Where the Sunflowers Grow
By
Rebecca Anna Coleman

-10-
The First Phone Call Home

I decided not to venture into the “Eden Cafe” from the outside looking in. I could see two dozen white men in greasy overalls gathering around a few broken down tables. No doubt they were holding a fellowship breakfast for the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan. And by no means did I want to be the guest speaker or be invited to semi-weekly cross burning. I'll take my chances somewhere else.

I saw the contest announcement and thought this would be just right for it. It isn't a holiday but it is transgender and it is set on an island.

This is a version of the first chapter of a story I began long ago in the Carboniferous when I was just a frond. The story was intended to be perhaps 6-8 chapters but, you know, life happened. Here's how it all began.

Life on the Beach

by Penny Lane

Scott has been unexpectedly turned into a woman following an accident at the biolab where he works.

At their lakeside home, his wife Lauren tries to keep him calm and comfortable.

As they settle into normal routines, Scott soon finds that he needs to make some changes.

Penny needs someone to share an apartment. Gina meets the need. But not all is smooth sailing.

Reassignment Night has arrived, the annual event where people can be assigned new traits and lives, seemingly at random. Seventeen year old Tyler has already seen both of his parents get reassigned in the past, and wonders if this time it will be his turn

Cover art by Erin Halfelven
©2026, SammyC