One

Sandy awoke to the racket of a lawnmower beneath his window, followed by the ear-shredding shriek of a leaf blower. Mhairi had said the gardeners came once a week, and as he pulled his pillow over his head, he would tell Overstrand that he could earn another fortune by inventing silent garden machinery.

After a man is stabbed in the back and dies, he wakes up in the Labyrinth with a new body, new power, and another chance.

This story takes place in the same universe as my story Invoker.

Authors note: Hi, short chapter for this week. This felt like it could have been the end of the story, and it would be if this is was a story about Grace, but this is a story about Lucy and Sarah and they are far from resolved. I'm just about finished with chapter 32, but I'm not sure if I'm going to finish posting the story here since I'm concerned with publishing issues. I'm planning on cleaning it up and publishing an ebook this summer. Thanks again for reading and your comments.

Chapter 29 February 22nd, 2026

 One

Samantha’s knock on the door didn’t rouse Sandy from his sleep at first. It wasn’t until she had entered the room and drawn back the curtains, letting bright sunlight stream through the windows, that he opened his eyes, startled to see her there. He had kicked off the duvet during the night, and only as he sat up did he remember what he was wearing, desperately pulling the duvet up to cover himself. 

“What are you doing, Sam?” he squealed.

Chapter Two: Reconstruction

After a man is stabbed in the back and dies, he wakes up in the Labyrinth with a new body, new power, and another chance.

This story takes place in the same universe as my story Invoker.

NOTE: This story was originally posted in single large chunk. But some readers have indicated that it was hard to navigate, so I've split it into two parts.

Wasn’t that what they were calling it these days?

Another Country -16-
by Erin Halfelven

Bonnyread Island
A Short Story
2026 Summer Island Getaway Challenge
By Maryanne Peters

Acidalia XXVI

By Amanda D.

Friday oct 9th

The Sisters compound 10:52amPDT:

“AAAAIIIEEEEEEEE…….”

Robi turned quickly in the direction of the sound as the unexpected scream pierced the ever-present noise of the infirmary.

“What the fuck was that?” Warren called from a couple rows away as he looked up from the patient he was attending.

Chapter 28 December 25th 2025

There were times in Whit’s life when he saw himself in a photo, or a video, or in the mirror, and for a brief moment he saw her instead of him. Eventually he gave her a name, Sarah. Over time he realized that Sarah could be a great person, far less reserved than Whit. Sarah didn’t define her life by what she avoided. Whit imagined Sarah living a rich life full of new friends and experiences.

All Sarah ever needed was a chance…

After a man is stabbed in the back and dies, he wakes up in the Labyrinth with a new body, new power, and another chance.

This story takes place in the same universe as my story Invoker.

Chapter 58: Distractions

“Hurry up, I’m ready to go.”

Why did I need to pee again? After all, I had nothing to be nervous about; I was just going to divulge a secret to my mother that could mean the end of all the things that I most enjoyed about last year: Cheerleading practice, Cailíní Canadh Ghleann Dhubh, dressing, being one of the girls. What could possibly go wrong?

The Volvo pulled out of the driveway; I waited until we were well on our way so my mother wouldn’t be tempted to turn back. Past Ballymore, now on the Ballyhowan Road.

“Mom, I have something to tell you.”

“Man! I’m bushed.” Tessa flops down onto the couch of the tour bus they have been traveling around in.

“I know what you mean. Between these state fairs, clubs, and bars we have been playing at are taking a toll on me.” Daisy flops down next to Tessa on the sofa.

Nagisa comes walking in with a slight sunburn. She forgot to cover herself in their hurry to get ready for practice and play. She grabs a cold flavored bottle of water from their cooler and presses it against her forehead.

Mothers in Law
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Some say that if you want to know what your wife will be like in 20 years time, meet your mother in law. But for me, I have two mothers in law. Which one would she be like?