I wake before Emily. Grey light, the room quiet. I lie there for a moment and take stock - the lower back ache that's been there for five days is gone. Not reduced, gone. The heaviness behind the sternum still faintly there but lighter, beginning to clear. Something has shifted overnight.

I get up and go to the bathroom.

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.”

Where the Sunflowers Grow
By
Rebecca Anna Coleman

-8-

Fight or Flight

I took a deep breath and peered across the table at my cousin. Who seemed more focused on her plate of fried catfish and okra than looking at me. Finally she noticed me and then without thinking she eased her piece of fried fish down and looked at me.

“Something on your mind?” Mary Grace said as she peered at me.

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.

“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.

After the initial onslaught the Rains gradually slacken, though only partially. The patients in the Clinic are examined and released, but it will be a while before they can return to their friends and family. Ursula discovers that while Eriana's behavior is seemingly normal now, she has lost some important memories.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

109 - The Storm Slackens

[one week later in Leeds]

“Thanks for meeting me,” said Dora
She had put on one of her ‘Hazel’ outfits, complete with makeup and a long copper wig for the event.

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?

Rascal's First Halloween
By
Rebecca Anna Coleman

-5-
Mercury Power, Make-Up!