Virtual Assistant
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Pavel never knew how dependent he was on Gael until she was gone. She organized everything for him and made sure that he had the files he needed and the bookings for meeting venues, flights, hotels and anything else, including things he would not have thought of. His work management program could look after all of his computer-based meetings and diaries, but in his job his physical presence was needed and Gael managed that.

Faye went to her room that evening with her mind in a complete mess. To find out that a woman whom she might like to date had been front-page news for years was a huge shock for her. In her mind, she would find a nice woman, settle down and live quietly out of the public eye.

Daniel is twenty-eight, successful, fit and completely certain of who he is. Then Helen steals his body.

He wakes up trapped in the life of a forty-nine-year-old, chain-smoking housewife with menopausal symptoms, aching joints, a wardrobe full of skirts and heels, and a husband who believes the woman beside him is still his wife.

Helen gives him one year to preserve everything she has left behind: her home, her marriage, her friendships and her reputation. If Daniel exposes the truth or destroys her life, she will keep his body—and he will remain Helen forever.

Forced to learn housework, cooking, makeup and the routines of a body that no longer obeys him, Daniel clings to the belief that he is still the same man inside. But as Helen’s habits, cravings and relationships begin shaping his days, that certainty becomes harder to maintain.

To get his old life back, Daniel must become convincing enough to live as Helen.

The danger is that, by the end of the year, he may no longer know where Daniel ends and Helen begins.

Author’s Note: This story is heavily inspired by Forced Lives by Spellcheck. Full credit goes to Spellcheck for the original premise and many of the core ideas that shaped this version.

Daniel is twenty-eight, successful, fit and completely certain of who he is. Then Helen steals his body.

He wakes up trapped in the life of a forty-nine-year-old, chain-smoking housewife with menopausal symptoms, aching joints, a wardrobe full of skirts and heels, and a husband who believes the woman beside him is still his wife.

Helen gives him one year to preserve everything she has left behind: her home, her marriage, her friendships and her reputation. If Daniel exposes the truth or destroys her life, she will keep his body—and he will remain Helen forever.

Forced to learn housework, cooking, makeup and the routines of a body that no longer obeys him, Daniel clings to the belief that he is still the same man inside. But as Helen’s habits, cravings and relationships begin shaping his days, that certainty becomes harder to maintain.

To get his old life back, Daniel must become convincing enough to live as Helen.

The danger is that, by the end of the year, he may no longer know where Daniel ends and Helen begins.

Author’s Note: This story is heavily inspired by Forced Lives by Spellcheck. Full credit goes to Spellcheck for the original premise and many of the core ideas that shaped this version.

One of the funniest parts of the wedding day for the bride and groom along with their wedding party is taking the pictures after the wedding ceremony. They are not the guests’ center of attention for that time. Being able to have their hair down just makes all the members of the party feel more who they are instead of playing a role. They are not always worrying about keeping up appearances even with a couple with a keen eye having their focus on them. Wedding photographers and videographer are professional.

Ursula arrives back at Foti Lane and is reunited with Tyra's family. Later she attends a meeting of those in charge and learns disturbing news.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

111 - Luthan's Tale

Aftermath
Part 2: Rebuild
By Tomi

Haruto begins to rebuild his life, his confidence, and his relationship with Rina

Nancy was still lying in bed when I went to start my shower, but she got up and showered when I was done. Once I had breakfast set up, she came to the table, dressed plainly in a T-shirt and shorts.

“Jody, I want to apologize for what the group did yesterday.”

“You don’t need to apologize.”

“I do. I think we all do. You gave us permission to do that, but it wasn’t reasonable for all of your fiancées to get together and have an orgy that went on for hours.”

“OK. Apology accepted.”

Chapter Four
Final Preparations

The final weeks before the banquet were quieter than the training hall—but far more exhausting.

The Fitting Room - A Dressed Short Story
Elliot Everden

The skirt catches your attention because of the colour.