2016 submissions
Chasing Color
By Lucas McLaughlin
By Lucas McLaughlin
It all gets so boring living in this world of black and gray. The only hue of the world being glum, drab, and altogether displeasing scenery that merely passes the time occasionally. But wait, what is this? Is that a color I see? Oh how marvelous it is, a brilliant shining glow, it moves with such grace, such confidence. A golden glow walking amongst all of the poison of the world. I must make the company of this magnificent aura. Yes! I have done it! I have befriended this being, this awe inspiring being, how amazing it is. I learned the color was not given by some magic force or great triumph, but instead a lifetime of being true to oneself, doing exactly as you please whenever you please. Never letting the ideas and decisions of others bring you to your knees, never halting, never faltering.
The color brings such joy to me, but it is also bringing me greed and hatred. I want the color all for myself, but it is not mine to own, I am merely an acquaintance. The color will live long after I am gone, and has been burning brightly for many years before I discovered it. I cannot trap it, I cannot hold it down, and I must let the color continue on its path. I wish that it never would abandon me; I wish that I could follow the color through this sea of despair. I am greedy, it must stop I have pushed away the color because of my bitterness. It is still very visible in my line of sight, however I fear that it is fading, I must fight, and I must change. The color is too important to lose.
The color brings such joy to me, but it is also bringing me greed and hatred. I want the color all for myself, but it is not mine to own, I am merely an acquaintance. The color will live long after I am gone, and has been burning brightly for many years before I discovered it. I cannot trap it, I cannot hold it down, and I must let the color continue on its path. I wish that it never would abandon me; I wish that I could follow the color through this sea of despair. I am greedy, it must stop I have pushed away the color because of my bitterness. It is still very visible in my line of sight, however I fear that it is fading, I must fight, and I must change. The color is too important to lose.
The World in My View
By Dalys Tertiller
By Dalys Tertiller
Everything has always been about “don't be too close to the humans” and about how “humans are enemies not friends” and as I grow up I'm starting to understand this more. You know being a deer in the forest of the Rocky Mountains, makes you live with constant fear. Humans want you and other animals want to have you for dinner too. I have always been told to stay in the forest where the hunters don't go and I never wander out of here. My friends, they were troublemakers and they were always going out of the safe zone, which I had never done until a month ago.
A month ago was when I realized that the humans were coming closer to us, they weren’t on foot and they weren’t going to be slow. My friends said that this is what humans call a bridge, a way to cross the river without getting their cars or whatever they’re called are messed up.
Every since that day that I noticed the trees being demolished and the humans getting more and more frequent I have been scared. “What if the safe zone isn’t safe anymore?” “What if there is no other place to be safe?”, “How will my family be okay for sure?” I ask myself these questions everyday I wake up, wondering if my worst nightmare will come true. We would wake up in the middle of the night hearing loud human machines working hard and killing our trees. I overheard them say something when I wandered to close the other day, “if a tree in a forest falls and no one’s around to hear it,” the tall man said, “does it make a sound?” I kept thinking that how would it not make a sound if we animals are living in the forest.
Months go by and the bridge is almost complete, the forest is bare and all the little animals have scurried away making new homes. Our safe zone was moved away by a few miles but I still don't feel like I'm safe. I feel like its not enough and I think that since the new bridge will be in operation soon we will be hunted because now the humans wont be scared to go into the place they wouldn’t before. I have a family just like those humans, and I don't want to have to live without part of it before I have to. My friends and family are a major concern for me and loosing them or them loosing me, scares me to the point of being desperate.
Opening day of the bridge was today and I kept my distance but the noise of the cars was so distracting, the workers machines were loud but nothing like this. The forest before was so quite and now anything is convincing my ears to twitch, to every car horn, to every tire screech, to any type of human interaction. This noise seemed to level out over the next few weeks, no incidents have happened and I started to finally feel comfortable again. I feel like my family is comfortable, along with my friends and that relieves me.
Half a year passed an everything was going perfect. The fields and meadows were covered in snow and everything just seems at peace with the world. I was out alone wandering through the trees and grabbing a few bites to eat and out of nowhere I felt something hit me in my chest. I realized that the hunters had wandered into our safe zone, and they had an arrow pierced through my chest. All in an instant I fall to the ground, unable to move. Slowly I was going, with the only thought in my head, “I need to warn my family”. Before I went unconscious I saw my hunter and looked him in the eye, until I couldn’t keep them open anymore and I thought, “Humans are terrible creatures”.
A month ago was when I realized that the humans were coming closer to us, they weren’t on foot and they weren’t going to be slow. My friends said that this is what humans call a bridge, a way to cross the river without getting their cars or whatever they’re called are messed up.
Every since that day that I noticed the trees being demolished and the humans getting more and more frequent I have been scared. “What if the safe zone isn’t safe anymore?” “What if there is no other place to be safe?”, “How will my family be okay for sure?” I ask myself these questions everyday I wake up, wondering if my worst nightmare will come true. We would wake up in the middle of the night hearing loud human machines working hard and killing our trees. I overheard them say something when I wandered to close the other day, “if a tree in a forest falls and no one’s around to hear it,” the tall man said, “does it make a sound?” I kept thinking that how would it not make a sound if we animals are living in the forest.
Months go by and the bridge is almost complete, the forest is bare and all the little animals have scurried away making new homes. Our safe zone was moved away by a few miles but I still don't feel like I'm safe. I feel like its not enough and I think that since the new bridge will be in operation soon we will be hunted because now the humans wont be scared to go into the place they wouldn’t before. I have a family just like those humans, and I don't want to have to live without part of it before I have to. My friends and family are a major concern for me and loosing them or them loosing me, scares me to the point of being desperate.
Opening day of the bridge was today and I kept my distance but the noise of the cars was so distracting, the workers machines were loud but nothing like this. The forest before was so quite and now anything is convincing my ears to twitch, to every car horn, to every tire screech, to any type of human interaction. This noise seemed to level out over the next few weeks, no incidents have happened and I started to finally feel comfortable again. I feel like my family is comfortable, along with my friends and that relieves me.
Half a year passed an everything was going perfect. The fields and meadows were covered in snow and everything just seems at peace with the world. I was out alone wandering through the trees and grabbing a few bites to eat and out of nowhere I felt something hit me in my chest. I realized that the hunters had wandered into our safe zone, and they had an arrow pierced through my chest. All in an instant I fall to the ground, unable to move. Slowly I was going, with the only thought in my head, “I need to warn my family”. Before I went unconscious I saw my hunter and looked him in the eye, until I couldn’t keep them open anymore and I thought, “Humans are terrible creatures”.
Untitled
By Karlee Romero
By Karlee Romero
Day 45 without the Internet… I couldn’t believe what I was about to do but… it is what had to be done. I had to reboot the system. The madness was unbearable. If no one else was going to do it, I had to. The entire city’s lights had been out for weeks. Everywhere was pure darkness, and nothing was heard save the eerie static coming through my dying portable radio. Everyone I knew had vanished. Where had they gone? Just about last month, I was sitting at my dining table, sharing laughs and dinner with my family.
Things were great, better than great. Until it happened. Our home began to shake heavily, and booming sirens were blasting throughout the city. Next thing I knew, the Internet was depleted. There was no more Google, no more spending hours on a dumb computer game, no more text messaging, no more anything. Something that this generation had known and grown to be dependent on for basically all of our existence, just grasped from the palm of our hands. Things only began to go downhill from that day. Things were getting seemingly worse throughout each second. Our entire connection was just, gone. I had greatly underestimated the importance of that day, and I could not even begin to fathom what the World would become. Riots began happening, clueless civilians demanding for answers.
There was destruction everywhere, our perfect little city abolished in mere days. Yet no questions were answered. What was really going on? It seemed as all of the higher powers of the World were suspiciously not concerned, brushing off everyone’s riots with simple police forces, shutting everyone up. They all vanished, along with my family. I had to get my answers, and I planned to do just that. The sun was barely rising, and I had packed my bag with essentials to set off. I made sure to wear all black, as I was going to have to move with the shadows. As I opened the front door for the first time since the blackout, I was extremely unprepared for what I saw. Homes were demolished to rubble, some completely unidentifiable. Little shops on Main Street burned to ash, helicopters buzzing by everywhere. It was a mess.
I began to move forward, on my journey to our main building, where the system was located. It took about 8 hours to maneuver through the rubble undetected. I was at the base of the building. I knew it would be heavily guarded, due to what was inside. I saw a chute on the side, and I knew it was my only way in. Climbing through the disgusting cute was a struggle, but I was willing to do all it took in order to restore my city. I thudded out of the other end of the chute, and quickly ran to the nearest hallway to hide myself from oncoming guards. Through what seemed like a lifetime of hiding, running, twists and turns, I found myself in front of a huge door labeled “Main Control”.
This was it. My chance to be the hero. I unnervingly began to push open the door. No one was inside. Was this a joke? Surely I was missing something important. There wasn’t a single guard. Carefully I approached the panel. I saw the main switch was down to the off position. I grabbed it, took a huge breath, and pushed the switch to the on position. Nothing happened. Of course it couldn’t be that easy. I stumbled back confused, right before I fell into someone behind me… I turned around.
It was our city’s leader, who had a creepily large grin plastered onto his face. “You see, it isn’t that simple, little one,” He said with a chuckle. At this, I began backing up, accidentally pressing a red button which I hoped wouldn’t cause even more danger. “This is only phase one of our master plan; little encounters with rebels have been slowing down our process, so they must be eliminated. We plan to re-master the entire world along with everything in it. It will become new and better, with no Internet, and everyone shall become our own brainless zombies, we plan to restart the world.” At this, I realized I had just hit the transmission button, broadcasting his entire speech to the world’s radios. He seized at me, furious I had just revealed his entire plan for all to hear. I quickly started yelling at everyone to get all belongings and leave the city immediately, before he grabbed me and slammed me into the ground. I am now awake. It is a huge war, bombs going off in all directions I can hear. There is nothing surrounding me but blackness. What is out there? I am reaching towards my emergency light necklace, and switching it on. WE ARE ALL DO--
Things were great, better than great. Until it happened. Our home began to shake heavily, and booming sirens were blasting throughout the city. Next thing I knew, the Internet was depleted. There was no more Google, no more spending hours on a dumb computer game, no more text messaging, no more anything. Something that this generation had known and grown to be dependent on for basically all of our existence, just grasped from the palm of our hands. Things only began to go downhill from that day. Things were getting seemingly worse throughout each second. Our entire connection was just, gone. I had greatly underestimated the importance of that day, and I could not even begin to fathom what the World would become. Riots began happening, clueless civilians demanding for answers.
There was destruction everywhere, our perfect little city abolished in mere days. Yet no questions were answered. What was really going on? It seemed as all of the higher powers of the World were suspiciously not concerned, brushing off everyone’s riots with simple police forces, shutting everyone up. They all vanished, along with my family. I had to get my answers, and I planned to do just that. The sun was barely rising, and I had packed my bag with essentials to set off. I made sure to wear all black, as I was going to have to move with the shadows. As I opened the front door for the first time since the blackout, I was extremely unprepared for what I saw. Homes were demolished to rubble, some completely unidentifiable. Little shops on Main Street burned to ash, helicopters buzzing by everywhere. It was a mess.
I began to move forward, on my journey to our main building, where the system was located. It took about 8 hours to maneuver through the rubble undetected. I was at the base of the building. I knew it would be heavily guarded, due to what was inside. I saw a chute on the side, and I knew it was my only way in. Climbing through the disgusting cute was a struggle, but I was willing to do all it took in order to restore my city. I thudded out of the other end of the chute, and quickly ran to the nearest hallway to hide myself from oncoming guards. Through what seemed like a lifetime of hiding, running, twists and turns, I found myself in front of a huge door labeled “Main Control”.
This was it. My chance to be the hero. I unnervingly began to push open the door. No one was inside. Was this a joke? Surely I was missing something important. There wasn’t a single guard. Carefully I approached the panel. I saw the main switch was down to the off position. I grabbed it, took a huge breath, and pushed the switch to the on position. Nothing happened. Of course it couldn’t be that easy. I stumbled back confused, right before I fell into someone behind me… I turned around.
It was our city’s leader, who had a creepily large grin plastered onto his face. “You see, it isn’t that simple, little one,” He said with a chuckle. At this, I began backing up, accidentally pressing a red button which I hoped wouldn’t cause even more danger. “This is only phase one of our master plan; little encounters with rebels have been slowing down our process, so they must be eliminated. We plan to re-master the entire world along with everything in it. It will become new and better, with no Internet, and everyone shall become our own brainless zombies, we plan to restart the world.” At this, I realized I had just hit the transmission button, broadcasting his entire speech to the world’s radios. He seized at me, furious I had just revealed his entire plan for all to hear. I quickly started yelling at everyone to get all belongings and leave the city immediately, before he grabbed me and slammed me into the ground. I am now awake. It is a huge war, bombs going off in all directions I can hear. There is nothing surrounding me but blackness. What is out there? I am reaching towards my emergency light necklace, and switching it on. WE ARE ALL DO--
The Art of Betrayal
Nicolette Castillo
Nicolette Castillo
I never suspected it would be this way. The Prince was my friend. Heck, he was more than just my friend. Over the course of our childhood, we had never left each other’s sides. That is until his parents decided I was a bad influence on the Prince. We only played in the mud, where’s the crime in that. I was cast out, denied of seeing my best friend again. Or so I thought.
After the loss of my home and family for their methods of survival, my orphaned self wandered the countryside, begging and asking for help. It wasn’t until they took me in that I became aware of what the world was actually like. They showed me the way and after my nineteenth birthday, they named me a master. I’d lurk in the shadows waiting for my opportune moment before striking. Dozens of people dispatched in one swift moment. People around the kingdom started fearing for themselves, all one and the same. This time, however, they looked out for two people, their own selfish beings and me.
Today was grim. I awoke to find my assignment.
Target: The Royal Family
Payment: 50,000 Gold Roundels
When: One fortnight from now.
Notes: If you fail you will be killed.
Signature: _______________________
There was only minor panic at the thought of seeing him again. After nearly ten years, and this was how we meet. The rest of the week was left to plan. Two days before the task I snuck in. Keeping my low profile, I watched as they got word of my task and heightened security. I stuck to the passageways of the ancient building with my newfound map from the ancient library directing me. Learning what their plans were, it was only a matter of time.
It was the day of my deed. The entire castle was locked down and no one could enter without getting past the huge gates. They locked themselves out. Moving thorough out the castle, I got the King and Queen with very little trouble; they were locked in a room with the passageway of escape leading straight to them. I used their escape route to get to them. The Princess gave me a challenging chase around her tower but too fell to my dagger. Heading to the Prince’s room memories swirled through my mind; overall I was nervous to see him.
With this in mind I leapt onto his balcony from his sister’s. Hearing a shriek from the previous room, I knew I had to ask fast. Charging into the room revealed the Prince. He held a sword and wore a look of recognition. I gave him a smirk, “Been a while hasn’t it?” His eyes watched me closely. I took a step forward and his matched mine back. “Why?” His eyes showed both fear and betrayal.
On the inside I wanted to crumble, I wanted to leave him to live. I couldn’t though. My employer would want my head. I held my ground, and simply shook my head. “Because you cast me out.” His eyes studied me, watching him, I flinched when I heard his voice.
“I didn’t cast you out. They told me you were killed!” This surprised me and I froze. The sound of the door slamming open brought me out of my trance. I quickly through on my hood and ran for him only to be stopped by his guards. They shoved me away, and knocked me to the ground checking over their precious prince while keeping a keen eye on me. Scrambling to my feet, I backed up to the balcony door.
“Stop! You don’t have to go!” I paused before turning, “I’ll be killed either way.” With that I leapt from the window to the cobblestone below. The air rushed past me as I plummeted. I made my escape.
One month later
It’s coronation day in the kingdom. Many mourning people gathered in the hall awaiting the prince to be crowned. However in the rooms above, the Prince stands in his room staring at the looking glass, contract and reward in hand. Handing the assassin her reward, for the death of the royal family who had been “ruthlessly killed.” The Prince left the room to be crowned.
After the loss of my home and family for their methods of survival, my orphaned self wandered the countryside, begging and asking for help. It wasn’t until they took me in that I became aware of what the world was actually like. They showed me the way and after my nineteenth birthday, they named me a master. I’d lurk in the shadows waiting for my opportune moment before striking. Dozens of people dispatched in one swift moment. People around the kingdom started fearing for themselves, all one and the same. This time, however, they looked out for two people, their own selfish beings and me.
Today was grim. I awoke to find my assignment.
Target: The Royal Family
Payment: 50,000 Gold Roundels
When: One fortnight from now.
Notes: If you fail you will be killed.
Signature: _______________________
There was only minor panic at the thought of seeing him again. After nearly ten years, and this was how we meet. The rest of the week was left to plan. Two days before the task I snuck in. Keeping my low profile, I watched as they got word of my task and heightened security. I stuck to the passageways of the ancient building with my newfound map from the ancient library directing me. Learning what their plans were, it was only a matter of time.
It was the day of my deed. The entire castle was locked down and no one could enter without getting past the huge gates. They locked themselves out. Moving thorough out the castle, I got the King and Queen with very little trouble; they were locked in a room with the passageway of escape leading straight to them. I used their escape route to get to them. The Princess gave me a challenging chase around her tower but too fell to my dagger. Heading to the Prince’s room memories swirled through my mind; overall I was nervous to see him.
With this in mind I leapt onto his balcony from his sister’s. Hearing a shriek from the previous room, I knew I had to ask fast. Charging into the room revealed the Prince. He held a sword and wore a look of recognition. I gave him a smirk, “Been a while hasn’t it?” His eyes watched me closely. I took a step forward and his matched mine back. “Why?” His eyes showed both fear and betrayal.
On the inside I wanted to crumble, I wanted to leave him to live. I couldn’t though. My employer would want my head. I held my ground, and simply shook my head. “Because you cast me out.” His eyes studied me, watching him, I flinched when I heard his voice.
“I didn’t cast you out. They told me you were killed!” This surprised me and I froze. The sound of the door slamming open brought me out of my trance. I quickly through on my hood and ran for him only to be stopped by his guards. They shoved me away, and knocked me to the ground checking over their precious prince while keeping a keen eye on me. Scrambling to my feet, I backed up to the balcony door.
“Stop! You don’t have to go!” I paused before turning, “I’ll be killed either way.” With that I leapt from the window to the cobblestone below. The air rushed past me as I plummeted. I made my escape.
One month later
It’s coronation day in the kingdom. Many mourning people gathered in the hall awaiting the prince to be crowned. However in the rooms above, the Prince stands in his room staring at the looking glass, contract and reward in hand. Handing the assassin her reward, for the death of the royal family who had been “ruthlessly killed.” The Prince left the room to be crowned.
The New Family Member
By Sarah Steele
By Sarah Steele
I’m lying in my usual spot on the couch and I hear the car door slam shut. My owner is home! Yayyy! But wait; there is some other type of footsteps coming to the door. Was I getting a new friend, or possibly it’s my old friend? That would be quite strange since I remember my owners being very sad and burying him under all that dirt in the backyard months ago. Maybe just maybe he dug himself out and is back to life! Man, I sure do miss my old friend. I know that it is not possible for him to be back to life, so then it must be a new friend.
They come closer to the door and I’m a little bit nervous but I’m very excited! My owner and this dog walk inside and he is very hyper and is jumping all over me! Forget it I’m done! I don’t want a new friend! I want to be the only pet again! They loved me so much! They spoiled me! Now ever thing is going to be different! I try to like this dog but it’s just so hard, he is so young and he wants to run and play and I’m just an old cat that want to sit on the couch and sleep.
Days and nights go by and they decided to name my new friend Tucker! It’s nice, because during the day because he goes outside and I have the whole house to myself! But here’s the thing, at night that stupid dog comes inside and runs around the house, ruining my peace and quiet! Not only that, but that dog sleeps in my bed at night! How rude is that?!
I always sleep with my favorite owner in her bed right on her feet! My favorite owner’s name is Cece and she got me as a gift when she was four. Ever since we have been best friends.
Anyways, Cece tries to make me and Tucker share the bed with her at night, but I’m just not okay with that! That was my place first and Tucker needs to find a new place to sleep! Or he can at least sleep on the floor he is a big dog!
Well, several months have gone by and Tucker and I have become the best of friends! We love to run and play in the backyard together. When we are tired, we love to curl up and nap together epically in the winter! I am so glad that my owner brought Tucker home that day!
They come closer to the door and I’m a little bit nervous but I’m very excited! My owner and this dog walk inside and he is very hyper and is jumping all over me! Forget it I’m done! I don’t want a new friend! I want to be the only pet again! They loved me so much! They spoiled me! Now ever thing is going to be different! I try to like this dog but it’s just so hard, he is so young and he wants to run and play and I’m just an old cat that want to sit on the couch and sleep.
Days and nights go by and they decided to name my new friend Tucker! It’s nice, because during the day because he goes outside and I have the whole house to myself! But here’s the thing, at night that stupid dog comes inside and runs around the house, ruining my peace and quiet! Not only that, but that dog sleeps in my bed at night! How rude is that?!
I always sleep with my favorite owner in her bed right on her feet! My favorite owner’s name is Cece and she got me as a gift when she was four. Ever since we have been best friends.
Anyways, Cece tries to make me and Tucker share the bed with her at night, but I’m just not okay with that! That was my place first and Tucker needs to find a new place to sleep! Or he can at least sleep on the floor he is a big dog!
Well, several months have gone by and Tucker and I have become the best of friends! We love to run and play in the backyard together. When we are tired, we love to curl up and nap together epically in the winter! I am so glad that my owner brought Tucker home that day!
Advice from my Mother
By Douglas Rucker
By Douglas Rucker
At some point in my life, a good woman gave me some good advice about life and the world. That woman was my mom, and she told me “Life is what you make so it, so make good choices. Never hang out with people you don’t trust, and you don’t get everything for nothing or for cheap. You have to work for what you want in life.”
When my mom told me this I did a lot of thinking and decided exactly how I wanted to earn my way in this world. I know that I had to choose something, and I chose something that would make my country proud, and my family, too. I sat my mom down and talked to her about it, and when I told what I wanted to do to earn my way she started to cry.
I told her “I want to be a marine, but not any marine, a sharpshooter marine.” My mom thought that I was crazy, and didn’t know what I was talking about. I was trying to tell her that I was not going to come home in a box. I am going to come home in a truck with a present for her in the bed. My mom was always proud of the decisions that I made, and when she started to cry, I didn’t think she was proud of me anymore. My mom had told my grandma that I finally chose what I was going to do. My grandma told me that as long as I do my best to come home to them, that she was happy with my choice and did not question it. At that moment, I knew that my whole family would be happy for me and support me all the way.
But my greatest fear is making it through boot camp, and then we break out into a war. Now I know that it is our duty as marines to protect our country when she is in danger with the enemy. This would have never happened if my mom did not give me this advice about the world and life.
So I want to say thank you mom for helping me make a choice about my future. This is for anyone that needs help “Life is what you make it, so make it count. Don’t expect anything to be handed to you. You need to earn it not wait for it to be given to you.” I still want to give all the thanks to my mom for what advice she gave me when I was still a little boy, and for her not stressing it too much.
When my mom told me this I did a lot of thinking and decided exactly how I wanted to earn my way in this world. I know that I had to choose something, and I chose something that would make my country proud, and my family, too. I sat my mom down and talked to her about it, and when I told what I wanted to do to earn my way she started to cry.
I told her “I want to be a marine, but not any marine, a sharpshooter marine.” My mom thought that I was crazy, and didn’t know what I was talking about. I was trying to tell her that I was not going to come home in a box. I am going to come home in a truck with a present for her in the bed. My mom was always proud of the decisions that I made, and when she started to cry, I didn’t think she was proud of me anymore. My mom had told my grandma that I finally chose what I was going to do. My grandma told me that as long as I do my best to come home to them, that she was happy with my choice and did not question it. At that moment, I knew that my whole family would be happy for me and support me all the way.
But my greatest fear is making it through boot camp, and then we break out into a war. Now I know that it is our duty as marines to protect our country when she is in danger with the enemy. This would have never happened if my mom did not give me this advice about the world and life.
So I want to say thank you mom for helping me make a choice about my future. This is for anyone that needs help “Life is what you make it, so make it count. Don’t expect anything to be handed to you. You need to earn it not wait for it to be given to you.” I still want to give all the thanks to my mom for what advice she gave me when I was still a little boy, and for her not stressing it too much.
Streets to Stage
By Cody Wolf
By Cody Wolf
Gary White, a retired Vietnam veteran was living on the streets in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gary had resorted to drugs and alcohol to help soothe his pain. With a pack of cigarettes and a pack of playing cards Gary would woo people on the streets. Gary made little money as nobody bothered to watch a homeless man perform. Gary had been homeless for the past 7 years. It was a long and dark 7 years spent with restless nights and hunger filled days. One afternoon Gary set up to perform his street magic. A businessman had noticed the small crowd around Gary and stepped over to watch him. After the show some of the people put coins and bills into a hat to give to Gary. Although the money was nice the businessman gave Gary the best gift of all.
The man approached Gary and said, “You’re pretty good, what’s your name?” After Gary’s reply the man stated, “My name is George Zamboni, I’m with the GM theater recruiters for entertainment. How would you like a shot at being our next star?”
Gary was so excited he nearly jumped out of what was left of his shoes. “Yes, I would love that sir, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
The man replied with “Great, meet me here tomorrow morning at 7, and I will get you prepped for your interview.” The next morning the man was waiting there as Gary arrived. Gary noticed the man had a few bags in his hands.
“What are those?” Gary asked.
“Why these are your new clothes, you must look good for this interview.” A few tears came to Gary’s eyes; this man was going out of his way for a homeless street actor. “Well hurry up now follow me and we can get you changed.” Gary followed the man into the giant skyscraper building. Inside it was amazing; everything seemed to be gold and shiny and untouched. Gary was amazed to have a shot at performing here. He changed into the suit and was walking out, when the man told him to follow him again. Gary was led into a room with a chair and mirror.
“Time for a haircut” said the man. Gary’s hair was cut and his beard was trimmed. He looked good for the first time in 7 years. Pure joy took over him.
“Why are you doing this?” Gary asked the man.
“I see talent and I know a star when I see one” replied the man. Time for the interview. Gary went on stage in front of 5 judges and performed. At the end of the performance they all gave their opinions and told him the outcome. This was is the moment Gary was waiting for.
After a quick discussion the judges told Gary their decision, “We see you are very skilled and we would like to let you know there will be a show here tonight at seven, with performances by bands, a quick MMA fight, and then around ten will be our main show.”
“Who is the main show?” Gary asked the judges.
“Why the main show is Gary White!” said the judges. Gary dropped to his knees and looked up into the sky with tears in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, “thank you for this great opportunity.”
The man approached Gary and said, “You’re pretty good, what’s your name?” After Gary’s reply the man stated, “My name is George Zamboni, I’m with the GM theater recruiters for entertainment. How would you like a shot at being our next star?”
Gary was so excited he nearly jumped out of what was left of his shoes. “Yes, I would love that sir, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
The man replied with “Great, meet me here tomorrow morning at 7, and I will get you prepped for your interview.” The next morning the man was waiting there as Gary arrived. Gary noticed the man had a few bags in his hands.
“What are those?” Gary asked.
“Why these are your new clothes, you must look good for this interview.” A few tears came to Gary’s eyes; this man was going out of his way for a homeless street actor. “Well hurry up now follow me and we can get you changed.” Gary followed the man into the giant skyscraper building. Inside it was amazing; everything seemed to be gold and shiny and untouched. Gary was amazed to have a shot at performing here. He changed into the suit and was walking out, when the man told him to follow him again. Gary was led into a room with a chair and mirror.
“Time for a haircut” said the man. Gary’s hair was cut and his beard was trimmed. He looked good for the first time in 7 years. Pure joy took over him.
“Why are you doing this?” Gary asked the man.
“I see talent and I know a star when I see one” replied the man. Time for the interview. Gary went on stage in front of 5 judges and performed. At the end of the performance they all gave their opinions and told him the outcome. This was is the moment Gary was waiting for.
After a quick discussion the judges told Gary their decision, “We see you are very skilled and we would like to let you know there will be a show here tonight at seven, with performances by bands, a quick MMA fight, and then around ten will be our main show.”
“Who is the main show?” Gary asked the judges.
“Why the main show is Gary White!” said the judges. Gary dropped to his knees and looked up into the sky with tears in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, “thank you for this great opportunity.”
The Tale of the Troublesome Tamales
By Galeno Garcia
By Galeno Garcia
The old man called the police on them for the last time! They were constantly causing trouble around the neighborhood and harassing all the neighbors by throwing eggs and lighting firecrackers. The Troublesome Tamales had once again struck at Mr. Brown’s house. Later that evening they headed back to their hideout in an alley to plan their next attack on old man Mr. Brown.
Their leader was a kid by the name of Ron Chavez. Him and his gang were going to break into and vandalize Mr. Brown’s property and belongings. Little did they know, Mr. Brown had already called the police on them!
By the time they got to the house the Troublesome Tamales were caught! Mr. Brown was up waiting for them to strike. He had already called the police on them while they were on their way up to his house.
A few seconds later the police show up on their bicycles and shouted, “Get on the ground now!” The gang failed to follow instructions and fled on foot knocking trashcans down, and hiding in yards. They finally give up and surrendered to the police. All three had their heads down and were in disbelief that they were caught.
The police then took all three members of the gang into custody. Their names were Ron Chavez, Paul Martinez and Andre Jones. All were charged with attempted burglary and vandalism. All but Ron Chavez were sentenced to five to six months in jail. Ron Chavez was sentenced to four years in prison due to other illegal and criminal activities.
Their leader was a kid by the name of Ron Chavez. Him and his gang were going to break into and vandalize Mr. Brown’s property and belongings. Little did they know, Mr. Brown had already called the police on them!
By the time they got to the house the Troublesome Tamales were caught! Mr. Brown was up waiting for them to strike. He had already called the police on them while they were on their way up to his house.
A few seconds later the police show up on their bicycles and shouted, “Get on the ground now!” The gang failed to follow instructions and fled on foot knocking trashcans down, and hiding in yards. They finally give up and surrendered to the police. All three had their heads down and were in disbelief that they were caught.
The police then took all three members of the gang into custody. Their names were Ron Chavez, Paul Martinez and Andre Jones. All were charged with attempted burglary and vandalism. All but Ron Chavez were sentenced to five to six months in jail. Ron Chavez was sentenced to four years in prison due to other illegal and criminal activities.
The Big Catch
By Kyle Case
By Kyle Case
Three years ago, when he was 13 years old, Kyle’s family went camping in Ordway, Colorado at Lake Henry. He really likes to fish and have fun at the lake but today he was just going to fish and have fun the next day. He was fishing all day and did not catch a thing so he decided to go to the dock because that is where he had all his luck. So when he went to the dock, he casted out and got a bite, but could not get a good hook set, so he sat there for about an hour. There was a guy who was backing out a boat, so Kyle decided to not cast out again until he was done. So he then got tired of the person backing their boat in the water because they were taking a long time, so he put his bait in the water where it would not get hit by the propeller, between two rocks, thinking there was nothing there. But just then he felt something hit the bait hard, and got a good hook set on this one, it was not going to come off. He screamed for help, so his dad came and helped him get this big fish out of the water so it would not get off.
When it came out of the water he saw that the hook was only in one of the catfish’s whiskers and that it was a good thing that he had some help because if he didn’t he would have lost the fish and that would have been awful. As they were walking back to the camper, his brother came running down the road with a net so that they didn’t have to carry the big fish all the way back. When they got back to the camper they saw that it was the same length as Kyle’s leg, which at the time was not very big. They then put the fish on a stringer so that they could put it back in the water to let it live longer. When Kyle’s uncle arrived he saw how long and how heavy it was (30 lbs.). That was by far the biggest fish Kyle ever caught, and the coolest!
The next day Kyle had fun riding on the boat, but kept thinking about the catfish he caught. He went to the same spot where he caught the big catfish, and put his bait in the same hole, but didn’t get anything. He moved to the side of the dock and caught a fish he has never seen while fishing there before, and let it go because he wanted that fish to get bigger and stronger. And that is the story of how Kyle caught his big catfish.
When it came out of the water he saw that the hook was only in one of the catfish’s whiskers and that it was a good thing that he had some help because if he didn’t he would have lost the fish and that would have been awful. As they were walking back to the camper, his brother came running down the road with a net so that they didn’t have to carry the big fish all the way back. When they got back to the camper they saw that it was the same length as Kyle’s leg, which at the time was not very big. They then put the fish on a stringer so that they could put it back in the water to let it live longer. When Kyle’s uncle arrived he saw how long and how heavy it was (30 lbs.). That was by far the biggest fish Kyle ever caught, and the coolest!
The next day Kyle had fun riding on the boat, but kept thinking about the catfish he caught. He went to the same spot where he caught the big catfish, and put his bait in the same hole, but didn’t get anything. He moved to the side of the dock and caught a fish he has never seen while fishing there before, and let it go because he wanted that fish to get bigger and stronger. And that is the story of how Kyle caught his big catfish.
The Shoot-out in Salem, Oregon
By Jadon Cook
By Jadon Cook
Long ago in Oregon there was a story about a massive shoot-out that happened. Many people died in the process. But the thing is that the story is wrong. The reason I know that is because I was there.
My name is Leo Zamperini. It was a rainy day in March of 1996. I was a young man who just became a cop and wanted to hit the road as a new man. But what I didn’t know is that I was about to get into the biggest firefight in US history. It was a normal day the way it started with me meeting my partner for coffee before we went to the station. We got to the station and I knew that there was something wrong because everyone was freaking out. I found the chief and asked what happened. He said that the local bank was under siege and it was bad because we already lost 5 officers. I asked where it was and he said that it was on Main Street. I told him that I would take some men and go put an end to the siege.
So we got our rifles and started for Main Street. I told two snipers to get on the roof across the street. But I underestimated the hostage takers. They were trained soldiers who have had years of training. But so were we. They started to shoot at us as soon as we arrived. The next thing I knew was that my partner was gone he was shot and killed. I didn’t know what to do and I was scared. My whole life changed after that, I became enraged. I charged into the bank and took down the hostage takers and the siege was over.
I was awarded the Medal of Honor for ending the siege and I gave it to my partner’s family at the funeral.
My name is Leo Zamperini. It was a rainy day in March of 1996. I was a young man who just became a cop and wanted to hit the road as a new man. But what I didn’t know is that I was about to get into the biggest firefight in US history. It was a normal day the way it started with me meeting my partner for coffee before we went to the station. We got to the station and I knew that there was something wrong because everyone was freaking out. I found the chief and asked what happened. He said that the local bank was under siege and it was bad because we already lost 5 officers. I asked where it was and he said that it was on Main Street. I told him that I would take some men and go put an end to the siege.
So we got our rifles and started for Main Street. I told two snipers to get on the roof across the street. But I underestimated the hostage takers. They were trained soldiers who have had years of training. But so were we. They started to shoot at us as soon as we arrived. The next thing I knew was that my partner was gone he was shot and killed. I didn’t know what to do and I was scared. My whole life changed after that, I became enraged. I charged into the bank and took down the hostage takers and the siege was over.
I was awarded the Medal of Honor for ending the siege and I gave it to my partner’s family at the funeral.
Big Kahuna
By Coltin Thompson
By Coltin Thompson
As I glide through the air 120 feet above all the spectators below its like time had froze and I wasn’t moving anymore, the fear of not knowing what will happen when I land is uneasy.
Its July 3rd and this day couldn’t get any better I am one day away from the biggest race of my life and I just found out that after three months of racing the national series with my mom and brother my dad was to fly in for our final race. I knew this was going to have to be my best one yet but the track was intimidating despite the countless hours of practice I had put in. Two jumps unparticular were going to push my limits to the max and see how much commitment I was really willing to put in. These thoughts played in my mind constantly as I began getting ready for my friday night qualifying practice. Sitting on the line 5 minutes before the gate drops for timing, I finally see my dad pull up in his truck and my heart sunk, this was where I had to practice this track to show him my progress… The gate drops and my timer started as my dad walked to the viewing area in the middle of the track. After about 45 seconds of pushing hard through the qualifying the two jumps I was worried about were coming up, the first was a massive blind landing triple that was 90 feet and the second was a ski jump that was 140 feet, I came around the last corner before the triple and I started to get butterflies knowing if I messed up id be a disappointment so I twisted the throttle and began to pray to god I make it, I was clocked at 33 mph and I was off. It felt that 90 feet was the longest 90 feet ever and as the landing quick approached I was worried I wouldn’t make it but seconds later I landed and hit the next corner. With a since of accomplishment I felt I was ready for the 140 foot monster called the big kahuna but lap after lap I couldn’t get my self to commit and by time my qualifying was over I left the track to the pits knowing I now have to do it tomorrow in the race. MY dad was so proud of my progress but I knew I could do better and so I must. I went to bed early that night knowing Saturday would be a big day.
Saturday morning, 8 a.m the smell of crisp, sweet, and race fuel in the air loomed as the 450’s fired up. I fired up my bike and it was like everything else got quite and I knew what I had to do. Warm up finished up and our riders meeting came about. The track officials warned us about the kahuna because it was rather slick and this just made me fear it more.
I was first to race so I quickly got back to the trailer and got my gear on and fueled my bike and I was ready. My dad walked out of the camper with my practice jersey on and said, "remember son no matter what I’m proud of you, good luck, I love you." I had so much motivation going in, I told myself I was ready. Sitting at the gate the flagger walked out and gave us the 30 second board, my adrenaline was so high I was shaking. 40 bikes, engines revving ready to drop a leg and rail the first corner for hole shot. The gate drops on our eight-minute moto and quickly I found my self in second place competing for 1st. About 6 minutes in I had yet to jump the kahuna. Knowing that’s how I would win I said this is your time. Rounding the corner before this jump with 1st place close in front of me I twisted the throttle back and grabbed a gear, I was fully committed, clocked at 47mph I left the ground. As I passed the flags in the air showing how far I was 60,70,100,120 feet I knew I didn’t have much length left but it felt that I was in the air forever, I remember time almost freezing and myself looking at my dad with the biggest smile. This is for you! I landed in first place and knew the race would end soon. I gained a nice lead and 2 laps later I had finished the race. When I got to the pits my dad just smiled and said, "I knew you had it in you, great job bud!"
Its July 3rd and this day couldn’t get any better I am one day away from the biggest race of my life and I just found out that after three months of racing the national series with my mom and brother my dad was to fly in for our final race. I knew this was going to have to be my best one yet but the track was intimidating despite the countless hours of practice I had put in. Two jumps unparticular were going to push my limits to the max and see how much commitment I was really willing to put in. These thoughts played in my mind constantly as I began getting ready for my friday night qualifying practice. Sitting on the line 5 minutes before the gate drops for timing, I finally see my dad pull up in his truck and my heart sunk, this was where I had to practice this track to show him my progress… The gate drops and my timer started as my dad walked to the viewing area in the middle of the track. After about 45 seconds of pushing hard through the qualifying the two jumps I was worried about were coming up, the first was a massive blind landing triple that was 90 feet and the second was a ski jump that was 140 feet, I came around the last corner before the triple and I started to get butterflies knowing if I messed up id be a disappointment so I twisted the throttle and began to pray to god I make it, I was clocked at 33 mph and I was off. It felt that 90 feet was the longest 90 feet ever and as the landing quick approached I was worried I wouldn’t make it but seconds later I landed and hit the next corner. With a since of accomplishment I felt I was ready for the 140 foot monster called the big kahuna but lap after lap I couldn’t get my self to commit and by time my qualifying was over I left the track to the pits knowing I now have to do it tomorrow in the race. MY dad was so proud of my progress but I knew I could do better and so I must. I went to bed early that night knowing Saturday would be a big day.
Saturday morning, 8 a.m the smell of crisp, sweet, and race fuel in the air loomed as the 450’s fired up. I fired up my bike and it was like everything else got quite and I knew what I had to do. Warm up finished up and our riders meeting came about. The track officials warned us about the kahuna because it was rather slick and this just made me fear it more.
I was first to race so I quickly got back to the trailer and got my gear on and fueled my bike and I was ready. My dad walked out of the camper with my practice jersey on and said, "remember son no matter what I’m proud of you, good luck, I love you." I had so much motivation going in, I told myself I was ready. Sitting at the gate the flagger walked out and gave us the 30 second board, my adrenaline was so high I was shaking. 40 bikes, engines revving ready to drop a leg and rail the first corner for hole shot. The gate drops on our eight-minute moto and quickly I found my self in second place competing for 1st. About 6 minutes in I had yet to jump the kahuna. Knowing that’s how I would win I said this is your time. Rounding the corner before this jump with 1st place close in front of me I twisted the throttle back and grabbed a gear, I was fully committed, clocked at 47mph I left the ground. As I passed the flags in the air showing how far I was 60,70,100,120 feet I knew I didn’t have much length left but it felt that I was in the air forever, I remember time almost freezing and myself looking at my dad with the biggest smile. This is for you! I landed in first place and knew the race would end soon. I gained a nice lead and 2 laps later I had finished the race. When I got to the pits my dad just smiled and said, "I knew you had it in you, great job bud!"
English Prompt
By Pete Maldonado
By Pete Maldonado
Life. It will Destroy you, it will tear you down to a level of existence that you never even thought Could exist. But one thing everyone gets wrong is: Life will not build you back up. Life only tears you down, It's all up to you on what you do when your dreams become Compromised. Will you stand up to the beat of the war drum or will you crumble to your knees for mercy? Life isn’t your friend nor is it your enemy. It's what you make of it. Tim Kennedy says “ Train to be one of the hardest people someone has ever tried to kill.” If you put that same mindset against life, Then Life can’t Kill you Nor can it stop you. “You're Never Out Of The Fight.”- Lt Michael Murphy
Homeless Talent
By Emilio Pacheco
By Emilio Pacheco
Though I may not have much, I have my odd talent and myself. I have perfected this over so much time spent alone. From rocks, to books, to old broken chairs that I find in dumpsters. I can balance a lot of things. Sometimes, even balancing one thing on top of something that’s already balanced. There was one thing I couldn’t balance, and that was my life. I had balanced my way to mansions, TV shows, art exhibits, and eventually found myself tipped over and tipping the bottle. I found alcohol to be my own personal balance. I went from living the American dream, to begging people for change outside of the Sip and Strut. As it seemed, nobody was around to ask for change, sirens wailed in the distance, people ran by me towards the edge of town. I wandered “what is going on?” There were screams of “a bomb in the center of town”. Once I heard this, I was picked up and put into a cop car. The bomb needed to be balanced. I was the only one who could do it. I needed to sober up and save the town. How could I be needed now? All I’m known as is the town drunk, I used to have a balanced life, but no longer do. I guess now, I'll start again.
The Weregoyle Hybrid
by Miranda Beale
by Miranda Beale
I was deep in the forest one night; I was picking up supplies for my shelter. I was kicked out of my home and was told to grow up and learn how to survive on my own. So I was in the deepest darkest part of the forest proving I know how to survive. I was getting sticks and vines to build a shelter. That is when I hear the noise that scared me for life. The sound of a growl coming from behind me, it sounded like a wolf so I just froze. Then it got closer and I started to shake, and then I felt it touch me. I began to move slowly away from it, that is when it started to get mad and howl. So I ran faster until I could not breathe. That is when I heard the flapping of huge wings. It landed right in front of me, it was a werewolf/gargoyle hybrid. I was scared out of my mind and I could not move, it just stood there looking at me. I had to run, but it could fly so I would lose. So I just laid down so it would think I was dead.
I was so tired of running that when I lied down I fell asleep. The next morning when I got up I saw that the beast had left. So I went back to work on my shelter, but the beast was still there just in a statue form. I couldn’t get up so I dug downwards to where I went underneath it. I escaped and started to run so that when I need to hide from it at night it won’t find me. I made it to a cave, but instead I continued to run that is when I made it to a village where they took me in to hide me. I was so hungry and tired that I fell asleep with a full belly. The hybrid found the village, but did not find me.
Two years later I was foraging for food, I lived in the village and had a family of my own. I knew the hybrid would be back, but I did not know exactly when that would be. I was with my oldest daughter and her little sister. Their names were Amy and Georgie they were my favorite things in the world. When it got dark we would go in to our home and hide just in case the hybrid did return. It never returned until one dark and lonely night we were out to late and decided to go in to the cave I found years ago. That is when I found it, the one thing I wanted to destroy. It was the hybrid and this was its cave. So we left the cave and in it I left dynamite. The cave exploded with pieces of it going everywhere. My family is safe and always will be.
Fearful Ant
By Victoria Huff
By Victoria Huff
Today I am an ant.
The grass forest where I live is beautiful. Every so often a monster comes through and eats the trees. It also destroys the castle. We have been fortifying the castle since the last attack. Today, just as predicted, the monster has returned.
I have been put on the evacuation crew. Our job is to move all the larvae and the queen to the new castle outside of the grass forest. The soldiers will try to hold off the monster. The evacuation is beginning.
The grass forest where I live is beautiful. Every so often a monster comes through and eats the trees. It also destroys the castle. We have been fortifying the castle since the last attack. Today, just as predicted, the monster has returned.
I have been put on the evacuation crew. Our job is to move all the larvae and the queen to the new castle outside of the grass forest. The soldiers will try to hold off the monster. The evacuation is beginning.
Vampire Dragon
By Victoria Huff
By Victoria Huff
My name is Pomegranate. I have wings; my scales are black and shine red. I have two forms, dragon and human. In my human form my hair is fire red, my nails are black, and my eyes are purple. I am what they call a vampire dragon. That is why I can change form. I was born as a vampire, then as I got older, I discovered I could transform into a dragon. I like to hunt. I don’t like my dragon form.
The Replacement
By Kyle Olson
By Kyle Olson
This fateful story begins on a gloomy Saturday. My sister, at the time, was a docent at a local museum, meaning that she would devote the small amount of social life she had to giving tours in a dusty old museum. The main attraction, for most, was the mummy. Oh yes, the mummy. The man that had discovered it was the town nutcase. He always said that one day the mummy would rise. Of course, this would never happen, however, it made a good story to tell.
My sister would sometimes bring me with her, even though she thought I was a bumbling idiot and would always be the first to refer to me as such. I didn’t mind, however, because she usually kept out of my business. On a normal day, I would stay in the basement, reading some of the books that the director had. In fact, if I had done just that, I wouldn’t have made such a mistake. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen like that. Business was slow. In fact, the museum was empty, besides my sister and I. The director wasn’t feeling well, so she asked my sister to take over, which she graciously did. The day before, the mummy had been shipped upstate on loan. This left just an empty sarcophagus. I decided to make the best of the day, even though it was wrong. I climbed in and placed my arms on my chest. Once my sister would come, I would scare her, get back at her for everything.
The time passed. I have no idea how long; five minutes or five hours. At some point, however, I must have fallen asleep. When I awoke, the room was darker than usual. I assumed that it was just because the museum was closed. The thought never provoked me, until just now, as to why my sister never came to look for me. Yet, I still climbed out, slightly confused, as if you were awoken late at night but you can’t place what actually woke you up. It wasn’t until I reached the doorway that I realized something was terribly wrong.
I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. This wasn’t the same museum I had fallen asleep in. Instead, it was a hot, dry tomb, the kind you would see in an Ancient Egyptian book, only this was real life. In the dim light from the torch, I could see the faint image of a man. He then moved towards me, until we were face to face.
“Good evening. I have been expecting your arrival.”
“Huh?” Needless to say, I was confused. Who was he? How did he know me?
Almost as though he was reading my thoughts, he continued.
“My name is Prince Alexander, son of Bek. I have waited a long time, and now you are here.”
“Waited for what… and why can I understand you?” By this point, my surroundings began to make sense. I was no longer in the twenty- first century, but in actual Ancient Egypt. Under normal circumstances, I would have been eager at this learning opportunity. The books the director had back at the museum had fascinated me, but this wasn’t a book.
“Since age five, a man has visited me, through my dreams. This same man has given you the ability to understand me. He promised me a way out.”
“A way out of what?”
“Tonight, they are going to mummify me. Being the prince, there have been many attacks on my life. By my followers mummifying me, I would be safe. However, I’m not ready for this, shall we say, commitment.. That is where you come in. You will take my place.”
“How? I don’t even look like you.”
“You shouldn’t speak so soon…”
In a sudden moment, there was a gust of wind. At this point, I glanced down, only to find that my body was a mirror image of his own. When I looked up, he looked like my former self.
“How? What are you doing?”
“Ahh, not me, but the man in my dreams. He is doing as promised.”
It occurs to me now that the man of his dreams was the town nutcase. Perhaps he wasn’t nuts but a psychopath.
“You’ll never get away with…”
“There you are, my prince!”
A new group of men had entered the tomb. They were dressed nicely, one with a book in his hands. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the actual prince sneak out.
“Who are you?”
“My prince, it’s great to see that you are finally relaxing. A pity, that it must come on such an occasion.”
“Come again?”
“I am sorry to say it aloud, but tonight's the night of your mummification. You will finally become safe.”
What was I to do? What could I do? I let the men escort me into another dark room, only a slight glimpse of light from the candle. I needed to think of a plan, and fast. I noticed the tar. The director, back at the museum, had a book explaining the process of mummification, so I knew what the tar was for.
“Prince Alexander, you have been very quiet this evening. I know how confusing and unfortunate this situation is. You know that it must be done, however. Tonight.”
“I shouldn’t be here.”
“Yes, right. It’s not your time to go, yet it must be done.”
“ I don’t think you understand…”
“Hush, my prince. We will begin now.”
The man picked up the container of tar and brought it closer.
“This will only hurt for a short while.”
He began to pour it on me, but I pushed it as hard as I could, shattering the container. I began running. Agonizing screams of pain were behind, but I didn’t care. I ran aimlessly, considering my options. Finally, I devised a plausible idea. If I fell asleep again in the sarcophagus, could that get me back home? It was worth a shot, and I was desperate. So I did exactly that. I climbed in and forced myself to sleep.
I awoke again, but this time it was bright. I saw a few kids standing over the box. I was going to ask them for help out of the box, but I couldn’t. It was like my mouth was glued shut. I tried getting up myself, but again, I couldn’t, almost as though my legs were wrapped.
“Eww, look at how old it looks.” One girl said above me.
“He doesn’t even have brains.”
How could they say that about me? Why would they? Then it hit me, they succeeded. I was now, the mummy.
My sister would sometimes bring me with her, even though she thought I was a bumbling idiot and would always be the first to refer to me as such. I didn’t mind, however, because she usually kept out of my business. On a normal day, I would stay in the basement, reading some of the books that the director had. In fact, if I had done just that, I wouldn’t have made such a mistake. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen like that. Business was slow. In fact, the museum was empty, besides my sister and I. The director wasn’t feeling well, so she asked my sister to take over, which she graciously did. The day before, the mummy had been shipped upstate on loan. This left just an empty sarcophagus. I decided to make the best of the day, even though it was wrong. I climbed in and placed my arms on my chest. Once my sister would come, I would scare her, get back at her for everything.
The time passed. I have no idea how long; five minutes or five hours. At some point, however, I must have fallen asleep. When I awoke, the room was darker than usual. I assumed that it was just because the museum was closed. The thought never provoked me, until just now, as to why my sister never came to look for me. Yet, I still climbed out, slightly confused, as if you were awoken late at night but you can’t place what actually woke you up. It wasn’t until I reached the doorway that I realized something was terribly wrong.
I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. This wasn’t the same museum I had fallen asleep in. Instead, it was a hot, dry tomb, the kind you would see in an Ancient Egyptian book, only this was real life. In the dim light from the torch, I could see the faint image of a man. He then moved towards me, until we were face to face.
“Good evening. I have been expecting your arrival.”
“Huh?” Needless to say, I was confused. Who was he? How did he know me?
Almost as though he was reading my thoughts, he continued.
“My name is Prince Alexander, son of Bek. I have waited a long time, and now you are here.”
“Waited for what… and why can I understand you?” By this point, my surroundings began to make sense. I was no longer in the twenty- first century, but in actual Ancient Egypt. Under normal circumstances, I would have been eager at this learning opportunity. The books the director had back at the museum had fascinated me, but this wasn’t a book.
“Since age five, a man has visited me, through my dreams. This same man has given you the ability to understand me. He promised me a way out.”
“A way out of what?”
“Tonight, they are going to mummify me. Being the prince, there have been many attacks on my life. By my followers mummifying me, I would be safe. However, I’m not ready for this, shall we say, commitment.. That is where you come in. You will take my place.”
“How? I don’t even look like you.”
“You shouldn’t speak so soon…”
In a sudden moment, there was a gust of wind. At this point, I glanced down, only to find that my body was a mirror image of his own. When I looked up, he looked like my former self.
“How? What are you doing?”
“Ahh, not me, but the man in my dreams. He is doing as promised.”
It occurs to me now that the man of his dreams was the town nutcase. Perhaps he wasn’t nuts but a psychopath.
“You’ll never get away with…”
“There you are, my prince!”
A new group of men had entered the tomb. They were dressed nicely, one with a book in his hands. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the actual prince sneak out.
“Who are you?”
“My prince, it’s great to see that you are finally relaxing. A pity, that it must come on such an occasion.”
“Come again?”
“I am sorry to say it aloud, but tonight's the night of your mummification. You will finally become safe.”
What was I to do? What could I do? I let the men escort me into another dark room, only a slight glimpse of light from the candle. I needed to think of a plan, and fast. I noticed the tar. The director, back at the museum, had a book explaining the process of mummification, so I knew what the tar was for.
“Prince Alexander, you have been very quiet this evening. I know how confusing and unfortunate this situation is. You know that it must be done, however. Tonight.”
“I shouldn’t be here.”
“Yes, right. It’s not your time to go, yet it must be done.”
“ I don’t think you understand…”
“Hush, my prince. We will begin now.”
The man picked up the container of tar and brought it closer.
“This will only hurt for a short while.”
He began to pour it on me, but I pushed it as hard as I could, shattering the container. I began running. Agonizing screams of pain were behind, but I didn’t care. I ran aimlessly, considering my options. Finally, I devised a plausible idea. If I fell asleep again in the sarcophagus, could that get me back home? It was worth a shot, and I was desperate. So I did exactly that. I climbed in and forced myself to sleep.
I awoke again, but this time it was bright. I saw a few kids standing over the box. I was going to ask them for help out of the box, but I couldn’t. It was like my mouth was glued shut. I tried getting up myself, but again, I couldn’t, almost as though my legs were wrapped.
“Eww, look at how old it looks.” One girl said above me.
“He doesn’t even have brains.”
How could they say that about me? Why would they? Then it hit me, they succeeded. I was now, the mummy.
Nightmare to Dreams
By Dureke Sanchez II
By Dureke Sanchez II
I stood high upon my traditional spot, open for all the gleaming eyes to see. Not a shred of regret or shiver of doubt swam through my colored brain as my mouth spewed my story freely.
Their legs swag too and fro, eyes never wondering too far. Their backs stood as straight as a sunflower, while they leaned forward in their chairs as if they were to catch the last golden rays of dusk.
I jumped, danced, and swung my arms with what I called a smile. They laughed and giggled in their ever so joyous tones at each concluding part. But soon I began to lose track of time, I knew I had to stop sooner or later or else I’d go to far. I said my goodbyes, and they begged me to stay like every other day.
As much as I’d like to obey, I knew I was needed elsewhere. Maybe another time, another place, we’d meet again. But for now, I packed up my things and headed out, not daring a peek behind. For if I did, I knew I’d never leave the place I could call home.
Just before I made my departure, a little one came sprinting up to my legs. “Hey mister!” he yelled, brief skip in his step. “Where ya’ goin now?”
I closed my tired eyes and I kneeled down on my scrappy knee, having placed my ridged hand upon his shoulder. When I opened them, I longed to have eyes like him, so full of life and love.
I sighed my memories away and smiled brightly to the boy. Not long, I began to speak. My voice was like honey to his ears, and if even possible, his eyes gleamed brighter than I’ve ever seen. It was moments like these for why I do what I do but I’ll never know what I have done. I could only hope my seed would sprout one of the most beautiful flowers.
“To a place where I can spread the dreams I shared with you."
Their legs swag too and fro, eyes never wondering too far. Their backs stood as straight as a sunflower, while they leaned forward in their chairs as if they were to catch the last golden rays of dusk.
I jumped, danced, and swung my arms with what I called a smile. They laughed and giggled in their ever so joyous tones at each concluding part. But soon I began to lose track of time, I knew I had to stop sooner or later or else I’d go to far. I said my goodbyes, and they begged me to stay like every other day.
As much as I’d like to obey, I knew I was needed elsewhere. Maybe another time, another place, we’d meet again. But for now, I packed up my things and headed out, not daring a peek behind. For if I did, I knew I’d never leave the place I could call home.
Just before I made my departure, a little one came sprinting up to my legs. “Hey mister!” he yelled, brief skip in his step. “Where ya’ goin now?”
I closed my tired eyes and I kneeled down on my scrappy knee, having placed my ridged hand upon his shoulder. When I opened them, I longed to have eyes like him, so full of life and love.
I sighed my memories away and smiled brightly to the boy. Not long, I began to speak. My voice was like honey to his ears, and if even possible, his eyes gleamed brighter than I’ve ever seen. It was moments like these for why I do what I do but I’ll never know what I have done. I could only hope my seed would sprout one of the most beautiful flowers.
“To a place where I can spread the dreams I shared with you."
Experience on the Field
Nicolette Castillo
The sky filled with invisible stars as the lights of the stadium blared down on the people on the field. The people baring green jackets, white pants, and shoes, white as snow, their hats black against the turf.
From the press box you couldn’t tell person from person unless you genuinely tried. The only difference was the equipment wielded by each person. Shiny silver and bold brass glimmered in the light if the stadium.
There was no movement present aside from the crowned person that stood atop of a podium. Their black feathered plume atop their white hat gently flowing in the small breeze.
“Drum major is your band ready?” With a salute and a turn, the announcer in the press box continued.
“Then the field is yours for competition. Good luck.” Whispering to herself, the drum major counts the band off, “One…two…one, two ready move!”
The statues that were once on the field return to the land of the living and move with balance and precision. Everything in this moment being all for not. The hours of practice, days on end through summer heat and winter cold, all for this one moment. This moment, being the most important over even the biggest events. New baby? Grandma made you cookies? Scary band mom screaming at you from the side of the field? Director shaking his head from the side of the field like he could do better? Tough. Put that aside, get your stuff together, and let’s win this.
Nicolette Castillo
The sky filled with invisible stars as the lights of the stadium blared down on the people on the field. The people baring green jackets, white pants, and shoes, white as snow, their hats black against the turf.
From the press box you couldn’t tell person from person unless you genuinely tried. The only difference was the equipment wielded by each person. Shiny silver and bold brass glimmered in the light if the stadium.
There was no movement present aside from the crowned person that stood atop of a podium. Their black feathered plume atop their white hat gently flowing in the small breeze.
“Drum major is your band ready?” With a salute and a turn, the announcer in the press box continued.
“Then the field is yours for competition. Good luck.” Whispering to herself, the drum major counts the band off, “One…two…one, two ready move!”
The statues that were once on the field return to the land of the living and move with balance and precision. Everything in this moment being all for not. The hours of practice, days on end through summer heat and winter cold, all for this one moment. This moment, being the most important over even the biggest events. New baby? Grandma made you cookies? Scary band mom screaming at you from the side of the field? Director shaking his head from the side of the field like he could do better? Tough. Put that aside, get your stuff together, and let’s win this.
2015 submissions
One Choice
Madi Crabtree
You walk into the room and you know there is no going back. The door you came through dissolves into the wall making it impossible to turn back and change your mind. The room is plain with no discernable features other than the four doors across from you and the small, coffee table in the center. You walk to the table and pick up the key that’s on it. The moment you touch, you know that there is no turning back. You know that once you turn the key, you have chosen your fate. Everything has led you to this moment and now you have no idea what to do.
Four doors.
One key.
One choice.
Every door is different, not one aspect is the same. You stand there, staring at the doors. The first one is a burst of color with flowers and rainbows decorating the front. It has a crystal doorknob with a keyhole underneath. The second one just looks like an ordinary door. Nothing special. It has a copper doorknob with a keyhole underneath. The third door looks as if hell itself is contained behind it. It is black and steaming, even oozing fluid every once in awhile. It has a steel doorknob with a keyhole underneath. The last door is a plain wood with three large claw marks raking down the front. It has a normal doorknob with a keyhole underneath.
Now is your chance.
Choose a door or stay in here forever.
Choose a door and choose your fate.
You choose.
Madi Crabtree
You walk into the room and you know there is no going back. The door you came through dissolves into the wall making it impossible to turn back and change your mind. The room is plain with no discernable features other than the four doors across from you and the small, coffee table in the center. You walk to the table and pick up the key that’s on it. The moment you touch, you know that there is no turning back. You know that once you turn the key, you have chosen your fate. Everything has led you to this moment and now you have no idea what to do.
Four doors.
One key.
One choice.
Every door is different, not one aspect is the same. You stand there, staring at the doors. The first one is a burst of color with flowers and rainbows decorating the front. It has a crystal doorknob with a keyhole underneath. The second one just looks like an ordinary door. Nothing special. It has a copper doorknob with a keyhole underneath. The third door looks as if hell itself is contained behind it. It is black and steaming, even oozing fluid every once in awhile. It has a steel doorknob with a keyhole underneath. The last door is a plain wood with three large claw marks raking down the front. It has a normal doorknob with a keyhole underneath.
Now is your chance.
Choose a door or stay in here forever.
Choose a door and choose your fate.
You choose.
When Life Begins to Fray
Jenn Meehan
A paned window is on the left side of the room with blue curtains that don’t reach past the windowsill. A vanity is on the right side of the room with a mirror that faces the window. A bed with two pillows and a blue comforter lies in the center against the back wall, in between the window and the vanity. Walking in through the door, this is what you see. You miss the dressers on either side of the door. Both identical although the one on the left has drawers that bulge slightly, as if the clothes were packed in in an inefficient manner.
If you look at the drawers of the vanity, you will find one that requires a key. If you look inside the drawer you will find several locks of short, brown hair, several vials of blood, a vial of saliva, a vial of tears, and a tooth. Along with these items there is a book of witchcraft, which contains a spell for cloning and a vial of poison from an unknown source.
The bed is always made and the curtains are always drawn except for in the mornings. The curtains are closed and the left side of the bed is left unmade. This all changes at noon. Then the changes occur later and later within the day until they don’t occur at all. The clothes from the left side dresser are hung up on the walls. This is the only change for a couple of days but then there is a vial with one drop of poison on the floor and a few locks of short, brown hair next to it.
Jenn Meehan
A paned window is on the left side of the room with blue curtains that don’t reach past the windowsill. A vanity is on the right side of the room with a mirror that faces the window. A bed with two pillows and a blue comforter lies in the center against the back wall, in between the window and the vanity. Walking in through the door, this is what you see. You miss the dressers on either side of the door. Both identical although the one on the left has drawers that bulge slightly, as if the clothes were packed in in an inefficient manner.
If you look at the drawers of the vanity, you will find one that requires a key. If you look inside the drawer you will find several locks of short, brown hair, several vials of blood, a vial of saliva, a vial of tears, and a tooth. Along with these items there is a book of witchcraft, which contains a spell for cloning and a vial of poison from an unknown source.
The bed is always made and the curtains are always drawn except for in the mornings. The curtains are closed and the left side of the bed is left unmade. This all changes at noon. Then the changes occur later and later within the day until they don’t occur at all. The clothes from the left side dresser are hung up on the walls. This is the only change for a couple of days but then there is a vial with one drop of poison on the floor and a few locks of short, brown hair next to it.
Neighborhood Bully
Hope Archuleta
My neighborhood bully is something that would never first come to your mind. My neighborhood bully is, drugs, alcohol, anything addictive really. It seems to be something in my neighborhood everyone is on. It can be a bully, it controls your life, and it makes you who you are. Your mind is altered on something it doesn’t need to be. Anytime you are without it, you feel lost and lonely. It drags you down. Every ounce of confidence you had is gone, because you think you can’t live without it. When it comes down to the end of their life, I bet it was because of whatever they were addicted to. Of course, that’s not how they think.
In my neighborhood my family calls this group of people who walks to the drug houses in my neighborhood, while holding their beer or smoking a cigarette “the zombie herd.” They don’t care how they get their money for drugs as long as they get it! They live for greed. Though they made this choice, you can see the pain in their eyes. Especially the ones who accidently got addicted, the pain in their eyes, you can tell is wanting to escape. Everyday I wonder how long this will go? When will the pain end? When will we have more resources for the ones who need help?
This neighborhood bully will just not stop. It wants to see everyone in misery. It wants everyone to be troubled. Breaking apart family and lives. Killing people every chance it gets. It wants this world to go up into flames. It wants this world to shatter. Yet my neighborhood is letting it win. Why though? Because they want to feel that high or if they have become tolerant to it, they want to stay “well.” Honestly the sorrow of this neighborhood is sad. The lost people with so much pain, it’s very upsetting to see. You always wish there is something you can do, but you can’t. My neighborhood bully will show you why we need to face reality.
Hope Archuleta
My neighborhood bully is something that would never first come to your mind. My neighborhood bully is, drugs, alcohol, anything addictive really. It seems to be something in my neighborhood everyone is on. It can be a bully, it controls your life, and it makes you who you are. Your mind is altered on something it doesn’t need to be. Anytime you are without it, you feel lost and lonely. It drags you down. Every ounce of confidence you had is gone, because you think you can’t live without it. When it comes down to the end of their life, I bet it was because of whatever they were addicted to. Of course, that’s not how they think.
In my neighborhood my family calls this group of people who walks to the drug houses in my neighborhood, while holding their beer or smoking a cigarette “the zombie herd.” They don’t care how they get their money for drugs as long as they get it! They live for greed. Though they made this choice, you can see the pain in their eyes. Especially the ones who accidently got addicted, the pain in their eyes, you can tell is wanting to escape. Everyday I wonder how long this will go? When will the pain end? When will we have more resources for the ones who need help?
This neighborhood bully will just not stop. It wants to see everyone in misery. It wants everyone to be troubled. Breaking apart family and lives. Killing people every chance it gets. It wants this world to go up into flames. It wants this world to shatter. Yet my neighborhood is letting it win. Why though? Because they want to feel that high or if they have become tolerant to it, they want to stay “well.” Honestly the sorrow of this neighborhood is sad. The lost people with so much pain, it’s very upsetting to see. You always wish there is something you can do, but you can’t. My neighborhood bully will show you why we need to face reality.
Party of the Undead: A Halloween Short (humor)
Hailey Alber, Dominique Contreras, Patrick Shields
Full moon selfie at the mansion! After a crazy night, the monsters, skeletons, and creatures of all kind raced out of the mansion. All the creatures got into their positions, but the bright flash made the vampires disappear from the photo.
Foggy mist started to come too. When the dead silence filled the air along with howls and screeching cats. All of us wondering where our blood thirsty friends went, but just wanting the full moon selfie more than anything.
The full moon was closing in. It had almost been in perfect position to take the most gorgeous selfie, before everyone went poof. After a few seconds, the moon was in place and so, the selfie was taken. All the monsters respectfully returned to their place in hell, yet one stayed behind. The most beautiful witch, but she wasn’t staying above to be nice, she was going the wreck havoc and make the earth to her liking. It would be scary, dark and altogether hers. No one would ever be able to undo the things she would do. That’s how the real story of Earth’s downfall began, with nothing but a high-pitched cackle.
Hailey Alber, Dominique Contreras, Patrick Shields
Full moon selfie at the mansion! After a crazy night, the monsters, skeletons, and creatures of all kind raced out of the mansion. All the creatures got into their positions, but the bright flash made the vampires disappear from the photo.
Foggy mist started to come too. When the dead silence filled the air along with howls and screeching cats. All of us wondering where our blood thirsty friends went, but just wanting the full moon selfie more than anything.
The full moon was closing in. It had almost been in perfect position to take the most gorgeous selfie, before everyone went poof. After a few seconds, the moon was in place and so, the selfie was taken. All the monsters respectfully returned to their place in hell, yet one stayed behind. The most beautiful witch, but she wasn’t staying above to be nice, she was going the wreck havoc and make the earth to her liking. It would be scary, dark and altogether hers. No one would ever be able to undo the things she would do. That’s how the real story of Earth’s downfall began, with nothing but a high-pitched cackle.