t s n i e l s v e king rd. a l oak ridges w e moraine i v ... · short story anthology library...

RICHMOND HILLPUBLIC LIBRARY

lm

cw

ww

.rh

p.r

ich

on

dh

ill.o

n.

a

HOURS: Monday - Thursday . . . 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noon - 5:00 p.m.*In-depth resources & information services

RICHMOND HILL CENTRAL LIBRARY*1 Atkinson Street (corner of Major Mackenzie &

Yonge)Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 0H5

OAK RIDGES MORAINE LIBRARY13085 Yonge Street, Unit 12

Richmond Hill, Ontario L4E 3L2Telephone: (905) 773-5533

HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Thursday & Friday . . . . . 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday . 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Thursday & Friday. . . . . . 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RICHVALE LIBRARY40 Pearson Avenue,Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 6T7Telephone: (905) 889-2847

RICHMOND GREEN LIBRARY1 William F. Bell Parkway(Leslie St. & Elgin Mills Road)Richmond Hill, Ontario L4S 2T9 Telephone: (905) 780-0711

HOURS: Monday - Thursday . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

first

impr

essi

ons

first

impr

essi

ons

first

impr

essi

ons

20052005www.rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca

Richmond Hill Public Library’s

fourthannual

Young Adultshort story anthology

library locationslocations and hours

NN

Hwy 407 (toll)Hwy 407 (toll)

Hwy 7Hwy 7

Major Mackenzie Dr.Major Mackenzie Dr.

Elgin Mills Rd. E.Elgin Mills Rd. E.

Stouffville Rd.Stouffville Rd.

King Rd.King Rd.

Bloomington Rd.Bloomington Rd.

th16 Ave.th16 Ave.

th19 Ave.th19 Ave.

Atkinson St.Atkinson St.

Pe

ars

on

Ave

.P

ea

rso

nA

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Le

slie

St.

Le

slie

St.

Le

slie

St.

Le

slie

St.

Hw

y 4

04

Hw

y 4

04

Yo

ng

e S

t.Y

on

ge

St.

Ba

thu

rst S

t.B

ath

urs

t S

t.

Richmond HillCentral LibraryRichmond HillCentral Library

RichvaleLibrary

RichvaleLibrary

RichmondGreen Library


Oak RidgesMoraine Library


Rebecca Abitbol Franca PerriAdult Services Librarian Receptionist/Secretary

Brian Bell Cathy PetersManager of Richvale Library Manager of Oak Ridges Moraine Library

Kathy Bertucci Robin RakowskyCommunications Assistant Teen Services Librarian

Mary Jane Celsie Cecily ReidDirector of Public Service Children’s Services Librarian

Catherine Charles Amanda SkopikPlanning Analyst Branch Services Librarian

Yemisi Dina Michelle SplitterActing Manager of Adult Services Manager of Collection Development

Alice Donoghue Dante TangAdult Services Librarian Branch Services Librarian

Joan Girot Greg TaylorBusiness and Government Documents Librarian Adult Services Librarian

June Hill Laurie ValentineBranch Services Librarian Adult Services Librarian

Lesley Holland Terri WatmanChildren’s Services Library Technician Manager of Children’s Services

Cameron KnightLocal History/Genealogy Librarian

Greg PattersonInformation Services AnalystElizabeth PenneyOutreach Library Technician

Published by Richmond Hill Public Library © February 200625 first impressions 2005first impressions 2005

staff contributorsstaff contributors

Barry Dempster is the author of the novel, The Ascension of Jesse Rapture, two collections of short stories, a children’s book, and nine volumes of poetry. His most recent poetry collection, The Burning Alphabet, published in 2005, secured for him his second nomination for the Governor General’s Award for Poetry. Other writing prizes include a 2nd place finish in the international poetry competition for the Petra Kenney Award. He is also an editor for the prestigious publishing house, Brick Books. Barry was the 2005 Writer in Residence at Richmond Hill Public Library. He lives in Holland Landing, Ontario.

Barry Dempster

Ken Sparling is the author of: an untitled novel (Pedlar Press, 2003); Hush Up and Listen Stinky Poo Butt (homemade by special order); Dad says He Saw You At The Mall (Knoph, New York, 1996); and most recently, For Those Whom God Has Blessed With Fingers (Pedlar Press 2005). In the November 2005 publication of Quill & Quire: Canada’s Magazine of Book News and Reviews, he was the subject of a cover story. Ken lives in Richmond Hill with his wife and two sons and is Communications Officer responsible for youth programs at Toronto Public Library.

Ken Sparling

This year’s anthology of award-winning stories once again highlights the creativity of our young writers. It is encouraging to see the contest continuing to attract and inspire our budding authors. Of the 195 entries, our judges have chosen to recognize the best 5 entries from each age group. Congratulations to all who participated. The winning submissions are printed here.

Jane Horrocks, CEO, Richmond Hill Public Library

Krista Ellis Photography

greetings from the CEOgreetings from the CEO

message message from the judges

1 first impressions 2005first impressions 2005 24

Rabiya Adhia Kacper Gruszczynski Laura McGeown Bianca VongVernie Aguda Aanika Gupta Tesia Megill Franco WangNaima Alam Sergei Gurin Lauma Mikelsteins Rachel WayneAmineh Amin Diana Hartinez Homan Mohammadi Isabel WiesenfeldQasim Amin Danielle Havimaki Zahra Mojtahedy Braeden WineTyson Andre Kelvin Ho Emily Moorhouse Madison WintersGarry Anggauinata Amanda Hrenczuk Louise Mui Davin WongRebecca Arnold Christopher Hsueh Tiffany Ng Isaac WongAngelina Artemenko Roland Huang Christopher Ng Erin WongSpencer Bass Justin Hung Carita Ng Audrey WongLaura Bassoon Jenny Hwang Stephen Oliver Bonnie Yao Nicole Bernabei David Ing Maysum Panju Grace YipAllen Betsis Jason Ip Alissa Papadopoulos Omid ZamanisValerie Bevilacqua Anton Ivoditov Iskander Peter Sherry ZhengJason Blacquiere Danni Jiang Esther Phua Mojann ZibapourDeborah Birnbaum Natasha John Victoria Piccin Emma ZilbermanJoshua Bissell Diana Jula Eric PlitmanRevital Border Simone Kagan Max PlitmanDaniel Breez Vinay Kansal Taylor PotterScot Brown Sam Kermanshahi Fatema RahemtullaMable Chan Nikolay Karpenko Gemma ReganCalvin Chan Neal Kaw Maryia SamartsavaJosephine Chan Frank Kim Naman SarafTimothy Chau Jung Hee Kim Claire ScherzinerStephanie Cheong Christina Ko Thomas SchmidtStefanie Cheung Katrin Kocsis Rebecca SeifertStephanie Cheung Jane Kobylianski Olesya SemenyukPsalm Cheung Anna Kobylianski Shabnam ShahinCarmen Cheung Katrin Kocsis Sarah ShihCeline Cho Noteh Krauss Eric ShumMay Chow David Kron Jibril SimmonsAlexandra Comniaguina Amie Kron Thishan SivakumarCourtney Constable Michelle Kuang Dianna SmithLuisa Cornacchia Sarah Lake Adam SmithAutumn Crisafulli Edward Landa Kristy SmithYuri Davydov Susan Lapensee Cory SniderNaomi Desai Stephen Lau Wesley SolmonJamil Dewsi Daniel Lebitania Alex SorokinCampbell Drohan Desmond Lee Sahoana SriskandarajahSam Eisenstatt Patricia Lee John St. GermainSarah Evans Caitlin Lee Philippee StanierNicole Fahner Minha Lee Natasha StelmakhVeronica Farber Laura Legge Catherine StergiopoulosMartin Focseneanu Malcolm Leung Wilson SzeArielle Friedman Kevin Leung Matthew TamJanice Fu Jensen Leung Joyce TanAvery Gagnon Xiao Lin Vivian TangLauren Galloway Jasmine Liu Liron TaubDustin Gaudet Kaylin Livshin Matthew TchengDiana Gavris Carolyn Lutzak Joanne ThaiAngela Gibbon Amy Ly Yulia TismenkoRobyn Goldstein Mark MacIntyre Tiffany TomRosie Golinski Zachary Mandlowitz Katerina TopalovskaMichelle Gordon Sarah Manea Christopher TsilingirisMichelle Gould Zechariah Martin Veronica TsouJordan Grech Diana Martinez Gabi Viiner

entries 2005 entries winnerswinners 2005

Grades 7 & 8 PAGE

“Searches” by Campbell Drohan, grade 7, Beverley Acres Public School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

“Faulty Material” by Martin Focseneanu, grade 8, Crosby Heights Public School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

“My Grandpa” by Kevin Leung, grade 7, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

“Untitled” by Stephen Oliver, grade 7, Our Lady of Hope Catholic School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

“Mr. Big Fish” by Gemma Regan, grade 7, Adrianne Clarkson Public School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

“Slither” by Rabiya Adhia, grade 10, Richmond Hill High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

“Safe Haven” by Arielle Friedman, grade 10, Alexander Mackenzie High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

“The Cost of Perfection” by Katrin Kocsis, grade 10, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

“The Beetles in the Bathroom” by Maysum Panju, grade 10, Richmond Hill High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

“All As One” by Eric Plitman, grade 10, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

“Thumbs Up” by Anton Ivoditov, grade 12, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

“Ten Minutes” by Rosie Golinski, grade 12, Academy for Gifted children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

“Grandaddy’s House” by Susan Lapensee, grade 12, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

“Mr. Protagonist” by Veronica Tsou, grade 12, University of Toronto Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

“This Used to be My Playground” by Bianca Vong, grade 12, Richmond Hill High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Grades 9 & 10 PAGE

Grades 11 + PAGE


Searches by Campbell Drohan

he world rushed by the window. country road. “Hey,” she said with her armrest with all her might. Given the TTree branches swayed in the soft Southern accent.“Are ya okay, 'hon?” choice, she wouldn't have flown from autumn breeze as the last rays of Charlottetown. She had always been sunlight filtered through the treetop No, I'm not okay, Amber felt like scared of planes. Luckily, the only canopy, creating tiny pools of light on screaming. How could I possibly be main event of the flight had been the grass below. The oranges, browns okay? You've ruined my life! Do you during the in-flight movie when the and golds of the leaves swirled expect me to thank you? But overweight man sitting next to her together in an ever-changing tapestry, obviously she couldn't say that. She had spilled his pretzels on her lap. their shadows casting themselves just muttered in response. It was along the springy, moss-covered debatable that Diane cared or was Brushing her reddish-brown bangs forest floor. Tiny chipmunks with even listening for that matter. Amber out of her face, Jessie pulled a stick of enormous cheeks scurried across the couldn't understand how Diane gum out of the front pocket of her ground into their little homes in the Philips ever became a social worker. jeans. Her eyes widened as she bushes, while birds flew into their She obviously didn't like kids. She looked out of the window at the bright nests high above. Moose fed on grass didn't care about their well-being. lights of Toronto. Jesse had never and squirrels collected nuts for the She was a crappy driver. But maybe been anywhere outside of Prince long winter. The squirrels were she had some kind of incredible skill Edward Island in her whole life. The dreading what was coming soon. to make her 'social-worker material'. entire island could probably fit in the Amber was, too. How would I know? Amber thought city below. The giant buildings

unhappily. After all, I'm only thirteen. seemed to get bigger as the plane Looking through the dirty window of descended. She knew that many the old Chevy, she watched the place She finished this thought as the three people in her situation would be where she belonged pass by. She was of them arrived at Edmonton unhappy, but Jessie was trying not to almost afraid to blink, afraid that International Airport. Amber grabbed be. It was a new adventure for her, somehow this unreal scene would Taylor's baby carriage and stepped even if it wasn't exactly the best time come tumbling down on top of her, out of the car and onto the pavement for one. Always look ahead towards smothering her until she could hardly as Diane went to park the car. For a the future, and never look back, her breathe. Now there was a comforting tiny millisecond, Amber considered dad had told her. She let those words thought. running away as fast as she could, but guide her, no matter where it took her.

as quickly as the thought had popped She turned her head to stare at the into her head, it was gone, just like all The plane was jolted as it hit the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian her hopes. A few minutes later, Diane runway. The pilot's voice came on the Rockies. It might be the last time she rounded the corner and led Amber loudspeaker again: “Ladies and ever saw them. Tears stung her eyes, through the sliding doors. As they gentlemen, welcome to Lester B. but she merely brushed them away. walked through the door, they passed Pearson International Airport. The It's always better not to show any a group of excited tourists, cameras in local time is 11:54 PM. For those of signs of human emotion in front of hand, leaving the airport enveloped in you vacationing in our fair city have Diane, the social worker, Amber a tornado of joy and happiness. an excellent time, and for those reminded herself. She'd probably die Amber almost laughed at their utter returning, welcome home.”of shock. stupidity about life. At times you * * *

thought you were happy, but then Amber had decided that she hated all Her baby sister, Taylor, was sleeping everything would just come crashing social workers. She knew this the in the car seat next to her. She looked down on you, pummeling you until moment she had met Lynn Davis at so peaceful in her pink pajamas, so there was no point in getting up again. the airport. Amber was aware that safe and calm, the exact opposite of * * * Lynn was going to drop Amber and the way Amber was feeling. But what A crackling voice came on over Taylor off at their foster parents' could you expect? Taylor was five the loudspeaker. “Ladies and home in a few hours, but the social months old. She had no idea what was gentlemen,” the pilot announced in a worker felt the need to explain the happening. But Amber, for one, could deep, expressionless voice. “In just a plan in detail every five minutes. She see that life as she knew it was few minutes we will be arriving in spoke baby talk to Taylor, which only unraveling around her like cheap Toronto. We ask you all to please aggravated the five-month-old and in toilet paper. fasten your seatbelts as we descend.” the end caused her to empty her bottle

all over Lynn's cashmere sweater. Diane glanced in the rearview mirror Jessie fastened her seatbelt tightly Once again, Amber was tempted to at her, swerving slightly on the around her waist, and held on to the laugh, but she suppressed the urge.

...continued

He didn't answer me, he didn't need from the cold, I don't even know if I hand in hand, with the wind racing to. He just looked at me sadly then moved. But he came over to me, held through the park and making it come turned away, and I felt my chest cave me close, and kissed me. Looking alive. The air gave desperation a new into itself. Shaking my head, I could into my eyes, he asked, “Are you taste, and blew my worries beneath feel the tears returning. “I still don't scared?” my feet. There is no way I could say I want to lose you. You're my best wasn't afraid, but under that hypnotic friend.” I smiled a little. “The sky's pretty sky, it didn't seem to matter. Maybe

freaky today, isn't it?” He nodded, one day we will outgrow each other, He gave me the saddest smile he and my smile grew wider. “Let's get but for now, today is all that really knew. “Is it worth changing for?” out of here.” matters.

I didn't say anything. Going numb We walked out of the playground,

This Used to be My Playground by Bianca Vong(cont’d)


worry about time, we've got lots.” “Yeah?” He knew better than to promise.”question me.

“I'm not worried,” I laughed tiredly, I looked at him with sudden alarm; weakening. “But... ” “Yeah… cause this, this used to be my there was something alien in his

playground, and I loved this place… I voice. “I don't want to grow up.”“No buts. Need help?” spent a lot of my childhood here, and

now I'm standing here wondering “You already have.” He turned and I protested mildly as he helped me what I'm doing and when this began to walk away, leaving me onto the swing. The seat sank further equipment started looking more like where I was to hate the finality and than it was made to, and the chains spacecraft than toys.” I could feel apathy in his voice.screamed sharply as they moved, tears rising in my eyes, though I didn't slowly and grudgingly. know why. I wiped them away, “And you've already broken your

turning my head so he wouldn't see, promise.” At my words, he stopped “See?” I laughed sheepishly. “I'm too but he guessed their presence and faced me, finally meeting my big!” anyways. He didn't ask why, just eyes again.

hugged me wordlessly and let me rest He laughed too, as he held out his my head on his shoulder. “How so?”hand to help me back up. “Maybe it's just the swings that've shrunk.” “I guess we just grew up, that's all. We “You think I haven't noticed how

couldn't help it, it happens to you've been acting more and more I shook my head, but smiled a bit in everyone, and… we're not kids distant to me lately? A girl's gonna spite of myself. We walked along, the anymore.” he said quietly. I shook my notice when she's losing her best swing behind us heaving a sigh of head. friend!”relief, ecstasy in the rattle of its chains. I ducked my head as we “I don't like change… not everything He didn't say anything for a while, walked by the monkey bars the should, you know.” just stood there, leaning against the scarlet rungs were eye level to me slide and chewing his lip. He wasn't now. “Everything does anyways. It's just looking at me. Finally, he started

one of those things.” talking slowly. “Okay… I can't “Get the feeling we don't belong here promise you I'll never grow up, and I anymore?” I asked, awkwardly “We've been friends for a long time. Is can't promise that you won't either. I straddling a shrunken seesaw. that going to change?” I asked, can promise that I'll never stop trying

looking at him critically. He didn't to be your friend, but you gotta “What do you mean?” he asked, return my stare, just kept looking realize… we don't live in Neverland, lazily kicking at the sand. down at the ground and kicking the and we're gonna have to grow up

sand lazily. I shivered as the wind sometime. So maybe… we've just “Everything here's so small now, and picked up and whipped my hair outgrown each other.”we're so big.” I sat down on the around my face.seesaw, but couldn ' t f ind a My breath stopped. The wind blew comfortable position. My knees “Are you cold?” he asked, still not away all of me, and I could feel rested awkwardly close to my ears. looking at me. myself dissolving into dust. “No…

no, I don't want to lose you.”“You're not big, you're short!” He “I'm wearing your jacket.”laughed, patting me on the head. He sighed. “Neither do I. But we're Sitting where I was, my head was “Is that enough?” not grade school brats making pinky-level with his knee. swears at recess anymore, and we're

“Promise me we'll always be not going to be high school kids for “You know what I mean… doesn't friends.” I couldn't take him not much longer either. We've outgrown matter how short or tall I am. We've looking at me anymore, and lifted his the playground, and sooner or later, if still outgrown this place and…I don't head to meet my eyes. we keep fighting it, we're going to know, it just seems so weird how out outgrow each other.”of place we are here now, when this He hesitated, then looked away. “If used to be… well, I guess it was our that's what you want, then I promise There was a tremor in my voice as I habitat.” I sighed, and kicked the you we'll always be friends. Okay? If whispered, “Fighting what?”ground sadly as I got up. you don't like to change, we won't. I

Searches by Campbell Drohan(cont’d)

Don't you dare, she scolded herself. thought. I just want to make him time she'd said that today. Jessie and You'll only ever regret being happy. proud. Amber were silent for a minute, and

then the woman spoke. “Well, I'm After they'd been through customs She walked through the cherry- glad you're all here. I'm Kirsten and had found their luggage, Taylor, coloured front door into a large entry Storms. You two go upstairs. I'll take Amber and Lynn walked out of the hall. She stood there in awe for a care of the baby.” That was all Amber airport. Amber watched in silence as minute, before she noticed a woman needed. She bolted upstairs into what the social worker hailed a taxi with who appeared to be in her mid-thirties was clearly her bedroom. She lay expertise. They climbed into the standing at the bottom of the winding down on her bed. Jessie walked in and black cab and rolled off to who knows staircase, looking at Jessie as though sat down on her bed on the other side where. As the three of them sat trying to figure out why she was of the room. scrunched together in the backseat, it there. “I'm Jessie,” Jessie offered, her occurred to Amber that there would cheeks turning pink. Was this the The two of them were silent again, be other children living in this foster right house? Her question was avoiding each other's eyes. Finally home. She reached protectively answered as the woman walked over Jessie looked up. She caught Amber's towards Taylor, as if saying I'll never to her and flung her arms around her. eye and nodded. It was a kind nod, an let anyone hurt you. But what Amber “Welcome home,” she said into the understanding nod. In that moment, knew and Taylor didn't was that two top of Jessie's head. But Jessie knew Amber understood that this girl people already had. this wasn't home. She had left home sitting across from her had endured

* * * three weeks ago, and now there was great loss, but didn't want pity. She Jessie knew she was going to a foster no going back. wasn't wallowing in her sorrow. She home and that she would never see * * * just needed the same thing as Amber her parents again, but most Amber and Taylor walked through a did: a friend. They began to talk, incredibly, she didn't look scared or door and were surprised to see a without even noticing it, and in the sad, she just looked like she didn't feel woman clinging to some girl in the end, Amber knew that both of them much anymore. She tried to keep a middle of the entry hall. The girl had found exactly what they had been smile on her face, but it was so hard. turned around. She looked about searching for.She knew she had to be strong for her Amber's age, with red-brown hair and dad, but it was near impossible green eyes. “I'm Jessie,” she said. sometimes. I'm trying so hard, she Amber had a feeling it wasn't the first


Faulty Material by Martin Focseneanu

ery few people believe in the now 11 years old. Mature enough to about, and, when he received no Vexistence of extraterrestrial life. begin to understand the world around response from Jake's stupefied Even fewer believe that, if indeed him and the perils of life, but still mother, he raised his fist and swung there were intelligent life outside our considered a child by the adults in his for the driver-side window. A million reach, the aliens would be malignant life. bells started ringing in Jake's head, he and would mean to cause us harm. clutched his temples and tried to And almost nobody would believe It was Monday morning, and Jake's massage away his feeling, this that aliens, whether helpful or mother was driving him to school. As dreadful feeling he felt before harmful, would ever go so far as to Mrs. Lucas started turning, a large something terrible happened. He visit our planet and pluck a dozen and rather ugly van tried to turn right looked up in horror as the drunk subjects from their homes. from a central lane, colliding with the punched through the window and

Lucas's frail sedan. A huge, and quickly pulled his hand away, yelling Although he didn't know it yet, Jake obviously drunk man who looked like how the window attacked him.Lucas was a uniquely gifted boy. he had not slept or bathed for days, Since birth, he had performed minor stormed out of his van and over to The very moment the drunk set his miracles: reading at the age of two, Mrs. Lucas's window. murderous gaze upon Jake , growing just enough to reach something snapped in his mind. The whatever he wanted, nothing that “You hit me, stupid woman! Get out van's tires literally exploded, leaving would attract the attention of and fix my car!” The man clearly only rims. The van seemed to anybody except his family. Jake was didn't know what he was talking crumple in upon itself, but none of the

...continued...continued



people staring out their car windows probably around 16 years old, with seemed to be doing anything to cause short, brown hair and round eyes. He He sat up, trying to contain himself, this. I'm doing it myself, with my looked around, and saw they were but the beast within, the beast created mind! Jake realized with horror. Even indeed in a cell, a cell with titanium of his sorrows and fears, his though he tried to control himself, walls and a small camera that looked loneliness and anger, his confusion at Jake was still mentally beating the down on them from the ceiling, and a what was wrong with him, unleashed man and car until the drunk lay small, barred duct that was probably itself from its prison of flesh and bleeding on the ground and his car for food. bone. Like a wild animal, Jake flung was nothing more than scraps of cloth himself at the walls of his cell, and junk metal. The commuters were “Are we on a space ship?” Jake asked pounding on them, until he retreated, standing perfectly still, spellbound by the girl. snarling viciously, and focused his this unexplainable occurrence. Jake power. He thought of his parents, was terrified. His instinct was even “Probably, yeah”, Molly replied. using his longing for them as a more acute now, until he began “That little duct there opens to bring battering ram. With a final scream, he hearing ringing noises in his ears us food, so we're in some kind of flung himself straight through the again. building, it could be a ship”. walls of his cell, not knowing what

was on the other side. He landed He glanced up and saw that the van Jake didn't reply, but turned around to on…nothing. He floated in a vacuum and the drunken assailant were gone, inspect the grating. No screws, and of some sort, a strange room with the cars that stopped to watch were the cover was on so tightly there was several windows and the same steel driving away normally, and the no way to pry it open. The thought of walls his cell was made of. He looked morning rush hour was once again spending several days, weeks, maybe back at his cell in a panic, but then underway. For no apparent reason, he months in this bland cell was enough remembered... what happened to the began searching for something in the to make Jake whimper. He tried to girl? Where was she?sky. He knew that the awful thing that make himself angry, started thinking was about to come was somewhere sad thoughts, anything to let him do to He looked everywhere in the vast above. Finally, he spotted it, a black the cell walls what he did to the emptiness, but found no sign of her.streak that hurtled toward him so fast drunk's van, but to no avail. Nothing. Noiselessly, almost effortlessly, a he couldn't even raise his arms before He slumped down against the wall for metal arm extended itself toward him the impact knocked him out cold. His a few minutes, then his head began to and hovered in front of him. Jake was eyes closed to the sight of several nod and he soon fell asleep. terrified and the rage he had felt skinny beings searching for turned to fear, cold fear. He tried to something and somehow he knew His sleep was dark and brooding. move away from the strange capsule they were looking for him. Ghastly images of the atrocities he before him, flapped his arms, kicked

had committed, without wanting to or his feet, but nothing happened. He Something was slapping his face. even knowing how. How he broke a looked back at the capsule and Something both rough and sticky, bully's nose, jaw and wrists, feeling recoiled with horror, unsure what he both slimy and scratchy. Jake dared the hot blood of his tormentor spray was looking at. not open his eyes for he feared that, upon him, how he set fire to the house once these things knew he was of a man who stole his wallet, feeling The creature before him was black, awake, they would probably kill him. the burning embers of both the house the darkest, deepest black Jake had But, if he didn't awake, maybe they and his uncontrollable fury. He ever seen, with four solid-white eyes would think there was something remembered the face of the drunk forming a V-shape down the wrong with him and dispose of him driver who sideswiped his car, the creature's elongated face and no ears. sooner. Jake risked it; he opened his brief moment of terror in the eyes of The creature's body was even more left eye as little as possible, but saw the man before his head collided with bizarre: it had six spindly arms, each not an alien with a strange device, but the pavement…Jake awoke. For a with two hands and seven fingers on a wild-looking woman slapping him moment or two, he felt nothing. Lost. each, two short but equally frail-with a sort of towel. Nothing at all, until he became aware looking legs, with what appeared to

of an ominous buzzing in his head. It be two seven-fingered hands at the “Are you awake?, the woman crept through his spine, down his end of each leg. WHAT IS THIS whispered, “My name is Molly, we're clenched fingers, through his THING? Jake's mind was pounding. cellmates or something, come on, get trembling lips, through his moist What was it doing? The alien was up!” Upon closer inspection, the eyes, into his brain, into the deepest moving its head closer and the four woman looked more like a young girl, parts of him, into his very soul. eyes shot out of their sockets,

...continued

Faulty Material by Martin Focseneanu(cont’d)

imbalance, dismounted the bridge on An ominous voice sounded from opening: just a kick and it would be the opposite side. behind: “Why does Protagonist over. He kicked.

always get the girl?” Releasing his He did not stop to celebrate. hold on the rope, Protagonist spun And it was over.“Damsel!” he cried. But she was around.gone. The screams came from Villain moved and Protagonist elsewhere. “The cliff! The cliff!” he “What on earth?” overstepped. He fell, and the label, recalled. “The cliff we saw from “Ending” drew ever nearer. outside! Come Sidekick!” The screaming of the girl soon turned

into a cackle in his ear, followed by No! He was the protagonist, he Now slightly bitter, Wise Sidekick t h e r i p p i n g s o u n d t h a t i s thought. This was treachery, jogged forward. He had gotten characteristic of a label coming off a hypocrisy, lunacy! Like the air slightly charred over the bridge and shirt. Wise Sidekick had ripped off around him, his mind could grasp was currently sweeping off ashes that his label, and under it was a new nothing, understand nothing, feel were formerly clothes. He ran with label: “Unexpected Villain.” nothing. He sped faster and faster to Protagonist towards the light. his end until he heard the ripping of

“You! You of all people!” Protagonist another label. This time he knew it Emerging outside, the orange sheen cried. “Schemer! Horrid man!” was his, but he was certainly not in a was all that greeted them. And the position to read it. “Treachery!” he Damsel dangling on a rope over the In the usual epic battle on top of a cried. “Deceit!” The shreds of hope cliff's edge. Protagonist scrambled cliff, Protagonist and Unexpected he held onto unraveled faster. No towards the edge. “I'll save you!” he Villain grappled and kicked and bit, magic carpet? No saviour? He still cried and pulled desperately at the fighting for the Damsel and their life. could not understand. thin rope that held her. She looked And the moment came. Both were him in the eye. And screamed more. near the edge of the cliff and a label Unt i l the au thor whispered

flashed through the air: “Ending.” victoriously in his ear, “You're the “Calm down, young Damsel!” twist ending.”Protagonist cried. “I'm here to save “I loved you,” Protagonist said, tears you! Fear me not!” welling in his eyes. Then he saw his

Mr. Protagonist by Veronica Tsou(cont’d)

This Used to be My Playground by Bianca Vong

t was a cold November afternoon, with no real place to go, just walking and the swings creaked and groaned Iand the air was bitingly cold. Wind for the sake of doing something. We in mourn ing , weak a l r eady rushed by, going nowhere in a hurry, breathed smoke signals with every anticipating my weight.and swirled dead leaves in a tantric step, cold air lighting up our lungs dance. The light was grey, in that and nipping our skin. When goose “The swings are my favourite,” I said, hollow, heavenly way you see only on bumps raised and dotted my skin, running my fingers luxuriously over bittersweet days, the kind of light that smooth black leather slid onto my the smooth steel chains. “I used to go seems surreal and makes you believe shoulders. I looked beside me, and he on them all the time when I was in God. As dead grass and early frost smiled and shrugged, hugging little.”crunched beneath our feet, I walked himself a little tighter and burrowing through the park with my best friend. a little deeper in his sweater as he “Do you wanna go on them now for a

watched me wriggle into his jacket. bit?” He asked, holding the swing We were supposed to be in school; he Feet trudging slowly and leaving steady for me.had math class and I should've been in indents in the white-grooved earth, French. But there are days when we slowly made our way to the “No. I won't fit in them anymore. I'm conjugating verbs and factoring playground. The bright plexiglas too big now.” My fingertips lovingly binomials just doesn't have any structures loomed awkwardly, the traced the scratches on the rubber appeal; that cold, cloudless sky was vivid colours both cheerful and seat.calling us out, and we listened. menacing. A hollow beat echoed half-

heartedly from the slide as my “Go anyways. You know you want So we were walking through the park, fingernails rained down tap tap tap to.” He smiled jokingly at me. “Don't


Wise Sidekick's raised eyebrow was As expected, they emerged in a bloody hands groped the walls. “Must subtle as he tried with a menacing dimension very much unlike their be a large chamber.”effort to lift his foot. Meanwhile, the own. “Like Alice in Wonderland absence of his friend was noted by falling down the rabbit hole,” Quite suddenly, the loud scream of a Protagonist, who turned around to Protagonist muttered. They walked distressed female reverberated off the uncover the reason. forward, past a label that read, “Other, walls. “Oh my! What was that?”

Fantastical World,” scrawled in a dull “Stuck,” his friend deadpanned, pencil. The room erupted in light, which anticipating Protagonist's desire to would actually have been quite dim to manipulate hot air and chastise him Fantastical it was indeed. The sky the average person, but being for falling behind. Even so, he could was orange and blanketed the entire submerged in blackness for so long, not stop his friend's affinity for giving scene in orangey sheen. The grass the fiery light was a shock to the voice to his ridiculously obvious grew parallel to the ground, random characters. “Blasted blinding light!” thoughts. objects floated about and maniacal he yelled. “Who goes there?”

creatures popped their heads in and “That's impossible! Impossible. out of holes. His eyes adjusted to the dancing light There's nothing sticky here for miles. as he removed his shielding arm. It's pretty bone dry, as it is. Can't be “Heads up,” Sidekick said, making a “Good God…,” his voice trailed off. mud.” He stood erect and pondered gesture towards the cliff above them. the possibilities, caressing the non- The label read, “Deadly Spire.” There, no creature stood. No titanic existent chin hair. devil or murderous villain. But there

“Capital!” Protagonist said, still quite was a bridge. A bridge over fire that Sidekick sighed and bent down to unwilling to shed the British was a thousand feet below and on the take a look. Even to him, the sight was detective façade. They made their other side of the bridge was a person. appalling, or rather, the lack of sight. way along the path to where stairs She screamed. And that's what “My foot's… not there.” were etched into the stone wall. “Up horrified him. It ate into his very

the stairs and up to the cliff! bones, and into the base of his being. “ I M - p o s s i b l e ! ” P r o t a g o n i s t Onwards!” She screamed, and oh, she screamed. continued and bent down to look. But the foot wasn't there. The victim of The stairway winded into the Wise Sidekick could barely make out the disappearing-yet-stuck foot mountain and into pitch darkness, in the label out from such a distance. attempted to escape again, and upon which they groped with hands and “'Damsel in Distress,' it says.”putting weight back on his foot, found crawled on knees, bearing the horror that more of it disappeared. Rather, of screeches and mysterious voices, Protagonist, for once, was lost for his leg had sunk deeper into an just as the label had warned: words. Blood pooled at his feet and invisible hole, so deep that he had to “Obstacle 1: Dark and Scary echoes rung in his ears, but even get down on his knee. Staircase Where No One Will Die.” louder was the guilt inside him. The

feeling of helplessness that he, for “Window,” he concluded. While his However, the darkness was not once, could not save someone. He friend continued the chin-rubbing, he accommodating when they couldn't slowly raised a finger and pointed at grappled with the air around this leg. read the next label: “Obstacle 2: himself. “I… I'm… But I 'm He was tugging at the exact thing Worst Nightmare.” Protagonist.” He turned his eyes anybody else would find ludicrous: outward from his guilt-ridden soul nothing. But it was in his hand, and he Panting as they reached the apparent and back to the bridge. It was thin. It felt it as the window got larger and end of the staircase, Protagonist was dangerous. He could die. But the larger. whispered, “Sidekick, ho! Where are h e l p l e s s n e s s w i t h i n w a s

we? Are you there? I think we're in an overwhelming. “Now this is quite interesting indeed. open space. I hear my echo. Sidekick, Looks dangerous… looks exciting where are we?” And so the action continued. He and very much like an adventure! inched forward , every l imb Hah, elementary, my dear Watson! The Sidekick acknowledged his protesting but his soul reaching out to Let us go!” Protagonist toed the presence. “We're here.” the Damsel in Distress. Wise window cautiously, and with a heroic Sidekick followed. Protagonist leap, jumped into the intangible “Here? Where on earth's 'here'? You neared the cliff, gulped, mounted the thing. Wise Sidekick followed. are quite shadowy and ambiguous, bridge, and after what seemed like a

you know that?” Protagonist's cut and daring infinity and many bouts of

swirling around him, examining him remember where he was. Who was M47 was fired off to earth to from every angle, sometimes he? The alien crammed a slimy complete the task set to J11: infiltrate stopping to look closely at the parts of substance into his brain and dumped human society, pave the way for him. Somehow, even though Jake him into a metallic box, storing him in invasion, and when the time came, was fully clothed, the alien concluded a hole in the wall. J11 had failed his strike at the heart of the human race. its examination, sucking in its eyes. quest, and now he had been disposed J11 had failed, exposing his powers

of. Faulty material was not kept, and too early. M47 was sure to CRA-CK-CK-ACK. The sharp blow the error would be revised and succeed…or another attempt would to his head stunned Jake, his thinking corrected. be made. As many as it took…muffled and slowed down, slowed, to a point that he had to struggle to At the same time, outside the shuttle,


My Grandpa by Kevin Leung

y Grandpa is my Mom's father. c o m m u n i c a t i o n o r m i s - into a serious discussion. Grandpa MHe lives with us. communication due to language just stood there laughing happily and barrier often produces homemade talking about what he would go

Grandpa came from China in 1989. comedy. Once I made Robin really shopping for the next day. It made my He had been to school to learn mad. She went to Grandpa to tell on Mom want to cry, and made us laugh. English as a Second Language until me with her mixed Chinese and Finally we felt that no problem was age eighty. Guess what? He repeated English. Grandpa was trying to serious enough to effect our family's Level One Adult ESL for four years in understand what my sister's whining happiness and well-being. That goes a row, and never made it to Level was about. Grandpa dried her tears with Grandpa's attitude too. In Two! Even now, at age eighty-six, he lovingly and comforted her with Grandpa's opinion, nothing is a big is still learning English on his own gentle words. When Robin insisted deal in life, and being happy is all that with an English/Chinese dictionary. that I should be punished and wanted matters.

to know what Grandpa's verdict was, How much English has he learned? Grandpa seemed to understand what Now, don't get me wrong, Grandpa is No one knows, because Grandpa has she had been saying all in a sudden, not always joking around. He can also very bad hearing and we cannot tell “Oh, Barbie!” be really serious, concerned or upset. whether his misunderstanding is due The things Grandpa cares about most to his poor hearing or his Level One When we have happy news, we share are learning and education. ESL English. To make this matter it with Grandpa first. One day my worse, my Chinese is not perfect, and sister came back with good marks on Mom told me that Grandpa was an my eight-year-old younger sister her test. She tried to tell my Grandpa artist by profession, but being born Robin speaks her Level One Chinese, how well she did. Grandpa did not into a poor family he could not finish often mixed with English. understand. Instead of saying 'Pardon primary school. However, education

me, I did not understand', Grandpa had always been his priority in life. Grandpa is very patient and good- just answered, “Oh, Barbie, Barbie”. When Mom was a baby, Grandpa natured. He never gets upset with us, My sister tried to explain again, and used to hold her in his arms and rock and is always there for us with his this time Grandpa said, “Drink some her to sleep. He told her repeatedly love. Even though he may not water.” that she would go to university when understand what we say most of the she grew up. But none of them knew time, he always sits with us and It has become my Grandpa's what a university was. Grandpa just l i s t e n s a t t e n t i v e l y t o o u r specialty: whenever you say knew that only special scholars were conversations. When we laugh, something to him, if he cannot selected to attend the highest learning Grandpa is laughing with us. When understand, he starts to reply with institutions, and being one of them we finish, Grandpa is still laughing. random things, which makes a was a great honor for the family. He

serious matter merely a joke. For encouraged and motivated Mom all Grandpa always provides us with his example, once we had some serious the time. As a very young child, the protection and comfort. We turn to matters. My parents were very only valid motivation Mom could Grandpa for everything. Our depressed, and the whole family got understand from Grandpa's talk was:

...continued



“Students in universities are state me. He talks to me about my school, cooks me good food. You may my teachers and classmates, my wonder why my Grandpa cooks, not treasures. Even their washrooms projects and many other things until my Mom. Grandpa does not believe are indoors, with a burning stove.” he thinks he has helped me that cooking and housekeeping is a Wow! Back forty years ago in China, understand what I need to do to woman's job. He thinks that women public washrooms were on the improve. Since Grandpa and I share a have been doing it for several streets. They were very cold in winter. bedroom, sometimes Grandpa gets thousand years, and it is time to It was a dream for a little girl to go to a very excited, and stays up late, well change. He let his son do all the washroom without a frozen bum. pass midnight, with our heart-to- housework, but never his daughter. That really set a life goal for Mom. heart talks. Since 'washroom with a When Grandpa's caring neighbours in She had decided to go to university burning stove' is out of date now, and China warned him, “You'd better because there was a heated we are living in Canada, an advanced prepare your daughter with a washroom. Later, Mom realized her country, Grandpa has to have other housewife's skills because no-one childhood dream. Guess what? The motivations for me. What motivates wants a wife who cannot cook,” washroom in her university was me? Video games, of course, to my Grandpa's reply was, “Why? When indoor and it was heated, not by a parents' dismay. I love playing video she finishes university, she can burning stove, but better still, by hot-games. Even if I were 'wasting my always marry a cook.” Isn't Grandpa water heaters. See? It pays to listen time' playing video games, Grandpa cool? If that is not cool enough for to Grandpa. would still support me. Grandpa is you, what about this: Once I was my true friend. Therefore, I want to jumping on my bed, and accidentally Grandpa cares about my education study hard to respond to his kindness broke it. Grandpa sneaked out and just the same. When I am good in and love. That is what I can do to bought some nails and wood boards. school, Grandpa makes me yummy thank Grandpa in return and to make Quietly, he fixed my bed without my food, like Chinese dumplings and him happy. parents finding out. To me, that was noodles. If I am not doing well in

very cool. But I promised myself that school, Grandpa gets really upset, My Grandpa is fun and cool. He I would never break another bed and tries to help me do better in his teaches us how to sew, knit, and again.gentle and loving way. My Grandpa is embroider. He also shows us how to very supportive. He supports me with paint and sculpt. He even acts and Grandpa is the kindest person in the his understanding, forgiveness and entertains us like a kid and makes us world. He is my best friend and our love. Unlike my parents who may get laugh. Moreover, whether I am sad, family treasure. upset with me, Grandpa talks to me, mad, or happy, Grandpa always explains things to me, and encourages

The couch is old and wearing out in the backyard. There's always a car in ideas, but not ones that involve places. It used to have a bright pattern that half of the driveway. The door is anything moving very fast. He but it's going greyish-brown with age. made of the same stuff as the fence, approves of building complicated It's a good place to sit and read while which merges right into the place forts with the empty cereal boxes, but other people do other-people things. with all the lawn chairs. Hardly not of the mock battles that inevitably It's also a good place to sit and play anyone ever uses the door. It isn't very result and cover the living room in with the green and purple thing on the noticeable. squashed and scattered boxes. He coffee table. Grandaddy likes the approves unequivocally of the green green and purple thing. It has to do When Grandaddy is talking, people and purple thing. It's a lot of the same wi th math . Grandaddy i s a usually listen. His voice is quiet and eight-sided shape strung together mathematician. So far as that can be huffy. He talks for long stretches of with ribbons, and it can be made into a understood, "mathematician" means time about Folio books and the fact great many interesting shapes. The "person who likes math more than that they edge the pages in gold to green and purple thing provides people. A lot more." help preserve them and how to keep e n d l e s s e n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d

one in perfect condition. He Grandaddy’s approval throughout. Behind the dining room is the demonstrates the proper way to read No-one else in the house is very backyard. The screen door in the one. It seems to involve a lot of interested in it.dining room leads out onto old wood unnecessary work, but maybe that's that was painted white a long time just the way he always moves so Grandaddy went into the hospital. He ago. There are lawn chairs. Adults sit slowly. spent six months or more there. The in them and talk. They don't like doctors made a great deal of fuss and being bothered when they do that. Grandaddy yells. It isn't very loud, were occasionally stupid. Doctors are When Grandaddy's out here, the light but not for lack of trying. He doesn't like that. From a child's point of view, changes how he looks. It makes him like it when things are out of order, or hospital stays are too much fuss and seem paler and kind of wispy. wasted, or too loud, or moving visiting someone there is pointless,

around a lot. He'll get angry if especially someone who isn't Grandaddy likes taking pictures. It's someone breaks something, even if particularly likable. Grandaddy has a been speculated that he likes it it's just a plastic Slinky and it gets lot of influence on the family. because he can order people around, untangled right away. He'll get angry Everyone else went to visit him, which he does with the closest he gets if someone takes a lot of food and sometimes all together. To a child's to enthusiasm. Everyone stands on doesn't eat it all. He'll get angry if mind, however, Grandaddy has never the front steps, right where he tells someone eats all the grapes. left his house.them to, and he walks back and forth trying to stand so the sun is exactly Grandaddy approves of people who Grandaddy's name was George behind him. Apparently this isn't just are studious and quiet and obedient. Francis Denton Duff.to make everyone's eyes hurt. He approves of reading a lot, but not

when everyone else is eating dinner. There's a door from the driveway into He approves of thinking up clever

My Grandpa by Kevin Leung(cont’d)

Untitled by Stephen Oliver

y name is Mark. I'm a perfectly "Excuse me," I asked, "is this book "I apologize, but there seems to be no Mregular, ordinary kid, aside missing its tag?" title for this book."from my addiction to the library. "It appears so." The librarian replied. "Oh! Then that's probably one of our However, something weird happened "What is the title of that book?" new features, the journal section. It to me. I know I should've been out must have been misplaced. If you "The title! Of course." I turned the buying Christmas presents for want, you can buy it for... Hmm... book to look at its cover instead of the everyone, but I couldn't help staying $14.95 by the looks of it."spine, and was stupefied when there, at the library. As always, I was

on the mahogany leather, was no title! Thankful to have put $20 in my glancing through the fantasy section, I assumed it was one of those pocket, I paid for the book and a pen. I looking for anything new. I knew backward books. So I turned it to the left the library and immediately went every book off by heart, from other side, and nothing. I opened to home on a bus. Traffic was brutal in unicorns to djinni. Then, all of a the first page, where the title usually Cambridge, Massachusetts at noon. sudden, I came across a mahogany, is. There wasn't a title, but there was When I got home, I went straight leather-bound book, with a golden an envelope sealed with a circle of upstairs, checking my watch. It was stripe across the top and bottom. It wax. 1:00 in the afternoon, plenty of time had no tag on it, so I took it to the

to do some writing. I went up to my librarian. "The title, please?" the librarian bedroom, and plopped myself onto questioned.

...continued

Grandaddy’s House by Susan Lapensee(cont’d)

Mr. Protagonist by Veronica Tsou

he Protagonist sauntered down O l d C o u p l e W h o H a s N o Protagonist was beaming as he Tt h e s i d e w a l k , t h e s u n Consequence To The Story. He was walked by the Ladies. His friend let encroaching upon the nooks and on his way to the park when he the moment pass. crannies where shadows hide. The bumped into his friend.breeze was cool, the grass was green, “Nope.”and the motley flowerbeds made the “Hello Wise Sidekick,” he greeted, Protagonist happy. He skipped and reading the label across his shirt. O n l y s l i g h t l y d i s g r u n t l e d , grinned and embraced the day in his “S'up Protagonist,” Wise Sidekick Protagonist led as they weaved their usual caricature-like fashion. responded, jerking his head and way among the tall grasses that

returning the label-read greeting. divided road from park path. He walked passed the Friendly Neighbour and bid good day to the “Any anime-escaping fiends today?” Squish.

...continued


three minutes before I'm home. The darker and colder than before, I'm parents have already left to find me? I wind is strong now, and my fingers stuck going uphill. Panting, I whisper ring the bell five more times and have become numb even through my out into the darkness, “Please God, finally hear the soft sound of thick gloves. I wish I had thought to please, make the wind stop. I promise approaching footsteps. As the door bring my headband or earmuffs, I won't do it again.” The wind blows opens, I fling myself into my mother's instead of a hat that won't even fit as hard as ever. arms, burying my nose deep in her under my helmet. My ears burn in the shoulder. She smells comforting and cold I know they would look bright familiar, like a mother should. But As I finally reach my street, instead of red if there was enough light to see. even as I let myself relax into her, she breathing a sigh of relief, I am My neck feels like it's being slapped stiffens and pulls away, reaching gasping for air. My lungs burn from by cold, harsh hands. I need to stop, behind her back to my hands. Her the combination of uphill biking and just for a moment. Looking at my hand grasps my hat, and the container freezing air, and my heart rate watch I realize another two minutes inside.increases every time I remember that have gone by. I can't afford to stop. in a few moments, I will have to

explain to my parents why I'm now “What's this?” she demands, holding It is now too dark to see the street twenty minutes late. it out in front of her. “Um…” signs, much less the time on my Frantically, I search for an excuse. I watch. I'm pedalling harder than ever watch her unwrap the hat and My nose is blocked, my mouth and but I'm barely moving. The wind is discover the salad, see her open her lips dry from the biting wind. I'm sure blowing against me and I'm going up mouth to reprimand me. Then I see my legs will be sore tomorrow. a hill. My legs aching, I finally reach something else: an internal battle Finally reaching my house, I stop my flat ground, only to discover more between her oft-used instinct to bike and let it fall to the ground while hills ahead. This is why it took only chastise, and her underlying need to I run up the front steps, the salad three minutes on the way there, I mother. She closes her mouth, looks concealed in one hand. I ring the suddenly realize. It was all downhill. at me and then at the salad, and a doorbell and wait. There is no sound And now, on the way back, when it's small smile forms on her lips.within the house. Could it be that my

the bed, pen in hand. As I cracked everything pulled together. The letter, But then I remembered the central open the book, I remembered the the dream, my story. 'So that's what it tower that I wrote about, and quickly envelope on the inside. I peeled off meant,' I realized. I went back went up there. Behind the medieval the wax, and unfolded the letter. It upstairs and looked at my story. I door was another vortex, except this read: thought I should white it all out, but it one didn't suck anything in, and this

would still remain under the white one had colours and sparkles in it. Dear reader,out. Then, the craziest idea struck me. I decided to hop in, besides, the castle Hello, my name is Charles P. After my entire story, I wrote, 'Now, was getting dull, and when I came Clarington III, a professor at T.A.M, everything in this book will be out, I had my book in my hand, and The Academy of Magic. You have erased.' The universe shifted, the my pen in the other. Instead of the found one very special book here, for writing was erased, and the scene beautiful, fantastic place I was you see, it can make anything come sucked back through a vortex. expecting, there was a gloomy, dark, true! Write in it what ever you wish, The next morning was a new day. I evil castle looming upon a hill, which but beware, for terrible things can decided to have a little fun with my seemed to have vicious eyes piercing happen in the wrong hands. Good book. First, I secretly wrote out an through me. Although I didn't feel luck, and enjoy your writing!amazing breakfast for me. After that, I comfortable, I assumed there was

Sincerely, wrote out a fun-filled day at an another door back to my castle. But I amusement park, and in reality it only refused to enter the villainous place Charles P. Clarington IIIpassed as ten minutes! Since I still and made a portal back to the castle.

When I first read this letter, I thought had the rest of the day ahead of me, I Suddenly, a voice that sounded like it

some person put it inside there to thought I should spend it with my could make a mountain tremor in fear

either drive me insane, or to say friends. They, too, enjoyed the book. interrupted my writing.

something metaphoric to me. I put it We did all sorts of things, like "What are you writing there, boy?" he back in the envelope, and turned to tobogganing down the library hill inquired.the first page. For three hours, I did after making it twice as long and

nothing but write, an amazing story "A way back home," I responded, steep, and having a ride on a cloud, about girls who got trapped in a land "but, who are you?"even though it was only 10 feet off the of unicorns and had to climb a huge

ground. When the day was over, I "Oh, I'm the owner of that castle up mountain to get back home. headed home. After a few songs on yonder hill. My name is Bothart."

Every detail was perfect. Only 20 my piano, I went to my bedroom and "Well, what do you want?"pages were filled, and it was a wrote out a wonderful dream.

masterpiece I never would have "That's a mighty nice book you've got The next day wasn't like the day

believed I could write. I went there! I'd love to see it." He snatched before. I didn't have a big breakfast, I

downstairs to go outside and get some at it, but I leaped back.didn't go to an amusement park, I

fresh air. But as I opened the front "You can't see it. I'm no idiot, you're didn't ride on the clouds, nothing. It door, the essence of the universe the one Charles P. Clarington warned was as if the book was yesterday's seemed to shift. Then, the weirdest me about. I won't let you get this news! As before, I erased the book thing of all happened. I was in a place book, never!"and, since I was totally bored, I so familiar because I had just finished

thought, why not make a place like "Well, then, that's a problem isn't it?"writing it 30 seconds ago! Every the first story. So, I wrote about an

event, every tree, every piece of dust "For you it is!" I snapped.island in the sky with a castle and a in the air was exactly as I wrote it. I

"I presume Charles P. Clarington secret door leading to a different was watching two girls meet two

didn't tell you that I'm the most feared dimension. And like every other time, unicorns as they climbed a mountain

sorcerer in all time and existence, and the universe shifted, and the intricacy five times the height of Mt. Everest.

that I've been locked away in this of my story wove itself into reality. I When they got home and the story

dimension so that no one will suffer was in the castle, and when I looked ended, a vortex appeared and sucked

from me?"out the window, only the clouds were in the scene around it, leaving only

seen. Since I didn't write about a "No, he didn't, but he did give me a reality. single person in my story, I had the helping hand." I snapped the book

My first reaction was, 'Someone whole castle to myself. To have some open and wrote, 'Bothart couldn't lay must've knocked me out and I dreamt fun, I looked for that secret door. I a hand on me as I escaped, and he it all. Besides, after spending three searched the basement, the entire stayed locked away in his dimension.' hours thinking of something, it's most main floor, the north, south, east, and I looked up, only to see Bothart, likely I'll dream about that.' But then west towers and still found nothing! breathing on the pages. I closed the

Untitled by Stephen Oliver(cont’d)

...continued

Ten Minutes by Rosie GolinskiTen Minutes (cont’d)

Grandaddy’s House by Susan Lapensee

rom a child's point of view, produced from the mysterious abyss just that it's... turkey. Turkey is not Feverything is eternal. There will if the children are good. There will good. always be a house, some time away always be a similar supply of various from home by car (a long enough rocks and crystals. And of course, in After the turkey comes the kitchen. A drive to get fairly well into a book, but this tall old house with its tall old mysterious place full of wonder and not long enough to finish one, or even radiator and its tall old staircase and odd smells. It seems impossible that get halfway), with two large pine its tall old bookshelves, there will so much food could come out of a trees in the small backyard and an old always be Grandaddy. room so small. And the floor is made white radiator in the little hallway of stone.where everyone takes off his shoes. He has a name, of course. But names Inside that house there will always be aren't important when you're talking That leads nicely into the hall. There's an unreasonably tall staircase, which about grandparents. And in any case, a tiny little wall which covers the two is much too much trouble to climb "Grandaddy" is a perfectly good or three steps from the kitchen door to just to go to the bathroom but name as names go. It carries all the the dining room, and in the wall is an provides endless hours of fun to right nuances. Perhaps not to most alcove with... something in it.anyone equipped with a Slinky and an people, but a child's world is inquiring mind. There will always be composed of one person and a great From there it's just another two or a piano in the living room, behind deal of furniture. So Grandaddy it is. three steps across the hall into the which is a shelf built right into the living room. Piano on the right, big wall, and on that shelf will always be Grandaddy's house is a phrase rich comfortable chair on the left, coffee a great potential for interesting with triggered memories. The turkey table straight ahead. Behind the things. There will always be a dinners come first. It's hard to explain coffee table is a couch, right up seemingly endless supply of identical that disliking turkey is not a sign of against the wall where there's a huge empty cereal boxes which may be vegetarianism or impoliteness. It's window that reaches to the ceiling.


book on his nose, and ran away, but island in the sky. I shut the door, and photos. I continued on with the when I turned there was Bothart. I locked it, and waited until the vortex rest of my life, being the perfectly opened the book and finished my sucked away the fantasy. regular, ordinary kid with an portal back to the castle. It opened addiction to the library. Nobody else Back in my bedroom, I opened my and I ran towards it but Bothart knew about the book, but I knew that trunk and placed the book at the very appeared in the way. I shoved him one day, I'd need it again, and when bottom under other pieces of paper aside and ran through, back into the that day came, I'd be ready.

t's 4:45 when I get home. Outside “Fine! I won't go to Sue's. I won't going to take forever.Iit's barely light, some snow already cross any major roads. I'll just bike falling as if to warn of the coming around the neighbourhood.” By the time I get out of the store my winter. In my room I pull a pair of watch reads 5:13. Technically, I have sweatpants on top of my already “It's still too dark and cold.” I have one minute to get home. I practically layered tights and stretchy khakis. I gained some ground, I can tell. The run to my bike and stuff the salad grab a hat from my cupboard and pull wheels are turning in my mother's container in the black bag that's thick black gloves onto my fingers. head, and they're turning in my strapped to my handlebars. My heart Opening my wallet, I take out exactly favour. I keep pushing them. pounding, I mount my bike and pedal $3.75, enough to buy myself a small forward, only to stop at the red traffic container of seaweed salad at the lights. The time is 5:14. I'm not late “I'll be fast, not even fifteen minutes. local grocery store, Sue's Market. yet, I say to myself. They don't know Ten minutes only.” She considers, Racing the daylight, I run down the that I'm late yet. Crossing the road, and then emits a small sigh. “Ten stairs into the kitchen where my the wind roars up and I find myself minutes only.”mother is sitting reading a newspaper. peddling harder but moving slower.

The cars next to me slowly inch “Thank you!” I rush upstairs to return “Hey, I'm going for a bike ride. I'll be forward to encourage me on my way. my money, but hesitate as I reach for back in fifteen minutes.” My mother Finally, I reach the other side and my wallet. I can put the money in my raises her head from her paper and breathe a sigh of relief.pocket, I suddenly realize. I can go looks at me as if I have just proposed Sue's and get my seaweed salad something completely ridiculous. As I continue towards home, I notice without my mom ever finding out. I

a path cutting through the middle of wonder, only momentarily, how I will “It's dark out; you can't go for a bike the crescent I was planning to go sneak it into the house, and then ride now.” Itching to be free from the around. A shortcut is just what I need remember my hat. It is the perfect size house, even for fifteen minutes, I right now, and I turn onto the path. A to conceal a small plastic container. desperately plead my case. few minutes later I realize this is no The time is 5:04. I leave my room

shortcut. With each turn of the exhilarated, ready to start on my wheels, I am heading further and “I'm just going to Sue's and back. I'll mission.further away from where I need to be. be really fast.” Immediately I realize I The road is lined with too many trees have said the wrong thing. It's barely cold out here. I don't know and not enough streetlights. I can't see what my mom was talking about much anymore, and I don't know “Sue's? No, not at this time of night. when she said it was too windy and which way is home. Images of It's rush-hour, and you have to cross a snowy for me to go. It's only been two spending the night on this street begin major road.” minutes, and I'm more than halfway to form in my mind. I'll freeze to there. At this rate, I'll have plenty of death out here, and when the police time to spare. As I cross a small “I'll be careful; I'll cross at the lights. find my body, they'll say to my residential road, I notice the street Don't worry.” I am fighting to keep parents, “We found a container of sign Easy Street. I laugh out loud, my voice level and prevent its seaweed salad with her. Do you have remembering the lyrics to a song from inevitable rise in pitch and volume.any idea what this is about?” and my Annie. Easy Street, yes sirree, Easy parents will know that I lied. Then I Street, that's where we're gonna be.“It's snowing and it's windy out. realize I'm being ridiculous. Of

You'll get blown off your bike.” “I course I won't freeze to death on the I pick up a container of seaweed salad won't get blown off my bike. And I street. I'll turn around, go back to a on my way into the store. Turning don't care about the snow and the place I recognize, and go home the toward the cash registers, I am cold!” “You're not going, and that's way I came. No shortcuts.surprised to see lines at each station. I final.” “But why?” I demand, choose the one that seems the forgoing all self-control.

It's 5:19. I'm finally back where I shortest, but as I wait, I notice the line started. If I get home in the three moving slower than usual. There is an “Three reasons. Number one: I'm minutes it took me to get to the store older woman next to the young your mother and I say so. Number the first time, I'll be home at 5:22, cashier, explaining how to use the two: It's dark, it's snowing, and it's which isn't that much later than register. Great, I picked the only line windy. Number three: you have to planned. I start out on my bike again, with the new staff. It's 5:10. I've been cross a major road.” but soon realize it will be more than in line for two minutes already. This is


Mr. Big Fish by Gemma Regan

et me start this story at the end. It From the air it looks like a strip of Tilley hat and got geared up with his Lwas the end of our three-week bacon sandwiched between two fishing vest full of special fish flies summer vacation. We were packing stretched-out fried eggs. It feels like like the “Dr. Sprattley”, the “Brian our bags to leave the cabin when it you're going to land on a strip of Special” and the “Chaunigan Lake happened. It started off small and bacon as well, except when you get Tickler”, Michael let out a squeal of quite accidentally grew into close enough, the bacon turns into delight. He was the first one to jump something monstrous. It didn't cow pasture. Grandpa has to watch into action when he heard Grandpa change my life or anything, but it did out for cows, horses, deer, and yell, “Kids, grab your life jackets and become something of a legend, at sometimes even moose when he flies meet me on the dock. We're going least in our family where one fish to the cabin! fishing!” By the time everyone story has to be larger than the next! assembled beside the boat, Michael

There are lots of amazing things to do was already standing waiting to push My Grandpa's cabin is truly a at the cabin, but somehow it's always off. With a quick tug at the outboard beautiful place to visit. You'd think the fishing that is the highlight of the motor, the engine sprang to life and being in the middle of British trip. My Grandpa knows everything soon we were heading out into the Columbia without electricity would about fishing. The only problem with open water of Chaunigan Lake, be horrible, dull and boring. It's not. Grandpa is that he is quite picky about fishing poles, nets and pails at the Unbelievably, it's nice to get away keeping schedules and about having ready.from civilization for a while. things done a certain way. For Imagine no TV, no VCR, no cell example, all the fishing gear and ATV Disappointingly, even with all my phones (or regular phones), no Play equipment must be cleaned and put brother's enthusiasm, he didn't catch Station, no movies, malls or traffic carefully away. If it's not, you just one fish during the whole week at the congestion. Instead, you get to view might get a taste of Grandpa's temper. cabin. After we got in from our last the icy, white Rocky Mountains and Once, I accidentally bent a fishing rod try, everyone was sad to see Michael the clear, blue, sparkling water of too far so it almost snapped. When walk around mumbling to himself, Chaunigan Lake. Oh yeah, imagine Grandpa found out he barked at me in “Why couldn't I catch a lousy fish?” no flushing toilets either. The full a very loud voice, “Now Louise, if In a last effort of desperation, my Dad cabin experience includes using an you're not going to be more decided to put out a “night line” for outhouse. This last detail just adds to responsible, you're not going to be my brother. Dad explained to us that a the cabin's rustic magic. allowed to fish. This equipment is “night line” is just a fishing rod tied

very fragile and expensive. You'll tightly to the dock with a lot of line let My Grandpa has always lived in B.C. need to be more careful young lady!” out. Chances are slim that a fish will and he built this cabin about five I know he didn't mean it, but it still just swim right up and bite the hook, years ago. He was drawn to this spot shook me up. but the “night line” was my brother's because of its remote location and last hope. Grandpa kept shaking his because of the abundant fishing. If On this trip to the cabin, my brother head as he told my Dad that, “It's a you were trying to locate it on a map, Michael was very excited to go million to one chance that a blasted you would find Williams Lake and fishing. Michael knew that fishing fish will take the line.”then look southwest for Twin Lakes. with Grandpa meant only one thing - These are two little lakes separated by success. People didn't call him the With the “night line” in play, a thin ribbon of grass used as a “Fish Killer” for nothing. So on the Grandpa's packing schedule kicked landing strip for small airplanes. first day when Grandpa put on his into gear. Grandpa informed us that

...continued

Ten Minutes by Rosie Golinski

...continued

Ten Minutes


stupid enough to strap a piece of laugh. We just had a conversation. We stop in mid-flight and out of wood to himself and tackle this jump sit silently for a few moments; it feels alignment. I am not flying now, but at full speed will be placed in the like I have planned out this jump a falling. Just like the way I have never express lane to meet his creator. So thousand and one ways already. No hit a jump this large, I have never hit what else is a snowboarder to do one has dared to “trick” off this jump, the ground with such force.before attempting to reach orbit? I but in my dreams I envision the wait. perfect 720. Two spins that slowly It goes black for a few moments when

link and dance across the sky before I my head connects with the glacier, I marvel at the beauty of the glide to the bottom and safely land. I almost as a welcome back home mountain. It is peaceful and quite. would be the first and only to attempt smack. I wake up in a yard sale. My Folgeffona is on the west end of such a trick on this jump. hat is to the left, my goggles knocked Norway, and from where I sit I can see off to the right and my headphones the Atlantic as far as the horizon I am brave and stupid. I want to are still heading down the rest of the allows. Although there is a small become legendary, not for a name on hill. I slowly sit up. The wind is group of onlookers waiting for me to a wall or a trophy, but so others will knocked out of me and I find it hard to make or break this jump, I fell as if I remember the crazy Canadian boy organize the earth. I forget which way am alone. who dared. Silence. She stands as if to is up and which is down. Seems this

snowboard somewhere else. She warrior has lost the battle.Since I was young, snowboarding has kisses me on the cheek; we have made been a polite way of telling the world a good friendship in Norway. Then When my brain finds its way back to “go to hell”. Even if I boarder for she hits me on the back and points to into place, I stand up and begin to only a few hours, I would come back the jump saying, “Don't be a puta.” collect my possessions off the empty of frustration and stress. This Sometimes it takes a little female ground. They are covered in snow summer I had two straight weeks of encouragement. and are too cold to be comfortably therapy. I check my equipment for the worn. I unstrap my snowboard and third time. I check my bindings. I I stand up. This is the first action I take a look up at the jump. I must have want to make sure that there is have made in a while. I put my gone a distance of at least sixty absolutely no chance of my feet headphones back on my head. I am so meters. I throw my board over my coming off this board. It has never nervous and excited that the shoulders and carry it on the back of happened before, and in all my years thumping of my heart is louder than my shoulders. I begin to head up to of snowboarding, I have not seen it the music playing from my i-Pod. I the mountain, still feeling the eyes of happen to anyone else (but it is an playfully hop with my right foot first the amazed onlookers. Maria rids up urban legend in the snowboarding and head down to the jump, gaining next to me asking how I am, not community that a snowboard can more and more speed with every verbally, but I can see on her face that come loose). By now I figure that I am meter. I hit maximum velocity and she is worried. I give her the thumbs either extremely cautious or begin to climb the jump. “Twenty- up for O.K. It hurts to raise my thumb.extremely fearful. In any case, I am five more meters to freedom,” I think, delaying time, allowing for the as I climb higher and higher. I see the I continue to climb until I am back to “worst things that can happen” movie lip of the Leviathan. I tuck my body in the place where I was sitting. I am to play in my head. My favorite clip is and throw my shoulders to the right, back to the drawing board; I am back the one in which I fall headfirst and hoping my body will follow. I open to the same jump that has thrown me become paralyzed. No one finds me my eyes and I am flying. into pain. I strap my board back onto in the wilderness, leaving me for the my feet and look at the jump with the bears to gnaw at. I shudder. The world stops turning and people same eyes as before. Not ready to

stop moving and I stop breathing. The give up, I am determined to set a new A friend comes and sits beside me, in seconds I fly last an eternity. Each camp record for the first 720 off the the same way that all snowboarders jump stops time for a small bit and beast. I watch the warm carbon sit before a jump: board in front and allows me to forget the laws of dioxide leave my body and dance legs bent so that we can place our gravity. There is no eight or pain. I before me until it disappears. Then I arms on our knees. Her name is touch heaven. Then reality strikes as fill my lungs again with cold, crisp Maria, and her English is as good as it always does. I am higher off the air.my Spanish, but we have a friendship ground that I have ever been, beyond the language barrier. She spinning in an organized chaos. I I sit.points to the jump and then to me. I count “180, 360, 540, 720…STOP.” nod my head. She shakes her head. I But as I say, “Stop,” so did my spin

we would wake up at seven o'clock the fishing was over yesterday. At this “Don't get too excited yet,” Grandpa sharp and be leaving at exactly nine. rate we're not going to make our nine cautioned, “we don't have him in the Boats, motors, fishing rods, life o'clock departure time.” Impatiently net yet.” jackets and gear for the week had to he grabbed the rod from Michael and be cleaned and stored. While gave the reel a few turns. “This reel is Unfortunately, nobody could figure everyone else busily gathered their stripped,” he exclaimed, “but the line out how to land the fish with the line belongings, my brother stubbornly is taught. You might just have all tangled. Finally, because there was declared, “I'm not leaving.” Instead, something here!” no other obvious solution, and every five minutes he anxiously because Grandpa was constantly snuck away to the dock to check the By this time there was a buzz of reminding us that we were running line. That night, it was hard to fall excitement as everyone, including out of time, my Dad closed his eyes, asleep with the anticipation of our Grandpa's neighbor Ed, had gathered took a deep breath and, heroically, morning departure, the ten hour on the dock. The only problem now dove into the glacier cold water of drive, and the faint hope that, maybe, was getting the line in without Chaunigan Lake. After three my brother would catch the fish he breaking it or without losing the fish attempts, my Dad succeeded in had been waiting for. if there was one. Grandpa had put all untangling the rope. Michael grabbed

the boats away yesterday and didn't the line and pulled it in by hand. The next morning everyone awoke want to get them out again. Luckily, When the fish came close to the dock bright and early as instructed. Not Ed volunteered to get his boat and my Grandpa took the net, reached out even bothering to change his Dad offered to help him. Butterflies into the water and scooped up the pajamas, Michael was the first to leap flew in my stomach as the prize. At last, after more than an hour, out of bed and race down to the dock. anticipation grew. Michael's eyes Michael had his Chaunigan Lake Eagerly he grabbed the rod and were shining and his cheeks were trout. Even better, it turned out to be started reeling in the line. “Hey flushed and red. When my Dad and the biggest one of the trip! Everyone guys,” he cried, “I think I might have Ed arrived with the boat, they first was so happy to see Michael with his something!” My Dad stopped loading had to see if anything was wrong with fish; Grandpa even sacrificed more the gear in the truck and walked over the line. They peered into the mirror- time to take pictures, clean and to join him on the dock. “What have like water to find that the line was properly pack the fish on ice. you got there Michael?” my Dad caught and wrapped around a log. At asked. “I'm not sure, but I think it's first they couldn't see anything else Two hours later we finally departed something big,” Michael responded because of the bright morning sun from the cabin. As we were settling in as he madly continued reeling. After reflecting off the water. But as their for the long ride, my Dad asked, about five minutes, my Dad realized eyes adjusted to the brightness, they “What was your favorite part of the something was wrong. The hook could also see the dark, shadowy trip?” All the kids answered in should have been in by now. He shape of a gigantic lake trout. unison, “Catching Mr. Big Fish!” called over to Grandpa, “Paul, can “Michael,” my Dad hollered, “there's “And I can hardly wait to come back you take a look here? We seem to a monster fish on your line.” Michael next year,” Michael added.have a problem.” Grandpa muttered shrieked and his face broke into a grin to himself in annoyance, “Good grief, that stretched from here to Toronto.

Mr. Big Fish by Gemma Regan(cont’d)

Slither by Rabiya Adhia

am walking in the woods when I on their bicycles hoot and whistle. I green languidly stretched out on the Isee a snake in the undergrowth. consider sticking out my tongue, but gray pavement. A forked tongue The sun hazes in an overcast and so it then again, I am too old. Instead I flickers. The snake races to safety in is only the sickliest beams of light thrust my hands into my empty the grass, but I have seen enough.which filter through the dried leaves pockets and look down at my dirty I keep walking and I feel it deeper and of autumn. The snake just flicks its shoes. I consider flying away, but that closer until I am shuddering. I am not tongue at me and hides under a log. isn't possible in this world. As they turning around, nor am I going back. Mud sticking in my shoes, I walk pedal frantically towards their Wheels pound and whirl. The boys away. Twigs snap. I turn no more than houses, it occurs to me that one of are back, and they snicker. This time I once. them is creeping behind me. I turn stick my tongue out. Wrong move.

around. I only see a sliver of scaly I find my way down the street as boys Instinctive and wrong. They rush past

...continued

Thumbs Up by Anton Ivoditov(cont’d)


again and soon are gone but my bite my tongue in fury and slam the flecked with gold. Pupils dilated with creeping shadow has not left me. door in his face. I lie on the sofa and hunger, she asks if I have anything to Flushed, I fumble with my house hear him leave. eat and smiles widely. She runs her keys. hand through her hair and snakes Again. The bell rings once more. I let

slither out from her tresses and fall on I am home and the sun is shining as the blind slide open slightly so that the carpet, race away and hide brightly as ever. Flustered butterflies strips of graying light enter the dim, underneath the furniture. I back away clatter against the window pane and dank living room and I can peer out. blankly until my back is to the wall my stomach turns. I try to read but my Finally, I see a friend. The door and then I feel it. The wallpaper eyes itch and water. hinges squeal as I let her in. She is as undulates as the vipers and adders pretty as ever and I flatter. She smiles The door bell rings, and I answer. It's struggle to get out, the walls and and sits on the edge of the sofa, and the boy from next door; he sneers and ceiling throb with life and seep with my eyes are proved wrong as she talks. I am sure that I hate him, but I venom until the soaking wet paper starts talking about the weather. I can keep my temper in check to listen to rips and tears. Snakes burst out and understand her and am thankful. She what he is saying. But I can't. I can't slide to the floor in a congealed mass. talks about what an awful spell we're comprehend him. I can hear the birds And as she coils and tumbles all hav ing , “Wha t wi th c louds in the trees and dragonflies buzzing around me, I curl up on the sofa and descending and all,” and she thinks I dreamily among the reeds as clouds close my ears against the hissing. I am joking when I disagree, saying seem to gather overhead, but all I hear call for help, but no one has ever come things have never been so bright and from his mouth is a sibilant jumble. I to my rescue any of the other times, so clear. I am proven right as the sun can make out no words, only sounds. it is more of a formality. I smile since peels through the blinds in slender And though his lips move, the sounds at least I know what will happen next. strips, but I am irritated by them. I ask are not his, for I have seen it. From his Just as I expected, she leans over and if she wants the blinds closed and she shirt collar, a green head emerges kisses me. . . .says no. She seems to enjoy the light with eyes wide and yellow, like the

blinks as it dazzles us.sun. Pupils dilated, the snake coils and twines across the boy’s neck. He And then I watch as her eyes seem to doesn't seem to notice or mind and pale until they are as wide and yellow babbles on, smiling all the while. I as the sun, and then brighten to amber

fight. Maybe we should all sit down From the past, they were built on small ray going towards the sky. In and talk together?” he laughed. “Spy leadership and motivation. The past the sky, there formed a large green have you ever heard the saying: kill outnumbered the future, however, ball, much bigger than the ray coming one man, you are a murderer, kill one with such machines the numbers from one person's heart. For the first thousand, you are a king, kill were fairly even. People lay time, we were all one. We were all one everyone, you are God! I have no helplessly on the ground, missing culture, race, living in one time. intention of leaving and acting as a arms, missing legs. I thought about coward.” “Not as a coward, but as a these people's relatives and friends, All of a sudden, everyone with green hero,” I said, “So many lives would how they were also wounded, rays coming from their hearts be saved.” “Obviously, our opinions missing loved ones. This war did not disappeared, and I was left alone. I are different and I have no intention need to happen. It was unnecessary. If did not cry or show emotion. I of listening to your rubbish. Kill the someone had listened to me, we could thought I was all alone until suddenly, spy,” he ordered the guard. The guard have been living in peace. This was the princess walked out of the great drew his sword. At that exact not a perfect world; this was merely a tent into my vision. “Hello. I do not moment, the ground began to shake. game, with no winners. believe we have been formally Captain Alfae quickly peered outside introduced yet. My name is Princess of the enormous tent. I made my way towards the Eve,” she said in a high voice. “And I

batt lefield to at tempt to do am Adam,” I continued. “Adam and “They are coming,” he screamed and something. On the battlefield, I saw Eve,” she said, “Sounds like a story.” ran out with the guard. Everyone had Colonel Victor recklessly firing his “Maybe one day it will be.”run away, all but a young lady who sat red, fire-like laser at innocent and wept in the tent. I glanced at her soldiers, taking their lives in one shot. Then everything came to me. This poor face and realized that she was On the other side were skilled Captain was all done on purpose. The past and the princess, the sister of Captain Alfae's slaughtering machines, taking future were brought to fight. But there Alfae. the lives of the people inside. I fell to would never be a winner. It was a

my knees and I began to weep. I could design, maybe by God and maybe by “Help me,” I pleaded, “I beg you to not contain my emotion, “Why?” I science. This was our present.untie me.” Without saying anything, screamed, “Why?” I had lost many she ran towards me and untied me. good friends in this war and I was Then, all the machines became trees She then ran further away in the tent. I devastated. I tried once again to with fruit, and the seven tents became ran outside, to see the battle. It had scream but nothing came out. I lost seven great wonders spread out all only been going for a few minutes and my voice and I could not breath. I over the world. Eve and I went to start already the battle scene was filled looked up and saw that every man but the human race. The war over power with dead bodies and broken I, whether they held a sword, a gun or of the present was won by the two machines. The people from the future powered a machine or a horse, had a people who held no weapons…at hid in the machines with guns and green light shine through their left least for now. many other devices to protect them. breast. Both dead and alive had a

Slither by Rabiya Adhia(cont’d)

Safe Haven by Arielle Friedman

had a dream last night, Holy one.” “I know, I know. But the dream wasn't perform the duty that god sets in front I really about that.” of us, even if it seems unpleasant at “Walter, it is clear to me what this first.” “But…” “Let me finish. You

“Tell me of it, Walter.” dream means. You are worried about achieved excellence in your studies, the ceremony tomorrow, are you but your physical training leaves

“I saw myself, from afar, heaving a not?” much to be desired. You will not be cart across the ground. My entire assigned to a path of labour. As you body was straining in the effort and “Father, every time I think of it I feel know, I have no say in the vocation to sweat was pouring off my face. But as though my stomach were made of which you children are assigned. That the cart was barely moving. Then stone.” is solely up to the mayor and the Alan, you know Alan, the foreman?” council. But I have a hunch that you “Of course. He often comes to pray.” “Are you worried that you will be will be assigned a more intellectual “Yes, well, then he comes out of doomed to a life of hard labour?” pursuit.” Walter sighed, “I hope so, nowhere and starts shouting and “Somewhat. I wouldn't be able to Father.”throwing stones at me. I keep trying stand it, Father! I just picture myself to pull, but I just can't. Then Alan scrubbing dishes every day for the They were sitting on log benches in says, 'better get used to it, you'll be rest of my life…” the ancient Cathedral. Like every doing this forever'. Then I woke up.” stone building in the settlement, the

“Walter, listen to me. For one thing, a roof was domed. There was a wooden “Alan is actually a very kind man, menial profession is as noble as any platform and an altar in the center of you know.” other. Each and every one of us must the church, and log benches

...continued

All as One by Eric Plitman(cont’d)

Thumbs Up by Anton Ivoditov

watched as the warm carbon warrior sit in meditation before a creators of this snowboarding Idioxide left my body and dances battle. For before me sat the mother of heaven. Every snowboarding nation before me until it disappeared. Then I all jumps, perhaps a beast in the has its own name for this particular fill my lungs again with cold, crisp snowboarding world, a world- jump. In the lunch hall, I heard the air. This is my kind of summer. I am renowned jump. I have come to Spanish call it “la torura”. It was not sitting approximately one thousand Norway to be challenged by world- the name that left me sitting in the and two hundred meters above sea class snowboarders, to be taught the same spot for a long time, until I level in an uninhabited area of the art that we call 'riding'. could muster the courage to attempt glacier region in Norway named flying, but the jump itself. Standing Folgeffona. Yet today I did not want a lesson. I twenty-three meters in length and

wanted to hit the “bone crusher”. This eight meters in height at its very tip, it I have been sitting in the same spot on was the name given to the jump by is almost a sacrificial launch to the this glacier for a while as would any “the whiteout crew”. They are the mountain gods. Surely any creature

...continued


very good inside. He heard a knock at back, and so she arrived at his to love others. The town soon grew to the door and saw that it was the old doorstep in rags, as a beggar. Mr. be a happy and prosperous place. Mr. woman. Her problems had increased Meyyor warmly invited her inside, Meyyor got married, and he and his since the time she spoke with Mr. offered her his apologies and wife cleaned the whole house. Never Meyyor in Town Hall months earlier. promised to help her in absolutely again was he ignorant of the fact that She had tried to get help from anyone any way she desired. The old woman his tiny bathroom got warm and cozy and everyone rather than to go back to was astonished by this behaviour, but in the winter. As for the Coleopterus Mr. Meyyor, but now she was in was glad. Mr. Meyyor was happy Legerus, who are natural wanderers, desperate need of help. She decided that he could be helpful to people, for they soon left to visit another warm that he was her only hope, no matter that was what he wanted to do now. household, spreading good cheer all how much she did not want to go Rather than be cruel, he now wanted throughout the country.

extending out in every direction. his eyes until they adjusted to the possibility. Even in the young, the Father Venchent and Walter were midday glare. A breeze ruffled his fear of The Outside was cultivated. sitting about halfway between the tangled, shoulder-length locks. Walter had a vague vision of a chaotic altar and the doorway. The room had Tomorrow he would be shaved to the world, full of fire-eyed demons and no windows, and so had to be lit by scalp as a symbol of his newly- starving, disease-ridden people. But old-fashioned torches, even though it fledged maturity. He breathed deeply. he had never been outside the was broad daylight outside. The dim, The cool autumn air smelt of burning boundaries of The Haven. Few had. flickering light gave the room an wood. He always felt invigorated Beyond him, Walter knew that the ominous appearance. after coming out of the cathedral. ground curved steeply upwards, into

the deepest, darkest and wildest parts Father Venchent stood up, signifying Walter debated what to do with his of the forest, and ultimately into the that the meeting was over. Walter last hours of freedom. He decided to world beyond. But Walter didn't turn s t o o d a s w e l l , a n d b o w e d climb to The Summit. Maybe some of around. He never did. Maybe I'll respectfully. He towered above the his friends would be there. It could be become a healer, he thought hunched, wizened old man. Venchent the last time they had together before hopefully, I could save people's lives; was a priest of the god, Germanicus, destiny pulled them apart. He I could help those in need. Maybe I'll the only god worshiped by the people shivered in the bright sunlight. be a Warden. I could uphold the law. of The Haven. But to be a disciple of Maybe… maybe…Germanicus was a harsh and bitter He climbed the series of ladders that road. led to The Summit. The name was He stretched out on the long grass and

misleading. The Haven was built in a gazed up at the branches twining Walter extended a hand to the Holy deep forest basin. The Summit was a overhead, lost in his reverie. His long One. Venchent's trembling hand ring of flatland stretching around the lashes slowly closed around his deep reached for his. Walter felt the thick entire village. It was halfway between hazel eyes. Before long, his breathing scars roped around the ancient paw, the lowlands where all the buildings deepened and slowed, and Walter twining over sharp bones and twisted were situated, and the highlands. The dozed away his last few hours of veins. Discussing the initiation rituals Summit was the boundary of The youth.of the priests was forbidden, but Haven. It was forbidden to climb Walter had heard whispers of beyond, not that anyone would ever The next day was very different from branding irons and burning oil. He want to. the last. The sky beyond the branches wondered if the scars were on was a foreboding grey. Walter stood Venchent's face as well. Walter had Walter reached the northern tip of The in a row with the other twelve-year-never seen the priest's face. No one Summit. None of his friends were old males. The girls had had their had for fifty-six years, except perhaps there. It was deserted. He sat down on ceremony a year ago. The Elders the god Germanicus himself. In another log bench and looked out stood before them. There was the public, Venchent's face was always onto the valley. The view was mayor, the council, the advisors, the obscured by a heavy black cowl and spectacular. Houses and buildings healers, the midwives and Father plain white mask. The rest of his stretched out below, densest in the Venchent. Walter reflected through body, from head to toe, was always deepest part of the valley, and his terror how out of place the priest draped in heavy black robes, no tapering off with the rising of the land looked in his black robes and matter the weather. Not that the in every direction. Thatched-roofed impassive mask. Walter smiled priests of Germanicus went outside huts and low domed buildings were nervously at him. His stomach more than once every few years. But dappled with mid-autumn sunlight seemed to knot with every breath.Venchent himself was to be the priest streaming through the leaves at Walter's initiation ceremony the overhead. Walter looked up. The The rest of the settlement stood in a following day. A different priest came entire valley was covered with a thick wide circle around the boys and the every year. Walter felt a sharp pang of canopy of branches and foliage. Trees elders. Even those who knew none of pity that someone had to spend his life with trunks as thick as Walter was tall the boys came for the excitement and that way. He then dismissed the stretched their limbs protectively entertainment. Those who did have thought as blasphemous and wiped it over The Haven, casting shadows cousins, brothers and sons on the from his mind. “May the lord be with hundreds of feet below. It succeeded podium wrung their hands in almost you, always. Amen.” quite effectively in hiding the small as much anxiety as the boys.

paradise from view of anyone from Walter stepped out of the dim room The Outside, even if they were flying The ceremony began quickly. The into the brilliant sunlight. He crinkled overhead. Not that that wasn't a mayor read out the name of each boy,

...continued

Safe Haven by Arielle Friedman(cont’d)The Beetles in the Bathroom by Maysum Panju(cont’d)

All as One by Eric Plitman

words clash with guns, men fight I bowed before the Colonel and night. I realized that no one on my with machines, leadership battles explained politely, “Victor, I do not side would assist me so I went to the S

technology, the past against the see the necessity of this war. We can other side unarmed. I walked quietly future, for power of the present. join as one. We can offer medicine and attempted to get to the tent of

and technological advancements.” Captain Alfae. His tent was In the distance, I heard a motivating He smirked, “And what shall they significantly larger than the other speech from the other side, “We shall o f f e r u s ? ” “ A s s i s t a n c e i n tents. There were no guards because not be defeated,” yelled the restless understanding unknown passages,” I the men from the past considered it Captain Alfae to the thousands of offered. “Our world is perfect,” he dishonorable to cheat in a war. I troops. “With victory, comes power. added, “and we do not need any more quietly walked in and witnessed Our lives will be changed forever. We people.” Captain Alfae knitting a piece of old must defeat the future and gain cloth. He raised his bearded face and control over the present.” Silence crept over the army. It was as screamed, “Intruder!” Five men

if they awaited a response from me. immediately rushed to the tent and “Victory is ours,” screamed the “It is not a perfect world,” I yelled, took my arms. “Wait,” I screamed, “I ferocious Colonel Victor. “Keep your “But a dystopia!” He peered down at mean no harm!” I was ignored and no guns high and aim for their hearts. me from his broad machine. He one showed any effort to rescue me. I Winning today, we will gain complete jumped off it and drew his gun. I was placed on a stick and tied up with power of the present.” I sat there tripped over a rock and landed flat on many ropes. I waited for several listening to Colonel Victor's intense my back. Victor approached me and hours until the Captain came in. With pre-battle speech. If this was a perfect placed his gun but millimeters away all my attention on the Captain, I was world, I hated being perfect. Born as a from my neck. struck from behind. clone, raised by machines, we were exactly the same in every possible “One more word, and I will see you as I awoke to pure daylight. I rested on way. I, on the other hand, was born one of them,” he whispered. I got onto the stick and craved for water. My with a defect, different from the my two feet firmly, and ran off mouth had a dry feeling. The hot, others. I believed in equality, but with towards the dark abyss of the Earth. luscious air made me sweat. The freedom and peace. I never shared He looked at me and smirked. sweat ran down my body and these feeling with anyone, for I knew “Coward.” I was very frightened, but developed an irritating smell. I could they would cause my termination. I knew that I had to do something in not stand it. Soon after, Captain Alfae

order to stop this uncontrolled game walked in. “All right, spy, I shall ask Far away, I could see a beautiful girl of taking lives from beginning. From and you shall respond. Now, why are running towards Captain Alfae. She that point on, I put my life on the line. you here?” “I came to tell you that begged him not to fight. She was his From that point on, I did not speak a war is wrong. My side shall not listen. sister, a princess. “Do not do this,” word to anyone from the future until Take my word for it, leave now.”she begged. He struck her on the our deaths. cheek, causing her to fall helplessly to He laughed, “Spy, you are quite the ground. Throughout the day, neither side funny. Is this the best the future has to

attacked and each side camped over offer? A beggar is asking us to not

...continued


who then went and stood in front of sheared heads looked. member this year. Walter, you are to Father Venchent, who told him his Finally his name was called. become a disciple of Germanicus. vocation and blessed him in the name “Walter”, boomed the mayor's voice. Congratulations.”of Germanicus. The boy then went to Walter had never before realized how be shaved by one of the midwives. deep the mayor's voice was. Trying The crowd exploded. The mayor

not to tremble, he shuffled to the shouted and whooped like a child. Walter bit his lip and wrung his hands front. Walter felt himself being slapped on as David whooped at becoming a the back by innumerable hands. But gardener, as Tad became a healer with “I am very pleased to announce”, he hardy noticed. He thought he heard roaring applause, and as the crowd wheezed Father Venchent, “that our Father Venchent whisper sadly, “I am giggled at how small the boys' congregation will be gaining a new so sorry”.

ridiculed, the woman gave up and his least favourite time of year. All Meyyor. Needless to say, Mr. left, leaving Mr. Meyyor in a sense of the holidays, the time meant to be Meyyor was as cruel to bugs as he giddy merriment. Such was the time spent with family...Mr. Meyyor only was to people, and Coleopterus Mr. Meyyor spent that caused him to wanted to bully others. He went to Legerus were no exception. He neglect his home and be unaware of bed grumpy one night, after having immediately began stamping the the details of any of the rooms in his seen no citizen to bully, for they were ground in an attempt to squish the house. all enjoying the annual ski trip that bug, which now sensed danger. Now,

day. many beetles are equipped with Unknown by him, however, there defence mechanisms, and these were some who did take interest in his While he was sleeping, Mr. Meyyor usually include secretion of liquids. tiny bathroom on the first floor. There had the most terrible nightmare. He For example, a blister beetle rubs its are many types of beetles in the dreamed that every person he had knees together when in danger to world, some more common than ever terrorized had grouped together secrete blood that inflicts blisters on others. One beetle, identified only as to take revenge on him. He vividly attackers. Ladybird beetles spray foul Coleopterus Legerus, is a rare insect saw the old woman whom he had smelling liquids at enemies to distract the size of an average ant. A bullied months earlier, and she was or frighten them. The Coleopterus Coleopterus Legerus is found only in glaring at him with cold, fierce eyes. Legerus is also equipped with such a certain parts of the world, although it Those eyes...soon they surrounded weapon when it senses true danger; it is very placid in nature and lives Mr. Meyyor and were constantly emits a stimulating drug from its freely wherever it pleases. There are following him. Mr. Meyyor tried to mouth. This drug finds its way into an two main reasons that this good- run, but the eyes were always there. enemy's blood stream upon contact natured insect is rare: its restrictive He suddenly woke up with a fright. and sends messages into the brain that diet and many foes. You see, this slow down synapses and create a beetle is a very picky eater, and will Now, Mr. Meyyor was definitely not temporarily dizzy, yet enjoyable turn down most foods. Scientists the type of person who took any feeling into a person. It was now this don't know what it eats for they have dream seriously. One would hope that drug that was sprayed onto Mr. little information of this species but it such an incident might have shown Meyyor, and it was rapidly taking is recognized, however, that the him the error of his ways, and would effect. He began to feel dizzy, and his beetle is endangered due to its change him of his cruel ways forever. movement slowed. This was all to be restrictive eating habits. The other This was not so, for as soon as Mr. expected, but more was happening. reason why Coleopterus Legerus is so Meyyor looked around and found it The drug that a Coleopterus Legerus rare is because its natural enemies was just a dream, he immediately emits was made specifically for room include almost every other animal tossed the visions out of his mind and, temperature for all the proper effects that exists. This particular beetle is since he was a bit hungry, decided to to occur. However, in the warmth of filled with delicious tasting fluids that find a little snack. the tiny bathroom on the first floor, every other creature on earth would stranger things were happening. The love to taste, except for humans. On his way back to bed after eating a drug did not only slow down Humans are the only species that do sandwich (bought using money from synapses, but it also mutated some of not see this bug as tasty-looking, for the public treasury), he had an urge to the neurons, specifically in the most people wouldn't eat a bug even if go to the bathroom. Owing to the fact amygdala tissue of the cerebrum. A it were delicious. However, the that Mr. Meyyor did not know his skilled brain surgeon might recognize Coleopterus Legerus is still a rare house very well (for he did not care this as the tissue that controls most creature, and there was now a small for houses and such things), he was emotions and personality of a person, group of them nesting in Mr. surprised to find there was a and it was now this part that was Meyyor's tiny bathroom. bathroom on the first floor. He being mutated. Mr. Meyyor's brain

curiously went inside, and at once was changing, and his cruel, selfish The beetles stayed there for several was greeted with a warm draft of air nature was changing into greater, months and lived in pleasant comfort. for this was none other than the warm more powerful emotions. Mr. They were never disturbed, for Mr. little bathroom. Meyyor, feeling dizzy, fainted, and Meyyor had far more important and the Coleopterus Legerus scuttled cruel things to do than to ensure the He was just leaving when something back to his family.cleanliness of his house, and so they caught his eye. The flush of the toilet lived there peacefully for a long time. had woken up one of the Coleopterus When Mr. Meyyor woke up the next Winter soon arrived, and Mr. Meyyor Legerus. It was now this unfortunate day, he had no memory of the night's was even nastier than ever winter was insect that was spotted by Mr. events. He was, however, feeling

Safe Haven by Arielle Friedman(cont’d)

The Cost of Perfection by Katrin Kocsis

ost in time and lost in space, perfect party she is going to tonight. glass. Stopping for a moment, she Lforever lost to our own faith… She also wonders which perfect guys thought to herself: “My son's brain is she would be entertaining this time. slowly being eaten away by the

Beyond the white picket fence and Looking across at his perfect wife, the substances he consumes on a daily perfectly trimmed hedges, we find the perfect husband thinks about his basis. My daughter is being used and perfect family. Back from his perfect perfect day. Instead of going to his abused by teenage boys, and she job, the perfect husband returns to his perfect job, he went to the house just a doesn't mind. My own husband perfect home, greeting his perfect few blocks away. In this house, the would trade me in for a teenage boy in wife and kids. Little Tommy and Jill perfect husband met with a perfect, a heartbeat.” sit perfectly still at the perfectly set beautiful teenage boy. Oh how he dining room table, politely waiting to wished, as he looked across the With that, she looked back at her be served. In perfect silence, dinner perfect table, that it was the perfect perfect family, put on her perfect commences. Perfect Tommy doesn't boy he looked upon. Looking back at smiling face, and slowly slipped back feel like eating his perfect food him with a sanguine smile, the perfect into her perfect reality. because his perfect appetite has been wife quietly went back to eating her ruined. Ruined by the perfect perfect food. She glanced at her M u f f l e d v o i c e s i n m y Ecstasy he took the night before. Jill perfect clock to check the time, and head…because I know to look the pokes at her food, thinking about the caught her perfect reflection in the other way…

The Beetles in the Bathroom by Maysum Panju

erhaps it was because it was the The owner of the house, however, did itself was enough to scare anyone Proom closest to the central not much care for the warmest room away. Generally, when people saw furnace, or perhaps it was because it in his house, or any room for that Mr. Meyyor coming, they turned the was the room with the thickest walls. matter. Henry Meyyor was the mayor other way and ran.Perhaps it was because of the gentle of his small town, and he spent more carpets and padding. It may have time in the Town Hall than he did in One day, Mr. Meyyor was having a been any combination of these, or his house. Mr. Meyyor was not a very particularly good time terrorizing an perhaps for a different reason pleasant person, and the people of the old woman who had come to the altogether. No one knew why, but it town dreaded his cruelty and Town Hall asking for help regarding was a fact that in the winter, while the selfishness. He was rarely seen with her civil rights. He sprayed as much winds and snow raged outside, the anyone else, for most people tried to spit in her face as he could muster, warmest place to be in 7 Crescent get away from him as soon as they and laughed unpleasantly as she Lane was in the small bathroom on could. Apart from his terrible attitude m o p p e d h e r f a c e w i t h h e r the first floor. and horrible manners, Mr. Meyyor handkerchief. In the end, however,

also possessed toxic breath, which in after two hours of being mocked and

...continued ...continued

The Beetles in the Bathroom by Maysum Panju(cont’d)


very good inside. He heard a knock at back, and so she arrived at his to love others. The town soon grew to the door and saw that it was the old doorstep in rags, as a beggar. Mr. be a happy and prosperous place. Mr. woman. Her problems had increased Meyyor warmly invited her inside, Meyyor got married, and he and his since the time she spoke with Mr. offered her his apologies and wife cleaned the whole house. Never Meyyor in Town Hall months earlier. promised to help her in absolutely again was he ignorant of the fact that She had tried to get help from anyone any way she desired. The old woman his tiny bathroom got warm and cozy and everyone rather than to go back to was astonished by this behaviour, but in the winter. As for the Coleopterus Mr. Meyyor, but now she was in was glad. Mr. Meyyor was happy Legerus, who are natural wanderers, desperate need of help. She decided that he could be helpful to people, for they soon left to visit another warm that he was her only hope, no matter that was what he wanted to do now. household, spreading good cheer all how much she did not want to go Rather than be cruel, he now wanted throughout the country.

extending out in every direction. his eyes until they adjusted to the possibility. Even in the young, the Father Venchent and Walter were midday glare. A breeze ruffled his fear of The Outside was cultivated. sitting about halfway between the tangled, shoulder-length locks. Walter had a vague vision of a chaotic altar and the doorway. The room had Tomorrow he would be shaved to the world, full of fire-eyed demons and no windows, and so had to be lit by scalp as a symbol of his newly- starving, disease-ridden people. But old-fashioned torches, even though it fledged maturity. He breathed deeply. he had never been outside the was broad daylight outside. The dim, The cool autumn air smelt of burning boundaries of The Haven. Few had. flickering light gave the room an wood. He always felt invigorated Beyond him, Walter knew that the ominous appearance. after coming out of the cathedral. ground curved steeply upwards, into

the deepest, darkest and wildest parts Father Venchent stood up, signifying Walter debated what to do with his of the forest, and ultimately into the that the meeting was over. Walter last hours of freedom. He decided to world beyond. But Walter didn't turn s t o o d a s w e l l , a n d b o w e d climb to The Summit. Maybe some of around. He never did. Maybe I'll respectfully. He towered above the his friends would be there. It could be become a healer, he thought hunched, wizened old man. Venchent the last time they had together before hopefully, I could save people's lives; was a priest of the god, Germanicus, destiny pulled them apart. He I could help those in need. Maybe I'll the only god worshiped by the people shivered in the bright sunlight. be a Warden. I could uphold the law. of The Haven. But to be a disciple of Maybe… maybe…Germanicus was a harsh and bitter He climbed the series of ladders that road. led to The Summit. The name was He stretched out on the long grass and

misleading. The Haven was built in a gazed up at the branches twining Walter extended a hand to the Holy deep forest basin. The Summit was a overhead, lost in his reverie. His long One. Venchent's trembling hand ring of flatland stretching around the lashes slowly closed around his deep reached for his. Walter felt the thick entire village. It was halfway between hazel eyes. Before long, his breathing scars roped around the ancient paw, the lowlands where all the buildings deepened and slowed, and Walter twining over sharp bones and twisted were situated, and the highlands. The dozed away his last few hours of veins. Discussing the initiation rituals Summit was the boundary of The youth.of the priests was forbidden, but Haven. It was forbidden to climb Walter had heard whispers of beyond, not that anyone would ever The next day was very different from branding irons and burning oil. He want to. the last. The sky beyond the branches wondered if the scars were on was a foreboding grey. Walter stood Venchent's face as well. Walter had Walter reached the northern tip of The in a row with the other twelve-year-never seen the priest's face. No one Summit. None of his friends were old males. The girls had had their had for fifty-six years, except perhaps there. It was deserted. He sat down on ceremony a year ago. The Elders the god Germanicus himself. In another log bench and looked out stood before them. There was the public, Venchent's face was always onto the valley. The view was mayor, the council, the advisors, the obscured by a heavy black cowl and spectacular. Houses and buildings healers, the midwives and Father plain white mask. The rest of his stretched out below, densest in the Venchent. Walter reflected through body, from head to toe, was always deepest part of the valley, and his terror how out of place the priest draped in heavy black robes, no tapering off with the rising of the land looked in his black robes and matter the weather. Not that the in every direction. Thatched-roofed impassive mask. Walter smiled priests of Germanicus went outside huts and low domed buildings were nervously at him. His stomach more than once every few years. But dappled with mid-autumn sunlight seemed to knot with every breath.Venchent himself was to be the priest streaming through the leaves at Walter's initiation ceremony the overhead. Walter looked up. The The rest of the settlement stood in a following day. A different priest came entire valley was covered with a thick wide circle around the boys and the every year. Walter felt a sharp pang of canopy of branches and foliage. Trees elders. Even those who knew none of pity that someone had to spend his life with trunks as thick as Walter was tall the boys came for the excitement and that way. He then dismissed the stretched their limbs protectively entertainment. Those who did have thought as blasphemous and wiped it over The Haven, casting shadows cousins, brothers and sons on the from his mind. “May the lord be with hundreds of feet below. It succeeded podium wrung their hands in almost you, always. Amen.” quite effectively in hiding the small as much anxiety as the boys.

paradise from view of anyone from Walter stepped out of the dim room The Outside, even if they were flying The ceremony began quickly. The into the brilliant sunlight. He crinkled overhead. Not that that wasn't a mayor read out the name of each boy,

...continued

Safe Haven by Arielle Friedman(cont’d)The Beetles in the Bathroom by Maysum Panju(cont’d)

All as One by Eric Plitman

words clash with guns, men fight I bowed before the Colonel and night. I realized that no one on my with machines, leadership battles explained politely, “Victor, I do not side would assist me so I went to the S

technology, the past against the see the necessity of this war. We can other side unarmed. I walked quietly future, for power of the present. join as one. We can offer medicine and attempted to get to the tent of

and technological advancements.” Captain Alfae. His tent was In the distance, I heard a motivating He smirked, “And what shall they significantly larger than the other speech from the other side, “We shall o f f e r u s ? ” “ A s s i s t a n c e i n tents. There were no guards because not be defeated,” yelled the restless understanding unknown passages,” I the men from the past considered it Captain Alfae to the thousands of offered. “Our world is perfect,” he dishonorable to cheat in a war. I troops. “With victory, comes power. added, “and we do not need any more quietly walked in and witnessed Our lives will be changed forever. We people.” Captain Alfae knitting a piece of old must defeat the future and gain cloth. He raised his bearded face and control over the present.” Silence crept over the army. It was as screamed, “Intruder!” Five men

if they awaited a response from me. immediately rushed to the tent and “Victory is ours,” screamed the “It is not a perfect world,” I yelled, took my arms. “Wait,” I screamed, “I ferocious Colonel Victor. “Keep your “But a dystopia!” He peered down at mean no harm!” I was ignored and no guns high and aim for their hearts. me from his broad machine. He one showed any effort to rescue me. I Winning today, we will gain complete jumped off it and drew his gun. I was placed on a stick and tied up with power of the present.” I sat there tripped over a rock and landed flat on many ropes. I waited for several listening to Colonel Victor's intense my back. Victor approached me and hours until the Captain came in. With pre-battle speech. If this was a perfect placed his gun but millimeters away all my attention on the Captain, I was world, I hated being perfect. Born as a from my neck. struck from behind. clone, raised by machines, we were exactly the same in every possible “One more word, and I will see you as I awoke to pure daylight. I rested on way. I, on the other hand, was born one of them,” he whispered. I got onto the stick and craved for water. My with a defect, different from the my two feet firmly, and ran off mouth had a dry feeling. The hot, others. I believed in equality, but with towards the dark abyss of the Earth. luscious air made me sweat. The freedom and peace. I never shared He looked at me and smirked. sweat ran down my body and these feeling with anyone, for I knew “Coward.” I was very frightened, but developed an irritating smell. I could they would cause my termination. I knew that I had to do something in not stand it. Soon after, Captain Alfae

order to stop this uncontrolled game walked in. “All right, spy, I shall ask Far away, I could see a beautiful girl of taking lives from beginning. From and you shall respond. Now, why are running towards Captain Alfae. She that point on, I put my life on the line. you here?” “I came to tell you that begged him not to fight. She was his From that point on, I did not speak a war is wrong. My side shall not listen. sister, a princess. “Do not do this,” word to anyone from the future until Take my word for it, leave now.”she begged. He struck her on the our deaths. cheek, causing her to fall helplessly to He laughed, “Spy, you are quite the ground. Throughout the day, neither side funny. Is this the best the future has to

attacked and each side camped over offer? A beggar is asking us to not

...continued


again and soon are gone but my bite my tongue in fury and slam the flecked with gold. Pupils dilated with creeping shadow has not left me. door in his face. I lie on the sofa and hunger, she asks if I have anything to Flushed, I fumble with my house hear him leave. eat and smiles widely. She runs her keys. hand through her hair and snakes Again. The bell rings once more. I let

slither out from her tresses and fall on I am home and the sun is shining as the blind slide open slightly so that the carpet, race away and hide brightly as ever. Flustered butterflies strips of graying light enter the dim, underneath the furniture. I back away clatter against the window pane and dank living room and I can peer out. blankly until my back is to the wall my stomach turns. I try to read but my Finally, I see a friend. The door and then I feel it. The wallpaper eyes itch and water. hinges squeal as I let her in. She is as undulates as the vipers and adders pretty as ever and I flatter. She smiles The door bell rings, and I answer. It's struggle to get out, the walls and and sits on the edge of the sofa, and the boy from next door; he sneers and ceiling throb with life and seep with my eyes are proved wrong as she talks. I am sure that I hate him, but I venom until the soaking wet paper starts talking about the weather. I can keep my temper in check to listen to rips and tears. Snakes burst out and understand her and am thankful. She what he is saying. But I can't. I can't slide to the floor in a congealed mass. talks about what an awful spell we're comprehend him. I can hear the birds And as she coils and tumbles all hav ing , “Wha t wi th c louds in the trees and dragonflies buzzing around me, I curl up on the sofa and descending and all,” and she thinks I dreamily among the reeds as clouds close my ears against the hissing. I am joking when I disagree, saying seem to gather overhead, but all I hear call for help, but no one has ever come things have never been so bright and from his mouth is a sibilant jumble. I to my rescue any of the other times, so clear. I am proven right as the sun can make out no words, only sounds. it is more of a formality. I smile since peels through the blinds in slender And though his lips move, the sounds at least I know what will happen next. strips, but I am irritated by them. I ask are not his, for I have seen it. From his Just as I expected, she leans over and if she wants the blinds closed and she shirt collar, a green head emerges kisses me. . . .says no. She seems to enjoy the light with eyes wide and yellow, like the

blinks as it dazzles us.sun. Pupils dilated, the snake coils and twines across the boy’s neck. He And then I watch as her eyes seem to doesn't seem to notice or mind and pale until they are as wide and yellow babbles on, smiling all the while. I as the sun, and then brighten to amber

fight. Maybe we should all sit down From the past, they were built on small ray going towards the sky. In and talk together?” he laughed. “Spy leadership and motivation. The past the sky, there formed a large green have you ever heard the saying: kill outnumbered the future, however, ball, much bigger than the ray coming one man, you are a murderer, kill one with such machines the numbers from one person's heart. For the first thousand, you are a king, kill were fairly even. People lay time, we were all one. We were all one everyone, you are God! I have no helplessly on the ground, missing culture, race, living in one time. intention of leaving and acting as a arms, missing legs. I thought about coward.” “Not as a coward, but as a these people's relatives and friends, All of a sudden, everyone with green hero,” I said, “So many lives would how they were also wounded, rays coming from their hearts be saved.” “Obviously, our opinions missing loved ones. This war did not disappeared, and I was left alone. I are different and I have no intention need to happen. It was unnecessary. If did not cry or show emotion. I of listening to your rubbish. Kill the someone had listened to me, we could thought I was all alone until suddenly, spy,” he ordered the guard. The guard have been living in peace. This was the princess walked out of the great drew his sword. At that exact not a perfect world; this was merely a tent into my vision. “Hello. I do not moment, the ground began to shake. game, with no winners. believe we have been formally Captain Alfae quickly peered outside introduced yet. My name is Princess of the enormous tent. I made my way towards the Eve,” she said in a high voice. “And I

batt lefield to at tempt to do am Adam,” I continued. “Adam and “They are coming,” he screamed and something. On the battlefield, I saw Eve,” she said, “Sounds like a story.” ran out with the guard. Everyone had Colonel Victor recklessly firing his “Maybe one day it will be.”run away, all but a young lady who sat red, fire-like laser at innocent and wept in the tent. I glanced at her soldiers, taking their lives in one shot. Then everything came to me. This poor face and realized that she was On the other side were skilled Captain was all done on purpose. The past and the princess, the sister of Captain Alfae's slaughtering machines, taking future were brought to fight. But there Alfae. the lives of the people inside. I fell to would never be a winner. It was a

my knees and I began to weep. I could design, maybe by God and maybe by “Help me,” I pleaded, “I beg you to not contain my emotion, “Why?” I science. This was our present.untie me.” Without saying anything, screamed, “Why?” I had lost many she ran towards me and untied me. good friends in this war and I was Then, all the machines became trees She then ran further away in the tent. I devastated. I tried once again to with fruit, and the seven tents became ran outside, to see the battle. It had scream but nothing came out. I lost seven great wonders spread out all only been going for a few minutes and my voice and I could not breath. I over the world. Eve and I went to start already the battle scene was filled looked up and saw that every man but the human race. The war over power with dead bodies and broken I, whether they held a sword, a gun or of the present was won by the two machines. The people from the future powered a machine or a horse, had a people who held no weapons…at hid in the machines with guns and green light shine through their left least for now. many other devices to protect them. breast. Both dead and alive had a

Slither by Rabiya Adhia(cont’d)

Safe Haven by Arielle Friedman

had a dream last night, Holy one.” “I know, I know. But the dream wasn't perform the duty that god sets in front I really about that.” of us, even if it seems unpleasant at “Walter, it is clear to me what this first.” “But…” “Let me finish. You

“Tell me of it, Walter.” dream means. You are worried about achieved excellence in your studies, the ceremony tomorrow, are you but your physical training leaves

“I saw myself, from afar, heaving a not?” much to be desired. You will not be cart across the ground. My entire assigned to a path of labour. As you body was straining in the effort and “Father, every time I think of it I feel know, I have no say in the vocation to sweat was pouring off my face. But as though my stomach were made of which you children are assigned. That the cart was barely moving. Then stone.” is solely up to the mayor and the Alan, you know Alan, the foreman?” council. But I have a hunch that you “Of course. He often comes to pray.” “Are you worried that you will be will be assigned a more intellectual “Yes, well, then he comes out of doomed to a life of hard labour?” pursuit.” Walter sighed, “I hope so, nowhere and starts shouting and “Somewhat. I wouldn't be able to Father.”throwing stones at me. I keep trying stand it, Father! I just picture myself to pull, but I just can't. Then Alan scrubbing dishes every day for the They were sitting on log benches in says, 'better get used to it, you'll be rest of my life…” the ancient Cathedral. Like every doing this forever'. Then I woke up.” stone building in the settlement, the

“Walter, listen to me. For one thing, a roof was domed. There was a wooden “Alan is actually a very kind man, menial profession is as noble as any platform and an altar in the center of you know.” other. Each and every one of us must the church, and log benches

...continued

All as One by Eric Plitman(cont’d)

Thumbs Up by Anton Ivoditov

watched as the warm carbon warrior sit in meditation before a creators of this snowboarding Idioxide left my body and dances battle. For before me sat the mother of heaven. Every snowboarding nation before me until it disappeared. Then I all jumps, perhaps a beast in the has its own name for this particular fill my lungs again with cold, crisp snowboarding world, a world- jump. In the lunch hall, I heard the air. This is my kind of summer. I am renowned jump. I have come to Spanish call it “la torura”. It was not sitting approximately one thousand Norway to be challenged by world- the name that left me sitting in the and two hundred meters above sea class snowboarders, to be taught the same spot for a long time, until I level in an uninhabited area of the art that we call 'riding'. could muster the courage to attempt glacier region in Norway named flying, but the jump itself. Standing Folgeffona. Yet today I did not want a lesson. I twenty-three meters in length and

wanted to hit the “bone crusher”. This eight meters in height at its very tip, it I have been sitting in the same spot on was the name given to the jump by is almost a sacrificial launch to the this glacier for a while as would any “the whiteout crew”. They are the mountain gods. Surely any creature

...continued


stupid enough to strap a piece of laugh. We just had a conversation. We stop in mid-flight and out of wood to himself and tackle this jump sit silently for a few moments; it feels alignment. I am not flying now, but at full speed will be placed in the like I have planned out this jump a falling. Just like the way I have never express lane to meet his creator. So thousand and one ways already. No hit a jump this large, I have never hit what else is a snowboarder to do one has dared to “trick” off this jump, the ground with such force.before attempting to reach orbit? I but in my dreams I envision the wait. perfect 720. Two spins that slowly It goes black for a few moments when

link and dance across the sky before I my head connects with the glacier, I marvel at the beauty of the glide to the bottom and safely land. I almost as a welcome back home mountain. It is peaceful and quite. would be the first and only to attempt smack. I wake up in a yard sale. My Folgeffona is on the west end of such a trick on this jump. hat is to the left, my goggles knocked Norway, and from where I sit I can see off to the right and my headphones the Atlantic as far as the horizon I am brave and stupid. I want to are still heading down the rest of the allows. Although there is a small become legendary, not for a name on hill. I slowly sit up. The wind is group of onlookers waiting for me to a wall or a trophy, but so others will knocked out of me and I find it hard to make or break this jump, I fell as if I remember the crazy Canadian boy organize the earth. I forget which way am alone. who dared. Silence. She stands as if to is up and which is down. Seems this

snowboard somewhere else. She warrior has lost the battle.Since I was young, snowboarding has kisses me on the cheek; we have made been a polite way of telling the world a good friendship in Norway. Then When my brain finds its way back to “go to hell”. Even if I boarder for she hits me on the back and points to into place, I stand up and begin to only a few hours, I would come back the jump saying, “Don't be a puta.” collect my possessions off the empty of frustration and stress. This Sometimes it takes a little female ground. They are covered in snow summer I had two straight weeks of encouragement. and are too cold to be comfortably therapy. I check my equipment for the worn. I unstrap my snowboard and third time. I check my bindings. I I stand up. This is the first action I take a look up at the jump. I must have want to make sure that there is have made in a while. I put my gone a distance of at least sixty absolutely no chance of my feet headphones back on my head. I am so meters. I throw my board over my coming off this board. It has never nervous and excited that the shoulders and carry it on the back of happened before, and in all my years thumping of my heart is louder than my shoulders. I begin to head up to of snowboarding, I have not seen it the music playing from my i-Pod. I the mountain, still feeling the eyes of happen to anyone else (but it is an playfully hop with my right foot first the amazed onlookers. Maria rids up urban legend in the snowboarding and head down to the jump, gaining next to me asking how I am, not community that a snowboard can more and more speed with every verbally, but I can see on her face that come loose). By now I figure that I am meter. I hit maximum velocity and she is worried. I give her the thumbs either extremely cautious or begin to climb the jump. “Twenty- up for O.K. It hurts to raise my thumb.extremely fearful. In any case, I am five more meters to freedom,” I think, delaying time, allowing for the as I climb higher and higher. I see the I continue to climb until I am back to “worst things that can happen” movie lip of the Leviathan. I tuck my body in the place where I was sitting. I am to play in my head. My favorite clip is and throw my shoulders to the right, back to the drawing board; I am back the one in which I fall headfirst and hoping my body will follow. I open to the same jump that has thrown me become paralyzed. No one finds me my eyes and I am flying. into pain. I strap my board back onto in the wilderness, leaving me for the my feet and look at the jump with the bears to gnaw at. I shudder. The world stops turning and people same eyes as before. Not ready to

stop moving and I stop breathing. The give up, I am determined to set a new A friend comes and sits beside me, in seconds I fly last an eternity. Each camp record for the first 720 off the the same way that all snowboarders jump stops time for a small bit and beast. I watch the warm carbon sit before a jump: board in front and allows me to forget the laws of dioxide leave my body and dance legs bent so that we can place our gravity. There is no eight or pain. I before me until it disappears. Then I arms on our knees. Her name is touch heaven. Then reality strikes as fill my lungs again with cold, crisp Maria, and her English is as good as it always does. I am higher off the air.my Spanish, but we have a friendship ground that I have ever been, beyond the language barrier. She spinning in an organized chaos. I I sit.points to the jump and then to me. I count “180, 360, 540, 720…STOP.” nod my head. She shakes her head. I But as I say, “Stop,” so did my spin

we would wake up at seven o'clock the fishing was over yesterday. At this “Don't get too excited yet,” Grandpa sharp and be leaving at exactly nine. rate we're not going to make our nine cautioned, “we don't have him in the Boats, motors, fishing rods, life o'clock departure time.” Impatiently net yet.” jackets and gear for the week had to he grabbed the rod from Michael and be cleaned and stored. While gave the reel a few turns. “This reel is Unfortunately, nobody could figure everyone else busily gathered their stripped,” he exclaimed, “but the line out how to land the fish with the line belongings, my brother stubbornly is taught. You might just have all tangled. Finally, because there was declared, “I'm not leaving.” Instead, something here!” no other obvious solution, and every five minutes he anxiously because Grandpa was constantly snuck away to the dock to check the By this time there was a buzz of reminding us that we were running line. That night, it was hard to fall excitement as everyone, including out of time, my Dad closed his eyes, asleep with the anticipation of our Grandpa's neighbor Ed, had gathered took a deep breath and, heroically, morning departure, the ten hour on the dock. The only problem now dove into the glacier cold water of drive, and the faint hope that, maybe, was getting the line in without Chaunigan Lake. After three my brother would catch the fish he breaking it or without losing the fish attempts, my Dad succeeded in had been waiting for. if there was one. Grandpa had put all untangling the rope. Michael grabbed

the boats away yesterday and didn't the line and pulled it in by hand. The next morning everyone awoke want to get them out again. Luckily, When the fish came close to the dock bright and early as instructed. Not Ed volunteered to get his boat and my Grandpa took the net, reached out even bothering to change his Dad offered to help him. Butterflies into the water and scooped up the pajamas, Michael was the first to leap flew in my stomach as the prize. At last, after more than an hour, out of bed and race down to the dock. anticipation grew. Michael's eyes Michael had his Chaunigan Lake Eagerly he grabbed the rod and were shining and his cheeks were trout. Even better, it turned out to be started reeling in the line. “Hey flushed and red. When my Dad and the biggest one of the trip! Everyone guys,” he cried, “I think I might have Ed arrived with the boat, they first was so happy to see Michael with his something!” My Dad stopped loading had to see if anything was wrong with fish; Grandpa even sacrificed more the gear in the truck and walked over the line. They peered into the mirror- time to take pictures, clean and to join him on the dock. “What have like water to find that the line was properly pack the fish on ice. you got there Michael?” my Dad caught and wrapped around a log. At asked. “I'm not sure, but I think it's first they couldn't see anything else Two hours later we finally departed something big,” Michael responded because of the bright morning sun from the cabin. As we were settling in as he madly continued reeling. After reflecting off the water. But as their for the long ride, my Dad asked, about five minutes, my Dad realized eyes adjusted to the brightness, they “What was your favorite part of the something was wrong. The hook could also see the dark, shadowy trip?” All the kids answered in should have been in by now. He shape of a gigantic lake trout. unison, “Catching Mr. Big Fish!” called over to Grandpa, “Paul, can “Michael,” my Dad hollered, “there's “And I can hardly wait to come back you take a look here? We seem to a monster fish on your line.” Michael next year,” Michael added.have a problem.” Grandpa muttered shrieked and his face broke into a grin to himself in annoyance, “Good grief, that stretched from here to Toronto.

Mr. Big Fish by Gemma Regan(cont’d)

Slither by Rabiya Adhia

am walking in the woods when I on their bicycles hoot and whistle. I green languidly stretched out on the Isee a snake in the undergrowth. consider sticking out my tongue, but gray pavement. A forked tongue The sun hazes in an overcast and so it then again, I am too old. Instead I flickers. The snake races to safety in is only the sickliest beams of light thrust my hands into my empty the grass, but I have seen enough.which filter through the dried leaves pockets and look down at my dirty I keep walking and I feel it deeper and of autumn. The snake just flicks its shoes. I consider flying away, but that closer until I am shuddering. I am not tongue at me and hides under a log. isn't possible in this world. As they turning around, nor am I going back. Mud sticking in my shoes, I walk pedal frantically towards their Wheels pound and whirl. The boys away. Twigs snap. I turn no more than houses, it occurs to me that one of are back, and they snicker. This time I once. them is creeping behind me. I turn stick my tongue out. Wrong move.

around. I only see a sliver of scaly I find my way down the street as boys Instinctive and wrong. They rush past

...continued

Thumbs Up by Anton Ivoditov(cont’d)


book on his nose, and ran away, but island in the sky. I shut the door, and photos. I continued on with the when I turned there was Bothart. I locked it, and waited until the vortex rest of my life, being the perfectly opened the book and finished my sucked away the fantasy. regular, ordinary kid with an portal back to the castle. It opened addiction to the library. Nobody else Back in my bedroom, I opened my and I ran towards it but Bothart knew about the book, but I knew that trunk and placed the book at the very appeared in the way. I shoved him one day, I'd need it again, and when bottom under other pieces of paper aside and ran through, back into the that day came, I'd be ready.

t's 4:45 when I get home. Outside “Fine! I won't go to Sue's. I won't going to take forever.Iit's barely light, some snow already cross any major roads. I'll just bike falling as if to warn of the coming around the neighbourhood.” By the time I get out of the store my winter. In my room I pull a pair of watch reads 5:13. Technically, I have sweatpants on top of my already “It's still too dark and cold.” I have one minute to get home. I practically layered tights and stretchy khakis. I gained some ground, I can tell. The run to my bike and stuff the salad grab a hat from my cupboard and pull wheels are turning in my mother's container in the black bag that's thick black gloves onto my fingers. head, and they're turning in my strapped to my handlebars. My heart Opening my wallet, I take out exactly favour. I keep pushing them. pounding, I mount my bike and pedal $3.75, enough to buy myself a small forward, only to stop at the red traffic container of seaweed salad at the lights. The time is 5:14. I'm not late “I'll be fast, not even fifteen minutes. local grocery store, Sue's Market. yet, I say to myself. They don't know Ten minutes only.” She considers, Racing the daylight, I run down the that I'm late yet. Crossing the road, and then emits a small sigh. “Ten stairs into the kitchen where my the wind roars up and I find myself minutes only.”mother is sitting reading a newspaper. peddling harder but moving slower.

The cars next to me slowly inch “Thank you!” I rush upstairs to return “Hey, I'm going for a bike ride. I'll be forward to encourage me on my way. my money, but hesitate as I reach for back in fifteen minutes.” My mother Finally, I reach the other side and my wallet. I can put the money in my raises her head from her paper and breathe a sigh of relief.pocket, I suddenly realize. I can go looks at me as if I have just proposed Sue's and get my seaweed salad something completely ridiculous. As I continue towards home, I notice without my mom ever finding out. I

a path cutting through the middle of wonder, only momentarily, how I will “It's dark out; you can't go for a bike the crescent I was planning to go sneak it into the house, and then ride now.” Itching to be free from the around. A shortcut is just what I need remember my hat. It is the perfect size house, even for fifteen minutes, I right now, and I turn onto the path. A to conceal a small plastic container. desperately plead my case. few minutes later I realize this is no The time is 5:04. I leave my room

shortcut. With each turn of the exhilarated, ready to start on my wheels, I am heading further and “I'm just going to Sue's and back. I'll mission.further away from where I need to be. be really fast.” Immediately I realize I The road is lined with too many trees have said the wrong thing. It's barely cold out here. I don't know and not enough streetlights. I can't see what my mom was talking about much anymore, and I don't know “Sue's? No, not at this time of night. when she said it was too windy and which way is home. Images of It's rush-hour, and you have to cross a snowy for me to go. It's only been two spending the night on this street begin major road.” minutes, and I'm more than halfway to form in my mind. I'll freeze to there. At this rate, I'll have plenty of death out here, and when the police time to spare. As I cross a small “I'll be careful; I'll cross at the lights. find my body, they'll say to my residential road, I notice the street Don't worry.” I am fighting to keep parents, “We found a container of sign Easy Street. I laugh out loud, my voice level and prevent its seaweed salad with her. Do you have remembering the lyrics to a song from inevitable rise in pitch and volume.any idea what this is about?” and my Annie. Easy Street, yes sirree, Easy parents will know that I lied. Then I Street, that's where we're gonna be.“It's snowing and it's windy out. realize I'm being ridiculous. Of

You'll get blown off your bike.” “I course I won't freeze to death on the I pick up a container of seaweed salad won't get blown off my bike. And I street. I'll turn around, go back to a on my way into the store. Turning don't care about the snow and the place I recognize, and go home the toward the cash registers, I am cold!” “You're not going, and that's way I came. No shortcuts.surprised to see lines at each station. I final.” “But why?” I demand, choose the one that seems the forgoing all self-control.

It's 5:19. I'm finally back where I shortest, but as I wait, I notice the line started. If I get home in the three moving slower than usual. There is an “Three reasons. Number one: I'm minutes it took me to get to the store older woman next to the young your mother and I say so. Number the first time, I'll be home at 5:22, cashier, explaining how to use the two: It's dark, it's snowing, and it's which isn't that much later than register. Great, I picked the only line windy. Number three: you have to planned. I start out on my bike again, with the new staff. It's 5:10. I've been cross a major road.” but soon realize it will be more than in line for two minutes already. This is


Mr. Big Fish by Gemma Regan

et me start this story at the end. It From the air it looks like a strip of Tilley hat and got geared up with his Lwas the end of our three-week bacon sandwiched between two fishing vest full of special fish flies summer vacation. We were packing stretched-out fried eggs. It feels like like the “Dr. Sprattley”, the “Brian our bags to leave the cabin when it you're going to land on a strip of Special” and the “Chaunigan Lake happened. It started off small and bacon as well, except when you get Tickler”, Michael let out a squeal of quite accidentally grew into close enough, the bacon turns into delight. He was the first one to jump something monstrous. It didn't cow pasture. Grandpa has to watch into action when he heard Grandpa change my life or anything, but it did out for cows, horses, deer, and yell, “Kids, grab your life jackets and become something of a legend, at sometimes even moose when he flies meet me on the dock. We're going least in our family where one fish to the cabin! fishing!” By the time everyone story has to be larger than the next! assembled beside the boat, Michael

There are lots of amazing things to do was already standing waiting to push My Grandpa's cabin is truly a at the cabin, but somehow it's always off. With a quick tug at the outboard beautiful place to visit. You'd think the fishing that is the highlight of the motor, the engine sprang to life and being in the middle of British trip. My Grandpa knows everything soon we were heading out into the Columbia without electricity would about fishing. The only problem with open water of Chaunigan Lake, be horrible, dull and boring. It's not. Grandpa is that he is quite picky about fishing poles, nets and pails at the Unbelievably, it's nice to get away keeping schedules and about having ready.from civilization for a while. things done a certain way. For Imagine no TV, no VCR, no cell example, all the fishing gear and ATV Disappointingly, even with all my phones (or regular phones), no Play equipment must be cleaned and put brother's enthusiasm, he didn't catch Station, no movies, malls or traffic carefully away. If it's not, you just one fish during the whole week at the congestion. Instead, you get to view might get a taste of Grandpa's temper. cabin. After we got in from our last the icy, white Rocky Mountains and Once, I accidentally bent a fishing rod try, everyone was sad to see Michael the clear, blue, sparkling water of too far so it almost snapped. When walk around mumbling to himself, Chaunigan Lake. Oh yeah, imagine Grandpa found out he barked at me in “Why couldn't I catch a lousy fish?” no flushing toilets either. The full a very loud voice, “Now Louise, if In a last effort of desperation, my Dad cabin experience includes using an you're not going to be more decided to put out a “night line” for outhouse. This last detail just adds to responsible, you're not going to be my brother. Dad explained to us that a the cabin's rustic magic. allowed to fish. This equipment is “night line” is just a fishing rod tied

very fragile and expensive. You'll tightly to the dock with a lot of line let My Grandpa has always lived in B.C. need to be more careful young lady!” out. Chances are slim that a fish will and he built this cabin about five I know he didn't mean it, but it still just swim right up and bite the hook, years ago. He was drawn to this spot shook me up. but the “night line” was my brother's because of its remote location and last hope. Grandpa kept shaking his because of the abundant fishing. If On this trip to the cabin, my brother head as he told my Dad that, “It's a you were trying to locate it on a map, Michael was very excited to go million to one chance that a blasted you would find Williams Lake and fishing. Michael knew that fishing fish will take the line.”then look southwest for Twin Lakes. with Grandpa meant only one thing - These are two little lakes separated by success. People didn't call him the With the “night line” in play, a thin ribbon of grass used as a “Fish Killer” for nothing. So on the Grandpa's packing schedule kicked landing strip for small airplanes. first day when Grandpa put on his into gear. Grandpa informed us that

...continued

Ten Minutes by Rosie Golinski

...continued

Ten Minutes


three minutes before I'm home. The darker and colder than before, I'm parents have already left to find me? I wind is strong now, and my fingers stuck going uphill. Panting, I whisper ring the bell five more times and have become numb even through my out into the darkness, “Please God, finally hear the soft sound of thick gloves. I wish I had thought to please, make the wind stop. I promise approaching footsteps. As the door bring my headband or earmuffs, I won't do it again.” The wind blows opens, I fling myself into my mother's instead of a hat that won't even fit as hard as ever. arms, burying my nose deep in her under my helmet. My ears burn in the shoulder. She smells comforting and cold I know they would look bright familiar, like a mother should. But As I finally reach my street, instead of red if there was enough light to see. even as I let myself relax into her, she breathing a sigh of relief, I am My neck feels like it's being slapped stiffens and pulls away, reaching gasping for air. My lungs burn from by cold, harsh hands. I need to stop, behind her back to my hands. Her the combination of uphill biking and just for a moment. Looking at my hand grasps my hat, and the container freezing air, and my heart rate watch I realize another two minutes inside.increases every time I remember that have gone by. I can't afford to stop. in a few moments, I will have to

explain to my parents why I'm now “What's this?” she demands, holding It is now too dark to see the street twenty minutes late. it out in front of her. “Um…” signs, much less the time on my Frantically, I search for an excuse. I watch. I'm pedalling harder than ever watch her unwrap the hat and My nose is blocked, my mouth and but I'm barely moving. The wind is discover the salad, see her open her lips dry from the biting wind. I'm sure blowing against me and I'm going up mouth to reprimand me. Then I see my legs will be sore tomorrow. a hill. My legs aching, I finally reach something else: an internal battle Finally reaching my house, I stop my flat ground, only to discover more between her oft-used instinct to bike and let it fall to the ground while hills ahead. This is why it took only chastise, and her underlying need to I run up the front steps, the salad three minutes on the way there, I mother. She closes her mouth, looks concealed in one hand. I ring the suddenly realize. It was all downhill. at me and then at the salad, and a doorbell and wait. There is no sound And now, on the way back, when it's small smile forms on her lips.within the house. Could it be that my

the bed, pen in hand. As I cracked everything pulled together. The letter, But then I remembered the central open the book, I remembered the the dream, my story. 'So that's what it tower that I wrote about, and quickly envelope on the inside. I peeled off meant,' I realized. I went back went up there. Behind the medieval the wax, and unfolded the letter. It upstairs and looked at my story. I door was another vortex, except this read: thought I should white it all out, but it one didn't suck anything in, and this

would still remain under the white one had colours and sparkles in it. Dear reader,out. Then, the craziest idea struck me. I decided to hop in, besides, the castle Hello, my name is Charles P. After my entire story, I wrote, 'Now, was getting dull, and when I came Clarington III, a professor at T.A.M, everything in this book will be out, I had my book in my hand, and The Academy of Magic. You have erased.' The universe shifted, the my pen in the other. Instead of the found one very special book here, for writing was erased, and the scene beautiful, fantastic place I was you see, it can make anything come sucked back through a vortex. expecting, there was a gloomy, dark, true! Write in it what ever you wish, The next morning was a new day. I evil castle looming upon a hill, which but beware, for terrible things can decided to have a little fun with my seemed to have vicious eyes piercing happen in the wrong hands. Good book. First, I secretly wrote out an through me. Although I didn't feel luck, and enjoy your writing!amazing breakfast for me. After that, I comfortable, I assumed there was

Sincerely, wrote out a fun-filled day at an another door back to my castle. But I amusement park, and in reality it only refused to enter the villainous place Charles P. Clarington IIIpassed as ten minutes! Since I still and made a portal back to the castle.

When I first read this letter, I thought had the rest of the day ahead of me, I Suddenly, a voice that sounded like it

some person put it inside there to thought I should spend it with my could make a mountain tremor in fear

either drive me insane, or to say friends. They, too, enjoyed the book. interrupted my writing.

something metaphoric to me. I put it We did all sorts of things, like "What are you writing there, boy?" he back in the envelope, and turned to tobogganing down the library hill inquired.the first page. For three hours, I did after making it twice as long and

nothing but write, an amazing story "A way back home," I responded, steep, and having a ride on a cloud, about girls who got trapped in a land "but, who are you?"even though it was only 10 feet off the of unicorns and had to climb a huge

ground. When the day was over, I "Oh, I'm the owner of that castle up mountain to get back home. headed home. After a few songs on yonder hill. My name is Bothart."

Every detail was perfect. Only 20 my piano, I went to my bedroom and "Well, what do you want?"pages were filled, and it was a wrote out a wonderful dream.

masterpiece I never would have "That's a mighty nice book you've got The next day wasn't like the day

believed I could write. I went there! I'd love to see it." He snatched before. I didn't have a big breakfast, I

downstairs to go outside and get some at it, but I leaped back.didn't go to an amusement park, I

fresh air. But as I opened the front "You can't see it. I'm no idiot, you're didn't ride on the clouds, nothing. It door, the essence of the universe the one Charles P. Clarington warned was as if the book was yesterday's seemed to shift. Then, the weirdest me about. I won't let you get this news! As before, I erased the book thing of all happened. I was in a place book, never!"and, since I was totally bored, I so familiar because I had just finished

thought, why not make a place like "Well, then, that's a problem isn't it?"writing it 30 seconds ago! Every the first story. So, I wrote about an

event, every tree, every piece of dust "For you it is!" I snapped.island in the sky with a castle and a in the air was exactly as I wrote it. I

"I presume Charles P. Clarington secret door leading to a different was watching two girls meet two

didn't tell you that I'm the most feared dimension. And like every other time, unicorns as they climbed a mountain

sorcerer in all time and existence, and the universe shifted, and the intricacy five times the height of Mt. Everest.

that I've been locked away in this of my story wove itself into reality. I When they got home and the story

dimension so that no one will suffer was in the castle, and when I looked ended, a vortex appeared and sucked

from me?"out the window, only the clouds were in the scene around it, leaving only

seen. Since I didn't write about a "No, he didn't, but he did give me a reality. single person in my story, I had the helping hand." I snapped the book

My first reaction was, 'Someone whole castle to myself. To have some open and wrote, 'Bothart couldn't lay must've knocked me out and I dreamt fun, I looked for that secret door. I a hand on me as I escaped, and he it all. Besides, after spending three searched the basement, the entire stayed locked away in his dimension.' hours thinking of something, it's most main floor, the north, south, east, and I looked up, only to see Bothart, likely I'll dream about that.' But then west towers and still found nothing! breathing on the pages. I closed the


...continued

Ten Minutes by Rosie GolinskiTen Minutes (cont’d)

Grandaddy’s House by Susan Lapensee

rom a child's point of view, produced from the mysterious abyss just that it's... turkey. Turkey is not Feverything is eternal. There will if the children are good. There will good. always be a house, some time away always be a similar supply of various from home by car (a long enough rocks and crystals. And of course, in After the turkey comes the kitchen. A drive to get fairly well into a book, but this tall old house with its tall old mysterious place full of wonder and not long enough to finish one, or even radiator and its tall old staircase and odd smells. It seems impossible that get halfway), with two large pine its tall old bookshelves, there will so much food could come out of a trees in the small backyard and an old always be Grandaddy. room so small. And the floor is made white radiator in the little hallway of stone.where everyone takes off his shoes. He has a name, of course. But names Inside that house there will always be aren't important when you're talking That leads nicely into the hall. There's an unreasonably tall staircase, which about grandparents. And in any case, a tiny little wall which covers the two is much too much trouble to climb "Grandaddy" is a perfectly good or three steps from the kitchen door to just to go to the bathroom but name as names go. It carries all the the dining room, and in the wall is an provides endless hours of fun to right nuances. Perhaps not to most alcove with... something in it.anyone equipped with a Slinky and an people, but a child's world is inquiring mind. There will always be composed of one person and a great From there it's just another two or a piano in the living room, behind deal of furniture. So Grandaddy it is. three steps across the hall into the which is a shelf built right into the living room. Piano on the right, big wall, and on that shelf will always be Grandaddy's house is a phrase rich comfortable chair on the left, coffee a great potential for interesting with triggered memories. The turkey table straight ahead. Behind the things. There will always be a dinners come first. It's hard to explain coffee table is a couch, right up seemingly endless supply of identical that disliking turkey is not a sign of against the wall where there's a huge empty cereal boxes which may be vegetarianism or impoliteness. It's window that reaches to the ceiling.


“Students in universities are state me. He talks to me about my school, cooks me good food. You may my teachers and classmates, my wonder why my Grandpa cooks, not treasures. Even their washrooms projects and many other things until my Mom. Grandpa does not believe are indoors, with a burning stove.” he thinks he has helped me that cooking and housekeeping is a Wow! Back forty years ago in China, understand what I need to do to woman's job. He thinks that women public washrooms were on the improve. Since Grandpa and I share a have been doing it for several streets. They were very cold in winter. bedroom, sometimes Grandpa gets thousand years, and it is time to It was a dream for a little girl to go to a very excited, and stays up late, well change. He let his son do all the washroom without a frozen bum. pass midnight, with our heart-to- housework, but never his daughter. That really set a life goal for Mom. heart talks. Since 'washroom with a When Grandpa's caring neighbours in She had decided to go to university burning stove' is out of date now, and China warned him, “You'd better because there was a heated we are living in Canada, an advanced prepare your daughter with a washroom. Later, Mom realized her country, Grandpa has to have other housewife's skills because no-one childhood dream. Guess what? The motivations for me. What motivates wants a wife who cannot cook,” washroom in her university was me? Video games, of course, to my Grandpa's reply was, “Why? When indoor and it was heated, not by a parents' dismay. I love playing video she finishes university, she can burning stove, but better still, by hot-games. Even if I were 'wasting my always marry a cook.” Isn't Grandpa water heaters. See? It pays to listen time' playing video games, Grandpa cool? If that is not cool enough for to Grandpa. would still support me. Grandpa is you, what about this: Once I was my true friend. Therefore, I want to jumping on my bed, and accidentally Grandpa cares about my education study hard to respond to his kindness broke it. Grandpa sneaked out and just the same. When I am good in and love. That is what I can do to bought some nails and wood boards. school, Grandpa makes me yummy thank Grandpa in return and to make Quietly, he fixed my bed without my food, like Chinese dumplings and him happy. parents finding out. To me, that was noodles. If I am not doing well in

very cool. But I promised myself that school, Grandpa gets really upset, My Grandpa is fun and cool. He I would never break another bed and tries to help me do better in his teaches us how to sew, knit, and again.gentle and loving way. My Grandpa is embroider. He also shows us how to very supportive. He supports me with paint and sculpt. He even acts and Grandpa is the kindest person in the his understanding, forgiveness and entertains us like a kid and makes us world. He is my best friend and our love. Unlike my parents who may get laugh. Moreover, whether I am sad, family treasure. upset with me, Grandpa talks to me, mad, or happy, Grandpa always explains things to me, and encourages

The couch is old and wearing out in the backyard. There's always a car in ideas, but not ones that involve places. It used to have a bright pattern that half of the driveway. The door is anything moving very fast. He but it's going greyish-brown with age. made of the same stuff as the fence, approves of building complicated It's a good place to sit and read while which merges right into the place forts with the empty cereal boxes, but other people do other-people things. with all the lawn chairs. Hardly not of the mock battles that inevitably It's also a good place to sit and play anyone ever uses the door. It isn't very result and cover the living room in with the green and purple thing on the noticeable. squashed and scattered boxes. He coffee table. Grandaddy likes the approves unequivocally of the green green and purple thing. It has to do When Grandaddy is talking, people and purple thing. It's a lot of the same wi th math . Grandaddy i s a usually listen. His voice is quiet and eight-sided shape strung together mathematician. So far as that can be huffy. He talks for long stretches of with ribbons, and it can be made into a understood, "mathematician" means time about Folio books and the fact great many interesting shapes. The "person who likes math more than that they edge the pages in gold to green and purple thing provides people. A lot more." help preserve them and how to keep e n d l e s s e n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d

one in perfect condition. He Grandaddy’s approval throughout. Behind the dining room is the demonstrates the proper way to read No-one else in the house is very backyard. The screen door in the one. It seems to involve a lot of interested in it.dining room leads out onto old wood unnecessary work, but maybe that's that was painted white a long time just the way he always moves so Grandaddy went into the hospital. He ago. There are lawn chairs. Adults sit slowly. spent six months or more there. The in them and talk. They don't like doctors made a great deal of fuss and being bothered when they do that. Grandaddy yells. It isn't very loud, were occasionally stupid. Doctors are When Grandaddy's out here, the light but not for lack of trying. He doesn't like that. From a child's point of view, changes how he looks. It makes him like it when things are out of order, or hospital stays are too much fuss and seem paler and kind of wispy. wasted, or too loud, or moving visiting someone there is pointless,

around a lot. He'll get angry if especially someone who isn't Grandaddy likes taking pictures. It's someone breaks something, even if particularly likable. Grandaddy has a been speculated that he likes it it's just a plastic Slinky and it gets lot of influence on the family. because he can order people around, untangled right away. He'll get angry Everyone else went to visit him, which he does with the closest he gets if someone takes a lot of food and sometimes all together. To a child's to enthusiasm. Everyone stands on doesn't eat it all. He'll get angry if mind, however, Grandaddy has never the front steps, right where he tells someone eats all the grapes. left his house.them to, and he walks back and forth trying to stand so the sun is exactly Grandaddy approves of people who Grandaddy's name was George behind him. Apparently this isn't just are studious and quiet and obedient. Francis Denton Duff.to make everyone's eyes hurt. He approves of reading a lot, but not

when everyone else is eating dinner. There's a door from the driveway into He approves of thinking up clever

My Grandpa by Kevin Leung(cont’d)

Untitled by Stephen Oliver

y name is Mark. I'm a perfectly "Excuse me," I asked, "is this book "I apologize, but there seems to be no Mregular, ordinary kid, aside missing its tag?" title for this book."from my addiction to the library. "It appears so." The librarian replied. "Oh! Then that's probably one of our However, something weird happened "What is the title of that book?" new features, the journal section. It to me. I know I should've been out must have been misplaced. If you "The title! Of course." I turned the buying Christmas presents for want, you can buy it for... Hmm... book to look at its cover instead of the everyone, but I couldn't help staying $14.95 by the looks of it."spine, and was stupefied when there, at the library. As always, I was

on the mahogany leather, was no title! Thankful to have put $20 in my glancing through the fantasy section, I assumed it was one of those pocket, I paid for the book and a pen. I looking for anything new. I knew backward books. So I turned it to the left the library and immediately went every book off by heart, from other side, and nothing. I opened to home on a bus. Traffic was brutal in unicorns to djinni. Then, all of a the first page, where the title usually Cambridge, Massachusetts at noon. sudden, I came across a mahogany, is. There wasn't a title, but there was When I got home, I went straight leather-bound book, with a golden an envelope sealed with a circle of upstairs, checking my watch. It was stripe across the top and bottom. It wax. 1:00 in the afternoon, plenty of time had no tag on it, so I took it to the

to do some writing. I went up to my librarian. "The title, please?" the librarian bedroom, and plopped myself onto questioned.

...continued

Grandaddy’s House by Susan Lapensee(cont’d)

Mr. Protagonist by Veronica Tsou

he Protagonist sauntered down O l d C o u p l e W h o H a s N o Protagonist was beaming as he Tt h e s i d e w a l k , t h e s u n Consequence To The Story. He was walked by the Ladies. His friend let encroaching upon the nooks and on his way to the park when he the moment pass. crannies where shadows hide. The bumped into his friend.breeze was cool, the grass was green, “Nope.”and the motley flowerbeds made the “Hello Wise Sidekick,” he greeted, Protagonist happy. He skipped and reading the label across his shirt. O n l y s l i g h t l y d i s g r u n t l e d , grinned and embraced the day in his “S'up Protagonist,” Wise Sidekick Protagonist led as they weaved their usual caricature-like fashion. responded, jerking his head and way among the tall grasses that

returning the label-read greeting. divided road from park path. He walked passed the Friendly Neighbour and bid good day to the “Any anime-escaping fiends today?” Squish.

...continued


Wise Sidekick's raised eyebrow was As expected, they emerged in a bloody hands groped the walls. “Must subtle as he tried with a menacing dimension very much unlike their be a large chamber.”effort to lift his foot. Meanwhile, the own. “Like Alice in Wonderland absence of his friend was noted by falling down the rabbit hole,” Quite suddenly, the loud scream of a Protagonist, who turned around to Protagonist muttered. They walked distressed female reverberated off the uncover the reason. forward, past a label that read, “Other, walls. “Oh my! What was that?”

Fantastical World,” scrawled in a dull “Stuck,” his friend deadpanned, pencil. The room erupted in light, which anticipating Protagonist's desire to would actually have been quite dim to manipulate hot air and chastise him Fantastical it was indeed. The sky the average person, but being for falling behind. Even so, he could was orange and blanketed the entire submerged in blackness for so long, not stop his friend's affinity for giving scene in orangey sheen. The grass the fiery light was a shock to the voice to his ridiculously obvious grew parallel to the ground, random characters. “Blasted blinding light!” thoughts. objects floated about and maniacal he yelled. “Who goes there?”

creatures popped their heads in and “That's impossible! Impossible. out of holes. His eyes adjusted to the dancing light There's nothing sticky here for miles. as he removed his shielding arm. It's pretty bone dry, as it is. Can't be “Heads up,” Sidekick said, making a “Good God…,” his voice trailed off. mud.” He stood erect and pondered gesture towards the cliff above them. the possibilities, caressing the non- The label read, “Deadly Spire.” There, no creature stood. No titanic existent chin hair. devil or murderous villain. But there

“Capital!” Protagonist said, still quite was a bridge. A bridge over fire that Sidekick sighed and bent down to unwilling to shed the British was a thousand feet below and on the take a look. Even to him, the sight was detective façade. They made their other side of the bridge was a person. appalling, or rather, the lack of sight. way along the path to where stairs She screamed. And that's what “My foot's… not there.” were etched into the stone wall. “Up horrified him. It ate into his very

the stairs and up to the cliff! bones, and into the base of his being. “ I M - p o s s i b l e ! ” P r o t a g o n i s t Onwards!” She screamed, and oh, she screamed. continued and bent down to look. But the foot wasn't there. The victim of The stairway winded into the Wise Sidekick could barely make out the disappearing-yet-stuck foot mountain and into pitch darkness, in the label out from such a distance. attempted to escape again, and upon which they groped with hands and “'Damsel in Distress,' it says.”putting weight back on his foot, found crawled on knees, bearing the horror that more of it disappeared. Rather, of screeches and mysterious voices, Protagonist, for once, was lost for his leg had sunk deeper into an just as the label had warned: words. Blood pooled at his feet and invisible hole, so deep that he had to “Obstacle 1: Dark and Scary echoes rung in his ears, but even get down on his knee. Staircase Where No One Will Die.” louder was the guilt inside him. The

feeling of helplessness that he, for “Window,” he concluded. While his However, the darkness was not once, could not save someone. He friend continued the chin-rubbing, he accommodating when they couldn't slowly raised a finger and pointed at grappled with the air around this leg. read the next label: “Obstacle 2: himself. “I… I'm… But I 'm He was tugging at the exact thing Worst Nightmare.” Protagonist.” He turned his eyes anybody else would find ludicrous: outward from his guilt-ridden soul nothing. But it was in his hand, and he Panting as they reached the apparent and back to the bridge. It was thin. It felt it as the window got larger and end of the staircase, Protagonist was dangerous. He could die. But the larger. whispered, “Sidekick, ho! Where are h e l p l e s s n e s s w i t h i n w a s

we? Are you there? I think we're in an overwhelming. “Now this is quite interesting indeed. open space. I hear my echo. Sidekick, Looks dangerous… looks exciting where are we?” And so the action continued. He and very much like an adventure! inched forward , every l imb Hah, elementary, my dear Watson! The Sidekick acknowledged his protesting but his soul reaching out to Let us go!” Protagonist toed the presence. “We're here.” the Damsel in Distress. Wise window cautiously, and with a heroic Sidekick followed. Protagonist leap, jumped into the intangible “Here? Where on earth's 'here'? You neared the cliff, gulped, mounted the thing. Wise Sidekick followed. are quite shadowy and ambiguous, bridge, and after what seemed like a

you know that?” Protagonist's cut and daring infinity and many bouts of

swirling around him, examining him remember where he was. Who was M47 was fired off to earth to from every angle, sometimes he? The alien crammed a slimy complete the task set to J11: infiltrate stopping to look closely at the parts of substance into his brain and dumped human society, pave the way for him. Somehow, even though Jake him into a metallic box, storing him in invasion, and when the time came, was fully clothed, the alien concluded a hole in the wall. J11 had failed his strike at the heart of the human race. its examination, sucking in its eyes. quest, and now he had been disposed J11 had failed, exposing his powers

of. Faulty material was not kept, and too early. M47 was sure to CRA-CK-CK-ACK. The sharp blow the error would be revised and succeed…or another attempt would to his head stunned Jake, his thinking corrected. be made. As many as it took…muffled and slowed down, slowed, to a point that he had to struggle to At the same time, outside the shuttle,


My Grandpa by Kevin Leung

y Grandpa is my Mom's father. c o m m u n i c a t i o n o r m i s - into a serious discussion. Grandpa MHe lives with us. communication due to language just stood there laughing happily and barrier often produces homemade talking about what he would go

Grandpa came from China in 1989. comedy. Once I made Robin really shopping for the next day. It made my He had been to school to learn mad. She went to Grandpa to tell on Mom want to cry, and made us laugh. English as a Second Language until me with her mixed Chinese and Finally we felt that no problem was age eighty. Guess what? He repeated English. Grandpa was trying to serious enough to effect our family's Level One Adult ESL for four years in understand what my sister's whining happiness and well-being. That goes a row, and never made it to Level was about. Grandpa dried her tears with Grandpa's attitude too. In Two! Even now, at age eighty-six, he lovingly and comforted her with Grandpa's opinion, nothing is a big is still learning English on his own gentle words. When Robin insisted deal in life, and being happy is all that with an English/Chinese dictionary. that I should be punished and wanted matters.

to know what Grandpa's verdict was, How much English has he learned? Grandpa seemed to understand what Now, don't get me wrong, Grandpa is No one knows, because Grandpa has she had been saying all in a sudden, not always joking around. He can also very bad hearing and we cannot tell “Oh, Barbie!” be really serious, concerned or upset. whether his misunderstanding is due The things Grandpa cares about most to his poor hearing or his Level One When we have happy news, we share are learning and education. ESL English. To make this matter it with Grandpa first. One day my worse, my Chinese is not perfect, and sister came back with good marks on Mom told me that Grandpa was an my eight-year-old younger sister her test. She tried to tell my Grandpa artist by profession, but being born Robin speaks her Level One Chinese, how well she did. Grandpa did not into a poor family he could not finish often mixed with English. understand. Instead of saying 'Pardon primary school. However, education

me, I did not understand', Grandpa had always been his priority in life. Grandpa is very patient and good- just answered, “Oh, Barbie, Barbie”. When Mom was a baby, Grandpa natured. He never gets upset with us, My sister tried to explain again, and used to hold her in his arms and rock and is always there for us with his this time Grandpa said, “Drink some her to sleep. He told her repeatedly love. Even though he may not water.” that she would go to university when understand what we say most of the she grew up. But none of them knew time, he always sits with us and It has become my Grandpa's what a university was. Grandpa just l i s t e n s a t t e n t i v e l y t o o u r specialty: whenever you say knew that only special scholars were conversations. When we laugh, something to him, if he cannot selected to attend the highest learning Grandpa is laughing with us. When understand, he starts to reply with institutions, and being one of them we finish, Grandpa is still laughing. random things, which makes a was a great honor for the family. He

serious matter merely a joke. For encouraged and motivated Mom all Grandpa always provides us with his example, once we had some serious the time. As a very young child, the protection and comfort. We turn to matters. My parents were very only valid motivation Mom could Grandpa for everything. Our depressed, and the whole family got understand from Grandpa's talk was:

...continued



people staring out their car windows probably around 16 years old, with seemed to be doing anything to cause short, brown hair and round eyes. He He sat up, trying to contain himself, this. I'm doing it myself, with my looked around, and saw they were but the beast within, the beast created mind! Jake realized with horror. Even indeed in a cell, a cell with titanium of his sorrows and fears, his though he tried to control himself, walls and a small camera that looked loneliness and anger, his confusion at Jake was still mentally beating the down on them from the ceiling, and a what was wrong with him, unleashed man and car until the drunk lay small, barred duct that was probably itself from its prison of flesh and bleeding on the ground and his car for food. bone. Like a wild animal, Jake flung was nothing more than scraps of cloth himself at the walls of his cell, and junk metal. The commuters were “Are we on a space ship?” Jake asked pounding on them, until he retreated, standing perfectly still, spellbound by the girl. snarling viciously, and focused his this unexplainable occurrence. Jake power. He thought of his parents, was terrified. His instinct was even “Probably, yeah”, Molly replied. using his longing for them as a more acute now, until he began “That little duct there opens to bring battering ram. With a final scream, he hearing ringing noises in his ears us food, so we're in some kind of flung himself straight through the again. building, it could be a ship”. walls of his cell, not knowing what

was on the other side. He landed He glanced up and saw that the van Jake didn't reply, but turned around to on…nothing. He floated in a vacuum and the drunken assailant were gone, inspect the grating. No screws, and of some sort, a strange room with the cars that stopped to watch were the cover was on so tightly there was several windows and the same steel driving away normally, and the no way to pry it open. The thought of walls his cell was made of. He looked morning rush hour was once again spending several days, weeks, maybe back at his cell in a panic, but then underway. For no apparent reason, he months in this bland cell was enough remembered... what happened to the began searching for something in the to make Jake whimper. He tried to girl? Where was she?sky. He knew that the awful thing that make himself angry, started thinking was about to come was somewhere sad thoughts, anything to let him do to He looked everywhere in the vast above. Finally, he spotted it, a black the cell walls what he did to the emptiness, but found no sign of her.streak that hurtled toward him so fast drunk's van, but to no avail. Nothing. Noiselessly, almost effortlessly, a he couldn't even raise his arms before He slumped down against the wall for metal arm extended itself toward him the impact knocked him out cold. His a few minutes, then his head began to and hovered in front of him. Jake was eyes closed to the sight of several nod and he soon fell asleep. terrified and the rage he had felt skinny beings searching for turned to fear, cold fear. He tried to something and somehow he knew His sleep was dark and brooding. move away from the strange capsule they were looking for him. Ghastly images of the atrocities he before him, flapped his arms, kicked

had committed, without wanting to or his feet, but nothing happened. He Something was slapping his face. even knowing how. How he broke a looked back at the capsule and Something both rough and sticky, bully's nose, jaw and wrists, feeling recoiled with horror, unsure what he both slimy and scratchy. Jake dared the hot blood of his tormentor spray was looking at. not open his eyes for he feared that, upon him, how he set fire to the house once these things knew he was of a man who stole his wallet, feeling The creature before him was black, awake, they would probably kill him. the burning embers of both the house the darkest, deepest black Jake had But, if he didn't awake, maybe they and his uncontrollable fury. He ever seen, with four solid-white eyes would think there was something remembered the face of the drunk forming a V-shape down the wrong with him and dispose of him driver who sideswiped his car, the creature's elongated face and no ears. sooner. Jake risked it; he opened his brief moment of terror in the eyes of The creature's body was even more left eye as little as possible, but saw the man before his head collided with bizarre: it had six spindly arms, each not an alien with a strange device, but the pavement…Jake awoke. For a with two hands and seven fingers on a wild-looking woman slapping him moment or two, he felt nothing. Lost. each, two short but equally frail-with a sort of towel. Nothing at all, until he became aware looking legs, with what appeared to

of an ominous buzzing in his head. It be two seven-fingered hands at the “Are you awake?, the woman crept through his spine, down his end of each leg. WHAT IS THIS whispered, “My name is Molly, we're clenched fingers, through his THING? Jake's mind was pounding. cellmates or something, come on, get trembling lips, through his moist What was it doing? The alien was up!” Upon closer inspection, the eyes, into his brain, into the deepest moving its head closer and the four woman looked more like a young girl, parts of him, into his very soul. eyes shot out of their sockets,

...continued


imbalance, dismounted the bridge on An ominous voice sounded from opening: just a kick and it would be the opposite side. behind: “Why does Protagonist over. He kicked.

always get the girl?” Releasing his He did not stop to celebrate. hold on the rope, Protagonist spun And it was over.“Damsel!” he cried. But she was around.gone. The screams came from Villain moved and Protagonist elsewhere. “The cliff! The cliff!” he “What on earth?” overstepped. He fell, and the label, recalled. “The cliff we saw from “Ending” drew ever nearer. outside! Come Sidekick!” The screaming of the girl soon turned

into a cackle in his ear, followed by No! He was the protagonist, he Now slightly bitter, Wise Sidekick t h e r i p p i n g s o u n d t h a t i s thought. This was treachery, jogged forward. He had gotten characteristic of a label coming off a hypocrisy, lunacy! Like the air slightly charred over the bridge and shirt. Wise Sidekick had ripped off around him, his mind could grasp was currently sweeping off ashes that his label, and under it was a new nothing, understand nothing, feel were formerly clothes. He ran with label: “Unexpected Villain.” nothing. He sped faster and faster to Protagonist towards the light. his end until he heard the ripping of

“You! You of all people!” Protagonist another label. This time he knew it Emerging outside, the orange sheen cried. “Schemer! Horrid man!” was his, but he was certainly not in a was all that greeted them. And the position to read it. “Treachery!” he Damsel dangling on a rope over the In the usual epic battle on top of a cried. “Deceit!” The shreds of hope cliff's edge. Protagonist scrambled cliff, Protagonist and Unexpected he held onto unraveled faster. No towards the edge. “I'll save you!” he Villain grappled and kicked and bit, magic carpet? No saviour? He still cried and pulled desperately at the fighting for the Damsel and their life. could not understand. thin rope that held her. She looked And the moment came. Both were him in the eye. And screamed more. near the edge of the cliff and a label Unt i l the au thor whispered

flashed through the air: “Ending.” victoriously in his ear, “You're the “Calm down, young Damsel!” twist ending.”Protagonist cried. “I'm here to save “I loved you,” Protagonist said, tears you! Fear me not!” welling in his eyes. Then he saw his


This Used to be My Playground by Bianca Vong

t was a cold November afternoon, with no real place to go, just walking and the swings creaked and groaned Iand the air was bitingly cold. Wind for the sake of doing something. We in mourn ing , weak a l r eady rushed by, going nowhere in a hurry, breathed smoke signals with every anticipating my weight.and swirled dead leaves in a tantric step, cold air lighting up our lungs dance. The light was grey, in that and nipping our skin. When goose “The swings are my favourite,” I said, hollow, heavenly way you see only on bumps raised and dotted my skin, running my fingers luxuriously over bittersweet days, the kind of light that smooth black leather slid onto my the smooth steel chains. “I used to go seems surreal and makes you believe shoulders. I looked beside me, and he on them all the time when I was in God. As dead grass and early frost smiled and shrugged, hugging little.”crunched beneath our feet, I walked himself a little tighter and burrowing through the park with my best friend. a little deeper in his sweater as he “Do you wanna go on them now for a

watched me wriggle into his jacket. bit?” He asked, holding the swing We were supposed to be in school; he Feet trudging slowly and leaving steady for me.had math class and I should've been in indents in the white-grooved earth, French. But there are days when we slowly made our way to the “No. I won't fit in them anymore. I'm conjugating verbs and factoring playground. The bright plexiglas too big now.” My fingertips lovingly binomials just doesn't have any structures loomed awkwardly, the traced the scratches on the rubber appeal; that cold, cloudless sky was vivid colours both cheerful and seat.calling us out, and we listened. menacing. A hollow beat echoed half-

heartedly from the slide as my “Go anyways. You know you want So we were walking through the park, fingernails rained down tap tap tap to.” He smiled jokingly at me. “Don't


worry about time, we've got lots.” “Yeah?” He knew better than to promise.”question me.

“I'm not worried,” I laughed tiredly, I looked at him with sudden alarm; weakening. “But... ” “Yeah… cause this, this used to be my there was something alien in his

playground, and I loved this place… I voice. “I don't want to grow up.”“No buts. Need help?” spent a lot of my childhood here, and

now I'm standing here wondering “You already have.” He turned and I protested mildly as he helped me what I'm doing and when this began to walk away, leaving me onto the swing. The seat sank further equipment started looking more like where I was to hate the finality and than it was made to, and the chains spacecraft than toys.” I could feel apathy in his voice.screamed sharply as they moved, tears rising in my eyes, though I didn't slowly and grudgingly. know why. I wiped them away, “And you've already broken your

turning my head so he wouldn't see, promise.” At my words, he stopped “See?” I laughed sheepishly. “I'm too but he guessed their presence and faced me, finally meeting my big!” anyways. He didn't ask why, just eyes again.

hugged me wordlessly and let me rest He laughed too, as he held out his my head on his shoulder. “How so?”hand to help me back up. “Maybe it's just the swings that've shrunk.” “I guess we just grew up, that's all. We “You think I haven't noticed how

couldn't help it, it happens to you've been acting more and more I shook my head, but smiled a bit in everyone, and… we're not kids distant to me lately? A girl's gonna spite of myself. We walked along, the anymore.” he said quietly. I shook my notice when she's losing her best swing behind us heaving a sigh of head. friend!”relief, ecstasy in the rattle of its chains. I ducked my head as we “I don't like change… not everything He didn't say anything for a while, walked by the monkey bars the should, you know.” just stood there, leaning against the scarlet rungs were eye level to me slide and chewing his lip. He wasn't now. “Everything does anyways. It's just looking at me. Finally, he started

one of those things.” talking slowly. “Okay… I can't “Get the feeling we don't belong here promise you I'll never grow up, and I anymore?” I asked, awkwardly “We've been friends for a long time. Is can't promise that you won't either. I straddling a shrunken seesaw. that going to change?” I asked, can promise that I'll never stop trying

looking at him critically. He didn't to be your friend, but you gotta “What do you mean?” he asked, return my stare, just kept looking realize… we don't live in Neverland, lazily kicking at the sand. down at the ground and kicking the and we're gonna have to grow up

sand lazily. I shivered as the wind sometime. So maybe… we've just “Everything here's so small now, and picked up and whipped my hair outgrown each other.”we're so big.” I sat down on the around my face.seesaw, but couldn ' t f ind a My breath stopped. The wind blew comfortable position. My knees “Are you cold?” he asked, still not away all of me, and I could feel rested awkwardly close to my ears. looking at me. myself dissolving into dust. “No…

no, I don't want to lose you.”“You're not big, you're short!” He “I'm wearing your jacket.”laughed, patting me on the head. He sighed. “Neither do I. But we're Sitting where I was, my head was “Is that enough?” not grade school brats making pinky-level with his knee. swears at recess anymore, and we're

“Promise me we'll always be not going to be high school kids for “You know what I mean… doesn't friends.” I couldn't take him not much longer either. We've outgrown matter how short or tall I am. We've looking at me anymore, and lifted his the playground, and sooner or later, if still outgrown this place and…I don't head to meet my eyes. we keep fighting it, we're going to know, it just seems so weird how out outgrow each other.”of place we are here now, when this He hesitated, then looked away. “If used to be… well, I guess it was our that's what you want, then I promise There was a tremor in my voice as I habitat.” I sighed, and kicked the you we'll always be friends. Okay? If whispered, “Fighting what?”ground sadly as I got up. you don't like to change, we won't. I


Don't you dare, she scolded herself. thought. I just want to make him time she'd said that today. Jessie and You'll only ever regret being happy. proud. Amber were silent for a minute, and

then the woman spoke. “Well, I'm After they'd been through customs She walked through the cherry- glad you're all here. I'm Kirsten and had found their luggage, Taylor, coloured front door into a large entry Storms. You two go upstairs. I'll take Amber and Lynn walked out of the hall. She stood there in awe for a care of the baby.” That was all Amber airport. Amber watched in silence as minute, before she noticed a woman needed. She bolted upstairs into what the social worker hailed a taxi with who appeared to be in her mid-thirties was clearly her bedroom. She lay expertise. They climbed into the standing at the bottom of the winding down on her bed. Jessie walked in and black cab and rolled off to who knows staircase, looking at Jessie as though sat down on her bed on the other side where. As the three of them sat trying to figure out why she was of the room. scrunched together in the backseat, it there. “I'm Jessie,” Jessie offered, her occurred to Amber that there would cheeks turning pink. Was this the The two of them were silent again, be other children living in this foster right house? Her question was avoiding each other's eyes. Finally home. She reached protectively answered as the woman walked over Jessie looked up. She caught Amber's towards Taylor, as if saying I'll never to her and flung her arms around her. eye and nodded. It was a kind nod, an let anyone hurt you. But what Amber “Welcome home,” she said into the understanding nod. In that moment, knew and Taylor didn't was that two top of Jessie's head. But Jessie knew Amber understood that this girl people already had. this wasn't home. She had left home sitting across from her had endured

* * * three weeks ago, and now there was great loss, but didn't want pity. She Jessie knew she was going to a foster no going back. wasn't wallowing in her sorrow. She home and that she would never see * * * just needed the same thing as Amber her parents again, but most Amber and Taylor walked through a did: a friend. They began to talk, incredibly, she didn't look scared or door and were surprised to see a without even noticing it, and in the sad, she just looked like she didn't feel woman clinging to some girl in the end, Amber knew that both of them much anymore. She tried to keep a middle of the entry hall. The girl had found exactly what they had been smile on her face, but it was so hard. turned around. She looked about searching for.She knew she had to be strong for her Amber's age, with red-brown hair and dad, but it was near impossible green eyes. “I'm Jessie,” she said. sometimes. I'm trying so hard, she Amber had a feeling it wasn't the first


Faulty Material by Martin Focseneanu

ery few people believe in the now 11 years old. Mature enough to about, and, when he received no Vexistence of extraterrestrial life. begin to understand the world around response from Jake's stupefied Even fewer believe that, if indeed him and the perils of life, but still mother, he raised his fist and swung there were intelligent life outside our considered a child by the adults in his for the driver-side window. A million reach, the aliens would be malignant life. bells started ringing in Jake's head, he and would mean to cause us harm. clutched his temples and tried to And almost nobody would believe It was Monday morning, and Jake's massage away his feeling, this that aliens, whether helpful or mother was driving him to school. As dreadful feeling he felt before harmful, would ever go so far as to Mrs. Lucas started turning, a large something terrible happened. He visit our planet and pluck a dozen and rather ugly van tried to turn right looked up in horror as the drunk subjects from their homes. from a central lane, colliding with the punched through the window and

Lucas's frail sedan. A huge, and quickly pulled his hand away, yelling Although he didn't know it yet, Jake obviously drunk man who looked like how the window attacked him.Lucas was a uniquely gifted boy. he had not slept or bathed for days, Since birth, he had performed minor stormed out of his van and over to The very moment the drunk set his miracles: reading at the age of two, Mrs. Lucas's window. murderous gaze upon Jake , growing just enough to reach something snapped in his mind. The whatever he wanted, nothing that “You hit me, stupid woman! Get out van's tires literally exploded, leaving would attract the attention of and fix my car!” The man clearly only rims. The van seemed to anybody except his family. Jake was didn't know what he was talking crumple in upon itself, but none of the

...continued...continued



Searches by Campbell Drohan

he world rushed by the window. country road. “Hey,” she said with her armrest with all her might. Given the TTree branches swayed in the soft Southern accent.“Are ya okay, 'hon?” choice, she wouldn't have flown from autumn breeze as the last rays of Charlottetown. She had always been sunlight filtered through the treetop No, I'm not okay, Amber felt like scared of planes. Luckily, the only canopy, creating tiny pools of light on screaming. How could I possibly be main event of the flight had been the grass below. The oranges, browns okay? You've ruined my life! Do you during the in-flight movie when the and golds of the leaves swirled expect me to thank you? But overweight man sitting next to her together in an ever-changing tapestry, obviously she couldn't say that. She had spilled his pretzels on her lap. their shadows casting themselves just muttered in response. It was along the springy, moss-covered debatable that Diane cared or was Brushing her reddish-brown bangs forest floor. Tiny chipmunks with even listening for that matter. Amber out of her face, Jessie pulled a stick of enormous cheeks scurried across the couldn't understand how Diane gum out of the front pocket of her ground into their little homes in the Philips ever became a social worker. jeans. Her eyes widened as she bushes, while birds flew into their She obviously didn't like kids. She looked out of the window at the bright nests high above. Moose fed on grass didn't care about their well-being. lights of Toronto. Jesse had never and squirrels collected nuts for the She was a crappy driver. But maybe been anywhere outside of Prince long winter. The squirrels were she had some kind of incredible skill Edward Island in her whole life. The dreading what was coming soon. to make her 'social-worker material'. entire island could probably fit in the Amber was, too. How would I know? Amber thought city below. The giant buildings

unhappily. After all, I'm only thirteen. seemed to get bigger as the plane Looking through the dirty window of descended. She knew that many the old Chevy, she watched the place She finished this thought as the three people in her situation would be where she belonged pass by. She was of them arrived at Edmonton unhappy, but Jessie was trying not to almost afraid to blink, afraid that International Airport. Amber grabbed be. It was a new adventure for her, somehow this unreal scene would Taylor's baby carriage and stepped even if it wasn't exactly the best time come tumbling down on top of her, out of the car and onto the pavement for one. Always look ahead towards smothering her until she could hardly as Diane went to park the car. For a the future, and never look back, her breathe. Now there was a comforting tiny millisecond, Amber considered dad had told her. She let those words thought. running away as fast as she could, but guide her, no matter where it took her.

as quickly as the thought had popped She turned her head to stare at the into her head, it was gone, just like all The plane was jolted as it hit the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian her hopes. A few minutes later, Diane runway. The pilot's voice came on the Rockies. It might be the last time she rounded the corner and led Amber loudspeaker again: “Ladies and ever saw them. Tears stung her eyes, through the sliding doors. As they gentlemen, welcome to Lester B. but she merely brushed them away. walked through the door, they passed Pearson International Airport. The It's always better not to show any a group of excited tourists, cameras in local time is 11:54 PM. For those of signs of human emotion in front of hand, leaving the airport enveloped in you vacationing in our fair city have Diane, the social worker, Amber a tornado of joy and happiness. an excellent time, and for those reminded herself. She'd probably die Amber almost laughed at their utter returning, welcome home.”of shock. stupidity about life. At times you * * *

thought you were happy, but then Amber had decided that she hated all Her baby sister, Taylor, was sleeping everything would just come crashing social workers. She knew this the in the car seat next to her. She looked down on you, pummeling you until moment she had met Lynn Davis at so peaceful in her pink pajamas, so there was no point in getting up again. the airport. Amber was aware that safe and calm, the exact opposite of * * * Lynn was going to drop Amber and the way Amber was feeling. But what A crackling voice came on over Taylor off at their foster parents' could you expect? Taylor was five the loudspeaker. “Ladies and home in a few hours, but the social months old. She had no idea what was gentlemen,” the pilot announced in a worker felt the need to explain the happening. But Amber, for one, could deep, expressionless voice. “In just a plan in detail every five minutes. She see that life as she knew it was few minutes we will be arriving in spoke baby talk to Taylor, which only unraveling around her like cheap Toronto. We ask you all to please aggravated the five-month-old and in toilet paper. fasten your seatbelts as we descend.” the end caused her to empty her bottle

all over Lynn's cashmere sweater. Diane glanced in the rearview mirror Jessie fastened her seatbelt tightly Once again, Amber was tempted to at her, swerving slightly on the around her waist, and held on to the laugh, but she suppressed the urge.

...continued

He didn't answer me, he didn't need from the cold, I don't even know if I hand in hand, with the wind racing to. He just looked at me sadly then moved. But he came over to me, held through the park and making it come turned away, and I felt my chest cave me close, and kissed me. Looking alive. The air gave desperation a new into itself. Shaking my head, I could into my eyes, he asked, “Are you taste, and blew my worries beneath feel the tears returning. “I still don't scared?” my feet. There is no way I could say I want to lose you. You're my best wasn't afraid, but under that hypnotic friend.” I smiled a little. “The sky's pretty sky, it didn't seem to matter. Maybe

freaky today, isn't it?” He nodded, one day we will outgrow each other, He gave me the saddest smile he and my smile grew wider. “Let's get but for now, today is all that really knew. “Is it worth changing for?” out of here.” matters.

I didn't say anything. Going numb We walked out of the playground,



Rabiya Adhia Kacper Gruszczynski Laura McGeown Bianca VongVernie Aguda Aanika Gupta Tesia Megill Franco WangNaima Alam Sergei Gurin Lauma Mikelsteins Rachel WayneAmineh Amin Diana Hartinez Homan Mohammadi Isabel WiesenfeldQasim Amin Danielle Havimaki Zahra Mojtahedy Braeden WineTyson Andre Kelvin Ho Emily Moorhouse Madison WintersGarry Anggauinata Amanda Hrenczuk Louise Mui Davin WongRebecca Arnold Christopher Hsueh Tiffany Ng Isaac WongAngelina Artemenko Roland Huang Christopher Ng Erin WongSpencer Bass Justin Hung Carita Ng Audrey WongLaura Bassoon Jenny Hwang Stephen Oliver Bonnie Yao Nicole Bernabei David Ing Maysum Panju Grace YipAllen Betsis Jason Ip Alissa Papadopoulos Omid ZamanisValerie Bevilacqua Anton Ivoditov Iskander Peter Sherry ZhengJason Blacquiere Danni Jiang Esther Phua Mojann ZibapourDeborah Birnbaum Natasha John Victoria Piccin Emma ZilbermanJoshua Bissell Diana Jula Eric PlitmanRevital Border Simone Kagan Max PlitmanDaniel Breez Vinay Kansal Taylor PotterScot Brown Sam Kermanshahi Fatema RahemtullaMable Chan Nikolay Karpenko Gemma ReganCalvin Chan Neal Kaw Maryia SamartsavaJosephine Chan Frank Kim Naman SarafTimothy Chau Jung Hee Kim Claire ScherzinerStephanie Cheong Christina Ko Thomas SchmidtStefanie Cheung Katrin Kocsis Rebecca SeifertStephanie Cheung Jane Kobylianski Olesya SemenyukPsalm Cheung Anna Kobylianski Shabnam ShahinCarmen Cheung Katrin Kocsis Sarah ShihCeline Cho Noteh Krauss Eric ShumMay Chow David Kron Jibril SimmonsAlexandra Comniaguina Amie Kron Thishan SivakumarCourtney Constable Michelle Kuang Dianna SmithLuisa Cornacchia Sarah Lake Adam SmithAutumn Crisafulli Edward Landa Kristy SmithYuri Davydov Susan Lapensee Cory SniderNaomi Desai Stephen Lau Wesley SolmonJamil Dewsi Daniel Lebitania Alex SorokinCampbell Drohan Desmond Lee Sahoana SriskandarajahSam Eisenstatt Patricia Lee John St. GermainSarah Evans Caitlin Lee Philippee StanierNicole Fahner Minha Lee Natasha StelmakhVeronica Farber Laura Legge Catherine StergiopoulosMartin Focseneanu Malcolm Leung Wilson SzeArielle Friedman Kevin Leung Matthew TamJanice Fu Jensen Leung Joyce TanAvery Gagnon Xiao Lin Vivian TangLauren Galloway Jasmine Liu Liron TaubDustin Gaudet Kaylin Livshin Matthew TchengDiana Gavris Carolyn Lutzak Joanne ThaiAngela Gibbon Amy Ly Yulia TismenkoRobyn Goldstein Mark MacIntyre Tiffany TomRosie Golinski Zachary Mandlowitz Katerina TopalovskaMichelle Gordon Sarah Manea Christopher TsilingirisMichelle Gould Zechariah Martin Veronica TsouJordan Grech Diana Martinez Gabi Viiner

entries 2005 entries winnerswinners 2005

Grades 7 & 8 PAGE

“Searches” by Campbell Drohan, grade 7, Beverley Acres Public School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

“Faulty Material” by Martin Focseneanu, grade 8, Crosby Heights Public School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

“My Grandpa” by Kevin Leung, grade 7, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

“Untitled” by Stephen Oliver, grade 7, Our Lady of Hope Catholic School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

“Mr. Big Fish” by Gemma Regan, grade 7, Adrianne Clarkson Public School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

“Slither” by Rabiya Adhia, grade 10, Richmond Hill High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

“Safe Haven” by Arielle Friedman, grade 10, Alexander Mackenzie High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

“The Cost of Perfection” by Katrin Kocsis, grade 10, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

“The Beetles in the Bathroom” by Maysum Panju, grade 10, Richmond Hill High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

“All As One” by Eric Plitman, grade 10, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

“Thumbs Up” by Anton Ivoditov, grade 12, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

“Ten Minutes” by Rosie Golinski, grade 12, Academy for Gifted children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

“Grandaddy’s House” by Susan Lapensee, grade 12, Academy for Gifted Children, P.A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

“Mr. Protagonist” by Veronica Tsou, grade 12, University of Toronto Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

“This Used to be My Playground” by Bianca Vong, grade 12, Richmond Hill High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Grades 9 & 10 PAGE

Grades 11 + PAGE

Rebecca Abitbol Franca PerriAdult Services Librarian Receptionist/Secretary

Brian Bell Cathy PetersManager of Richvale Library Manager of Oak Ridges Moraine Library

Kathy Bertucci Robin RakowskyCommunications Assistant Teen Services Librarian

Mary Jane Celsie Cecily ReidDirector of Public Service Children’s Services Librarian

Catherine Charles Amanda SkopikPlanning Analyst Branch Services Librarian

Yemisi Dina Michelle SplitterActing Manager of Adult Services Manager of Collection Development

Alice Donoghue Dante TangAdult Services Librarian Branch Services Librarian

Joan Girot Greg TaylorBusiness and Government Documents Librarian Adult Services Librarian

June Hill Laurie ValentineBranch Services Librarian Adult Services Librarian

Lesley Holland Terri WatmanChildren’s Services Library Technician Manager of Children’s Services

Cameron KnightLocal History/Genealogy Librarian

Greg PattersonInformation Services AnalystElizabeth PenneyOutreach Library Technician

Published by Richmond Hill Public Library © February 200625 first impressions 2005first impressions 2005

staff contributorsstaff contributors

Barry Dempster is the author of the novel, The Ascension of Jesse Rapture, two collections of short stories, a children’s book, and nine volumes of poetry. His most recent poetry collection, The Burning Alphabet, published in 2005, secured for him his second nomination for the Governor General’s Award for Poetry. Other writing prizes include a 2nd place finish in the international poetry competition for the Petra Kenney Award. He is also an editor for the prestigious publishing house, Brick Books. Barry was the 2005 Writer in Residence at Richmond Hill Public Library. He lives in Holland Landing, Ontario.

Barry Dempster

Ken Sparling is the author of: an untitled novel (Pedlar Press, 2003); Hush Up and Listen Stinky Poo Butt (homemade by special order); Dad says He Saw You At The Mall (Knoph, New York, 1996); and most recently, For Those Whom God Has Blessed With Fingers (Pedlar Press 2005). In the November 2005 publication of Quill & Quire: Canada’s Magazine of Book News and Reviews, he was the subject of a cover story. Ken lives in Richmond Hill with his wife and two sons and is Communications Officer responsible for youth programs at Toronto Public Library.

Ken Sparling

This year’s anthology of award-winning stories once again highlights the creativity of our young writers. It is encouraging to see the contest continuing to attract and inspire our budding authors. Of the 195 entries, our judges have chosen to recognize the best 5 entries from each age group. Congratulations to all who participated. The winning submissions are printed here.

Jane Horrocks, CEO, Richmond Hill Public Library

Krista Ellis Photography

greetings from the CEOgreetings from the CEO

message message from the judges

RICHMOND HILLPUBLIC LIBRARY

lm

cw

ww

.rh

p.r

ich

on

dh

ill.o

n.

a

HOURS: Monday - Thursday . . . 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noon - 5:00 p.m.*In-depth resources & information services

RICHMOND HILL CENTRAL LIBRARY*1 Atkinson Street (corner of Major Mackenzie &

Yonge)Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 0H5

OAK RIDGES MORAINE LIBRARY13085 Yonge Street, Unit 12

Richmond Hill, Ontario L4E 3L2Telephone: (905) 773-5533

HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Thursday & Friday . . . . . 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday . 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Thursday & Friday. . . . . . 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RICHVALE LIBRARY40 Pearson Avenue,Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 6T7Telephone: (905) 889-2847

RICHMOND GREEN LIBRARY1 William F. Bell Parkway(Leslie St. & Elgin Mills Road)Richmond Hill, Ontario L4S 2T9 Telephone: (905) 780-0711

HOURS: Monday - Thursday . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

first

impr

essi

ons

first

impr

essi

ons

first

impr

essi

ons

20052005www.rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca

Richmond Hill Public Library’s

fourthannual

Young Adultshort story anthology

library locationslocations and hours

NN

Hwy 407 (toll)Hwy 407 (toll)

Hwy 7Hwy 7

Major Mackenzie Dr.Major Mackenzie Dr.

Elgin Mills Rd. E.Elgin Mills Rd. E.

Stouffville Rd.Stouffville Rd.

King Rd.King Rd.

Bloomington Rd.Bloomington Rd.

th16 Ave.th16 Ave.

th19 Ave.th19 Ave.

Atkinson St.Atkinson St.

Pe

ars

on

Ave

.P

ea

rso

nA

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Ba

yvie

w A

ve.

Le

slie

St.

Le

slie

St.

Le

slie

St.

Le

slie

St.

Hw

y 4

04

Hw

y 4

04

Yo

ng

e S

t.Y

on

ge

St.

Ba

thu

rst S

t.B

ath

urs

t S

t.

Richmond HillCentral LibraryRichmond HillCentral Library

RichvaleLibrary

RichvaleLibrary



