Fiction

You open your eyes to see a strange world. A pink sky with wispy clouds, the sun not visible. You are on a small, rubber blue podium like that of a bouncy house. On one side of the podium, a slide slopes down.

I didn't think much of it. It was so long ago when I decided to do it. Now that it's here I don't know if I can do it! My sibling runs right ahead, eager to start on this new adventure. I could almost hear him saying "Seriously?

prologue

sylvia

Cheeks wet with salty tears, she asked me, “How…how can I fix this?” 

Chapter One

You know that one moment when you’re really, really happy? And then something absolutely terrible happens?

Yeah. 

“AAAAND HE’S OFF! LET'S WISH HIM LUCK EVERYONE!! AFTER ALL, HE IS THE FIRST TEENAGER TO CLIMB THE MOUNT EVEREST!!” The announcer’s voice blasted from the speakers all around the people. 

I’ve been doing this my whole life, but this time it just feels… different. Let’s back up, my name is Karisha Kyles, I am twelve and my life is climbing.

Cars go by.

Snow and rain falls.

Seasons change.

But through it all, she is there. In the same spot, everyday, all day, the watcher is there.

Strolling up the front door steps and identifying the appropriate key for the door, it was an orthodox evening after work. Tobi resided with his best friend, Jasmine.

She sighed, laying her head back against the tree. How lucky she was, to have this loyal forest, all to herself. This forest that loved no other, that spoke not of her secrets but only of the beauty of its children.

"No," I said, keeping my ground. "But we have to!" My friend pleaded, tugging at my arm. I bit my lip. "We'll get in trouble." I said nervously. "No we won't!

I’m sitting in my room staring at the ceiling, happily replaying the events of Shay’s birthday party, when my mom knocks at the door. “Come in” I say, not too interested in what my mom has to say to me.

Ben Green sits quietly behind his desk aboard the Roosevelt. He is enthralled deep in thought, but his mind shifts as he notices the streaks of blond, left to slowly fade away on his head.