boat dangerously on its side, and almost tore the sheet from Abby’s hands.

“That’s called a jibe,” Lluvia told her. “Lesson number one.”

Almost three hours went by. During the last hour Abby was sailing the Living World, and loving it. Lluvia talked non-stop. No disasters occurred.

“I’m starving,” Lluvia said. “We’re almost at Half Moon. We’ll tie up at the dock on the park side. I’d better show you how to safely slow down to dock.” She hugged the left side of the river, and soon they approached a pier with empty spaces. “We’ve got to time this right. Get ready to lower the sail and pull in the boom.”

Abby took the rope holding the sail to the top of the mast off the cleat.

“Get ready... ready... Now!”

She let go of the rope and pulled the sail to the deck. The Living World quickly lost headway against the current, but they were near the shore and the wind was behind them. They slowly drifted into the dock. Abby held it off with her hands, and then stepped off with the bow rope, and tied it to the cleat. Lluvia used an oar to bring the stern to the dock.

“Success!” she shouted. An attendant came trotting up. “Oh, it’s you, Lluvia. “Everything okay?”

“We’re good. I hope Brenda’s is still open.” “Until dark.” “Great. Let’s go, Abby.” Abby was still sitting in the boat, feeling no desire to mix with

people. “Oh, I think I’ll just stay here. I’m not very hungry, just bring me something.”

Lluvia gave her a long look and nodded, and then walked ashore. Abby moped alone in the boat. How am I going to describe my problem to Lluvia? Should I even try? It’s so strange and complicated. Should Lluvia know about the mapstick? Well, she actually knows already. She’s trustworthy and discreet, and I really need somebody. It’s all too crazy, too much for me. I think I’m going crazy.

Abby stared out at the water. Sailing today I actually started to feel happy. Like a normal person, part of the living world. I’ve got to do this more often. I’ve got to trust Lluvia.

Abby sat in a daze for what seemed like a long time. Eventually Lluvia returned holding a full paper bag with both hands. “Best tamales in the universe! Coffee! Potato squash chips, lots of them. Apple cider. Come on, take this bag, we’ll eat in the boat.” She handed the bag to Abby and stepped down. “I’m going to hand out stuff and you’re going to eat. It’s mandatory. I’m the captain.”

“Oh my...” Abby began to smell the hot food. “Oh, there’s so much of it. And I owe you money!”

“No! I’m the captain and you’re the crew. I give the orders. Start with some cider and a cheese tamale. Munch on these delicious chips.”

The tamales were fresh and hot, each one wrapped in corn husks. Abby began to pick at the food. Lluvia had finished two tamales and a large handful of chips while Abby was just getting started.

“Hmm, this is good,” Abby said softly. “I’m starting to get hungry.”

Lluvia waited silently and patiently. Abby looked away, out at the river flowing by. She was wondering: Where do I even start to tell this story? I can’t say a word. But I can eat!

“Finish that second tamale,” Lluvia ordered. “It’s mandatory. Once you’re finished, I’m going to tell you something important. If you want to hear it, eat!”

Abby stuffed herself and then leaned back against the mast. They sat close together in the thin boat. Lluvia spoke in a low voice: “Since you can’t talk, I’m going to tell you your own story. If I start to get it wrong, interrupt me, and add details I’m leaving out. Got it?”

“You’re going to tell me my story? We haven’t seen each other in years. But... I really hope you can. I’ve got to hear this.”

“You know,” began Lluvia, “I’ve been following your recent career, and I’ve got lots of sources. Plus, I remember you very well, back when I was River Girl and you were... who? Come on, say it.”

“I was... Ghost Girl.” Abby was almost in tears. To have Lluvia back as a friend, someone who knew much of her secret life, almost made her sob with joy. She felt relieved of part of her burden. Lluvia clearly had a plan for this conversation, and continued:

“In the story, River Girl spent a lot of time...where?”

“Well, lots of places. She had a whole team of people on the river. They had a hide-out on an island in the wetland. They explored, and they showed up with a fleet of boats in emergencies. Other young warriors would join them to help people and deal with problems. I was just thinking about that today. You remember, when I spoke to the crowd, and promised an armada for the U.N. conferences?”

Lluvia was smiling. “I sure do remember! That’s my idea. You picked it up out of thin air. I’ve been preparing people from River City to Fisher’s Island, all across the wetland and up to Northern State University. We have an organization with no name. People with boats love my idea, and now it’s your idea too. We’re a team.”

“But what do I do on this team?” “Ah! That’s where your story comes in.” “Well, go ahead. Tell it.” “Okay. But you’ll have to answer questions... like, tell me: Where

was the Ghost Girl from? Where did she spend time?” “Sonny was just asking me. She was from everywhere.” “And her mother was...?” “The Good Fairy.” “And the Good Fairy spent a lot of time... where?” “She could go everywhere. She could fly, and knew what was

happening all over. Animals were her spies. She could zoom into a situation just in the nick of time.”

“And the Ghost Girl did what?”

“She learned from the Good Fairy. But the Ghost Girl could never do all the things that the Good Fairy could do.”

“But still, the Ghost Girl had special talents. She could even do things the Good Fairly couldn’t do.”

“Really? I don’t remember that.”

“The Good Fairy had a special wand with a magical light at the tip. And the Ghost Girl had a wand too.”

“Mmm... that’s interesting. She did have a sort of wand, more like a staff, and it had a light too. It’s strange I had forgotten that.”

“But you just remembered recently because...?”

“The mapstick. The wand wasn’t so big, but... yes, it was very similar.”

“And the Ghost Girl’s wand had special powers too, right?”

Abby was getting all choked up. She looked away, trying to control herself.

Luvia gave her a careful look. “I’m starting to hit the problem, right?”

Abby gave a sob, or a moan, and tears fell. “This is too hard. It’s scary.”

“Okay, just one more question. These special powers... Where did the Ghost Girl use them?”

“Oh! The wand shone in the dark. At night! And...” Abby sobbed again. “Underground. Especially underground.”

“Tell me about the underground.”

“It was a secret from most people. They were afraid, so the Ghost Girl was queen of the underworld. She could go places nobody else could go. She could travel here and there with no one knowing. And she could find out things, enter the dream dimension, foretell the future, and contact other powers, both good and bad. And she could help to heal people, at least sometimes. People go lost down there, like in a dream, and the Ghost Girl could find them. She even...” Tears streamed down her face. “She even found herself.”

Abby could no longer speak. She put her face in her hands. The attendant called from the dock. “Everything okay?”

“It’s good to cry sometimes,” Lluvia replied. She pulled a bandana from the tiny storage compartment and gave it to Abby. “Dry your eyes. Drink cider. You’ll see your way more clearly now.”

After a few minutes Abby said, “I’m remembering things in a flood. I don’t know why I couldn’t think of them before.”

“You remember things when you need them.” “Mmmm... how did you get to be so smart?” “I’ve always been smart. I should say...’we’ve always been smart’.

And now we have to use it.” “I’m trying.”

“I can see you’ve got this tiger by the tail. Want to tell me any more?”

“The voices. Babbling from the underworld. What are they? Before I only heard them underground, but lately I hear them almost anywhere. I feel like I’ve got to track them down or they’ll drive me crazy.”

“Do you think you can do it? Track them down?” “I’m pretty sure I can, but I’m afraid. Wendy warned me not to.” “Really? What did she say?” “Something about having a full plate for that day. Not to spoil it by

adding anything. And there’s an ancient rhyme that goes with the voices. A line goes: Very few have found the way, from the stream of ghosts to the light of day.”

“Hmm... very few. Very few is not none. And Wendy didn’t say no. It sounds like... at least she implied, that your day would come.”

“Yes, I think so. That’s why I’m a mess. I have to confront this... whatever it is, tonight. As soon as it’s dark.”

“Do you know the way?”

“Not really. I mean I know a little bit, but not enough. The mapstick puts a map of the underworld in my mind, but the place I’ll have to go isn’t on the map. I know the direction, but then it just dissolves, vanishes. It’s in the underworld somewhere, but it’s off the chart.”

“I have the feeling you know what you’re going to do. Here, take this coffee. It’s good.”

They sat sipping strong, bitter coffee, from small paper cups. The day was darkening and the clouds were more threatening. The wind had picked up, and was knocking them against the pier. Lluvia tied a couple of pontoons to protect the boat. Looking downstream there was nothing but darkness. The sky upstream had a bit of pale light left from the day.

Abby remembered a song of Wendy’s. “A few times when I’m sad or afraid, I remember Wendy singing this song.”

“Well...” Lluvia said impatiently. “Go on. I want to hear it too.” Abby sang softly:

Time has flown by like the wind in the trees Who knows where it comes from Where it’s going you can’t see

“I like it,” Lluvia said. “Give me on more verse. Maybe it will tell us something.”

When you were a child It seems like yesterday The years have gone by Like an afternoon at play

“Yes, time is flying by. We’ve got to outrun this storm coming up behind us. The tide is coming in with the storm. We’ll make good time.”

“Tide all the way up here in Half Moon?”

“Yeah, tide all the way to the wetland. It comes up the river, makes it flow slower. Take your rope off the cleat, here we go.”

Lluvia sailed the Living World, and Abby sat and thought and dreamed. The wind was stronger. The voices were a low murmur. She felt more confident, and was less afraid. Keeping watch for obstacles in the river kept her on the alert. Lluvia knew every inch of the river, so Abby didn’t worry about rocks or sandbars.

“So, where do you want to get off?” A bit of rain was in the air. “Same place. Near the cemetery.” In a few minutes Lluvia said, “Coming ashore, sail down. Take it off

the mast and we’ll roll it up on the boom. The storm will be powerful, I won’t risk the run by night.”

“You can stay in my cottage,” Abby said, despite her misgivings about having Lluvia seen by stalkers.

“No. I’ll be at the West Isle in less than an hour. I have the motor, the tide, and the wind.”

Abby put on her backpack. The Living World slid up the mud just before the bridge. It was practically dark. Lluvia followed Abby onto the shore, gave her a long hug, and stepped back into the boat.

“Next time you’re in Rivergate I’ve got a special present for you. You can guess what it is. Now push me off.”

The boat drifted downstream. Suddenly the low sound of the motor began, and the Living World disappeared into the night.

#Environmentalism #ecofiction #teenagers #green energy #live music #novels #protectorsofthewood

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drcbox · 2 years

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Favorite Romance Novels with Prisoners & Ex-cons

I love dark romance books. But you know what I love even more? Dark romance books with cruel heroes. These dark love stories are all different and lovely in their own way, and if you’ve stumbled upon this entry, my bet is that you will love these dark romance books for adults just as much as I do!

1. Prisoner by Skye Warren and Annika Martin

This is the story of Abby and Greyson. Abby is a studious college student who is working on a college program about studying with inmates. Greyson is a convicted cop-killer who shows up in her class. Greyson charms Abby with his honesty and power of voice, and she soon finds herself infatuated with him. She can’t stop thinking about him and how he makes her feel. She is wholly charmed and a prisoner to her desire for him. This is the first novel in a dark romance books series titled Criminals & Captives. It’s followed by Hostage.

If you’ve never read a book like this before, this one would be the dictionary definition of the inquiry “what is a captive romance?” To appreciate the depth of these characters, you’re just going to need to read this one. The instantaneous connection between Abby and Greyson is what really sold this story for me. Their relationship was intense and grips you right from the beginning. Both characters are vulnerable and strong at the same time, and the intimate scenes do border on the consent line, so make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start reading. Also, carve out some time. You’re not going to want to stop reading this one.

2. All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

Some dark romance stories exist not to make us comfortable but to make us uncomfortable. This is one of those stories. Wavy, the main character, lives an extremely difficult and tumultuous life. Her parents are shaken by mental illness and drug addiction, and Wavy is just doing the best she can to get through life with her little brother. Soon, she falls into a relationship with Jesse Joe Kellen.

This novel is not sunshine and rainbows. It’s dark and perhaps even disturbing to some readers; you should know that before you even open the first page. However, if you are willing to accept that life, as crazy as it is, just simply is not sunshine and rainbows and darkness frequently lurks around corners, you will enjoy this book. Greenwood’s style and approach are measured and deliberate. It is a joy to witness the artistry of her work.

3. Caught by the Convicts by Jessa Kane

This Kindle Unlimited dark romance tells the story of Wendy, a young woman who is visiting her father in prison. During a visit, she finds herself in the grips of a riot and soon, with Ruger and Klay. All three people have their own history of childhood abuse and wrestle with their own demons. As Wendy should try to escape or prevent what is to happen to her, she does not, and Ruger and Klay take full advantage of the situation. Soon though, their love story grows and leads them all to unexpected places.

This one is different from the usual “daddy” stories from Kane, but it is fabulous. Gritty and exciting, this story has it all: power, control, unexpected love, and rich backstory. The story gets going quickly too, so there’s not much waiting around that you’ll need to do. If you’re looking for a great ride and some characters with interesting relationships, you’ll love this one.

4. Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley

Lexie and Ty share the spotlight in this story of luck and misfortune. When Lexie picks up ex-convict Ty from prison, she feels an immediate sense of trouble brewing. He’s beautiful and irresistible. Upon his release, Ty begins his quest to get revenge for the time he’s lost in prison as a falsely convicted criminal. Lexie does everything she can to help him stay out of trouble, but will it be enough?

This one had it all; it was sexy, funny, sweet, and gripping! I honestly don’t know how Ashley brought everything together so seamlessly. This is a must-read because of how interesting it is right from the get-go. I mean, the characters get married within only 48 hours of knowing each other. Sure, they claim it's for appearances, but really, there’s always something else there. You should know that this is the third novel in the Colorado Mountain series, but all of the novels stand alone beautifully. If you love this one, you should also check out The Gamble, Sweet Dreams, Breathe, Jagged, Kaleidoscope, and Bounty.

5. To Have and To Hold by Patricia Gaffney

This is one of those romance novels with dark heroes that have quite a remarkable story. In this case, our ex-convict is actually a woman named Rachel Wade. She spent years in prison for the violent death of her husband. Upon release, the Viscount D’Aubrey is the only one who will help her see a new life after jail time. He needs a new housekeeper, after all.

The electricity between the Viscount and Rachel is electrifying. Gaffney has a way of making you feel like you’re right in the room with them. It's dark and emotional and absolutely heartstopping.

Honorable Mention: Labor Day

Every now and again, dark romance movies catch my eye, so I just thought I’d mention one for your next movie night. In this one, a single mother and her young teen son meet a man who convinces them to take him home. He obviously needs help. Soon, they learn that he is an escaped convict. Though they fall in love, nothing goes according to their plan. If you enjoy dark romance novels, you will also enjoy this movie. So pop some popcorn, and pull this one up on Amazon Prime!

#dark romance #enemiestolovers #prisoner #ex convicts

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guttersvillemayor · 3 years

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Piecing Together The Puzzle

[It had been a bit of a shock to my family when I showed up that first night I got back for Sunday dinner. I hadn’t told anyone my plans beyond that I was giving up my place in Portland and would be on the road again. A part of me didn’t want to worry them in case I found myself re-energized while on the road and decided not to finish the journey back to New Orleans. However, while the stops in Colorado had been good, it wasn’t enough for me to shake off the feeling deep inside of me that wanted to be back home. My parents had quickly pulled me into a hug, followed by each of my brothers and their significant others with Wendy at the end. Her face was more telling than anything else that something was up and that’s when I got my own shock in return. Seemed Jonah had proposed to her on Christmas morning and the family dinner was being spent to celebrate and plan an engagement party. Neither Jonah or Wendy wanted a long, drawn out engagement so it seemed before the summer was out, she would officially become my sister-in-law. My mother and Dahlia had taken up the reins in planning the engagement party with Dahlia having me join along to both keep me occupied while also helping with the children. However, she could be just as bad as my mom with her mother hen ways. It felt like her eyes were on me almost as much as they were on her children. Sometimes it rankled more than I cared to admit, but I knew it came from a place of love. I just wasn’t used to having a sibling who cared for me and showed it in this way. My brothers would keep their eyes on me when I was growing up, but it wasn’t necessarily to watch me but those around me and make sure they weren’t bothering me. Dahlia’s gaze was penetrating as if I was some puzzle she was trying to figure out and every day we got closer to the engagement party it seemed like she was slowly working things out. It had me worried what she’d find when she was done piecing whatever she had together. There were things about my time away from my family that I would happily keep to myself and never share with another living soul. No one could doubt the amazing party planning skills that Dahlia and my mother had when they put together a full scale party together in two weeks. It was basically their jobs even though most would just say they were housewives. The work they did for different charities and groups more than gave them the experience that most professional event planners didn’t have. It’s how two weeks after I arrived back in Louisiana I found myself hiding in a corner of the Audubon Tea Room’s private garden on a cold Saturday night. I’d always loved the Audubon Zoo growing up, same as the aquarium. I’d spent birthdays, summers and everything in between traipsing the paths with my brothers and friends, and lately I was able to do that with my niece and nephew. But tonight Abigail and Arthur were either with their parents, someone else from my family or Trinity, their regular babysitter who Dahlia had paid to come tonight with the expressed purpose of watching them when nobody in the Mosby clan could. For which I was thankful because, as much as I loved those little ones, spending all that time with Abby and Artie had seemed to run me down almost as much, if not more so than, some of the long days I had out on the road. A slight gust of wind whipped around the garden, sending a shiver down my back as I pulled my wrap closer around my body. Usually I enjoyed the cold, but even I wasn’t impervious to the chill that low temperatures brought. But I wasn’t quite ready to go back inside just yet. Inside I’d have to make nice, explain to people where I’d been lately, how I’d been on my travels and what stories I could tell. And while I knew my family and some of the people inside cared, most of them were people who didn’t really know me or care beyond the fact that my family was connected to the same group or whatever as them. With a heavy sigh, my eyes glance up at the moon and wonder if I’d be able to wander around the zoo without getting into trouble. “That was one hell of a sigh.” My head whips around to see Wendy bundled in her own wrap just a few feet from me. I hadn’t even heard her come up on me and now I felt caught in the awkwardness of our situation. She seemed to be feeling it as well as she clears her throat and continues to close the distance between us. At least physically. “So this is where you got off to. Your mother is looking for you but I told her I’d find you instead.” With her eyes flickering to the open spot on the bench next to me, she silently asks for permission to join me and I answer with a slight nod before moving over to make sure she has enough space.] Just needed to get out of there for a bit. I’m not used to feeling so cooped up and crowded after the last few months. [She hums softly in understanding and glances back at the bustling Tea Room where music and chattering are spilling out of even despite the glass doors being closed to keep the cold out. “I’m very thankful that your mom was able to get this place on such short notice. I’d always loved it here since I was a little girl as you well know.” Her gaze returns back towards me and we lock eyes. Yes, I did well. Growing up together, we’d discussed almost any and everything, including what we dreamed our weddings and future husbands would be like. Granted it was usually more her talking than myself on that topic, but it was always a bone of contention between us that she wanted to have her wedding here at the zoo even though she knew how much I loved it. She’s the one to look away first and I turn my own gaze back out into the dark night of the zoo.] You really should be thanking Dahlia as she was the one who knew the couple who had broken up creating the vacancy for tonight and in the summer. [Somehow it felt so wrong that Wendy and Jonah would be married on a day that had first been meant for someone else, but I was assured that this happened more than people knew. It wasn’t Wendy’s fault that some couple’s relationship had failed while her own with my brother was going strong. And Dahlia had given me very strict instructions not to cause trouble tonight no matter how much the random urge might come up on me out of nowhere. I wasn’t sure how the hell she was able to predict that I’d feel that way as I thought I had been slowly coming to terms with the shift in my relationship with Wendy while travelling, but something about tonight had me on edge. I blamed the fatigue and bloated feeling. Seemed my PMS was being extra special this month including the cramping I’d felt off and on since leaving Colorado. I quickly regretted saying all of that, or at least how I said it, when I noticed the look on Wendy’s face. My voice softened as I looked down at my hands.] It’s a really beautiful night and you look lovely. If you want I can go get my camera from my car and take a couple pictures of you and Jonah. [Knowing me pretty well, Wendy understood the olive branch that I was offering but shook her head gently with a slight smile. “As lovely as that would be, Ems, I want you to enjoy yourself and we have someone to take pictures tonight. I appreciate the offer though.”] Maybe another time when it’s just you, me and Jonah. [And as if I seemed to call him to us by saying his name, Jonah steps into our view and gives us a smile that seems to mirror Wendy’s. My heart seems to both flutter and tighten in my chest at the sight. No matter what I felt about all of this, there was no denying that my brother and childhood friend loved one another. The only person who couldn’t seem to make peace with their relationship was me. “There y’all are, I was told that you had come in search of my wayward sister before getting lost yourself?” His eyebrow raised in what seemed to be the signature playful look we inherited from our mother, although Dad did a pretty good version of it as well. Wendy laughed first before I slowly joined in and she held her hand out to beckon him to her. Their fingers easily slipping between each other’s, another sign of their undeniable bond.] Sorry, we were just talking about coming back here one day to take some pictures for you and her. Anyway, I’ll go see what Mom wants. [Without another word, I get up from where I’d been hiding and leave them behind to no doubt share a moment before they returned back to the party themselves. It was not hard to find my mother standing next to my father and some of their friends. Once she spots me in return, she leaves them to intercept me.] You were looking for me? [“Yes, Emma Jean. Things are starting to wind down here and Dahlia is going to take the kids back home and drop Trinity off on the way. She was asking if you wouldn’t mind going with her to help.” This request didn’t sound too unusual, but remembering all the looks Dahlia had given me lately, I wasn’t sure what the hell was going on. Still I couldn’t refuse or give anything away to my mother or she would be right along side Dahlia like a bloodhound trying to solve whatever fucking puzzle Dahlia was seeing in me. They both could act like a dog with a bone if given the chance. Better to just deal with one of them if they already had my scent, then have both sticking their nose in every corner of my life. My head dips in a quick nod before glancing around the room to spot Dahlia or Trinity.] I can do that, do you know where she is? [“She already headed out to the car when I sent Jonah out to find you and Wendy. Otherwise, Lord knows what you two girls would have gotten up to.” Her words harken back to a time when Wendy and I were thick as thieves and so I do my best not to look back at my mother until I’m sure that nothing that I’m thinking or feeling is showing in my facial expression.] We were never as bad as the twins, Momma. But I’m gonna go ahead and grab my stuff so I don’t keep Dahlia and the kids waiting any longer. Tell Daddy and the guys goodbye for me. [My lips press a soft kiss to my mom’s cheek as I wrap my arms around her in a brief hug. Behind her I can see Jonah and Wendy finally coming back into the room, so I give them a wave goodbye and then head off to grab my purse and scarf. Dahlia had the car waiting by the curb as if knowing that I would be out any moment. She doesn’t say anything to me when I slide into the passenger’s seat, or as we drive to Trinity’s house and drop her off, or even as we head to her own home. The car is almost eerily silent as both Artie and Abby had fallen asleep in their car seats from the long day and busy night. It’s not until she parks that she asks me to grab Arthur, but that’s it. So I nod my head and easily extract her son from his car seat, cradling him to my body as best I can while following her inside. We work together in silence to get the kids dressed in their pajamas and into bed. Once that’s finished, she motions back to her bedroom and I slowly trudge behind her. Finally to the point of frustration, I am just barely able to moderate my tone and volume, very aware of her sleeping children down the hall.] Okay, what the hell is going on, Dahlia? You’ve been acting weird with me all week and I’m getting really sick of it. And why didn’t you just have Jasper help you? [Instead of answering any of my questions, she keeps padding across her bedroom floor to the bathroom and just crooks her finger for me to keep following her. As I walk into the bathroom, my eyes easily lock onto the only thing out of place on the countertop. A white and blue box that Dahlia picks up and examines. My eyes wide as I realize exactly what that box contains.] Oh my god, are you pregnant again, Dahl? [Somehow this would make sense for her weird behavior all week, or at least I hope it would. But that’s quickly abandoned as she shakes her head and meets my confused gaze. “You’ve been really tired since you’ve come back home.”] So. [Immediately feeling defensive, I cross my arms over my chest, making sure not to do so too tightly. “And I’ve noticed that you are careful with your breasts whenever you pick up Abby or Arthur as if they hurt or ache.” My face heats at the intimate nature the conversation is taking, but I don’t say anything as my brain realizes what Dahlia is trying to say. “I wasn’t sure until last night when Reba and I saw you look like you were going to be sick after taking a bite of your favorite meat-stuffed bell peppers that your mom makes. You didn’t take another bite of it all night. Not sure how no one else noticed, but Emma is there any chance you could be pregnant?” As soon as the words leave her mouth, it’s as if my stomach dropped into a bottomless pit. My jaw also falling slack while I try to process the possibility. Slowly, I become aware that my breaths are starting to come in short and shallow and Dahlia’s hand reaches out for mine to ground me. My panicked eyes meeting her warm, comforting ones. So this is what she was seeing every time her watchful gaze fell on me. Somehow my astute sister-in-law had perceived some difference in me when no one else had and I had been completely oblivious. She slowly places the box into my free hand and gently gives my other one a squeeze. “I think you should take this just to be safe.” Even though I know it’s actually pretty light, the box feels like an enormous weight in my hand. Swallowing harshly, I look back to her bedroom and feel a panic rise in my chest.] What happens if Jasper comes home? [“Reba is having Jackson keep Jasper occupied.” This does nothing to calm me and Dahlia quickly finishes explaining. “Jackson doesn’t know either, he simply thinks I’m setting up something special for when Jasper gets home. He won’t be back for at least another hour. So why don’t we get down to it and then I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Okay?” If I wasn’t in such shock, I would feel patronized by her treating me like a lost, scared kid. But that’s sort of how I felt as she helped me open the box and read the instructions. My mind was still not fully processing how I ended up in this situation or what it would mean for me if Dahlia and Reba were right about this. I would never understand how something that was so simple to do like peeing on a stick and only took a few minutes for the results to appear somehow seemed to make time slow and expand until it felt like hours instead of minutes had passed. All the while, Dahlia sat next to me holding one of my hands gently. Silence once more settling between us until she finally gives my hand a squeeze. “It’s time, Ems. Do you want to look or would you like me to do it?” My breath catches in my chest and I let out a shuddered breath before getting up to go to the counter where the test sat. Even in the mirror, I could see my whole body shaking and my unsteady hand came up to my chest to cover the area over my racing heart. Tears pooled in my eyes but I’d already seen what I needed to as Dahlia moved to my side to wrap her arms around me. “What can I do for you, sweetie?” My mind raced at her question but the only thing I knew was that I instinctively wanted to run from all of this.] Home. [“Okay, I’ll take you to your parents’ house.” But I vigorously shake my head, knowing she’d misunderstood me.] To Alabama. I can’t… [She simply nods at this understanding that I couldn’t go back to my parents’ house with the knowledge I now possessed. Instead, she led me down to the guest room that I have used in the past as quiet sobs started to rack my body. Without any words, Dahlia put me to bed like she would one of her children and sat with me a bit until my cries quieted down, although my tears didn’t stop. I could hear her talking to Jasper about me sleeping over for the night. And as I finally started to drift off, my last thoughts were on how soon I could leave New Orleans and how to do so without seeing any more of my family than necessary, especially my parents who I felt I had disappointed with this development. How was it that just a few hours ago my biggest issue was trying to make peace with the shifting relationship between me and Wendy and now I didn’t know which way was up. All I knew is that I wanted to be home in the beach house to try to make sense of what was happening to my life.]

#PiecingTogetherThePuzzle #EJMosbySL #EJ-Mosby

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aboutbigbooks · 7 years

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Recent Releases Part 2: Points of View

Once again, I have a bunch of advance reader’s copies thanks to NetGalley and Goodreads (in return for honest reviews). And once again, the bunch contains a variety of fiction and yields a range of recommendations. If you’re looking for a big book, there are a couple that come close (> 400 pp.) that I can heartily recommend. A theme that inadvertently runs through this crop is multiple narrators, a technique that most of these books use to good effect.

In chronological order, here are some new novels (and a couple of paperback releases) from the second half of 2017. Hint: my highest recommendations go to the more recent releases.

Siracusa (Delia Ephron, 304 pp., paperback release June 6). Two couples to go Italy together: Taylor and Finn (who bring their daughter, Snow) and Lizzie and Michael. Told from their four perspectives, relationship chaos ensues – a situation that you can foresee from the start. I won’t say more about the events to avoid spoilers, but think entropy. Around the same time I read Siracusa, I also read Jane Smiley’s Commonwealth, which made me think about writing a blog post about wife-swapping novels. The difference between the two books? Ephron’s characters are anxious, dramatic, or both; Smiley’s are (as always) serene and observant. Read them both for an interesting contrast.

Read if: You like your drama high.

Emma in the Night (Wendy Walker, 320 pp., August 8). Two sisters disappear, and only one, Cassandra, shows up on her mother’s doorstep three years later. Her mother and father are still divorced and remarried, and her mother is as crazy as ever. In mythology, Cassandra was the prophetess whose true prophecies were not believed. This Cassandra is an unreliable narrator, not because she is drunk or damaged, but because she has a secret agenda of her own that she doesn’t tell anyone (including the reader). The other narrator is Abby Winter, an FBI forensic psychologist who worked the original disappearance. Of the two, Cassie is the more interesting. Some good twists.

Read if: You like dysfunctional family dramas and unreliable narrators.

Unraveling Oliver (Liz Nugent, 272 pp., August 22). I started to hear some buzz about this book around the beginning of September, but I was disappointed. The story is told in flashbacks by Oliver and those he has had contact with over his life. That was not the disappointing part – the structure worked super well. The characters themselves, however, were archetypes with little depth or complexity. Oliver has some kind of personality pathology, probably narcissism with a dash of antisocial thrown in, and that’s about all you need to know about him. His wife is the bad stereotype of a librarian (she’s actually an artist, but not that kind of artist – you know, the vegetarian kind with dyed hair. The dowdy kind who wears cardigans and is a poor driver.) The older French woman? A winemaker, wise in the ways of food and sex. An aunt is a spinster sister, unattractive and not good with children. And so on.

Read if: Construction satisfies you more than character.

The Golden House (Salman Rushdie, 380 pp., September 5). Did not finish. This sounded like a winner: from Salman Rushdie, winner of the Booker of Bookers for Midnight’s Children and set in New York with a loose allegory on Trump. I got about two-thirds of the way through it, and finding that I was not getting the momentum that some readers reported halfway through, I moved on to better things. The story is told from the perspective of a twenty-something American man who becomes intrigued (to say the least) with a family from an initially unnamed country that moves into his affluent neighborhood. The widowed patriarch is Nero Golden and his three sons are Petronius, Lucius Apuleius, and Dionysus. Nero is meant to be the Trump allegory, which you can tell because sometimes he says things like, “On the upper floors I can get a terrific deal . . . So, a great deal. The best deal in town.” My main problem with this novel was voice. I got bogged down in a conversation between the narrator and Nero about guns that didn’t indicate the speakers, and I couldn’t tell from their voice who was who. Both of them sounded like the elderly foreigner. I quit not long after that.

There were beautiful nuggets, to wit:

Life and death are both meaningless. They happen or don’t happen for reasons that have not weight, from which you learn nothing. There is no wisdom in the world. We are all fortune’s fools. Here is the earth and it is so beautiful and we are so lucky to be here with one another and we are so stupid and what happens to us is so stupid and we don’t deserve our stupid luck.

If you read it: Let me know how it turns out.

Sing, Unburied, Sing (Jesmyn Ward, 285 pp., September 5). I honestly don’t know how many stars to give this book. Like others in this crop, it was told from the viewpoint of several characters. The center of the book is Jojo, a Black teenager living in abject poverty in the rural South. Unlike Unravelling Oliver, this book has rich, emotional characters. The language is swoon-worthy. So why not an immediate 5 stars? THE GRIM, PEOPLE. SO MUCH GRIM. Beautiful grim, but still. There was also an element of the supernatural that did not work 100% for me. Ward just won a MacArthur Genius Grant, and I’m betting this will be on a lot of literary award short lists.

Read if: You love beautiful language and can handle grimness.

The Dark Lake (Sarah Bailey, 400 pp., October 3). I am always skeptical about books that promise that they will satisfy fans of Tana French (the Dublin Murder Squad series), but this one fits the bill. Set in a small town in Australia, this debut effort is told from the (sole) perspective of detective Gemma Woodstock. A teacher from Gemma’s alma mater, her former classmate, has been found dead. It falls to Gemma and her partner to expose the victim’s life while protecting their own secrets and negotiating their own complications. Like the Dublin detectives, these cops are real people with real flaws that sometimes get in the way of their jobs. A great page-turner and nearly big book. I’m looking forward to more from Sarah Bailey.

Read if: You can’t wait for the next Dublin Murder Squad. No, seriously.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things (Bryn Greenwood, 406 pp., paperback release October 3). Another nearly big book that I loved. The novel tells the coming-of-age of Wavonna from her perspective and those of her relatives, teachers, and the biker mechanic who is ultimately her savior. Wavy’s parents cook and take methamphetamine, and she is often left to her own devices. Wavy is damaged – she can only eat alone, preferably out of the garbage; she doesn’t talk much; and don’t try to touch her. When Kullen finds her trying to maintain the household and care for her mother and little brother, he has to do something. Can an adult biker mechanic and a young girl – and later, a young woman – be soulmates? Bryn Greenwood will make you believe they can.

Read if: You like your grim counterbalanced with unlikely but sustaining love.

The Immortalists (Chloe Benjamin, 352 pp., January 9, 2018). Last but absolutely not least, this novel asks, what if you knew the date of your death? Four bored young siblings decide to visit a medium who can (and does) tell them the exact dates of their death. The youngest, Simon, has the earliest date:

It’s the prophecy, too, something he would very much like to forget but has instead dragged behind him all these years. He hates the woman for giving it to him, and he hates himself for believing her. If the prophecy is a ball, his belief is its chain; it is the voice in his head that says Hurry, says Faster, says Run.

All of the siblings are affected by the prophecy and what it says to them. They take risks or avoid them to the point of paralysis; they make plans or discard them; they look to the future or the past. Varya, the eldest: “it was evident in Simon’s spirits, in Daniel’s tendency toward anger, in the way Klara unlatched and drifted away from them.”

Read if: You think you would like a mash-up of San Francisco in the 70s (think Tales of the City), magic shows, a meditation on duty to others, and another meditation on connection, all in a family saga.

#bookreview

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alwaysaprille · 7 years

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APRIL’S UNITY DAYS WRITE UP

Day 2 (January 14th) Part 2:

After lunch with #Bactus:

it was time to go handle other business. We split up here, with some of going to the Costume Panel and others going for autographs, unfortunately the costume panel with Wendy Biscuit was cancelled with no notice and the autograph lines were horrendous so we wound up just charging our phones and chatting for a bit until the Delinquent Panel, which featured Eliza, Bob, Chris, Richard, Jarod, Chelsey and Katie (Lindsey was supposed to be on the panel, but she was still not at the even yet).

I was actually a bit late to the Delinquent Panel because I had my Bob photo op pictured here:

He’s a genuine sweetheart guys. Like, he remembered my name from the quick meeting we had at the panel in the morning, said he liked my hair, and asked if I’d eaten (he smells like mint-he was eating one-and super clean laundry, btw), before saying he had. When he asked how I wanted us to pose, I just asked for a hug and he said “Of course!!” He gave me a real hug first and then we did the side hug for the photo.

Then I joined the other gals in waiting for another Bob photo op, because Jen had two. After Gina, Sam and Jen took their individual ops, we all ran back for a group, which made Bob really smile, he was super surprised:

We finally made it to the Delinquent Panel and here’s the relevant info I gathered from there:

Everyone got their Custom Funko Pops, they were all super pleased (Sachin cat called from the audience because he didn’t get one).

They talked about their character’s ages, with Bob pointing out Bellamy isn’t really a Delinquent, Bob said Bellamy is about 24) so he must have had a birthday on the ground, same as Clarke.

This is Harper’s biggest Season thus far (which makes sense because she’s finally a series regular).

Clark says that the Jonty high five in the trailer is a good indicator of the promise for Jonty this Season.

Bob said Bellamy thinks Octavia is responsible for Monroe’s death (which I agree with.)

When asked why they sided with Pike, Monty said it was for his mother (which I’ve always thought, so good to have that confirmed!). Jarod (who was anti-Pike) said it was because Pike was a Brother (another black man) and that the others wouldn’t understand.) Someone reminded him he was anti-Pike, it was funny.

Jarod said he gets nervous working with Bob because he respects his ability as an actor so much.

Murphy had a lot of respect for Pike by the end of the Season, Richard loves Murphy’s relentlessness.

Clarke’s emotional side comes from Jake, while Abby is where she gets her diplomatic/political stuff from.

They all joked about being chipped or “chip-faced”.

Eliza said Monty is her all time favorite character on the show.

When asked which other show they’d like to be on: Eliza said Broad City, Bob said Black Mirror (everyone cheered), Chelsey said Homeland.

Richard said he thinks Murphy and Bellamy are back to some semblance of mistake and Bob made like...a “sure, Jan” noise.

Season 4 has a huge power imbalance, with no real Chancellor or Commander and so the power shift is tumultuous.

There will be a mutual respect between the Delinquents and the adults because they all have to collectively come together.

END DELINQUENT PANEL HIGHLIGHTS:

After the Panel was over, I had a few more photo ops scheduled, so I took care of those:

The Bad Boys op with Jarod, Bob and Richard. Sachin snorted when he heard their op was called “The Bad Boys”, lol:

I asked them to do a Charlie’s Angel pose, with me as Charlie, presenting my angels. Bob still looks too innocent (He can’t help it), but Richard’s face is perf!

I also squeezed in my Jarod Joseph photo op, I wanted to do the “Unfriendly Black Hotties” thing-Jarod, nailed it, me-unsure:

I missed the Camp Jaha Panel, because I was given a random free Meet and Greet with Luisa d’Oliveira.

Luisa is the sweetest, she started off by asking everyone where we were from (and remembered every place). She was so genuine guys. She doesn’t seem to realize that people actual like her outside of the Memori relationship.

@adancergirl did a thorough write up of this, so I’m linking that here:

http://bellamyblakesprotectionsquad2k17.tumblr.com/post/155973832354/forgivenessishardforus-adancergirl-luisa-meet

END OF LUISA MEET AND GREET SUMMARY

Then I shot over to get my Photo Op with Lindsey “Actual Angel” Morgan done:

After that was done it was time for the Grounder/Mt. Weather Panel which featured Chris, Jarod, Chelsey, Tasya, Luisa and Jessica.

Chris was late and walked on to the stage looking like a hipster college student. (He wears a backpack everywhere guys and he always has his hood up, it’s adorbs).

Tasya confirmed that Echo is a royal guard for the Ice Nation and said there will be more Becho interaction this Season. Bellamy is the only Arkadian that Echo trusts (although we don’t know if that sentiment is returned-I expect to see some tension here!)

Jessica said it’s pretty obvious when you start watching Season 4 where Niylah’s allegiance lies. She’s super funny, btw.

Chris is so deadpan guys. Like, his humor is out of this world. I love it.

My favorite Chris quote was: “When Jarod's hand was on my knee in episode 210, I've never felt warmer.”

He asked how many people shipped Minty by show of hands (and then Marper). It was about even and Chelsey raised her hand for both options.

Chris wanted a photo of the audience but he doesn’t have a smart phone (according to Jessica it’s a flip phone) and so he took out an Old School disposable camera that he’d just bought from London Drugs and took a picture of one side of the crowd, forgot to roll the film forward, so had to pause and do it, and then the other side. Jarod shook his head and laughed.

When asked which character they’d like to play other than their own everyone but Jarod said Bellamy. Jarod said Monty, because he’s like a cat-to which Chris replied “What?”

Marper was organic and not planned at all. They often didn’t have lines in Season 2, but were told to do things in the background, so Chris and Chelsey discussed what they would do in the situation if this was real (after Harper has her butt drilled) and Chris said “Well, we’re friends, so I’d try to make you feel better” and this is where the cup scene originates.

Chelsey said they kept improvising those little scenes in the background and eventually the writer’s must have picked up on it and actually made Marper canon.

Chris closed the panel with the following: He asked how many people had ever been in a breakup that was so bad that you thought you’d never love again, lots of people raised their hands, including all of the cast and then he said:

“Monty and Harper are at a position where they are super excited and super terrified because they are starting something new and they're sharing so much with each other so when that person leaves you it can be soul destroying. Welcome to Unity Days.”

Everyone cracked up and that was the end of that panel.

END OF GROUNDER/MT. WEATHER PANEL SUMMARY

Then I ran up to get my final two autographs of the day, both from Bob. I gave him #Bactus and a handwritten card first, he smiled super big when I gave him Bactus and he and his manager both laughed when I explained it’s name, he said that was clever.

I asked him to sign my “Bellamy Blake Protection Squad Shirt” with @indygoh‘s art on it:

and the postcard I won in the Cancer Gets LOST silent auction. He loved the BBPS shirt and said, sometimes Bellamy needs some backup and he and his manager said that the postcard’s artwork was cute. While I was leaving, he said “Thanks for Bactus, April.”

And I died on the inside because he remembered my name from hours before.

After the Convention closed for the evening, everyone gathered in my room and we had an impromptu pizza party where we just in person meta’d (and I got teary about Lincoln-which was super embarrassing) and it was such a great night, because talking in person is always so much easier than online.

We hung out pretty late, until most of us were sleepy and then parted ways to get ready for Unity Days Part 3.

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protectorsofthewood · 4 years

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The Red Jewel - Episode 4

THE RED JEWEL

Episode 4

Written By John KixMiller

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THE VEGETABLE STONE

Tiny lay there silently while the tears dried on Abby’s face. “We’ll get through this together,” said Abby softly. She held Tiny’s hand. In seconds Tiny fell asleep.

Abby tried to remember everything she could about Tiny. A few things stood out in her mind. For at least a year Abby had been aware that Tiny had bonded with her in a way that was difficult to understand.

She can see so vividly, so painfully, that our world is badly messed up. The adults are failing in their most basic job. Tiny somehow counts on me to make it okay. But what can I do? And then there’s this relationship with the Good Fairy and her daughter Emily. Tiny talks to them, and tells us what they say. Tiny seems to think it’s her job to let us know what the Good Fairy feels and thinks, her messages to this fallen world. Come to think of it, there’s a similarity there with how the mapstick talks to me. A strong similarity. Tiny and I have these important personalities living inside us. They seem to be our friends! Is it just my imagination, or do they use us to help the world in some way, even if its just a little bit?

Abby remembered every word of her conversation with Tiny. She felt that Tiny was beyond her, speaking from some deeper level of human experience. And yet Abby could identify with everything Tiny said. Her words only seemed irrational. On closer examination, they were full of insight about their lives, their vulnerabilities, and even the recent conversation between her mother and Dr. Bear, a discussion Tiny probably couldn’t even hear. What did all this add up to?

Same thing as before. Tiny counts on me, literally counts on me, to make the world okay! She gives me a responsibility way beyond my strength! How does that song of Wendy’s go?

All I have left is the best I can do It’ll take all we’ve got to carry us through Then Abby remembered every word Dr. Bear had said. It appeared that the doctor knew both more and less than she let on. On the one hand, she knew that one basic symptom of this disease was dreaming while awake. Apparently something gets blurred between the dreamworld and the waking world. Abby could hear Dr. Bear trying to convey the seriousness of this symptom without scaring Glenda.

Dr. Bear knows that I can probably handle this better than Glenda. But Dr. Bear can’t handle this herself. I can see how that hospital might appear to a doctor. Something chaotic, something they never saw before. And once the patient is left alone, the boundaries begin to disappear. So… the doctors really don’t know what to do. Could this breakdown have lasting effects, leave people broken and lost? Surely the doctors are very worried, not to mention that some adults might get this disease. Even I might get it! I really need to talk to Wendy. I absolutely must. Sometimes I feel like I have this disease already.

As the time went by, Abby could hardly keep her eyes open. Tiny had been sleeping quietly, but suddenly began to thrash around. Abby felt her forehead, and was shocked by the heat. She found a washcloth and soaked it in cool water, wrung out the excess water, and placed it on Tiny’s forehead. Tiny continued to roll back and forth, mumbling and sweating. Abby filled a glass of cold water, and waited for an opportunity to help Tiny drink.

Out of the east window a faint light was drifting into the room, the first sign of morning. The washcloth on Tiny’s forehead was no longer cool. Abby soaked it again, and used it to wipe the sweat from Tiny’s head and neck.

She really needs a cool bath. But I’d rather have Glenda do that. Perhaps I’ll wake her.

Tiny sat up, her pajamas drenched in sweat. She seemed full of energy, but half-asleep. She stared at nothing. Abby hugged her and said, “I’m here. It’s okay.” But Tiny did not seem to hear her. Her head turned this way and that. “Don’t do that!” she said to no one in particular. Abby hugged her again, but Tiny shrugged her off. She was becoming more agitated, and Abby went to the living room and woke up Glenda.

“I think I’m going to need your help. Tiny needs a cool bath, a bowl of that soup, and some hugs. Oh, where are those pills that keep fever down?”

“Oh my God, it’s morning already.” Glenda jumped up and entered the bedroom. “Tiny, its me. I’m here.” She hugged Tiny, who continued to thrash around. Glenda glanced at Abby. “She’s so hot!” Tiny began to cry, and yelled “Stop! Stop!” But she didn’t seem to be talking to Glenda. “Please stop! Please!” Glenda was in tears.

“I’ll run a cool bath,” Abby told her. Glenda led Tiny to the bathroom and stripped off her wet pajamas. The cool water seemed to soothe her. Glenda brought her back to bed in a huge bath towel. Tiny lay down quietly. The morning sun was shining through the window.

Glenda took her temperature. “It’s over 104 degrees! What are we going to do? Has it been like this all night?”

“No, not at all. But I’m worried. I haven’t been able to feed her. I haven’t found a good moment to help her drink. When she wakes she keeps moving around, and doesn’t hear what I say.”

“Let me try to give her these pills, and you hold a glass for her.”

But Tiny was now sound asleep. “I think I’ll wait a bit,” said Glenda. “We’ll get her to drink as soon as she begins to wake. Let’s take this moment to talk. What are we going to do? This is not good.”

Glenda rose and paced around the room, looking out the windows. “I could call Dr. Bear again. But what can she do?” Glenda turned back to Abby. “We’ve got to give her these medications and get her to drink. Let’s try.”

Glenda hugged her and raised her to a sitting position. Abby put the glass to her lips and poured a bit of water. It spilled down Tiny’s chin. Abby tried again and Tiny swallowed, and swallowed again. Her eyes opened. “Here Tiny,” Glenda said. “Swallow these.” She popped two pills in Tiny’s mouth, and Abby put the glass to her lips. Tiny swallowed. Then she shook Glenda off and lay back down. They let her sleep.

Glenda made two cups of coffee. They sat together, feeling the coffee waking them up. “I have to admit,” Abby told her, “I’m not sure how to handle this. Dr. Bear certainly gave us a picture of the situation, and she had good advice… but still, they don’t even know what this disease is. It’s a brand new experience. What more can she say?”

Glenda nodded. “Of course, we’ll get Tiny to drink a few swallows of soup. We’ll give her more cool baths… but it doesn’t feel like enough. Tiny seems to be getting worse. We’re moving in the dark, and so are the doctors.”

Abby was staring off into the distance. Then she looked at Glenda. “I don’t know if I ever told you, but when I was sick as a child Wendy helped me. She has her own medicines. I’m thinking maybe you’d like her to visit.”

“Wendy? Wendy would visit me? To help Tiny?”

“I think so. I wouldn’t have suggested it, but Tiny does seem pretty sick, and we seem to have run out of ideas. A hundred people are probably bothering Dr. Bear, and I don’t see leaving Tiny at the hospital. I think Dr. Bear is right, Tiny is better off here. And I could find Wendy in a few hours. Perhaps she’ll come here by evening. I’m not promising…”

“Yes, please!” Glenda jumped at the offer. “Yes! As soon as possible!” She began to cry.

Abby looked at her timer. It was 7:15. She called Peter to say that she needed the day off to try to get help for Tiny.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“It’s a bad flu, or maybe a new kind of flu. The doctors aren’t sure what it is. Nothing seems to help.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’ll tell you later, after I do it.”

“Keep me informed. I’m worried about Tiny now, and the rest of the children too.”

In fifteen minutes Abby walked out Glenda’s back door and entered the forest near the Great Oak Tree. She felt bad for Peter, left with too few staff and too many worries. But Abby was determined to bring Wendy to see Tiny. Her motivation was overpowering. She had no doubts.

It was a warm, sunny day. The late August leaves were still green and full. Almost no sun reached the forest floor. She glanced back a few times but nothing moved in the dense shadows. Everything’s going my way. My plan is working out! Abby was in the midst of doing good, and felt invincible.

I wish I had a shorter route to Wendy’s house. There must be a faster way, probably underground. But the way Chi Chi taught me is not fast at all. And I miss having the mapstick. I’m sure the mapstick knows a faster way. Abby concentrated on all she knew about the underground, but she knew it was useless. Even if she went back to the churchyard for the mapstick, she would have to enter the underground in broad daylight. It was a risk she couldn’t take. So Abby pressed forward with no rest, crossing the Half Moon in her dinghy, climbing the cliff, and finally jogging through the great beech woods up to Wendy’s door. She let herself breath for a moment, and knocked. There was silence for a longer time than Abby could endure, and she knocked again. There was no sound.

Oh no, please! Wendy’s got to be around somewhere.

She heard the sound of steps somewhere in the house. She knocked again, and heard Wendy’s voice calling, “I’m coming! I’m coming! Can’t I have a moments peace around here? What is it?”

Wendy opened the door with a hard shove, and was surprised to see Abby standing there. “Well! I didn’t expect to see you! That Peter Hood never ceases to bother me. And my father and Chi Chi encourage him. Do I need more wood? More bread? Fish? Am I okay? Hunters are a few miles away and I should stay indoors.” Wendy paused and stared in fury. “I am not an invalid! I will not be treated like an old lady! I have important tasks on hand and will not be interrupted!”

Abby waited, and then said quietly, “We need your help, Wendy. Tiny is very sick. Dr. Bear doesn’t seem to be able to help.”

“Hmm…” said Wendy. “Well, it’s that time. Look, I’m in the middle of something. Come in and tell me about it.”

Abby followed her through two rooms to the large workshop more or less stuck onto the back of the house. Two tables were covered with plants, chopped herbs, strange containers, vials, tubes, books, and pages of scribbled writing. Nearby stood a black stove with a large copper pot on the burners. The pot was covered by a metal cone, with a tube that conveyed the vapors to a vessel on one of the tables. Abby caught a brief glimpse of the liquid and steam in the pot, glowing with a powerful, deep red color.

Using a long rod with a wooden handle, Wendy prodded a steaming red mass floating in the pot. “Such a day to be interrupted!” she howled. “It’s the perfect day, the perfect moment. Months of work are at stake. Soon, in hours or days, this will harden into a vegetable stone, and believe me, we’re going to need it! But I can’t expect you to understand these things.”

“I tell you, Tiny is very sick. She needs your help.”

“I can’t just leave it unfinished!” cried Wendy, and shook her fist over her head. “Believe me, you’re going to need this work I’m finishing now.”

Abby stamped her foot. “What good is this if you can’t even help a sick child? This place is full of medicines you never use.”

Wendy looked at her and thought for a minute. “Hmm…” she said, and stoked her long chin with a forefinger. She uttered a heartfelt sigh, shrugged her shoulders, and said, “Help me move this.”

She tossed Abby an old rag. Wendy grabbed a similar piece of material and grasped a handle of the pot. Abby did the same, and together they set the pot on the stone floor.

“Well, that’s that,” sighed Wendy. She left the room and returned in a moment with a black knapsack. From a shelf full of beakers and bottles and small containers of every description, she selected a glass jar full of crushed pale gray leaves. With a shovel shaped spoon, she put a quantity of these leaves into a small bag, and closed it with a drawstring. Then she grabbed a dark little bottle about five inches tall stopped with a cork, and a few silver instruments, and put everything into the knapsack.

“I’ll have to go down to the cave,” she said. “If it’s serious, we might as well have the best with us, just in case.”

Wendy opened the wooden trap door at the back of her workshop, lit a candle with the glass cover, and disappeared down the very narrow stone stairway that descended steeply into the darkness. Full of curiosity, Abby followed, wishing she had the mapstick to light the way, and possibly speak to her about the mysteries below. She had been there many times, but had never seen Wendy’s most valued medicines. The cold air had a damp, musty scent that was very familiar.

The passageway began to descend again, but opened suddenly on a large cave glimmering in the light of the candle. Wendy stood near the left hand wall of the cave, facing a small door built into the rock. She was making small, rapid movements with one hand. Suddenly the door came open. Moving closer Abby saw a walk-in closet lined with shelves. She realized that the closet was a very secure refrigerator, constantly at a low temperature but never freezing. Jars of many sizes and shapes stood on the shelves. Nets of apples, onions, potatoes and other tubers, and a variety of dried plants hung from the ceiling. The sound of rushing water filled the air.

From a small cabinet Wendy removed a metal cylinder about the size of a man’s fist, and put it into a small leather bag. They then returned the way they had come. Wendy sat at the kitchen table, pursing her lips and staring at the large blue veins on the back of her hand.

She’s thinking, Abby told herself, and waited. What comes next?

“Well, we have the best, but hopefully we won’t need it today. There is very little of the best, but we can’t afford to fail. The fate of my mother, you know. It haunts me. Being a healer is a dangerous occupation. She treated a man, and apparently failed. She lost her life, and our homes were burned. Chi Chi and I were born in the stress of that moment, and my life is scared with that tragedy. I knew we were going to have to start treating very sick people again, but… you should know that we can’t afford to fail. And when the vegetable stone is gone, we can do no more. Oh, and we’re going to need the mapstick.”

Abby was surprised. “Why? What does the mapstick have to do with this?”

“You’re probably not aware of it, but the presence and light of the mapstick helps people heal. It reaches deep, and we’ll need it. For one thing, with the mapstick the vegetable stone will last longer, and the healing will be more certain. So think about it.”

“I’ve already been thinking about it. I would have it with me, except I won’t us the churchyard entrance to the underground in daylight.”

“We’ll have to find a solution, but not right now. I know a shortcut underground. Remember it. You’re going to need it.”

#Environmentalism #environment #green energy #live music #protectorsofthewood #climate change is REAL

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protectorsofthewood · 5 years

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Abby and Wendy - Episode 38

THE LONG ROAD

“Hey Abby!” Phoebe turned to catch a glimpse of Abby’s face in the faint light. “You never mentioned all this fascinating stuff. I had no idea.”

“Yeah, but remember, I haven’t seen him in ten years.”

“Isaiah and Ishmael know him too,” added Lluvia. “In fact, the whole band might be staying with Alex.”

They were walking along a wandering pathway bordered by thin metal posts holding chains, apparently set up to keep people off the lawn. Sculpted columns held lights throwing shadows across their path. Large stone buildings with arches and gothic decorations appeared across the lawn. Tall oak and maple trees obscured the view ahead. A thin curved moon like a boat sailed slowly across the sky. The campus was quiet, with murmuring voices and music in the background.

A wide arch appeared ahead of them, and then a short tunnel led off the campus to a narrow street lined with a row of very old brick houses. Lluvia stopped at one of these small one family dwellings, about five yards wide and two stories high. After a tiny front yard, three windows glowed in the night, one near the door and two above.

“Well, there are people here at least,” Abby said.

“Of course,” Lluvia replied. “It’s a big deal that we’re visiting. They’re waiting for us.”

“How do you know?” Abby sensed that Lluvia knew a lot more about this situation than she had let on.

Lluvia laughed. “We’re better organized than you think. We obey the phone rules, but Sharon brings messages back and forth. And I’m here often these days.”

She knocked on the door, and knocked again. An acoustic guitar and voice suddenly stopped.

“Yes?” came a voice. “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Isaiah! Lluvia!”

The door opened. Isaiah and Lluvia embraced. Abby glanced around at the mess in the small multi-purpose room. There were pizza boxes on the floor, two open duffel bags with loose clothing, a sleeping bag, books, two guitars and a drum set, and prints all over the walls. Isaiah pushed some books on the couch onto the floor, and moved a couple of folding chairs.

“Please, have a seat,” he said. “Lluvia, Abby, Phoebe, sorry for the chaos here, and sorry to be the only one to welcome you. The others should be back… well, it’s hard to say. There’s a lot going on.” Isaiah raised a hand as if to dismiss the whole subject. “What about Alex?” asked Lluvia.

“I thought he was at the gallery.”

“Mmm… we were just there. In fact, we were supposed to meet him there.”

“Welcome to Evansville College,” said Isaiah sarcastically.

There’s something sad in his eyes, thought Abby. “You don’t look too happy. Anything we can do?” Isaiah shrugged.

Abby looked at Lluvia, who was speechless and seemed shocked. Clearly she had not expected this reception. Abby decided to pursue Isaiah, get him to open up. “I heard that song through the door,” she said. “I still hear it in my head. What song is that?”

“Oh, just something I’ve been working on. I think I finished it.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I’m a bad guitar player. I won’t do it justice.”

“Through the door it sounded… well, powerful. I’m really interested.” Abby handed him a guitar. He’s depressed, she thought. Lonely, but more than that.

Isaiah played a few chords and hummed a melody, not a fast rhythm but not slow either. A very solemn tune. He began to sing:

Take me up on the long road

Where the heavens open wide

I want to tell you just how much we care

Won’t you listen to our cry

Do you ever show your hand

Can anyone ever know

It’s all that we can do to crawl

And it’s a long long way to go

Climbing up the distant ladder

Sometimes the heart’s the only guide

I want you to know about the love we share

I want you to see how hard we try

Take one step at a time

When you’re feeling so empty

You’ve got to lose just to live

I don’t see nothing here for free

Can I do something for you

Can you do something for me

Cause it’s way after midnight

And I can barely see

Take me for a ride on your railroad

Take me for a ride up to the sun

I want to know the place where we go

Where our lives are lost and won

The song was over. There was a moment of silence. “Oooo…” murmured Lluvia.

“Definitely… powerful,” repeated Abby.

There was silence again. Finally, Lluvia said, “It’s about you, right? We’re your friends. Come on, let us in, what’s up?”

“I don’t want to talk about it. But… I know I have to… Okay, the big news is I’m catching Sharon’s boat early tomorrow. I’ll miss the big concert in the courtyard tomorrow night. I told Cali, but haven’t spoken to anyone else. Maybe Cali will find them.”

“Something important must have happened.” Lluvia put her hand on his knee. “Come on, let us in.”

“My mother’s sick. She’ll have some kind of procedure done on her eye tomorrow morning, and be in the hospital for a few days. I’m frightened for her.” They waited.

“She got Sharon to find me and say I should act as pastor on

Sunday in the church, unless Sonny wants to do it. In which case I should support Sonny and run Sunday school. Junior’s in River City for a meeting. He’s away more often than he’s home. And I am too!”

Isaiah opened his arms as if pleading with them. “We’re deserting our responsibilities. I don’t like it here. Everyone is a kid, a mob of twenty-year olds looking for girlfriends or boyfriends, socializing like mad. There’s no one here like me. I’m not interested in assistant professors and college events. I’m thirty-four years old, and not making any money – though we are supposed to get paid for our radio concert – but I don’t care, they’ll give me my share later. And then they’ll go to River City for a show, but I won’t go. And… any moment they’ll walk in and I’ll spoil their evening, but I don’t care. I can’t do this any longer.” Lluvia hugged him.

“They won’t even have time to practice the band without me!” Isaiah was almost yelling with frustration. “It’s such a mean thing I’m doing. You got to lose just to live.” He had tears in his eyes.

“I think you’re doing the right thing,” Abby said.

“Yeah,” Lluvia said softly. “It’s important to be pastor if they need you. These kids in Sunday school are important. How about Wednesday night at the Open Gate? Hundreds of people come every week. With Junior and Cali gone, who can run it? You have jobs to do.”

“I do. I do. And I like my jobs. I like the band too, but I end up sitting around here, feeling out of place. My band and their friends are over ten years younger than me. These students are even younger. You should hear the stuff they talk about. Debating the end of the world. Dystopia, everything’s about dystopia. I hate these discussions. Let’s do something about it! They talk about Alex’s fire breathing dragon as if the end is near. And that dragon pouring out the flood…” – he motioned to a nearby print of The Ark on the wall – “you see it everywhere.”

Lluvia backed up and gave Isaiah a stare. “Now don’t go overboard on me, that’s not fair. The Students Against Fossil Fuels are trying. You see STAFF shirts all over. We’ve just come from a meeting where we were all trying to do something. Alex isn’t predicting the end of the world. His Ark is about getting through the flood with all life. The dragon is just nature striking back against our mistakes. You must have heard Alex’s idea. He wants to give Students Against Fossil Fuels a new name: SAD, for Students Against Distopia.”

“Mmm… I like that,” Isaiah replied. “But I’m not a student, and I’m not going to be one. How old are you, Lluvia?”

“Why ask that? I’m twenty-two.”

“See? That’s my point. You like Alex. You’re in a different stage of life. And you’re right, I know I’m being unfair, venting all this to you. I’ll get over it. At least now I know what I should be doing. The band will survive. They’ll figure it out.”

Abby broke into the conversation. “You’re right. Don’t feel guilty. They’ll understand. And who can argue with your mother, your church, your community? Lluvia and I grew up there, went to Sunday school there. We would never be where we are without adults who cared.”

Phoebe suddenly had a few words to say. “The band will survive. I know them. We’re on your side. Do what you need to do. Now, I’m going to clean up this place. How did it become such a mess? We’re staying here too.”

Abby and Lluvia and Isaiah joined in.

Cali and Alex arrived, and received a warm welcome from all. Abby and Alex embraced and stared at each other. Everyone felt a burst of energy and sat around the coffee table with several conversations going on at once. Cali did her best to relieve Isaiah’s anxieties. She had spoken to George, Eddy, and Ishmael. They were already making plans on the phone. Rain was predicted for the following evening, and Sara had received permission to move the concert indoors. In fact, explained Cali, they might be able to play in the beautiful old auditorium in Alexander Hall. That circular stone building was the most prestigious place for music on campus.

Plus, Sara wanted Ishmael, Eddy, and George to show up early the following morning at the trustee event. “Sara’s afraid the trustees will delay presenting their position on disinvestment,” Cali explained. “People could get restless and annoyed. Sara wants the band to hold the crowd if that happens.”

Nobody was mad at Isaiah; Cali was sure of that. The band would set up in Alexander Hall early in the afternoon, and could practice for hours. The concert would begin at 7pm.

Alex offered beer, wine, coffee, or tea. Phoebe, Lluvia, and Abby were exhausted, and wanted peppermint tea and a place to sleep. Isaiah was packing his things in a duffel bag.

“So where is everybody?” asked Isaiah.

“Well, George and Ishmael are in Sara’s dorm,” Cali answered. “Eddie is somewhere with Stephanie, and I’m invited to a party and only stopped by to bring you the news.”

I’ve got to say something, thought Abby. I need to know something! “Cali, wait a second. I haven’t seen George since that disaster in the churchyard. He hasn’t returned to Middletown since then.

I need to know how he’s doing… It was so painful for him.”

“Yeah, it was,” Cali replied softly, almost in a whisper. “But he likes it here. It’s kind of… well, liberating for him to be away from all that tension. He’s writing songs, gets along with Sara and her friends. He can’t stay in Sara’s dormitory forever, but so far it’s okay.”

Abby breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, that really helps.”

“It’s all okay,” Cali said. She headed out the door and said she’d be back in a couple of hours. There was a long silence.

Then Lluvia looked at Alex. “Where were you? We saw your gallery, but you didn’t show up.”

“I’m sorry… I was at the big staff meeting. We’re organizing tomorrow’s…” He hesitated. “Event…gathering… demonstration? Who knows what it is, or how it will come off. Sara and Amy are desperate to give it some respectability and prestige. They asked everyone to act as security, speak to the campus police about any problems, intervene on people trying to disrupt. The meeting went on and on, but at least we have a plan. Staff will show at 8am and drink coffee, and greet people as they arrive. I’m not used to this sort of thing, but I’m doing my best. No banners, no signs allowed. We’re all supposed to wear STAFF t-shirts. Here, I’ve got a few to give you.” He reached into his backpack and handed out the shirts.

“How exciting,” exclaimed Lluvia. “That’s wonderful… I’m so… proud of you. I can’t wait.”

Alex smiled at her. “See, I’m not such an irresponsible, no-good, undisciplined…”

“Now that’s unfair!” Lluvia retorted. “I never said those things.”

Alex was surprised and immediately apologized. “Of course you didn’t. I was just thinking of what my sister used to call me, maybe even still calls me. I shouldn’t pin it on you. Please forgive me.”

They hugged. Phoebe and Abby looked at each other and smiled, nodding at each other. They had guessed correctly.

They drank their tea in silence. Alex looked around anxiously. “I know I haven’t been much of a host, but we do have a bed and two cots in the front room upstairs. Cali sleeps right here on the couch. George stays with Sara, Eddy stays with Stephanie, and Ishmael stays with friends I haven’t met yet. Isaiah and I have the back room. I hope that’s okay.”

He looked from one to another. No one replied. “Please, we can change the arrangement if there’s a problem…”

“No, of course not,” Abby said. “It’s all fine, please don’t worry, just wake us early. We’ll wear our new shirts and follow everything you do in the morning.”

“I’m thrilled to be here!” exclaimed Phoebe. “Thank you, Alex!”

Abby reached out and touched his hand. “Yes, and please don’t apologize. We’ll have a chance to catch up on the years gone by… maybe tomorrow afternoon?”

“Oh, I’d love that, I’m so curious about all you’ve done. And by the way, I’ve got a print to give you tomorrow before you leave. I’d love to hear your reaction to it. I was thinking of you when I drew it. I don’t know what it means. It came out of a dream.”

“I’d love to see it. And I loved your show. I even bought a print!”

“You shouldn’t have done that! I’ll give you any print you like.”

“That’s okay, I’m glad I bought it, and I’m eager to see whatever you want to give me.”

“I’ve got to tell you,” Alex went on, “you’re famous here in Evansville. Everyone follows the news. You should know that people will try to interview you tomorrow.”

“No, please! If anyone asks, just say I’m only here to listen. Tell the other staff.” Abby was very firm, and obviously worried.

“Ah, I’m glad you mentioned it,” Alex replied. “I’ll bring it up early tomorrow. That’s the kind of thing Sara and Amy need to know. They’ll probably assign campus security to watch over you.”

Please! thought Abby. I need to be invisible.

Phoebe and Lluvia were looking at her. “We’ll stick with you,” Phoebe said.

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