Queen Jocasta – Sovereign Ruler of the West Lies. They plague our souls, causing us to act in ways of which we never believed ourselves capable. Yet we often cling to these falsities; desiring the reality we’ve fabricated over the painful truth that is life. Ignorance is bliss, they say. Perhaps there is some validity … More On the Eve: 10
To our beloved co-worker Shannon, oh Shannon, where goes the time? Are you seriously entering year thirty-nine? I think it’d behoove you to look and go see If your card has arrived from AARP Today marks a day that we all often fear For every birthday adds yet one more year Not all that … More Happy Birthday Shannon!
Antony – Commander of Queen Jocasta’s Army We have taken refuge in Clarmont, the first safe village we crossed following our withdrawal. If one can even call it a village, that is. There is little more than battered huts and peasant farmers here. Far less than what one would deem an ideal location for which … More On the Eve: 3
My attempts to join the fray went unheeded. Father said I was crazy for suggesting such a thing. He says the passions of a baker’s daughter aren’t strong enough for war. Adam makes it a point to make sure the bakery is well-guarded and equipped for whatever may come through. Or whoever, I should say. … More Love & Loss: 9
July, 1943. Sicily. I can’t wait to see her again. Adalasia. Such a beautiful name. The dry spots on her hands told me that she was one that was willing to take on the burden of work. She was the first to volunteer her service, making sure none that followed had anything that needn’t be … More Love & Loss: 4
July, 1943. Sicily. I hope I see him again. It’s amazing how different things are, amidst the bombings and the shells and the shouting. A week ago I was making pies. Prepping soups upstairs in my father’s shop. My days were filled with that of cheer and joy. Now I find myself coddled in a … More Love & Loss
Hmm. Seems our girl is in a bit of a pickle, wouldn’t you say? This is tough. What would you do? Mikal, the guy she’s spent pretty much her whole childhood life with, dealt with Hell and deceived his way out the bad hand that society had dealt him. Seemed to me he loved her … More Good & Evil: Chapter 30
My God, what do I do? Mikal has returned!! My wedding ceremony with Donovan has already been completed and consecrated. How is this possible? All those things they told me about Mikal were untrue? He was pure this whole time? I knew it! But Donovan…I know he loves me. He is such a gentle, respected … More Good & Evil: Chapter 29
I’ve done it. I’ve been called the Office of the Overseers.They intend to evaluate me for the first Refiling ever. This is my chance. This is my opportunity to return to Estellla. The others have told me how misguided it was to conform to their system, to show appreciation for the hardened conditions we are … More Good & Evil: Chapter 27
He came into my office again today. This Mikal, I am sure we have failed him. His attitude deviates so much from that of his peers. He displays behaviors clearly indicative of one who should have been Filed Right. Upon entering, he promptly informed me that the quartermaster of his block was not rationing … More Good & Evil: Chapter 23
I miss him. I miss him so, so much. Earlier today I took a walk along the river and sat at the spot Mikal and I used to catch fish. I recall the time he brought me there for an actual picnic…where we could eat outside without worry of the Overseers finding us. He set … More Good & Evil: Chapter 21
I must say, I now understand why Mikal was Filed to the Left. Today the Overseer collected all of the town’s new Files, and took us into a room in the Capitol Building where much was revealed. He explained the process of deceit, and how those who are Filed left falsify their behaviors to project … More Good & Evil: Chapter 17
There’s a very particular reason my dog is the featured image of this post: he’s never, ever let me down. Being let down is probably one of the worst feelings in the human condition. There’s just something about it that cuts deep into our psyche when someone we thought was in our corner turns their … More Loyalty
How the World Should Work 