Orphan Petal

November 2023 - Part 3

Shirley knows who he is

Her face lit up. In a teasing, confidential tone she asked,
"Did mean old Charlotte steal your boyfriend Ross away from you?"

"No," I scoffed. "I don't know Ross. Charlotte is my—" I sighed.
"Charlotte is my cousin."

Patience was not one of my virtues. I was getting antsy and wanted to stretch my legs on the surface, yearning to see what my home was like after all the time I'd been away. The desire to see familiar sights and perhaps even visit my parents was overwhelming. We were so close to them now.

The anticipation of my upcoming visit was palpable in my voice as I asked Minsha, "Would you like to see my home here on Terra?"

Minsha looked at me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I would love to see it, Kara. It sounds wonderful."

Talk Good

I wish I said this, I wish I said that
But I kinda froze in my tracks
I wish I said this, I wish I said that
But I kinda had a panic attack
I wish I could talk good

Constructing Eva
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

I worked in construction because I had a background in it. My grandfather worked in wood and he had a full workshop in his basement with a bench router and a wood-turning lathe, as well as a band saw, planer and drill press. He had me make little things in wood from when I was small, and when I was older I helped him to build a scale model of a house – just the framing. I wanted to build the real thing.

In a story I posted earlier in the year – ‘Life at Tethers End’ – I had my main character as a writer of racy stories. I’ve had a chat with Adam, and he has allowed me to post the first four stories as listed in that one. They are heavily edited to cut out the more explicit sexual details. This is the first story. They run to a total of 19 chapters and are sequential.
Marianne

Star Light Agency, Los Angeles, California:
A lone figure dressed all in black moves around looking at the ruined office. They had a penlight in their hand as they followed the blast pattern where the explosion had occurred. The person was being very careful because the damage was very extensive.

For centuries the Fossom Fields dungeon has been a popular spot for seasoned adventurers. But when the industrial revolution catapulted mankind forward, the dungeon stayed behind. Slowly sinking into obscurity. After a century, the monsters that call the dungeon their home have nearly given up hope. But a chance encounter is about to change their fate.

Is the dungeon prepared to not just reach the industrial age, but the information age? Are the monsters? Change is upon them and it comes with benefits and challenges. And maybe the Fossom Fields dungeon will once again be the popular spot. Perhaps even good enough to die for.

This story follows Sir Berous - the designated boss monster - and his loyal guards as they brave this tumultuous time. Change is upon them and they will adapt. As they always do.

Roberta saw the stick drawing of a person being hung and for a moment, she momentarily panicked before her training kicked in. Immediately, she dropped the photo and the envelope onto the floor.

I forgot we were holding hands ...