I know this is about Gluten free stuff but I made a book and I need opinions...

[Maddie6332]

Okay, so I know this is about being gluten free and stuff but I made a book and need opinions. I will post it on this topic when I'm done, but I hope you enjoy it. I will also put the blurb below:

12 year old Tony, wants to find his parents after they abandoned him on this little island. He wants to find them. But he has bigger problems. He has to steal food, live in this old man's shed, and watch out for Dexter, the kid who is 3 years older than him, and 3 times his size. Will he ever get off this island and back home, or not?

 

Let me know what you think based on the blurb, and I will post the story as soon as it's done!

[Scott Adams]

It sounds like the making of a great kid's story. I like that it is on an island, so it sounds like he's trapped and will have to deal with Dexter one way or another!

[SandraSt]

On 1/13/2023 at 3:44 AM, Maddie6332 said:

Okay, so I know this is about being gluten free and stuff but I made a book and need opinions. I will post it on this topic when I'm done, but I hope you enjoy it. I will also put the blurb below:

12 year old Tony, wants to find his parents after they abandoned him on this little island. He wants to find them. But he has bigger problems. He has to steal food, live in this old man's shed, and watch out for Dexter, the kid who is 3 years older than him, and 3 times his size. Will he ever get off this island and back home, or not?

 

Let me know what you think based on the blurb, and I will post the story as soon as it's done!

Sounds interesting! If you mentioned that Dexter is 3 times bigger, does that mean rivalry or friendship like Timon & Pumbaa?😀

[Maddie6332]

On 2/27/2023 at 12:14 PM, SandraSt said:

Sounds interesting! If you mentioned that Dexter is 3 times bigger, does that mean rivalry or friendship like Timon & Pumbaa?😀

It means size and rivalry. 😆

[Maddie6332]

So far it is 22 pages long! 😁

[Scott Adams]

Amazing!

[Maddie6332]

This is ny story so far! It's called Searching. 

Once there was a little boy, he is 12 years old now. When he was younger, about 4 years old, his parents were forced to leave him, and he ended up on this little island, alone. 
                        ~
    He goes to the ocean often, and when he does he always thinks of one thing, the one thing stopping him from seeing his parents is the water. It’s even worse because this is the only thing he can’t cross by foot. He desperately wants to find his parents, and he knows if he wants to find them, he has to get off this island. A few weeks later, people start learning the little boy’s name: Tony. Nobody would take care of him when he was little, and he never knew why. He was a good kid when he came here, but… things change when you're by yourself. 

                        ~
    I wake up, and search my surroundings. Even though people don’t know I know, I always catch them staring at me and talking about me. Especially this one kid, he’s 15 and his name is Dexter. Everyone knows him as the tough guy, and he’s always messing with me, so I never know when he’ll strike. My stomach grumbles, I haven’t eaten anything in 5 days. I can’t tell if I'm getting weaker or if I’m just hungry- because when I stand up my legs get all wobbly for a few seconds. But I need to hurry, there’s not a lot of time between when I wake up, and when the workers come out and set up. Lucky for me, the coast is clear. This is my chance, I need to get food, now- and fast. I choose the bread stand, and if I’m lucky- I can get clean water, or even any sort of drink. I chose the bread stand because that’s the only shop where the food wasn’t put away last night. I look at the town clock- it’s 6:30 AM, the workers will be out any minute now. I run over to the bread stand, take 5 loaves, and shove them all in my backpack. This is the backpack I’ve had since I was 4. I look around, and I run into a store. The baker is out, and I know if he saw me with the bread I took from him, he would put me in jail. He’s been trying to do that ever since I started stealing from him. But I’m too good- so he’s never been able to catch me. I ran into another store, and lucky for me, there were smoothies, water, hot cocoa, tea, and all the other food and drinks you could imagine! But, the best part is that they are all for free! I run over to the counter and the worker sees me and says “Hello there, young man! Nice to meet you! What can I get for you today? This is our only day where everything is free, so you can take whatever!!” I can’t believe it! I am so excited!! I know I have to stock up for at least a week or two. “Hi, can I please have 3 strawberry banana smoothies, one hot cocoa, 5 chocolate chip muffins, a plain bagel with cream cheese and 6 bottles of water.” He looks at me like I have spiders crawling out of my eyes and a tail growing out of my butt. After a few minutes of him staring at me like I’m mutating into an animal, he replies with “Ok…. will that be all?” I could tell he asked it with hesitation. He tries to do it in the same cheery voice as before, but I can tell he thinks I’m crazy and probably thinks ‘why is this kid getting so much food and acting like it’s his last meal?’ I want to tell him ‘I am stocking up my food like it is my last meal because I don’t know when I’ll be able to eat again,’ but I keep my mouth shut instead. He gives me all the stuff I ordered and he watches me as I shove it all in my bag quickly. “Thanks” I say. I’m out the door once again and I can’t wait to leave soon. I walk past the baker and straighten myself up, so I don’t look like I’m trying to hide something, even if I am. He gives me the side eye suspiciously. I remember I need a new hiding spot. The bench I slept under was too open, and that was just a one night thing. I could go to my shed on Wedge-brooke road… or just find a place on the streets like I always do. I run onto Wedge-brooke road and walk down a few houses. I found this shed when I was 5, and nobody knows I live here. It’s meant for someone’s house, but they don’t use it because they're older and don’t really need a shed, not anymore at least. So, when I found this place, I went to the old store where everything was free all the time. That was the best store that existed, but then it closed, nobody knew why. It might have been because everything was free, so people were ‘buying’ stuff from there for free, and then it didn’t have any money to use to restock because it wasn’t making any money, so it went out of business. That’s what makes the most sense to me at least. I see the people whisper as I go by and run down the street. But I don’t care what they say, let them talk! As I slow my pace, I start thinking. All of a sudden, I want to explain to the old man who owns the shed that I’m living in it, and that I hope he doesn’t mind, but I don’t wanna creep

[Maddie6332]

him out either. I mean- if that were me, I would be creeped out if some random kid just told me he’s been living in my shed for the past 8 years. I decide it’s the right thing to do, so I walk up to the old man’s porch and knock on the door. I hear him call to me “Just one second!” His voice sounds happy, like he’s been expecting somebody to knock on his door for a while. I smile a little, and then the door opens. This old man is wearing a bright blue shirt and khaki shorts. He has soft blue eyes, and thin, gray hair on his head. He doesn’t seem to recognize me, and yet I don’t understand why he should. He smiles at me and says “Well, hello there! Would you like to come in?” I smile, “Sure.” I head into the house, and he motions towards the living room, “Please, sit.” I sit down on the couch. It is soft and old, you can tell, and it’s navy blue with a few pillows on it. The house is strangely clean, and the man closes the door softly and sits down across from me. I can tell he wants to know why I’m here. I start talking, “Sir you-” He stops me. “Oh! You're so polite! There’s no need to call me sir. You can call me John. I’m sorry for the interruption- pardon me.” I nod. “John, You probably don’t know me, but I’m Tony.” I wait for a response. He smiles and I can tell he’s listening. “Tony..” He seems like he’s studying my name, like he’s heard it before, and then he continues “Oh! Tony! Aren’t you the boy who was left here on the island! Oh, you were so little then. How old are you now?” I’m  pretty surprised he knows me. I didn’t know anybody knew me. I thought they thought I was just some random kid who was abandoned by his family. Does he know how I got here? “I’m uh- 12 now.”  He smiles from ear to ear. “Oh my my! You're so big! But- what brought you here to my house, at my front door?” This man is acting like he’s my grandpa. I know what to say but I don’t know what words would be right to use. I hesitate and then say “Um.. John, as you know…  I’ve been here on this island since I was little. I needed somewhere to stay. I knew I couldn’t stay on the streets; out in the open like that. This street caught my eye, but your house stood out to me especially. I knew I couldn’t stay in your house, but I did see your shed. It looked pretty nice and it was empty, so… I’ve been living in your shed. And I’ve been living there for the past 8 years. I thought you would like to know. I hope you don’t mind.” I look at the ground, not knowing what to do. I feel the man’s eyes lasering me, like I’m a target and my head is the bullseye, I can tell he’s trying to figure out what to say. Then he finally does say something, “Thank you for being so honest! I’m glad you came and told me. I don’t mind you staying in my shed at all.” He smiles, but not that fake smile like the one someone does when they say ‘you’ll have a family soon but we all know you actually won’t.’-smile. Or the worst one of all- the ‘your parents care about you. I’m sure they’ll come back. They probably left you on this island for a reason- it's not because they don’t love you.’ It’s that real smile, the one that says ‘I believe you’-smile. I grab my bag full of food, and I guess I was really worried about telling him, because now I feel dizzy, and my stomach hurts. I thank him and walk out. When I’m on my way down his driveway, I hit the ground hard- and everything goes black. I wake up, and I realize I’m in an ambulance, I’m surrounded by doctors and nurses, and the old man. I ask the doctor who’s examining my cuts “What’s going on? Why am I in an ambulance? What happened?!” I demand for them to tell me. John looks at me in shock- wondering why I was demanding to know what happened. The sirens give me a headache, and my whole body hurts. I move around uncomfortably on the stiff stretcher. The doctor says “Hi! I’m Doctor Jenny. This nice old man found you passed out in his driveway just after you walked out of his house. Do you have any idea why you passed out? And where are your parents?” I freeze. I can’t answer that. I make something up on the spot. Most of the time, my responses to questions like these aren’t very good- but it’s better than me just standing there like a complete idiot.. “Um.. well- they’re… out of town for a few months… and I think I passed out because I was.. Nervous- I guess, I don’t know…” She looks at me and I look away, I can’t look at anyone right now. But the sirens get the best of me and I shout ”TURN OFF THOSE DUMB SIRENS!!! MY HEAD ALREADY HURTS AND THEY’RE JUST MAKING IT WORSE!!” The sirens turn off immediately. Doctor Jenny is examining me as the ambulance stops and the doors open. There are about 10 doctors surrounding me,  frantically rushing to get me into a room. Doctors are so dramatic. Okay- I fell on my head and got a few cuts. So? They’re acting like I’m dying and like this is an emergency- when it’s not. There’s people having heart attacks who deserve a lot more attention than me and they’re seriously worried about me falling on my head? Oh- big deal. All I wanna do is get out of here. They bring me to a room and I hate it more than ever. Everything’s really white and way too bright- I’m honestly concerned if not one of these doctors has gone blind from how bright it is in here. The bright white color and the fluorescent lights make my eyes and head hurt. I realize I’m holding my bag and clutch it tight against my chest. I blurt out “When can I get out of here? I wanna go! I don't need to be here!” Doctor Jenny looks at me, and she looks worried. But, why should she be worried about me? I’m perfectly fine! She sighs in an exhausted way and looks at me, “You’ll be in here just until tomorrow. We need to examine you. Can you sit up for me, please?” I hate it when people act stubborn- especially me, but I’m mad, and this isn’t fair! I’m completely fine. I don’t need help- I didn’t even ask for this. “No way! You already took me here against my will! I already have so much stuff happening that I don’t have time for this! I have dogs that come to me for food at this time! I want to leave. NOW.” The old man looks at me with sympathetic eyes. But I still refuse to sit up, I won’t. “You're bleeding! You need stitches and you have infections which look like they came from when you were 6!” The anger inside me grows like a volcano about to erupt. “I don’t care! Let me out of here!” I stand up and start to walk towards the door. It hurts to move, but I need to leave. She steps in front of the door, blocking my path. “Would you talk to your parents like this? I am here to help you! Not to hurt you!  Now get back in bed, as soon as the stitches are done your parents can sign a paper and you can leave!” I’m about to say ‘what parents?!’ but then I get a better idea. I slump back over to the bed and sit up. Doctor Jenny tells me I need stitches on my arm, wrist, and forehead. I get ready, it hurts really bad, wasn’t she supposed to numb me or something so it’d hurt less? But I’m not going to be rude because I just wanna leave. After I’m done I hop off the bed and go outside the room. “Good, now let’s go sign the papers.” I follow her to the counter where she hands me papers and reminds me my parents have to sign this, as she points to the parent signature line. I nod and sign where it says ‘parent signature’, after that I put down the papers and start heading towards the door. Jenny runs to me and says “You put your signature where the parent signature goes!” I smirk. “Oh, I know. I’m surprised I could read the words because the room is so bright. I wouldn’t have been able to read the words if I was in that room for much longer. You guys should fix that- you don’t need a doctor going blind while doing something ‘important.’ Like a kid’s stitches.” I put important in heavy air quotes. I motion towards my forehead and grin in a fake disappointed way. I get back to the point, “My parents left me here, I’m my own ‘parent.’” She tries to stop me again. “Get back here! You can’t leave yet. Young man!” She grabs my arm and tries to make me stay. But then, the old man comes running over, and he grabs her hand and tugs it away from mine. “Go to my house!” Then he looks at her and says something to her which makes her storm off- angrily. I  just brush it off and run as fast as I can to his house.

~

On my way back, I feel like my whole body is shaking, but I thought it was just because I was in the hospital and I just passed out and stuff. But then, I notice other people feel it too. They all go running as I hear their screams of horror. I follow them, because that’s the only thing I can think of doing. I realize they’re running to the boats, it’s my ticket out of here! I hop into a boat all by myself and start rowing away. But someone grabs my boat and pulls it  back, it’s a man. I’m confused but then he says, “We don’t have personal boats kid! Scoot over!” I do as he says- and I don’t know why I didn’t keep going. As him and a few other men row the boat away, I stare at the crumbling island and wonder where we will go now. After a while, we got to ‘the new place.’ All of the people from my town are in the middle of the new town. I ran out of the boat with my backpack, I need to find a place to hide, now. I’m too busy trying to find somewhere to hide that I don't notice the baker charging at me like an angry bull. But- I wasn’t wearing red, so he shouldn’t be charging at me so furiously. Unless he was just a bull attracted to 5 sizes too small, ripped and dirty clothes. I considered it for a brief moment but I was interrupted. He grabs me and spins me around so fast- I swear I saw stars. I face him and he screams in my face “Stop stealing from me, you filthy little brat!” He hits me hard on the head, and everything goes black- again. I wake up and realize I’m in a huge line. I look down the line and notice people are passing rocks? No, I think their bags, maybe even sacks. I start thinking. The baker finally did it, he put me in jail, he got his way. This is all my fault, I never should have let my guard down because I was too busy looking for a dumb place to hide. I should’ve ignored the man and kept rowing away. I stop thinking and look in front of me. They have guards watching us like we just committed a crime. I only notice the guard because he screams at me to pass the bags along. I don’t do it at first, and I realize I have at least 20 sacks piling higher and higher at my feet. They get so high 

that they’re up to my neck now. I pick one up; it feels like it’s 50 pounds- I lift it using all my strength but I still struggle and can barely lift it. I pass them to the person next to me, and he’s an old man. He reminds me of the kind old man I met, John. I wonder where he is. I hope he’s alright. I haven’t seen him since the hospital. This old man looks kind, and I want to ask him what’s going on, and why I am here- why anybody is here. But I have to be careful because the guards are watching us like a hawk. I whisper to him “Why am I here?” He glances at the guards cautiously, to make sure they’re not looking. Then he looks at me and whispers back “People who commit crimes are forced to come here and work for the rest of their lives. You can only get out if you escape- but it’s hard because the guards watch your every move. If you're really bad- they watch you at night to make sure you don’t try to escape.” I freeze, but not in fear, in confusion. I didn’t commit a crime, at least not on this island. I’m relieved when I find out I still have my backpack. 

 

~

It’s nighttime. These bars are so thin they could break if you just hit them. I’m hungry. I drink 2 bottles of water and I eat 2 of my muffins. I’m ready to escape. I have everything I need in my bag. I bang against the bars for a good 20 minutes. I flinch and spin around when I hear the sound of someone moving around in their metal bed. The break and I climb out and head towards the boats. I climb in one, and wobble when it rocks. I steady the boat and start rowing away. It’s dark and I realize I have nowhere to go, especially because I can’t see anything. I realize I’m lost. I get myself so worked up, I know I need to calm myself down, now. I run over to the docks and lay in the little wooden boat and think of my little shed that’s all mine, and how nobody, not anybody can take it away from me. I like that I have something that’s all mine. I lay in the boat with my eyes closed, it feels like I’m laying there forever. But then the boat jerks, and I bang my head against the inside of the boat. I wonder why the boat stopped, and I hesitate to look up.. I knew I must have slowly been drifting from where our whole town had to go because when I look up I see an island! But it looks familiar, a little… too familiar. But then I realize I’m at my island! I sprint off the boat. I slow down when I make it to the Town Square. I look around cautiously, not knowing what to expect. I go to dig in my backpack for a drink, I grab one of my smoothies, I completely forgot about how much food I got.

Im not done filling it all in here.... to be continued....

[Maddie6332]

I look around and see everything is buried in rubble. I look at the bench I slept under the night before, the night before everything came crashing down. I try not to think about that though, I don’t need to and I don’t want to either. I clutch my backpack, and walk down the road. I have to be very careful so I don’t trip over any rocks, I don’t want to get any more injuries and have to deal with any more drama queens- I mean doctors. I don’t know where to go at first, but then I know just the spot. I run down a few blocks, make a few turns and end up on WedgeBrook road, right where I wanted. I’m honestly quite surprised I found it in the dark and the rubble and dirt. I want to know what happened.  The sun rises and it’s hot. Sweat drips down my face. I wipe it off and wince in pain from the stitches. “Ugh- these stitches are exhausting! I know I need them but-” I grab out my pocket knife that came with my bag. I open it and slowly and carefully pull out my stitches. I cry in pain, it really hurts! A lot more than I expected. I suggest stopping, but I realize I would look pretty weird if I was walking around with a half stitched cut on my forehead and people would look at me like I’m crazy. Then I realize nobody’s here! I don’t have to worryabout anything or anyone! I decide to stop and if I really want to, I can finish getting my stitches out later. I continue to run down WedgeBrook road, feeling the best I ever have in my entire life! “I’M THE KING OF The WORLD!” I scream. I’m all alone and I have no cares, no responsibilites, and nothing to fight for on this island. This island- my island, will become my home- I know it was my home before.. But it didn’t feel like home. As I keep running down the road I realize that all the houses are crushed in rubble and rocks except John’s. It’s only covered in dirt and his garden is destroyed. I glance over towards the shed and see it is still in good condition. I smile and I see a little dog. I realize it’s one of the dogs that I would play with during the day, we’re all strays- with no family. We were each other's family though. They’re like my siblings. I pour out some of my water bottle into a little bowl I found on my way here. I use the whole bottle because I already have plenty. “Here you go little guy, you need this more than I do.” As the dog drinks the water, I study him. I realize it’s Rufus. Rufus has a cut in his ear, which he didn’t have when I met him. He has a little red bandana as a collar, which I put on him. As I watch him sympathetically, I realize that all the people got out, but none of the animals. Peoplejust thought of themselves! It infuriates me how selfish people can be sometimes. I push those thoughts away and pet Rufus as he drinks the water and pants out of breath from the heat. After he finishes the whole thing, he licks me- a lot. I smile at him. As I gently pet him, he pants, which looks like a smile. Rufus is a black English lab, with floppy ears, a wet nose and a lot of fur. Since I kind of trained these dogs, I taught them to follow me and come back to the shed if they get lost. I signal for Rufus to follow me as I walk down to John’s house. I figured I mine as well stay in his house, because the house is bigger and it has more space than a little shed. I can feel Rufus overheating, and he begins to whimper. “It’s okay Rufus, I got you, we’ll get you a nice, shady spot soon.” I try to calm him down as I reassure him everything is okay. I walk into the house and the cool wind from inside the house hits me. It feels good to be in a cold place after being in the heat and breathing in the dry and humid air. Rufus goes on the hardwood and flops on the floor, which makes sense because when I walk onto it, I realize it is freezing. I lay on the hardwood floor with Rufus, exhausted. I try to process everything that has happened in the past 2 days. I woke up and got a bunch of free food- which is a plus.

I’m so glad I stocked up on food earlier that day. Then I went to John’s house and explained to him I was living in his shed. I remember being really nervous and passing out. I woke up in the hospital and had to get stitches. Then I was arguing with the dramatic and extremely pushy doctor, and then John told me to go to his house. I remember I felt like I was shaking, but it was actually the ground. I remember running to a boat and then more people filed in. Then I was hit in the head by the baker, forced into a line where we were passing sacks to the end of time, and I remember drifting off in a boat and coming here. I nod as I remember everything. I eat one of my muffins and chug a whole bottle of water. It really is brutal out there- I don’t even want to imagine what it’s like wearing a full coat of fur too. As I’m eating, I realize that when I’m out of food I have no stores or shops to get food from. Oh no- This won’t end well. I give Rufus a muffin because he’s probably been starving out here for who knows how long. I  I look outside, it’s dark out now. I’m so tired that I don’t have time to think about what to do tomorrow, or about my food and water supply situation. I just know that my food and drink supply is not infinite, and I will run out of food and water sooner or later. I slowly drift off to sleep. I wake up to Rufus licking my face. I push him off of me and laugh. I eat my bagel and drink one of my smoothies. I give Rufus half of my bagel too. I laugh. I look at him and say “Rufus, what am I gonna do with you? I can fix up my shed for you, and then you can stay in there and I’ll check on you every day.” I walk out to the shed, and open the door. I see a kid on the ground in my shed. I stare at him in horror. ‘What is this kid doing?! Why is he in my shed?’ I think to myself. As I look at him, I realize he’s alive because I see his chest slowly rising and falling as he breathes. I need this guy to leave- now. “Dude. Dude! Get up! Get outta my shed!” He wakes up and stands up quickly, almost like he’s just as terrified as I was when I saw him. As he stands up, he towers over me.  I try to act tough, but I panic at the size difference between us. I try to say in a firmer voice again “You gotta go dude, this is my- my shed!” I realize that when I stutter, I messed up. He just stares at me, like a dead-pan. ‘Dude.. you got stitches in your face.” I ignore him and stare back, careful not to lose my concentration to seem weak. He thinks I don’t know that?! I thought if you were tall and looked older, you would at least be smart. Just even a little smart at least. As I stare at him, I realize that his eyes are filled with

[Maddie6332]

fear. I study him like the old man studied me. It's Dexter. I hesitate, then say “Listen man, it’s just us on this island. Everyone else is on another island and- and we just have each other. So, we can either make this work… or not. What do you say?” I stick out my hand, waiting to see if he’ll agree. But Dexter just stares at me, and he goes from terrified to angry. He shoves past me as he storms out of the shed, and slams the door behind him. I walk back into the house, staggering and not knowing what to do at this point. I sit down on the cold hard wood floor, bury my head in my knees and think. ‘Why was I in jail? And why was that guy screaming at me like that?’ I’m overwhelmed by what just happened. 

      ~

It’s night time again. I need to find my parents, I need to leave this- this stupid island! I want to go home to my parents and I want to be like the families in the movies, eating dinner together, and going to play a game of family frisbee when it’s nice out! I’m sick of having to steal food and sleep under benches at night!’ I scream in anger and frustration, but also pain from losing my family. As I sob with my head buried in my knees, I wonder if my parents had to or wanted to leave me here? Was it a punishment?

Would they ever come back to get me? I cry on my knees so hard that it feels like I’ll never stop. When will this nightmare end? Will I ever be saved?’

~

I cried myself to sleep that night, and I wake up exhausted. I rub my eyes and instantly eat the few last pieces of bread in my backpack. I realize Rufus is gone, probably out playing with the other dogs. When I finish, I lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling. ‘There has to be something I’m missing.’ I try and think back to when my parents left me here. I may have been only 4 then, but I have to remember something! I realize that my eyes start to fill with tears, and I wipe them away quickly. I won’t cry again, a real man never cries, ever. And then, I remember something! It’s about my parents! I remember my mom saying to my dad “Mike, we can’t leave him, can we at least stay with him, please?” I remember I started to cry then because I was so confused and terrified. Then I remember my dad pulling me into a tight hug and whispering in my ear, “Tony, we’ll come back for you, we promise. But you can’t cry now. Because you're going to grow up to be a real man, and a real man never cries. You're strong Tony. I wish I was as brave and as strong as you.

Always remember that we love you very, very much. Never ever forget that.” I remember people screaming at the top of their lungs as my parents were saying goodbye to me. As I think back to all the angry faces and violent shouting, I wonder- was that the reason my parents were forced to leave me here? Was it because the people didn’t like them? Is that why they couldn’t stay with me? I hold my head in anger and confusion. I think to myself ‘Could this have been… my fault.’ I drift off to sleep. But if I would have stayed up longer… I would’ve been able to save Rufus.

 

~

I wake up and eat my very last piece of bread. I save a piece for Rufus. He didn’t come back last night- but I trained him to always come back here- or even to the shed. I hold the bread in my hand and head out to search for him. I walk towards the shed. “Rufus! Rufus- come on buddy! I got you breakfast!” I called. I open the shed door and I am petrified. I look down at the ground- and I see Rufus huddled up in a corner with blood all over him. He lays there- motionless. I run over to him and place myhands gently on his chest to make sure he’s still breathing. I take a little sigh of relief when I feel his chest quickly rising and falling, but I know that it’s getting really hard for him to breathe. I whisper in his ear through tears “R- Rufus.. It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay. I’m gonna help you and you’ll stay alive. I need you, you hear me? I need you.” I run inside as fast as I can and sprint back out with the first aid kit from under the sink. I open the door to the shed and kneel down over Rufus. I unwrap the gauze and cut it quickly. I wrap it around the bloody and torn areas. I wrap it around his side, chest, and tail. I wipe away tears with my bloody hands. I grab the mini oxygen bag and put it on his face as best as I can and help him breathe. I keep the door open to let out some of the dry air to make it so he can breathe easier. I watch his every move and cry. Rufus is the one person who is always there for me… he can’t go now. It was so quiet… you could hear a pin drop. It was too quiet.. For too long. The only sounds were Rufus breathing weakly with my help, and me crying and talking to him softly. After 15 minutes… I finally heard a whimper. Even if it was in pain.. I was happy to have just heard something from him. I practically jumped up when I heard it. I cry hysterically and whisper through sniffles, “Rufus.

Hey, hey it’s okay. I’m gonna make you all better. I’ve got you. I’m here. It’s okay.” I pet him softly as he cries. I realize that he might not make it. I want his last few moments of life to be happy though. I reassure him that everything will be okay. Even if he dies.. I know he’ll always be there for me. I lay down next to him, still helping him breath. I won’t give up- for him.. Or for me. I start telling him about how he’s a good dog- and I tell him about all the things we used to do together. I remind him of when we would play outside together and throw pieces of bread for playing fetch, but how he would never bring them back because he would eat them before he got back to me. I laughed a little when I said that- remembering his tail wagging, mouth wide and his slobber getting everywhere. When I finish the story, I turn to look at him in his eyes. He whimpers quietly and licks my face gently. I smile weakly and snot comes out of my nose. He puts his paw in my hand and that’s when I fall apart. I hug him and cry for a long time. I never want to let him go. He whimpers and I sob into his soft, wet fur. I feel his chest stop moving. I cry on top of him. I cry myself to sleep in the shed. I needed him… but he’s in a better place now. 

~

I fell asleep on Rufus that night. I wake up but lay my head on the ground. I pet his soft fur and look at him. Tears fall down my cheeks. I put my hand on his paw and I think. I was too worried about myself to wonder why Rufus was gone. I miss him. It feels like he’s been gone forever. I lost my parents.. And now Rufus is gone too and I have no one! My parents leaving… Rufus dying.. It’s all my fault! I back away from his body, looking at him in shock and sadness. I close the door quietly, like the old man did when I’d met him. I stormed into the house and slam the front door shut.

(/THATS ALL I HAVE SO FAR BUT THERE WILL 100% BE MORE!/)

 

 

[Maddie6332]

                                               Searching

                          (Not the full thing... just what I have so far. Enjoy!)

 

Once there was a little boy, he is 12 years old now. When he was younger, about 4 years old, his parents were forced to leave him, and he ended up on this little island, alone. 
                        ~
    He goes to the ocean often, and when he does he always thinks of one thing, the one thing stopping him from seeing his parents is the water. It’s even worse because this is the only thing he can’t cross by foot. He desperately wants to find his parents, and he knows if he wants to find them, he has to get off this island. A few weeks later, people start learning the little boy’s name: Tony. Nobody would take care of him when he was little, and he never knew why. He was a good kid when he came here, but… things change when you're by yourself. 

                        ~
    I wake up, and search my surroundings. Even though people don’t know I know, I always catch them staring at me and talking about me. Especially this one kid, he’s 15 and his name is Dexter. Everyone knows him as the tough guy, and he’s always messing with me, so I never know when he’ll strike. My stomach grumbles, I haven’t eaten anything in 5 days. I can’t tell if I'm getting weaker or if I’m just hungry- because when I stand up my legs get all wobbly for a few seconds. But I need to hurry, there’s not a lot of time between when I wake up, and when the workers come out and set up. Lucky for me, the coast is clear. This is my chance, I need to get food, now- and fast. I choose the bread stand, and if I’m lucky- I can get clean water, or even any sort of drink. I chose the bread stand because that’s the only shop where the food wasn’t put away last night. I look at the town clock- it’s 6:30 AM, the workers will be out any minute now. I run over to the bread stand, take 5 loaves, and shove them all in my backpack. This is the backpack I’ve had since I was 4. I look around, and I run into a store. The baker is out, and I know if he saw me with the bread I took from him, he would put me in jail. He’s been trying to do that ever since I started stealing from him. But I’m too good- so he’s never been able to catch me. I ran into another store, and lucky for me, there were smoothies, water, hot cocoa, tea, and all the other food and drinks you could imagine! But, the best part is that they are all for free! I run over to the counter and the worker sees me and says “Hello there, young man! Nice to meet you! What can I get for you today? This is our only day where everything is free, so you can take whatever!!” I can’t believe it! I am so excited!! I know I have to stock up for at least a week or two. “Hi, can I please have 3 strawberry banana smoothies, one hot cocoa, 5 chocolate chip muffins, a plain bagel with cream cheese and 6 bottles of water.” He looks at me like I have spiders crawling out of my eyes and a tail growing out of my butt. After a few minutes of him staring at me like I’m mutating into an animal, he replies with “Ok…. will that be all?” I could tell he asked it with hesitation. He tries to do it in the same cheery voice as before, but I can tell he thinks I’m crazy and probably thinks ‘why is this kid getting so much food and acting like it’s his last meal?’ I want to tell him ‘I am stocking up my food like it is my last meal because I don’t know when I’ll be able to eat again,’ but I keep my mouth shut instead. He gives me all the stuff I ordered and he watches me as I shove it all in my bag quickly. “Thanks” I say. I’m out the door once again and I can’t wait to leave soon. I walk past the baker and straighten myself up, so I don’t look like I’m trying to hide something, even if I am. He gives me the side eye suspiciously. I remember I need a new hiding spot. The bench I slept under was too open, and that was just a one night thing. I could go to my shed on Wedge-brooke road… or just find a place on the streets like I always do. I run onto Wedge-brooke road and walk down a few houses. I found this shed when I was 5, and nobody knows I live here. It’s meant for someone’s house, but they don’t use it because they're older and don’t really need a shed, not anymore at least. So, when I found this place, I went to the old store where everything was free all the time. That was the best store that existed, but then it closed, nobody knew why. It might have been because everything was free, so people were ‘buying’ stuff from there for free, and then it didn’t have any money to use to restock because it wasn’t making any money, so it went out of business. That’s what makes the most sense to me at least. I see the people whisper as I go by and run down the street. But I don’t care what they say, let them talk! As I slow my pace, I start thinking. All of a sudden, I want to explain to the old man who owns the shed that I’m living in it, and that I hope he doesn’t mind, but I don’t wanna creep
him out either. I mean- if that were me, I would be creeped out if some random kid just told me he’s been living in my shed for the past 8 years. I decide it’s the right thing to do, so I walk up to the old man’s porch and knock on the door. I hear him call to me “Just one second!” His voice sounds happy, like he’s been expecting somebody to knock on his door for a while. I smile a little, and then the door opens. This old man is wearing a bright blue shirt and khaki shorts. He has soft blue eyes, and thin, gray hair on his head. He doesn’t seem to recognize me, and yet I don’t understand why he should. He smiles at me and says “Well, hello there! Would you like to come in?” I smile, “Sure.” I head into the house, and he motions towards the living room, “Please, sit.” I sit down on the couch. It is soft and old, you can tell, and it’s navy blue with a few pillows on it. The house is strangely clean, and the man closes the door softly and sits down across from me. I can tell he wants to know why I’m here. I start talking, “Sir you-” He stops me. “Oh! You're so polite! There’s no need to call me sir. You can call me John. I’m sorry for the interruption- pardon me.” I nod. “John, You probably don’t know me, but I’m Tony.” I wait for a response. He smiles and I can tell he’s listening. “Tony..” He seems like he’s studying my name, like he’s heard it before, and then he continues “Oh! Tony! Aren’t you the boy who was left here on the island! Oh, you were so little then. How old are you now?” I’m  pretty surprised he knows me. I didn’t know anybody knew me. I thought they thought I was just some random kid who was abandoned by his family. Does he know how I got here? “I’m uh- 12 now.”  He smiles from ear to ear. “Oh my my! You're so big! But- what brought you here to my house, at my front door?” This man is acting like he’s my grandpa. I know what to say but I don’t know what words would be right to use. I hesitate and then say “Um.. John, as you know…  I’ve been here on this island since I was little. I needed somewhere to stay. I knew I couldn’t stay on the streets; out in the open like that. This street caught my eye, but your house stood out to me especially. I knew I couldn’t stay in your house, but I did see your shed. It looked pretty nice and it was empty, so… I’ve been living in your shed. And I’ve been living there for the past 8 years. I thought you would like to know. I hope you don’t mind.” I look at the ground, not knowing what to do. I feel the man’s eyes lasering me, like I’m a target and my head is the bullseye, I can tell he’s trying to figure out what to say. Then he finally does say something, “Thank you for being so honest! I’m glad you came and told me. I don’t mind you staying in my shed at all.” He smiles, but not that fake smile like the one someone does when they say ‘you’ll have a family soon but we all know you actually won’t.’-smile. Or the worst one of all- the ‘your parents care about you. I’m sure they’ll come back. They probably left you on this island for a reason- it's not because they don’t love you.’ It’s that real smile, the one that says ‘I believe you’-smile. I grab my bag full of food, and I guess I was really worried about telling him, because now I feel dizzy, and my stomach hurts. I thank him and walk out. When I’m on my way down his driveway, I hit the ground hard- and everything goes black. I wake up, and I realize I’m in an ambulance, I’m surrounded by doctors and nurses, and the old man. I ask the doctor who’s examining my cuts “What’s going on? Why am I in an ambulance? What happened?!” I demand for them to tell me. John looks at me in shock- wondering why I was demanding to know what happened. The sirens give me a headache, and my whole body hurts. I move around uncomfortably on the stiff stretcher. The doctor says “Hi! I’m Doctor Jenny. This nice old man found you passed out in his driveway just after you walked out of his house. Do you have any idea why you passed out? And where are your parents?” I freeze. I can’t answer that. I make something up on the spot. Most of the time, my responses to questions like these aren’t very good- but it’s better than me just standing there like a complete idiot.. “Um.. well- they’re… out of town for a few months… and I think I passed out because I was.. Nervous- I guess, I don’t know…” She looks at me and I look away, I can’t look at anyone right now. But the sirens get the best of me and I shout ”TURN OFF THOSE DUMB SIRENS!!! MY HEAD ALREADY HURTS AND THEY’RE JUST MAKING IT WORSE!!” The sirens turn off immediately. Doctor Jenny is examining me as the ambulance stops and the doors open. There are about 10 doctors surrounding me,  frantically rushing to get me into a room. Doctors are so dramatic. Okay- I fell on my head and got a few cuts. So? They’re acting like I’m dying and like this is an emergency- when it’s not. There’s people having heart attacks who deserve a lot more attention than me and they’re seriously worried about me falling on my head? Oh- big deal. All I wanna do is get out of here. They bring me to a room and I hate it more than ever. Everything’s really white and way too bright- I’m honestly concerned if not one of these doctors has gone blind from how bright it is in here. The bright white color and the fluorescent lights make my eyes and head hurt. I realize I’m holding my bag and clutch it tight against my chest. I blurt out “When can I get out of here? I wanna go! I don't need to be here!” Doctor Jenny looks at me, and she looks worried. But, why should she be worried about me? I’m perfectly fine! She sighs in an exhausted way and looks at me, “You’ll be in here just until tomorrow. We need to examine you. Can you sit up for me, please?” I hate it when people act stubborn- especially me, but I’m mad, and this isn’t fair! I’m completely fine. I don’t need help- I didn’t even ask for this. “No way! You already took me here against my will! I already have so much stuff happening that I don’t have time for this! I have dogs that come to me for food at this time! I want to leave. NOW.” The old man looks at me with sympathetic eyes. But I still refuse to sit up, I won’t. “You're bleeding! You need stitches and you have infections which look like they came from when you were 6!” The anger inside me grows like a volcano about to erupt. “I don’t care! Let me out of here!” I stand up and start to walk towards the door. It hurts to move, but I need to leave. She steps in front of the door, blocking my path. “Would you talk to your parents like this? I am here to help you! Not to hurt you!  Now get back in bed, as soon as the stitches are done your parents can sign a paper and you can leave!” I’m about to say ‘what parents?!’ but then I get a better idea. I slump back over to the bed and sit up. Doctor Jenny tells me I need stitches on my arm, wrist, and forehead. I get ready, it hurts really bad, wasn’t she supposed to numb me or something so it’d hurt less? But I’m not going to be rude because I just wanna leave. After I’m done I hop off the bed and go outside the room. “Good, now let’s go sign the papers.” I follow her to the counter where she hands me papers and reminds me my parents have to sign this, as she points to the parent signature line. I nod and sign where it says ‘parent signature’, after that I put down the papers and start heading towards the door. Jenny runs to me and says “You put your signature where the parent signature goes!” I smirk. “Oh, I know. I’m surprised I could read the words because the room is so bright. I wouldn’t have been able to read the words if I was in that room for much longer. You guys should fix that- you don’t need a doctor going blind while doing something ‘important.’ Like a kid’s stitches.” I put important in heavy air quotes. I motion towards my forehead and grin in a fake disappointed way. I get back to the point, “My parents left me here, I’m my own ‘parent.’” She tries to stop me again. “Get back here! You can’t leave yet. Young man!” She grabs my arm and tries to make me stay. But then, the old man comes running over, and he grabs her hand and tugs it away from mine. “Go to my house!” Then he looks at her and says something to her which makes her storm off- angrily. I  just brush it off and run as fast as I can to his house.

~

On my way back, I feel like my whole body is shaking, but I thought it was just because I was in the hospital and I just passed out and stuff. But then, I notice other people feel it too. They all go running as I hear their screams of horror. I follow them, because that’s the only thing I can think of doing. I realize they’re running to the boats, it’s my ticket out of here! I hop into a boat all by myself and start rowing away. But someone grabs my boat and pulls it  back, it’s a man. I’m confused but then he says, “We don’t have personal boats kid! Scoot over!” I do as he says- and I don’t know why I didn’t keep going. As him and a few other men row the boat away, I stare at the crumbling island and wonder where we will go now. After a while, we got to ‘the new place.’ All of the people from my town are in the middle of the new town. I ran out of the boat with my backpack, I need to find a place to hide, now. I’m too busy trying to find somewhere to hide that I don't notice the baker charging at me like an angry bull. But- I wasn’t wearing red, so he shouldn’t be charging at me so furiously. Unless he was just a bull attracted to 5 sizes too small, ripped and dirty clothes. I considered it for a brief moment but I was interrupted. He grabs me and spins me around so fast- I swear I saw stars. I face him and he screams in my face “Stop stealing from me, you filthy little brat!” He hits me hard on the head, and everything goes black- again. I wake up and realize I’m in a huge line. I look down the line and notice people are passing rocks? No, I think their bags, maybe even sacks. I start thinking. The baker finally did it, he put me in jail, he got his way. This is all my fault, I never should have let my guard down because I was too busy looking for a dumb place to hide. I should’ve ignored the man and kept rowing away. I stop thinking and look in front of me. They have guards watching us like we just committed a crime. I only notice the guard because he screams at me to pass the bags along. I don’t do it at first, and I realize I have at least 20 sacks piling higher and higher at my feet. They get so high 

that they’re up to my neck now. I pick one up; it feels like it’s 50 pounds- I lift it using all my strength but I still struggle and can barely lift it. I pass them to the person next to me, and he’s an old man. He reminds me of the kind old man I met, John. I wonder where he is. I hope he’s alright. I haven’t seen him since the hospital. This old man looks kind, and I want to ask him what’s going on, and why I am here- why anybody is here. But I have to be careful because the guards are watching us like a hawk. I whisper to him “Why am I here?” He glances at the guards cautiously, to make sure they’re not looking. Then he looks at me and whispers back “People who commit crimes are forced to come here and work for the rest of their lives. You can only get out if you escape- but it’s hard because the guards watch your every move. If you're really bad- they watch you at night to make sure you don’t try to escape.” I freeze, but not in fear, in confusion. I didn’t commit a crime, at least not on this island. I’m relieved when I find out I still have my backpack. 

 

~

It’s nighttime. These bars are so thin they could break if you just hit them. I’m hungry. I drink 2 bottles of water and I eat 2 of my muffins. I’m ready to escape. I have everything I need in my bag. I bang against the bars for a good 20 minutes. I flinch and spin around when I hear the sound of someone moving around in their metal bed. The break and I climb out and head towards the boats. I climb in one, and wobble when it rocks. I steady the boat and start rowing away. It’s dark and I realize I have nowhere to go, especially because I can’t see anything. I realize I’m lost. I get myself so worked up, I know I need to calm myself down, now. I run over to the docks and lay in the little wooden boat and think of my little shed that’s all mine, and how nobody, not anybody can take it away from me. I like that I have something that’s all mine. I lay in the boat with my eyes closed, it feels like I’m laying there forever. But then the boat jerks, and I bang my head against the inside of the boat. I wonder why the boat stopped, and I hesitate to look up.. I knew I must have slowly been drifting from where our whole town had to go because when I look up I see an island! But it looks familiar, a little… too familiar. But then I realize I’m at my island! I sprint off the boat. I slow down when I make it to the Town Square. I look around cautiously, not knowing what to expect. I go to dig in my backpack for a drink, I grab one of my smoothies, I completely forgot about how much food I got. I look around and see everything is buried in rubble. I look at the bench I slept under the night before, the night before everything came crashing down. I try not to think about that though, I don’t need to and I don’t want to either. I clutch my backpack, and walk down the road. I have to be very careful so I don’t trip over any rocks, I don’t want to get any more injuries and have to deal with any more drama queens- I mean doctors. I don’t know where to go at first, but then I know just the spot. I run down a few blocks, make a few turns and end up on WedgeBrook road, right where I wanted. I’m honestly quite surprised I found it in the dark and the rubble and dirt. I want to know what happened.  The sun rises and it’s hot. Sweat drips down my face. I wipe it off and wince in pain from the stitches. “Ugh- these stitches are exhausting! I know I need them but-” I grab out my pocket knife that came with my bag. I open it and slowly and carefully pull out my stitches. I cry in pain, it really hurts! A lot more than I expected. I suggest stopping, but I realize I would look pretty weird if I was walking around with a half stitched cut on my forehead and people would look at me like I’m crazy. Then I realize nobody’s here! I don’t have to worryabout anything or anyone! I decide to stop and if I really want to, I can finish getting my stitches out later. I continue to run down WedgeBrook road, feeling the best I ever have in my entire life! “I’M THE KING OF The WORLD!” I scream. I’m all alone and I have no cares, no responsibilites, and nothing to fight for on this island. This island- my island, will become my home- I know it was my home before.. But it didn’t feel like home. As I keep running down the road I realize that all the houses are crushed in rubble and rocks except John’s. It’s only covered in dirt and his garden is destroyed. I glance over towards the shed and see it is still in good condition. I smile and I see a little dog. I realize it’s one of the dogs that I would play with during the day, we’re all strays- with no family. We were each other's family though. They’re like my siblings. I pour out some of my water bottle into a little bowl I found on my way here. I use the whole bottle because I already have plenty. “Here you go little guy, you need this more than I do.” As the dog drinks the water, I study him. I realize it’s Rufus. Rufus has a cut in his ear, which he didn’t have when I met him. He has a little red bandana as a collar, which I put on him. As I watch him sympathetically, I realize that all the people got out, but none of the animals. Peoplejust thought of themselves! It infuriates me how selfish people can be sometimes. I push those thoughts away and pet Rufus as he drinks the water and pants out of breath from the heat. After he finishes the whole thing, he licks me- a lot. I smile at him. As I gently pet him, he pants, which looks like a smile. Rufus is a black English lab, with floppy ears, a wet nose and a lot of fur. Since I kind of trained these dogs, I taught them to follow me and come back to the shed if they get lost. I signal for Rufus to follow me as I walk down to John’s house. I figured I mine as well stay in his house, because the house is bigger and it has more space than a little shed. I can feel Rufus overheating, and he begins to whimper. “It’s okay Rufus, I got you, we’ll get you a nice, shady spot soon.” I try to calm him down as I reassure him everything is okay. I walk into the house and the cool wind from inside the house hits me. It feels good to be in a cold place after being in the heat and breathing in the dry and humid air. Rufus goes on the hardwood and flops on the floor, which makes sense because when I walk onto it, I realize it is freezing. I lay on the hardwood floor with Rufus, exhausted. I try to process everything that has happened in the past 2 days. I woke up and got a bunch of free food- which is a plus.

I’m so glad I stocked up on food earlier that day. Then I went to John’s house and explained to him I was living in his shed. I remember being really nervous and passing out. I woke up in the hospital and had to get stitches. Then I was arguing with the dramatic and extremely pushy doctor, and then John told me to go to his house. I remember I felt like I was shaking, but it was actually the ground. I remember running to a boat and then more people filed in. Then I was hit in the head by the baker, forced into a line where we were passing sacks to the end of time, and I remember drifting off in a boat and coming here. I nod as I remember everything. I eat one of my muffins and chug a whole bottle of water. It really is brutal out there- I don’t even want to imagine what it’s like wearing a full coat of fur too. As I’m eating, I realize that when I’m out of food I have no stores or shops to get food from. Oh no- This won’t end well. I give Rufus a muffin because he’s probably been starving out here for who knows how long. I  I look outside, it’s dark out now. I’m so tired that I don’t have time to think about what to do tomorrow, or about my food and water supply situation. I just know that my food and drink supply is not infinite, and I will run out of food and water sooner or later. I slowly drift off to sleep. I wake up to Rufus licking my face. I push him off of me and laugh. I eat my bagel and drink one of my smoothies. I give Rufus half of my bagel too. I laugh. I look at him and say “Rufus, what am I gonna do with you? I can fix up my shed for you, and then you can stay in there and I’ll check on you every day.” I walk out to the shed, and open the door. I see a kid on the ground in my shed. I stare at him in horror. ‘What is this kid doing?! Why is he in my shed?’ I think to myself. As I look at him, I realize he’s alive because I see his chest slowly rising and falling as he breathes. I need this guy to leave- now. “Dude. Dude! Get up! Get outta my shed!” He wakes up and stands up quickly, almost like he’s just as terrified as I was when I saw him. As he stands up, he towers over me.  I try to act tough, but I panic at the size difference between us. I try to say in a firmer voice again “You gotta go dude, this is my- my shed!” I realize that when I stutter, I messed up. He just stares at me, like a dead-pan. ‘Dude.. you got stitches in your face.” I ignore him and stare back, careful not to lose my concentration to seem weak. He thinks I don’t know that?! I thought if you were tall and looked older, you would at least be smart. Just even a little smart at least. As I stare at him, I realize that his eyes are filled with fear. I study him like the old man studied me. It's Dexter. I hesitate, then say “Listen man, it’s just us on this island. Everyone else is on another island and- and we just have each other. So, we can either make this work… or not. What do you say?” I stick out my hand, waiting to see if he’ll agree. But Dexter just stares at me, and he goes from terrified to angry. He shoves past me as he storms out of the shed, and slams the door behind him. I walk back into the house, staggering and not knowing what to do at this point. I sit down on the cold hard wood floor, bury my head in my knees and think. ‘Why was I in jail? And why was that guy screaming at me like that?’ I’m overwhelmed by what just happened. 

      ~

It’s night time again. I need to find my parents, I need to leave this- this stupid island! I want to go home to my parents and I want to be like the families in the movies, eating dinner together, and going to play a game of family frisbee when it’s nice out! I’m sick of having to steal food and sleep under benches at night!’ I scream in anger and frustration, but also pain from losing my family. As I sob with my head buried in my knees, I wonder if my parents had to or wanted to leave me here? Was it a punishment?

Would they ever come back to get me? I cry on my knees so hard that it feels like I’ll never stop. When will this nightmare end? Will I ever be saved?’

~

I cried myself to sleep that night, and I wake up exhausted. I rub my eyes and instantly eat the few last pieces of bread in my backpack. I realize Rufus is gone, probably out playing with the other dogs. When I finish, I lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling. ‘There has to be something I’m missing.’ I try and think back to when my parents left me here. I may have been only 4 then, but I have to remember something! I realize that my eyes start to fill with tears, and I wipe them away quickly. I won’t cry again, a real man never cries, ever. And then, I remember something! It’s about my parents! I remember my mom saying to my dad “Mike, we can’t leave him, can we at least stay with him, please?” I remember I started to cry then because I was so confused and terrified. Then I remember my dad pulling me into a tight hug and whispering in my ear, “Tony, we’ll come back for you, we promise. But you can’t cry now. Because you're going to grow up to be a real man, and a real man never cries. You're strong Tony. I wish I was as brave and as strong as you.

Always remember that we love you very, very much. Never ever forget that.” I remember people screaming at the top of their lungs as my parents were saying goodbye to me. As I think back to all the angry faces and violent shouting, I wonder- was that the reason my parents were forced to leave me here? Was it because the people didn’t like them? Is that why they couldn’t stay with me? I hold my head in anger and confusion. I think to myself ‘Could this have been… my fault.’ I drift off to sleep. But if I would have stayed up longer… I would’ve been able to save Rufus.

 

~

I wake up and eat my very last piece of bread. I save a piece for Rufus. He didn’t come back last night- but I trained him to always come back here- or even to the shed. I hold the bread in my hand and head out to search for him. I walk towards the shed. “Rufus! Rufus- come on buddy! I got you breakfast!” I called. I open the shed door and I am petrified. I look down at the ground- and I see Rufus huddled up in a corner with blood all over him. He lays there- motionless. I run over to him and place myhands gently on his chest to make sure he’s still breathing. I take a little sigh of relief when I feel his chest quickly rising and falling, but I know that it’s getting really hard for him to breathe. I whisper in his ear through tears “R- Rufus.. It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay. I’m gonna help you and you’ll stay alive. I need you, you hear me? I need you.” I run inside as fast as I can and sprint back out with the first aid kit from under the sink. I open the door to the shed and kneel down over Rufus. I unwrap the gauze and cut it quickly. I wrap it around the bloody and torn areas. I wrap it around his side, chest, and tail. I wipe away tears with my bloody hands. I grab the mini oxygen bag and put it on his face as best as I can and help him breathe. I keep the door open to let out some of the dry air to make it so he can breathe easier. I watch his every move and cry. Rufus is the one person who is always there for me… he can’t go now. It was so quiet… you could hear a pin drop. It was too quiet.. For too long. The only sounds were Rufus breathing weakly with my help, and me crying and talking to him softly. After 15 minutes… I finally heard a whimper. Even if it was in pain.. I was happy to have just heard something from him. I practically jumped up when I heard it. I cry hysterically and whisper through sniffles, “Rufus.

Hey, hey it’s okay. I’m gonna make you all better. I’ve got you. I’m here. It’s okay.” I pet him softly as he cries. I realize that he might not make it. I want his last few moments of life to be happy though. I reassure him that everything will be okay. Even if he dies.. I know he’ll always be there for me. I lay down next to him, still helping him breath. I won’t give up- for him.. Or for me. I start telling him about how he’s a good dog- and I tell him about all the things we used to do together. I remind him of when we would play outside together and throw pieces of bread for playing fetch, but how he would never bring them back because he would eat them before he got back to me. I laughed a little when I said that- remembering his tail wagging, mouth wide and his slobber getting everywhere. When I finish the story, I turn to look at him in his eyes. He whimpers quietly and licks my face gently. I smile weakly and snot comes out of my nose. He puts his paw in my hand and that’s when I fall apart. I hug him and cry for a long time. I never want to let him go. He whimpers and I sob into his soft, wet fur. I feel his chest stop moving. I cry on top of him. I cry myself to sleep in the shed. I needed him… but he’s in a better place now. 

~

I fell asleep on Rufus that night. I wake up but lay my head on the ground. I pet his soft fur and look at him. Tears fall down my cheeks. I put my hand on his paw and I think. I was too worried about myself to wonder why Rufus was gone. I miss him. It feels like he’s been gone forever. I lost my parents.. And now Rufus is gone too and I have no one! My parents leaving… Rufus dying.. It’s all my fault! I back away from his body, looking at him in shock and sadness. I close the door quietly, like the old man did when I’d met him. I stormed into the house and slam the front door shut.

[Maddie6332]

What do you think about the story? Do you think I should keep writing? Or just ditch the whole thing?

[Scott Adams]

Keep writing! You can shape this story more later, but it's a good story so far.

[Maddie6332]

On 6/1/2023 at 1:24 PM, Scott Adams said:

Keep writing! You can shape this story more later, but it's a good story so far.

Thank you! I'm already working on another part!

[Maddie6332]

UPDATE ON THE STORY- *opinions and more ideas wanted*

     Searching
                        By: Madison Labrie

                    Prologue
Once there was a little boy, he is 12 years old now. When he was younger, about 4 years old, his parents were forced to leave him, and he ended up on this little island, alone. 
                    Chapter 1
    He goes to the ocean often, and when he does he always thinks of one thing, the one thing stopping him from seeing his parents is the water. It’s even worse because this is the only thing he can’t cross by foot. He desperately wants to find his parents, and he knows if he wants to find them, he has to get off this island. A few weeks later, people start learning the little boy’s name: Tony. Nobody would take care of him when he was little, and he never knew why. He was a good kid when he came here, but… things change when you're by yourself. 

                Chapter 2
    I wake up, and search my surroundings. Even though people don’t know I know, I always catch them staring at me and talking about me. Especially this one kid, he’s 15 and his name is Dexter. Everyone knows him as the tough guy, and he’s always messing with me, so I never know when he’ll strike. My stomach grumbles, I haven’t eaten anything in 5 days. I can’t tell if I'm getting weaker or if I’m just hungry- because when I stand up my legs get all wobbly and they stay that way for a few seconds. But I need to hurry, there’s not a lot of time between when I wake up, and when the workers come out and get their shops or stands set up. Lucky for me, the coast is clear. This is my chance, I need to get food, now- and fast. I choose the bread stand, and if I’m lucky- I can get clean water, or even any sort of drink. I chose the bread stand because that’s the only shop where the food wasn’t put away last night. I look at the town clock- it’s 6:30 AM, the workers will be out any minute now. I run over to the bread stand, take 5 loaves, and shove them all in my backpack. This is the backpack I’ve had since I was 4. I look around, and I run into a nearby store. The baker is out, and I know if he saw me with the bread I took from him, he would put me in jail. He’s been trying to do that ever since I started stealing from him. But I’m too good- so he’s never been able to catch me. I ran into another store, and lucky for me, there were smoothies, water, hot cocoa, tea, and all the other food and drinks you could imagine! But, the best part is that they are all for free! I run over to the counter and the worker sees me and says “Hello there, young man! Nice to meet you! What can I get for you today? This is our only day where everything is free, so you can take whatever!!” This is insane. I’m shocked and excited at the same time. I know I have to stock up for at least a week or two. “Hi, can I please have three strawberry banana smoothies, one hot cocoa, five chocolate chip muffins, a plain bagel with cream cheese and six bottles of water.” He looks at me like I have horns growing out of my head and a tail growing out of my butt. After a few minutes of him staring at me like I’m mutating into an animal, he replies with “Ok…. will that be all?” I could tell he asked it with hesitation. He tries to do it in the same cheery voice as before, but I can tell he thinks I’m crazy and probably thinks ‘why is this kid getting so much food and acting like it’s his last meal?’ I want to tell him ‘I am stocking up my food like it is my last meal because I don’t know when I’ll be able to eat again,’ but I keep my mouth shut instead. He gives me all the stuff I ordered and he watches me as I shove it all in my bag quickly. “Thanks” I say. I’m out the door once again and I can’t wait to leave soon. I walk past the baker and straighten myself up, so I don’t look like I’m trying to hide something, even if I am. He gives me the side eye suspiciously. I remember I need a new hiding spot. The bench I slept under was too open, and that was just a one night thing. I could go to my shed on Wedge-brooke road… or just find a place on the streets like I always do. I run onto Wedge-brooke road and walk down a few houses. I found this shed when I was 5, and nobody knows I live here. It’s meant for someone’s house, but they don’t use it because they're older and don’t really need a shed, not anymore at least. So, when I found this place, I went to the old store where everything was free all the time. That was the best store that existed, but then it closed, nobody knew why. It might have been because everything was free, so people were ‘buying’ stuff from there for free, and then it didn’t have any money to use to restock because it wasn’t making any money, so it went out of business. That’s what makes the most sense to me at least. I see the people whisper as I go by and run down the street. But I don’t care what they say, let them talk! As I slow my pace, I start thinking. All of a sudden, I want to explain to the old man who owns the shed that I’m living in it, and that I hope he doesn’t mind, but I don’t wanna creep him out either. I mean- if that were me, I would be creeped out if some random kid just told me he’s been living in my shed for the past 8 years. I decide it’s the right thing to do, so I walk up to the old man’s porch and knock on the door. I hear him call to me “Just one second!” His voice sounds happy, like he’s been expecting somebody to knock on his door for a while. I smile a little, and then the door opens. This old man is wearing a bright blue shirt and khaki shorts. He has soft blue eyes, and thin, gray hair on his head. He doesn’t seem to recognize me, and yet I don’t understand why he should. He smiles at me and says “Well, hello there! Would you like to come in?” I smile, “Sure.” I head into the house, and he motions towards the living room, “Please, sit.” I sit down on the couch. It is soft and old, you can tell, and it’s navy blue with a few pillows on it. The house is strangely clean, and the man closes the door softly and sits down across from me. I can tell he wants to know why I’m here. I start talking, “Sir you-” He stops me. “Oh! You're so polite! There’s no need to call me sir. You can call me John. I’m sorry for the interruption- pardon me.” I nod. “John, You probably don’t know me, but I’m Tony.” I wait for a response. He smiles and I can tell he’s listening. “Tony..” He seems like he’s studying my name, like he’s heard it before, and then he continues “Oh! Tony! Aren’t you the boy who was left here on the island! Oh, you were so little then. How old are you now?” I’m  pretty surprised he knows me. I didn’t know anybody knew me. I thought they thought I was just some random kid who was abandoned by his family. Does he know how I got here? “I’m uh- 12 now.”  He smiles from ear to ear. “Oh my my! You're so big! But- what brought you here to my house, at my front door?” This man is acting like he’s my grandpa. I know what to say but I don’t know what words would be right to use. I hesitate and then say “Um.. John, as you know…  I’ve been here on this island since I was little. I needed somewhere to stay. I knew I couldn’t stay on the streets; out in the open like that. This street caught my eye, but your house stood out to me especially. I knew I couldn’t stay in your house, but I did see your shed. It looked pretty nice and it was empty, so… I’ve been living in your shed. And I’ve been living there for the past 8 years. I thought you would like to know. I hope you don’t mind.” I look at the ground, not knowing what to do. I feel the man’s eyes lasering me, like I’m a target and my head is the bullseye, I can tell he’s trying to figure out what to say. Then he finally does say something, “Thank you for being so honest! I’m glad you came and told me. I don’t mind you staying in my shed at all.” He smiles, but not that fake smile like the one someone does when they say ‘you’ll have a family soon but we all know you actually won’t.’-smile. Or the worst one of all- the ‘your parents care about you. I’m sure they’ll come back. They probably left you on this island for a reason- it's not because they don’t love you.’ It’s that real smile, the one that says ‘I believe you’-smile. I grab my bag full of food, and I guess I was really worried about telling him, because now I feel dizzy, and my stomach hurts. I thank him and walk out. When I’m on my way down his driveway, I hit the ground hard- and everything goes black. I wake up, and I realize I’m in an ambulance, I’m surrounded by doctors and nurses, and the old man. I ask the doctor who’s examining my cuts “What’s going on? Why am I in an ambulance? What happened?!” I demand for them to tell me. John looks at me in shock- wondering why I was demanding to know what happened. The sirens give me a headache, and my whole body hurts. I move around uncomfortably on the stiff stretcher. The doctor says “Hi! I’m Doctor Jenny. This nice old man found you passed out in his driveway just after you walked out of his house. Do you have any idea why you passed out? And where are your parents?” I freeze. I can’t answer that. I make something up on the spot. Most of the time, my responses to questions like these aren’t very good- but it’s better than me just standing there like a complete idiot.. “Um.. well- they’re… out of town for a few months… and I think I passed out because I was.. Nervous- I guess, I don’t know…” She looks at me and I look away, I can’t look at anyone right now. But the sirens get the best of me and I shout ”TURN OFF THOSE DUMB SIRENS!!! MY HEAD ALREADY HURTS AND THEY’RE JUST MAKING IT WORSE!!” The sirens turn off immediately. Doctor Jenny is examining me as the ambulance stops and the doors open. There are about 10 doctors surrounding me,  frantically rushing to get me into a room. Doctors are so dramatic. Okay- I fell on my head and got a few cuts. So? They’re acting like I’m dying and like this is an emergency- when it’s not. There’s people having heart attacks who deserve a lot more attention than me and they’re seriously worried about me falling on my head? Oh- big deal. All I wanna do is get out of here. They bring me to a room and I hate it more than ever. Everything’s really white and way too bright- I’m honestly concerned if not one of these doctors has gone blind from how bright it is in here. The bright white color and the fluorescent lights make my eyes and head hurt. I realize I’m holding my bag and clutch it tight against my chest. I blurt out “When can I get out of here? I wanna go! I don't need to be here!” Doctor Jenny looks at me, and she looks worried. But, why should she be worried about me? I’m perfectly fine! She sighs in an exhausted way and looks at me, “You’ll be in here just until tomorrow. We need to examine and monitor you. Can you sit up for me, please?” I hate it when people act stubborn- especially me, but I’m mad, and this isn’t fair! I’m completely fine. I don’t need help- I didn’t even ask for this. “No way! You already took me here against my will! I already have so much stuff happening that I don’t have time for this! I have dogs that come to me for food at this time! I want to leave. NOW.” The old man looks at me with sympathetic eyes. But I still refuse to sit up, I won’t. “You're bleeding! You need stitches and you have infections which look like they came from when you were 6!” The anger inside me grows like a volcano about to erupt. “I don’t care! Let me out of here!” I stand up and start to walk towards the door. It hurts to move, but I need to leave. She steps in front of the door, blocking my path. “Would you talk to your parents like this? I am here to help you! Not to hurt you!  Now get back in bed, as soon as the stitches are done your parents can sign a paper and you can leave!” I’m about to say ‘what parents?!’ but then I get a better idea. I slump back over to the bed and sit up. Doctor Jenny tells me I need stitches on my arm, wrist, and forehead. I get ready, it hurts really bad, wasn’t she supposed to numb me or something so it’d hurt less? But I’m not going to be rude because I just wanna leave. After I’m done I hop off the bed and go outside the room. “Good, now let’s go sign the papers.” I follow her to the counter where she hands me papers and reminds me my parents have to sign this, as she points to the parent signature line. I nod and sign where it says ‘parent signature’, after that I put down the papers and start heading towards the door. Jenny runs to me and says “You put your signature where the parent signature goes!” I smirk. “Oh, I know. I’m surprised I could read the words because the room is so bright. I wouldn’t have been able to read the words if I was in that room for much longer. You guys should fix that- you don’t need a doctor going blind while doing something ‘important.’ Like a kid’s stitches.” I put important in heavy air quotes. I motion towards my forehead and grin in a fake disappointed way. I get back to the point, “My parents left me here, I’m my own ‘parent.’” She tries to stop me again. “Get back here! You can’t leave yet. Young man!” She grabs my arm and tries to make me stay. But then, the old man comes running over, and he grabs her hand and tugs it away from mine. “Go to my house!” Then he looks at her and says something to her which makes her storm off angrily. I  just brush it off and run as fast as I can to his house.
                Chapter 3
On my way back, I feel like my whole body is shaking, but I thought it was just because I was in the hospital and I just passed out and stuff. But then, I notice other people feel it too. They all go running as I hear their screams of horror. I follow them, because that’s the only thing I can think of doing. I realize they’re running to the boats, it’s my ticket out of here! I hop into a boat all by myself and start rowing away. But someone grabs my boat and pulls it  back, it’s a man. I’m confused but then he says, “We don’t have personal boats kid! Scoot over!” I do as he says- and I don’t know why I didn’t keep going. As him and a few other men row the boat away, I stare at the crumbling island and wonder where we will go now. After a while, we got to ‘the new place.’ All of the people from my town are in the middle of the new town. I ran out of the boat with my backpack, I need to find a place to hide, now. I’m too busy trying to find somewhere to hide that I don't notice the baker charging at me like an angry bull. But- I wasn’t wearing red, so he shouldn’t be charging at me so furiously. Unless he was just a bull attracted to 5 sizes too small, ripped and dirty clothes. I considered it for a brief moment but I was interrupted. He grabs me and spins me around so fast- I swear I saw stars. I face him and he screams in my face “Stop stealing from me, you filthy little brat!” He hits me hard on the head, and everything goes black- again. I wake up and realize I’m in a huge line. I look down the line and notice people are passing rocks? No, I think their bags, maybe even sacks. I start thinking. The baker finally did it, he put me in jail, he got his way. This is all my fault, I never should have let my guard down because I was too busy looking for a dumb place to hide. I should’ve ignored the man and kept rowing away. I stop thinking and look in front of me. They have guards watching us like we just committed a crime. I only notice the guard because he screams at me to pass the bags along. I don’t do it at first, and I realize I have at least 20 sacks piling higher and higher at my feet. They get so high that they’re up to my neck now. I pick one up; it feels like it’s 50 pounds- I lift it using all my strength but I still struggle and can barely lift it. I pass them to the person next to me, and he’s an old man. He reminds me of the kind old man I met, John. I wonder where he is. I hope he’s alright. I haven’t seen him since the hospital. This old man looks kind, and I want to ask him what’s going on, and why I am here- why anybody is here. But I have to be careful because the guards are watching us like a hawk. I whisper to him “Why am I here?” He glances at the guards cautiously, to make sure they’re not looking. Then he looks at me and whispers back “People who commit crimes are forced to come here and work for the rest of their lives. You can only get out if you escape- but it’s hard because the guards watch your every move. If you're really bad- they watch you at night to make sure you don’t try to escape.” I freeze, but not in fear, in confusion. I didn’t commit a crime, at least not on this island. I’m relieved when I find out I still have my backpack. 

                Chapter 4
It’s nighttime. These bars are so thin they could break if you just hit them. I’m hungry. I drink 2 bottles of water and I eat 2 of my muffins. I’m ready to escape. I have everything I need in my bag. I bang against the bars for a good 20 minutes. I flinch and spin around when I hear the sound of someone moving around in their metal bed. The bars break and I climb out and head towards the boats. I climb in one, and wobble when it rocks. I steady the boat and start rowing away. It’s dark and I realize I have nowhere to go, especially because I can’t see anything. I realize I’m lost. I get myself so worked up, I know I need to calm myself down, now. I run over to the docks and lay in the little wooden boat and think of my little shed that’s all mine, and how nobody, not anybody can take it away from me. I like that I have something that’s all mine. I lay in the boat with my eyes closed, it feels like I’m laying there forever. But then the boat jerks, and I bang my head against the inside of the boat. I wonder why the boat stopped, and I hesitate to look up.. I knew I must have slowly been drifting from where our whole town had to go because when I look up I see an island! But it looks familiar, a little… too familiar. But then I realize I’m at my island! I sprint off the boat. I slow down when I make it to the Town Square. I look around cautiously, not knowing what to expect. I go to dig in my backpack for a drink, I grab one of my smoothies, I completely forgot about how much food I got. I look around and see everything is buried in rubble. I look at the bench I slept under the night before, the night before everything came crashing down. I try not to think about that though, I don’t need to and I don’t want to either. I clutch my backpack, and walk down the road. I have to be very careful so I don’t trip over any rocks, I don’t want to get any more injuries and have to deal with any more drama queens- I mean doctors. I don’t know where to go at first, but then I know just the spot. I run down a few blocks, make a few turns and end up on WedgeBrook road, right where I wanted. I’m honestly quite surprised I found it in the dark and the rubble and dirt. I want to know what happened.  The sun rises and it’s hot. Sweat drips down my face. I wipe it off and wince in pain from the stitches. “Ugh- these stitches are exhausting! I know I need them but-” I grab out my pocket knife that came with my bag. I open it and slowly and carefully pull out my stitches. I cry in pain, it really hurts! A lot more than I expected. I suggest stopping, but I realize I would look pretty weird if I was walking around with a half stitched cut on my forehead and people would look at me like I’m crazy. Then I realize nobody’s here! I don’t have to worry about anything or anyone! I decide to stop and if I really want to, I can finish getting my stitches out later. I continue to run down WedgeBrook road, feeling the best I ever have in my entire life! “I’M THE KING OF The WORLD!” I scream. I’m all alone and I have no cares, no responsibilites, and nothing to fight for on this island. This island- my island, will become my home. I know it was my home before.. But it didn’t feel like home. As I keep running down the road I realize that all the houses are crushed in rubble and rocks except John’s. It’s only covered in dirt and his garden is destroyed. I glance over towards the shed and see it is still in good condition. I smile and I see a little dog. I realize it’s one of the dogs that I would play with during the day, we’re all strays- with no family. We were each other's family though. They’re like my siblings. I pour out some of my water bottle into a little bowl I found on my way here. I use the whole bottle because I already have plenty. “Here you go little guy, you need this more than I do.” As the dog drinks the water, I study him. I realize it’s Rufus. Rufus has a cut in his ear, which he didn’t have when I met him. He has a little red bandana as a collar, which I put on him. As I watch him sympathetically, I realize that all the people got out, but none of the animals. People just thought of themselves! It infuriates me how selfish people can be sometimes. I push those thoughts away and pet Rufus as he drinks the water and pants out of breath from the heat. After he finishes the whole thing, he licks me- a lot. I smile at him. As I gently pet him, he pants, which looks like a smile. Rufus is a black English lab, with floppy ears, a wet nose and a lot of fur. Since I kind of trained these dogs, I taught them to follow me and come back to the shed if they get lost. I signal for Rufus to follow me as I walk down to John’s house. I figured I mine as well stay in his house, because the house is bigger and it has more space than a little shed. I can feel Rufus overheating, and he begins to whimper. “It’s okay Rufus, I got you, we’ll get you a nice, shady spot soon.” I try to calm him down as I reassure him everything is okay. I walk into the house and the cool wind from inside the house hits me. It feels good to be in a cold place after being in the heat and breathing in the dry and humid air. Rufus goes on the hardwood and flops on the floor, which makes sense because when I walk onto it because it is freezing. I lay on the hardwood floor with Rufus, exhausted. I try to process everything that has happened in the past 2 days. I woke up and got a bunch of free food- which is a plus. I’m so glad I stocked up on food earlier that day. Then I went to John’s house and explained to him I was living in his shed. I remember being really nervous and passing out. I woke up in the hospital and had to get stitches. Then I was arguing with the dramatic and extremely pushy doctor, and then John told me to go to his house. I remember I felt like I was shaking, but it was actually the ground. I remember running to a boat and then more people filed in. Then I was hit in the head by the baker, forced into a line where we were passing sacks to the end of time, and I remember drifting off in a boat and coming here. I nod as I remember everything. I eat one of my muffins and chug a whole bottle of water. It really is brutal out there- I don’t even want to imagine what it’s like wearing a full coat of fur too. As I’m eating, I realize that when I’m out of food I have no stores or shops to get food from. Oh no- This won’t end well. I give Rufus a muffin because he’s probably been starving out here for who knows how long! 

                Chapter 5
I look outside, it’s dark out now. I’m so tired that I don’t have time to think about what to do tomorrow, or about my food and water supply situation. I just know that my food and drink supply is not infinite, and I will run out of food and water sooner or later. I slowly drift off to sleep. I wake up to Rufus licking my face. I push him off of me and laugh. I eat my bagel and drink one of my smoothies. I give Rufus half of my bagel too. I laugh. I look at him and say “Rufus, what am I gonna do with you? I can fix up my shed for you, and then you can stay in there and I’ll check on you every day.” I walk out to the shed, and open the door. I see a kid on the ground in my shed. I stare at him in horror. ‘What is this kid doing?! Why is he in my shed?’ I think to myself. As I look at him, I realize he’s alive because I see his chest slowly rising and falling as he breathes. I need this guy to leave- now. “Dude. Dude! Get up! Get outta my shed!” He wakes up and stands up quickly, almost like he’s just as terrified as I was when I saw him. As he stands up, he towers over me.  I try to act tough, but I panic at the size difference between us. I try to say in a firmer voice again “You gotta go dude, this is my- my shed!” I realize that when I stutter, I messed up. He just stares at me, like a dead-pan. ‘Dude.. you got stitches in your face.” I ignore him and stare back, careful not to lose my concentration to seem weak. He thinks I don’t know that?! I thought if you were tall and looked older, you would at least be smart. Just even a little smart at least. As I stare at him, I realize that his eyes are filled with fear. I study him like the old man studied me. It's Dexter. I hesitate, then say “Listen man, it’s just us on this island. Everyone else is on another island and- and we just have each other. So, we can either make this work… or not. What do you say?” I stick out my hand, waiting to see if he’ll agree. But Dexter just stares at me, and he goes from terrified to angry. He shoves past me as he storms out of the shed, and slams the door behind him. I walk back into the house, staggering and not knowing what to do at this point. I sit down on the cold hard wood floor, bury my head in my knees and think. ‘Why was I in jail? And why was that guy screaming at me like that?’ I’m overwhelmed by what just happened. 
            
            Chapter 6
It’s night time again. I need to find my parents, I need to leave this- this stupid island! I want to go home to my parents and I want to be like the families in the movies, eating dinner together, and going to play a game of family frisbee when it’s nice out! I’m sick of having to steal food and sleep under benches at night!’ I scream in anger and frustration, but also pain from losing my family. As I sob with my head buried in my knees, I wonder if my parents had to or wanted to leave me here? Was it a punishment? Would they ever come back to get me? I cry on my knees so hard that it feels like I’ll never stop. When will this nightmare end? Will I ever be saved?’
                Chapter 7
I cried myself to sleep that night, and I wake up exhausted. I rub my eyes and instantly eat the few last pieces of bread in my backpack. I realize Rufus is gone, probably out playing with the other dogs. When I finish, I lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling. ‘There has to be something I’m missing.’ I try and think back to when my parents left me here. I may have been only 4 then, but I have to remember something! I realize that my eyes start to fill with tears, and I wipe them away quickly. I won’t cry again, a real man never cries, ever. And then, I remember something! It’s about my parents! I remember my mom saying to my dad “Mike, we can’t leave him, can we at least stay with him, please?” I remember I started to cry then because I was so confused and terrified. Then I remember my dad pulling me into a tight hug and whispering in my ear, “Tony, we’ll come back for you, we promise. But you can’t cry now. Because you're going to grow up to be a real man, and a real man never cries. You're strong Tony. I wish I was as brave and as tough as you. Always remember that we love you very, very much. Never ever forget that.” I remember people screaming at the top of their lungs as my parents were saying goodbye to me. As I think back to all the angry faces and violent shouting, I wonder- was that the reason my parents were forced to leave me here? Was it because the people didn’t like them? Is that why they couldn’t stay with me? I hold my head in anger and confusion. I think to myself ‘Could this have been… my fault.’ I drift off to sleep. But if I would have stayed up longer… I would’ve been able to save Rufus.

            Chapter 8
I wake up and eat my very last piece of bread. I save a piece for Rufus. He didn’t come back last night- but I trained him to always come back here- or even to the shed. I hold the bread in my hand and head out to search for him. I walk towards the shed. “Rufus! Rufus- come on buddy! I got you breakfast!” I called. I open the shed door and I am petrified. I look down at the ground- and I see Rufus huddled up in a corner with blood all over him. He lays there- motionless. I run over to him and place my hands gently on his chest to make sure he’s still breathing. I take a little sigh of relief when I feel his chest quickly rising and falling, but I know that it’s getting really hard for him to breathe. I whisper in his ear through tears “R- Rufus.. It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay. I’m gonna help you and you’ll stay alive. I need you, you hear me? I need you.” I run inside as fast as I can and sprint back out with the first aid kit from under the sink. I open the door to the shed and kneel down over Rufus. I unwrap the gauze and cut it quickly. I wrap it around the bloody and torn areas. I wrap it around his side, chest, and tail. I wipe away tears with my bloody hands. I grab the mini oxygen bag and put it on his face as best as I can and help him breathe. I keep the door open to let out some of the dry air to make it so he can breathe easier. I watch his every move and cry. Rufus is the one person who is always there for me… he can’t go now. It was so quiet… you could hear a pin drop. It was too quiet.. For too long. The only sounds were Rufus breathing weakly with my help, and me crying and talking to him softly. After 15 minutes… I finally heard a whimper. Even if it was in pain.. I was happy to have just heard something from him. I practically jumped up when I heard it. I cry hysterically and whisper through sniffles, “Rufus. Hey, hey it’s okay. I’m gonna make you all better. I’ve got you. I’m here. It’s okay.” I pet him softly as he cries. I realize that he might not make it. I want his last few moments of life to be happy though. I reassure him that everything will be okay. Even if he dies.. I know he’ll always be there for me. I lay down next to him, still helping him breath. I won’t give up- for him.. Or for me. I start telling him about how he’s a good dog- and I tell him about all the things we used to do together. I remind him of when we would play outside together and throw pieces of bread for playing fetch, but how he would never bring them back because he would eat them before he got back to me. I laughed a little when I said that- remembering his tail wagging, mouth wide and his slobber getting everywhere. When I finish the story, I turn to look at him in his eyes. He whimpers quietly and licks my face gently. I smile weakly and snot comes out of my nose. He puts his paw in my  hand and that’s when I fall apart. I hug him and cry for a long time. I never want to let him go. He whimpers and I sob into his soft, wet fur. I feel his chest stop moving. I cry on top of him. I cry myself to sleep in the shed. I needed him… but he’s in a better place now. 

Chapter 9                        
I fell asleep on Rufus that night. I wake up but lay my head on the ground. I pet his soft fur and look at him. Tears fall down my cheeks. I put my hand on his paw and I think. I was too worried about myself to wonder why Rufus was gone. I miss him. It feels like he’s been gone forever. I lost my parents.. And now Rufus is gone too and I have no one! My parents leaving… Rufus dying.. It’s all my fault! I back away from his body, looking at him in shock and sadness. I close the door quietly, like the old man did when I’d met him. I stormed into the house and slam the front door shut. I sit down and lean against the bottom cabinets. I’m enraged… and hurt. I bury my head in my knees, not knowing what to do. I try to think…. But nothing comes to mind. For the first time… I can’t think of anything and my mind stops racing. I would cry… but there’s no tears left. 

                Chapter 1o
I wake up and stay on the ground. I’m worn out, and I’m too sad to cry. I lay on the cold hardwood floor and think. ‘Who would kill Rufus..? Why would they kill him?’ I put my hands over my face and groan. ‘This is getting too crazy…’ I think. ‘I thought me being alone by myself on this island would be amazing… but I really was wrong. I’m going to find out who did this to Rufus. I need to.’ I wipe the sweat off my face. I don’t want to go out in the heat.. It’s too hot. I roll over onto my stomach and lift myself to sit up. I grab my backpack and put my hand inside to get food or a drink. But, nothing is there. I feel around because I know I should have more food.. But all I feel is crumbs and a moist bag from my sweat and the wet water bottles that were in there. I sit up straight now and lean against the couch. I tip my bag upside down and only crumbs fell out. Oh no… oh no, oh no, oh no! This can’t be happening?! Where do I get food now? What am I gonna do? How will I survive? How will I feed Rufu-? I pause. Rufus is gone.. He isn’t here anymore. I need to worry about myself right now. I need to move on. I sigh and think about what to do next. “Okay… we need to go out I guess.” I stand up, grab my bag, and walk out the door.
                Chapter 11
I slump out the door and groan as the intense heat strikes me. I trudge down the street and breath heavily. I clutch my backpack; it feels like it’s holding me up. It’s not heavy at all, which is good because I can’t carry any weight right now, not even myself. I stare at the ground; sweat dripping down my face. I’m still in shock about Rufus… maybe this is what they call ‘being in denial’. I don’t know. I need to find food right now, not worry about Rufus. I walk down the hot road and cover my face with my backpack, hoping it’ll cool me off a little. I wipe the sweat away from my forehead, and I realize that the stitches on my forehead and cheek are just a scar now. I find a store and I walk inside. It’s a little store, not like the bread stand or the shop where everything was free. It has fruits, vegetables, water, and what looks to be coffee beans. I smirk happily. ‘Jackpot!’ I think to myself. I open my bag and grab some food, but mainly as much water as I can. As I’m shoving the food into my backpack, I see a figure out of the corner of my eye. I look out the window and see… Dexter. 

                Chapter 12
He’s brushing his hands on his shirt, and his face is so red it looks like he might explode. Then, it hits me. He killed Rufus. I find myself running outside, screaming. “Dexter! How could you do that to Rufus?! He was my best friend!” I am incensed. I charge at him and shove him. “He was my best friend! What is wrong with you!?” I find myself punching him violently. He fights back. “I didn’t lay a finger on your dog man! Get off me!!” I scream loud in his face, “Well, you were mad when I kicked you out of my shed! And you knew that was where Rufus slept!” His nose bleeds, but I don’t stop. I feel hot tears running down my face. He pushes me off of him, gets on top of me, and pins my arms to the ground. “So what if I did anything to the dog!? Calm down, man! He’s gone. Alright?! Yes! I did something to him, but he is gone. Now get out of here before you get hurt!” The tears still fall down my face, and I get up and start walking to the docks. I need to find my parents… I need to achieve my goal.

                                           TO BE CONTINUED.....

                  I NEED OPINIONS AND SOME IDEAS OF WHAT TO ADD NEXT!

 
 

[Scott Adams]

Have you shown this yet to your English teacher?

[Maddie6332]

On 9/7/2023 at 8:38 PM, Scott Adams said:

Have you shown this yet to your English teacher?

No, I don't know if I'm going to.😅

[Scott Adams]

Well, it might be good to get their opinion and guidance about it. They will also realize how serious of a writer you are, which is always a good thing.

[Maddie6332]

That's true! Thank you, I'll consider it! 

[Maddie6332]

NEW STORY:

This is what I have so far

                    Prologue
    “Mommy, I don’t want to jump..” I cried and buried my face into her silk dress, I felt safe while wrapped tightly in her arms. I dare not look at my dad in the deep, dark water. “It’s okay, Lana. I’ll catch you, I promise,” my dad explains in a soft voice. I shake my head, “No. I can’t do it! I won’t!” I won’t believe him again. My mother runs her fingers through my long hair and says in a soothing voice, “It’s okay dear, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. But I know you can, because you are the bravest and strongest girl I know.” That once was true… but I don’t feel so brave anymore. 

                    Chapter 1
I lay on my bed with my sketchbook. My music blasting through my earbuds.. Drowning out all the other sounds in the world. I grab my charcoal pencil which is pretty worn down. I may have to get rid of it eventually, but I’ve had this pencil for 8 years and I don’t plan on throwing it away soon. My dad always wonders why I keep this pencil, and don’t just use a new one. But it was my mother’s, she gave it to me before the accident happened. I quickly push that thought away because I am happy for now, and that is all that matters. I let the music control what I draw, and today I am listening to Here comes the sun by The Beatles. This song is my favorite, so I thought it would be a good song to draw to. I let my pencil work its magic and my pencil swipes and soars across the paper. I shade some of the circles precisely. Once the music stops, I put my drawing on my canvas and sit up to determine if it looks good or not. I turn my head, making sure to look at it in every single way possible. It doesn’t look… horrible. I take the paper out of my sketchbook and turn around to make sure nobody is watching, even if my door is closed. Once I see that the coast is clear- I slip the key from the flowerpot and unlock my drawer. I fold my paper neatly into a square and place it inside the drawer. I see a picture of me and my mother when I was little. About 4, I believe. We’re both smiling, and I remember that day like the back of my hand. It was really hot outside.. So my mom, dad, and I all rented a boat. I remember my dad playfully pushing me off the boat and into the water, and I almost got caught under the boat. I haven’t gone in the water since then. Even a kitty pool. I locked the drawer, hid the key, and went back to bed to clear my mind.

                Chapter 2
“Lana!” Dad shouted. “Lana! Get down here!” I sighed loudly, “Coming. I’m coming.” He shouted even louder, “LANA! GET DOWN HERE!” I was so annoyed, all I wanted was peace and quiet for at least an hour. I shout even louder than him, “I AM COMING.” I walk down the stairs and notice he is in the kitchen. He’s making a potato salad sandwich. Bleh, gross. “What is it?” I say. He looks up at me and says through a mouth full of food, “We need to talk. Do you want a potato salad sandwich?” I roll my eyes. A talk, and a sandwich? No thank you. He knows I hate potato salad sandwiches; mom reminded him all the time. “No. I’m fine, thanks. What do we need to talk about now?” He always needs to talk to me about the most annoying and random things. He puts down his sandwich, with mayo all over his fingers, and looks me right in the eyes. “Lana…” Oh no. Whenever a grownup says your name and then pauses, they’re most likely going to say something really serious- or they will just be like my dad and say something that they think is funny. “I’m worried about you.” My hands clenched into fists.. He had nothing to worry about. “Why?” I demand to know. He looks at the floor, his hands on the counter. “You don’t… talk. To anyone. You don’t tell anybody how you feel, and you sit up in your room. All day.” I look at him, confused. “I have always hung out in my room. And I don’t need to tell anyone how I feel because I’m fine.” I don’t mention the not talking to anyone part.. Because he’s right about that. I just don’t have the patience for it. “Lana. It doesn’t matter. After the incident with your mother..” I glare at him. “This is not her fault.” He continues to look down at the floor and sighs loudly. “No, it’s not. But these… these actions of yours are more concerning now because you are 14 years old. You need to go and hang out with friends. You never rebel like any other teenager would. I’m not saying I want you to- but you’re a teenager now. Isn’t that just what you’re supposed to do? I hardly ever even see you anymore! You shut me out. You shut everyone out.” I look at the floor. I feel a knot in my throat and say “So what are you going to do..” My voice sounds weak and hurt. We’re both looking at the floor now. “You’re going to go to group therapy.” And as soon as I hear those words, I run back to my room. That was nowhere near funny.

                Chapter 3
I lay on my window couch and look out at the beautifully bright and twinkling stars. My head is spiraling out of control. What if he really was worried about me? Did I shut everyone out? I hang out with people.. Right? I sigh. I never thought I could feel so many things at once. Anger, pain, regret, sadness…and emptiness. I know what that empty feeling is from, though. And if I already know what I’m feeling, why do I need to tell a bunch of random people who I don’t even know! I roll my eyes just at the thought of it. I hate how he even thought of that. He didn’t even ask me! Did he already have this whole group therapy thing set up?! I look towards my clock, 12:00. It’s midnight. And of course, I have school tomorrow. I look at the stars, they really are gorgeous. “Please let me stay home from school.. Please don’t let me go to group therapy. Please just let me stay in my room, staring at the glory of the stars.” I whisper. 

~

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I roll over and fall off of my window couch. I forgot I wasn’t on my bed. I turn my alarm clock off. What do I even wear for the first day of school? I rip open my drawers and pull out my black T-shirt with a yellow outline of the Minions logo on it. I throw it on and put on my black pair of ripped jeans. I brush my straight brown hair, and put on a chain necklace. I grabbed my backpack from school last year and slipped on my Vans. My dad is sitting at the kitchen table, doing work on his computer. He looks at me as I grab two hair ties from the counter. “Good morning Lana. How was your sleep?” I sigh quietly so he doesn’t hear, I’m still mad at him. He should know that, but I decide to just stay calm and keep as short of an answer as possible. “Fine.” I put my hair into two buns and decided that they’re pretty cute. He gets up and studies my hair. “Those look nice, good job.” I shrug, “Thanks. I’m going to school.” He smiles. “Oh, I can drive you!” I’m still mad at him, but he always drives me to school on the first day and I would feel bad if I turned him down. “Alright, fine.” At least I’ll get the bus ride home. I walk outside and get in the car. I take my phone out of my pocket and check my phone. I quickly go to my messages to see who has texted me. I haven’t checked anyone’s messages all summer. 7,489 texts. 100 missed calls. 34 voicemails. Everyone asking me to hang out or if I’m okay and all the normal stuff. It’s not that I’m ignoring them.. I just don’t have time. That’s all. Dad gets into the car and I put my phone away. I think about my answers to all the first day questions. My favorite color is purple. No pets, no siblings. I didn’t do anything fun this summer, and I don’t know what I want to be when I’m older. My hobby is listening to music and art. Those are the basic questions, so I think I'll be fine.

 

 

<I need opinions> 

[Scott Adams]

It draws me in and makes me wonder what will happen next.

[Maddie6332]

UPDATE

 

Prologue

“Mommy, I don’t want to jump..” I cried and buried my face into her silk dress, I felt safe while wrapped tightly in her arms. I dare not look at my dad in the deep, dark water. “It’s okay, Lana. I’ll catch you, I promise,” my dad explains in a soft voice. I shake my head, “No. I can’t do it! I won’t!” I won’t believe him again. My mother runs her fingers through my long hair and says in a soothing voice, “It’s okay dear, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. But I know you can, because you are the bravest and strongest girl I know.” That once was true… but I don’t feel so brave anymore. 

 

Chapter 1

I lay on my bed with my sketchbook. My music blasting through my earbuds, drowning out all the other sounds in the world. I grab my charcoal pencil which is pretty worn down. I may have to get rid of it eventually, but I’ve had this pencil for 8 years and I don’t plan on throwing it away soon. My dad always wonders why I keep this pencil, and don’t just use a new one. But it was my mother’s, she gave it to me before the accident happened. I quickly push that thought away because I am happy for now, and that is all that matters. I let the music control what I draw, and today I am listening to Here comes the sun by The Beatles. This song is my favorite, so I thought it would be a good song to draw to. I let my pencil work its magic and my pencil swipes and soars across the paper. I shade some of the circles precisely. Once the music stops, I put my drawing on my canvas and sit up to determine if it looks good or not. I turn my head, making sure to look at it in every single way possible. It doesn’t look… horrible. I take the paper out of my sketchbook and turn around to make sure nobody is watching, even if my door is closed. Once I see that the coast is clear- I slip the key from the flowerpot and unlock my drawer. I fold my paper neatly into a square and place it inside the drawer. I see a picture of me and my mother when I was little. About 4, I believe. We’re both smiling, and I remember that day like the back of my hand. It was really hot outside.. So my mom, dad, and I all rented a boat. I remember my dad playfully pushing me off the boat and into the water, and I almost got caught under the boat. I haven’t gone in the water since then. Even a kitty pool is too much for me. I locked the drawer, hid the key, and went back to bed to clear my mind.

 

Chapter 2

“Lana!” Dad shouted. “Lana! Get down here!” I sighed loudly, “Coming. I’m coming.” He shouted even louder, “LANA! GET DOWN HERE!” I was so annoyed, all I wanted was peace and quiet for at least an hour. I shout even louder than him, “I AM COMING.” I walk down the stairs and notice he is in the kitchen. He’s making a potato salad sandwich. Bleh, gross. “What is it?” I say. He looks up at me and says through a mouth full of food, “We need to talk. Do you want a potato salad sandwich?” I roll my eyes. A talk, and a sandwich? No thank you. He knows I hate potato salad sandwiches; mom reminded him all the time. “No. I’m fine, thanks. What do we need to talk about now?” He always needs to talk to me about the most annoying and random things. He puts down his sandwich, with mayo all over his fingers, and looks me right in the eyes. “Lana…” Oh no. Whenever a grownup says your name and then pauses, they’re most likely going to say something really serious- or they will just be like my dad and say something that they think is funny. “I’m worried about you.” My hands clenched into fists.. He had nothing to worry about. “Why?” I demand to know. He looks at the floor, his hands on the counter. “You don’t… talk. To anyone. You don’t tell anybody how you feel, and you sit up in your room. All day.” I look at him, confused. “I have always hung out in my room. And I don’t need to tell anyone how I feel because I’m fine.” I don’t mention the not talking to anyone part.. Because he’s right about that. I just don’t have the patience for it. “Lana. It doesn’t matter. After the incident with your mother..” I glare at him. “This is not her fault.” He continues to look down at the floor and sighs loudly. “No, it’s not. But these… these actions of yours are more concerning now because you are 14 years old. You need to go and hang out with friends. You never rebel like any other teenager would. I’m not saying I want you to- but you’re a teenager now. Isn’t that just what you’re supposed to do? I hardly ever even see you anymore! You shut me out. You shut everyone out.” I look at the floor. I feel a knot in my throat and say “So what are you going to do..” My voice sounds weak and hurt. We’re both looking at the floor now. “You’re going to go to group therapy.” And as soon as I hear those words, I run back to my room. That was nowhere near funny.

 

Chapter 3

I lay on my window couch and look out at the beautifully bright and twinkling stars. My head is spiraling out of control. What if he really was worried about me? Did I shut everyone out? I hang out with people.. Right? I sigh. I never thought I could feel so many things at once. Anger, pain, regret, sadness…and emptiness. I know what that empty feeling is from, though. And if I already know what I’m feeling, why do I need to tell a bunch of random people who I don’t even know! I roll my eyes just at the thought of it. I hate how he even thought of that. He didn’t even ask me! Did he already have this whole group therapy thing set up?! I look towards my clock, 12:00. It’s midnight. And of course, I have school tomorrow. I look at the stars, they really are gorgeous. “Please let me stay home from school.. Please don’t let me go to group therapy. Please just let me stay in my room, staring at the glory of the stars.” I whisper. 

 

~

 

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I roll over and fall off of my window couch. I forgot I wasn’t on my bed. I turn my alarm clock off. What do I even wear for the first day of school? I rip open my drawers and pull out my black T-shirt with a yellow outline of the Minions logo on it. I throw it on and put on my black pair of ripped jeans. I brush my straight brown hair, and put on a chain necklace. I grabbed my backpack from school last year and slipped on my Vans. My dad is sitting at the kitchen table, doing work on his computer. He looks at me as I grab two hair ties from the counter. “Good morning Lana. How was your sleep?” I sigh quietly so he doesn’t hear, I’m still mad at him. He should know that, but I decide to just stay calm and keep as short of an answer as possible. “Fine.” I put my hair into two buns and decided that they’re pretty cute. He gets up and studies my hair. “Those look nice, good job.” I shrug, “Thanks. I’m going to school.” He smiles. “Oh, I can drive you!” I’m still mad at him, but he always drives me to school on the first day and I would feel bad if I turned him down. “Alright, fine.” At least I’ll get the bus ride home. I walk outside and get in the car. I take my phone out of my pocket and check my phone. I quickly go to my messages to see who has texted me. I haven’t checked anyone’s messages all summer. 7,489 texts. 100 missed calls. 34 voicemails. Everyone asking me to hang out or if I’m okay and all the normal stuff. It’s not that I’m ignoring them.. I just don’t have time. That’s all. Dad gets into the car and I put my phone away. I think about my answers to all the first day questions. My favorite color is purple. No pets, no siblings. I didn’t do anything fun this summer, and I don’t know what I want to be when I’m older. My hobby is listening to music and art. Those are the basic questions, I think I’ll be fine.

Chapter 4

 

As we get to the front of the school, my stomach starts to hurt. I hate it here, and I want to just go home. I grab my backpack but luckily Dad turns around and says, “Hey Lana. Can we talk for a minute, please?” I sit back and relax, “Yea, what is it?” He looks at me, and he looks like he genuinely feels really bad. “You have group therapy today once you get home from the bus..” He pauses and then says in a low voice, “I’m sorry for telling you all this.. Without asking you if you even wanted to first. I know how hard this must be for you. And I’m just trying to help you. I will give you all the support and comfort you need, and no matter what happens. I will always be here for you.” I took a deep breath, just now realizing I was holding my breath the whole time he was talking. It felt really nice to hear him say that to me. “Thank you Dad, that means a lot.” His face lights up and he says, “Awesome. Well, good luck on your first day.” “Thanks,” I reply.  I still don’t feel too good about school. I get out of the car, hang my head low and walk inside.

 

  ~

As I walk into homeroom, I look around for people to avoid. But before I can even get one name down- someone walks through the door. But not just anyone. It’s Reagen. Reagen is the girl who called me, texted me, tried to make plans with me and to all of the constant questions.. I never responded. I just know there is going to be a question as to why I didn’t. I read the texts, I just didn’t respond. I drop my head onto the desk and sigh. This day is horrible. Reagen walks and sits at the desk right next to me. “Uhmmm…. Lana? Are you okay?” I pick my head up off my desk. “Yea. I’m fine. You?” She looks at me; trying so hard to pretend like our ‘friendship’ is perfectly normal. “Yea, yea, I’m good. Everything’s good.” She isn’t looking at me.. She’s looking at the bottom of the chair in front of her. Then she drops the bomb. “I saw you read my texts, and listened to my voicemails. Why didn’t you ever respond? I missed you!” I don’t say anything. If I’m being honest, I didn’t miss her. Not anyone.. Only mom. I just shake my head and say, “I can’t do this right now. Okay?” She frowns at me, disappointed. But I truly can’t. I wasn’t lying about that. I just want to get the day over with so I can go home in my room.

 

Chapter 5

The school day was so slow. Nothing interesting even happened. I’m waiting for Dad’s car to pull up. My phone buzzes- it’s Reagen. She’s calling me. Should I answer? I stare at her number as it rings. My finger clicks the ignore button, and thankfully my dad pulls up. I get into his car as fast as I can. “How was your day? Did you do anything fun?” I’m looking at the floor, “It was boring. And no, not really.” He nods. And after 10 minutes of the awkward silence in the car, he parks and we walk inside. There are gray walls, blue couches and chairs, and a white counter. Pretty cozy here, but nobody has to know that. A lady calls my name and leads me into a room with two boys and a woman. This is the group? Three people, including me? Wow. I walk in. The woman looks at me, “Hello! You must be Lana. I am Mrs. Warren. You can take a seat in the circle, and before you say anything. Yes, this is the group. Nobody else is a huge fan of group therapy.” I nod a little, and sit down. Mrs. Warren is very direct and says, “Okay. We can start with this young man next to me.” She motions towards the boy next to her. He looks about my age. He has brown curly hair and blue eyes. He looks like he works out, because he has muscles.. And he’s wearing green cargo pants with a black hoodie. He has a chain necklace with an N on it. He talks softly, “Uhm- hey. My name’s Michael. I don’t wanna say why I’m here. But I’m 14. And uh- yea.” He doesn’t make eye contact with anyone. He seems sweet though. Then the next kid is up. This guy has orange hair, and it’s straight. He has a Michael Jordan shirt on with black sweatpants. He’s also wearing a baseball hat. And he has brown eyes. “Hi, my name is Bret.. I am 16 years old, and I’m here because my friend is going to therapy- so I told him I would go. For moral support, you know.” Bret makes eye contact with Mrs. Warrens because she is the only other one making eye contact. She looks over at me, while I look at the floor. “Your turn,” She whispers kindly. “Uhm… I’m not saying why I’m here either. My name is Lana and I’m 14 too. I don’t really know what else.” I shrug but Mrs.  Warren smiles. “Very nice everyone. Now let’s begin the session. I understand that Lana and Michael do not want to share, but we do have to for many reasons. Lana, I need you to go first please.” My arms are folded now.. This whole.. Thing is making me uncomfortable. I shake my head, “No.” She looks at me. “Lana, you are here for a reason. You need to tell me what is going on so we can help. Why are you here?” I’m not making eye contact with her. “I am not going to talk about why I’m here and you can’t make me. What if I don’t know why I’m here? You don’t even know me! Maybe I don’t even want your help!” She glares at me. I feel Michael’s eyes narrowing down towards me. I look his way and his eyes meet mine. He smiles at me, and I smile back. He nods at me, and it seems like he is validating my point, but I’m not quite sure. Mrs. Warren focuses her eyes on me. She tilts her head down, and gives me the teacher look. I don’t mean to, but I burst into laughter. Michael starts laughing too, and John just sits there confused. Mrs. Warren is clearly annoyed. “What’s so funny?” I wipe the tears from my eyes and when I try to talk, I just laugh harder, and so does Michael. I’m trying so hard to stop laughing but I can’t control myself. Mrs. Warren gets so angry and she gets out of her chair, looks at both me and Michael and says, “I’m going to take a break before I get too worked up. I do not understand what is funny at all, but I’m sure you both will be happy to discuss it with each other. Give me 20 minutes.” She walks out of the room and closes the door behind her. John rolls his eyes and mumbles something. Michael and I are still laughing after 5 whole minutes. I finally wipe the tears from my eyes and stop myself from laughing. John looks at me and I giggle quietly. “You wanna go outside with Mrs. Warren too?” I laugh harder and Michael is now on the floor in tears. “Yes. I think I will.” He walks out too. Michael finally stops laughing and looks up at me, “That was pretty hilarious. The way you talked to her and then the way she looked at you.” I smile at him. “Yea, it was pretty funny.” I pause for a second and then say, “I’m here because my dad sent me. He claims ever since the thing with my mom happened.. That I have just completely shut everyone out.” He looks at me with sad eyes. “I’m really sorry about that. That must suck.” I nod quietly. He looks away from my eyes and says “My uncle sent me here. I don’t even know why.” Wow.. I couldn’t even imagine being in that situation. “I’m sorry.” I don’t know what else to say really. It’s finally time to leave so Michael leaves and gets into a car. I think it’s his Uncle’s. My dad gets me and I go into his car. And the questions begin on how it was. Yippee.

 

Chapter 6

The questions are a lot to handle. Once I get into the car, he starts. “How was it? Was the lead therapist nice? How many people were there? You have another session tomorrow, same time. Did you like it there?” I sigh. “It was fine. She was very pushy. There were me, two other people, and the lead therapist. Ugh, okay. And I guess.” He frowns. I can tell he isn’t too pleased with my responses. I just shrug it off, I’m fine, really. He pulls into the driveway and I run inside. “Lana. Reagen will be coming for dinner tonight.” I turn around and trip off the porch but catch myself quickly. “Sorry- what?! WHY would you invite her over?” He looks at me, confused. “Is that a problem? I can cancel it..if it is.” I look at him. “No, no it’s fine. It’s not a problem.” He looks at me, knowing something is wrong. “I just wanted you to talk to someone.. That’s all.” I nod, but I’m annoyed. I don't like Reagen anymore..I don't want to see her.

[Kurlykaitlyn]

On 1/12/2023 at 5:44 PM, Maddie6332 said:

Okay, so I know this is about being gluten free and stuff but I made a book and need opinions. I will post it on this topic when I'm done, but I hope you enjoy it. I will also put the blurb below:

12 year old Tony, wants to find his parents after they abandoned him on this little island. He wants to find them. But he has bigger problems. He has to steal food, live in this old man's shed, and watch out for Dexter, the kid who is 3 years older than him, and 3 times his size. Will he ever get off this island and back home, or not?

 

Let me know what you think based on the blurb, and I will post the story as soon as it's done!

I love stories of our main character struggling to be his own hero!! The island setting perks my interest and I like reading about overcoming struggle. I look forward to hearing more! 

[Maddie6332]

18 hours ago, Kurlykaitlyn said:

I love stories of our main character struggling to be his own hero!! The island setting perks my interest and I like reading about overcoming struggle. I look forward to hearing more! 

Thank you! 😁

[Maddie6332]

UPDATE>>

Prologue

“Mommy, I don’t want to jump..” I cried and buried my face into her silk dress, I felt safe while wrapped tightly in her arms. I dare not look at my dad in the deep, dark water. “It’s okay, Lana. I’ll catch you, I promise,” my dad explains in a soft voice. I shake my head, “No. I can’t do it! I won’t!” I won’t even look at him. My mother runs her fingers through my long hair and says in a soothing voice, “It’s okay dear, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. But I know you can, because you are the bravest and strongest girl I know.” That once was true… but I don’t feel so brave anymore. 

 

Chapter 1

I lay on my bed with my sketchbook. My music blasting through my earbuds, drowning out all the other sounds in the world. I grab my charcoal pencil which is pretty worn down. I may have to get rid of it eventually, but I’ve had this pencil for 8 years and I don’t plan on throwing it away soon, even if it is only the size of my pinky finger. My dad always wonders why I keep this pencil, and don’t just use a new one. But it was my mother’s, she gave it to me before the accident happened. I quickly push that thought away because I am happy for now, and that is all that matters. I let the music control what I draw, and today I am listening to Here comes the sun by The Beatles. This song is my favorite, so I thought it would be a good song to draw to. I let my pencil work its magic and my pencil swipes and soars across the paper. I shade some of the circles precisely. Once the music stops, I put my drawing on my canvas and sit up to determine if it looks good or not. I turn my head, making sure to look at it in every single way possible. It doesn’t look… horrible. I take the paper out of my sketchbook and turn around to make sure nobody is watching, even if my door is closed. Once I see that the coast is clear- I slip the key from the flowerpot and unlock my drawer. I fold my paper neatly into a square and place it inside the drawer. I see a picture of me and my mother when I was little. About 4, I believe. We’re both smiling, and I remember that day like the back of my hand. It was really hot outside.. So my mom, dad, and I all rented a boat. I remember my dad playfully pushing me off the boat and into the water, and I almost got caught under the boat. I haven’t gone in the water since then. Even a kitty pool is too much for me. I locked the drawer, hid the key, and went back to bed to clear my mind.

 

Chapter 2

“Lana!” Dad shouted. “Lana! Get down here!” I sighed loudly, “Coming. I’m coming.” He shouted even louder, “LANA! GET DOWN HERE!” I was so annoyed, all I wanted was peace and quiet for at least an hour. I shout even louder than him, “I AM COMING.” I walk down the stairs and notice he is in the kitchen. He’s making a potato salad sandwich. Bleh, gross. “What is it?” I say. He looks up at me and says through a mouth full of food, “We need to talk. Do you want a potato salad sandwich?” I roll my eyes. A talk, and a sandwich? No thank you. He knows I hate potato salad sandwiches; mom reminded him all the time. “No. I’m fine, thanks. What do we need to talk about now?” He always needs to talk to me about the most annoying and random things. He puts down his sandwich, with mayo all over his fingers, and looks me right in the eyes. “Lana…” Oh no, here we go again. Whenever a grownup says your name and then pauses, they’re most likely going to say something really serious- or they will just be like my dad and say something that they think is funny. “I’m worried about you.” That made no sense. He had nothing to worry about. “Why?” I demand to know. He looks at the floor, his hands on the counter. “You don’t… talk. To anyone. You don’t tell anybody how you feel, and you sit up in your room. All day.” I look at him, confused. “I have always hung out in my room. And I don’t need to tell anyone how I feel because I’m fine.” I don’t mention the not talking to anyone part.. Because he’s right about that. I just don’t have the patience for it. “Lana. It doesn’t matter. After the incident with your mother..” I glare at him. “This is not her fault.” I reply, furious that he would even mention her in this conversation. He continues to look down at the floor and sighs loudly. “No, it’s not. But these… these actions of yours are more concerning now because you are 14 years old. You need to go and hang out with friends. You never rebel like any other teenager would. I’m not saying I want you to- but you’re a teenager now. Isn’t that just what you’re supposed to do? I hardly ever even see you anymore! You shut me out. You shut everyone out.” I look at the floor. I feel a knot in my throat and say “So you’re mad that I am behaving and minding my own business? Wow, okay. Nice. Maybe I’ll just start skipping class. What are you even gonna do?.” My voice sounds weak and hurt, but I can tell it also sounds angry. We’re both looking at the floor now. “You’re going to go to group therapy.” And as soon as I hear those words, I run back to my room. That was nowhere near funny.

 

Chapter 3

I lay on my window couch and look out at the beautifully bright and twinkling stars. My head is spiraling out of control. What if he really was worried about me? Did I shut everyone out? I hang out with people.. Right? I sigh. I never thought I could feel so many things at once. It’s just so unfair. I’m mad, and I don’t even wanna go!  And if I already know what I’m feeling, why do I need to tell a bunch of random people who I don’t even know! I roll my eyes just at the thought of it. I hate how he even thought of sending me there. He didn’t even ask me! Did he already have this whole group therapy thing set up?! I look towards my clock, It’s midnight. And of course, I have school tomorrow. I look at the stars, they really are gorgeous. “Please let me stay home from school.. Please don’t let me go to group therapy. Please just let me stay in my room, staring at the glory of the stars.” I whisper. 

 

~

 

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I roll over and fall off of my window couch. I forgot I wasn’t on my bed. I turn my alarm clock off. What do I even wear for the first day of school? I rip open my drawers and pull out my black T-shirt with a yellow outline of the Minions logo on it. I throw it on and put on my black pair of ripped jeans. I brush my straight brown hair, and put on a chain necklace. I grabbed my backpack from school last year and slipped on my Vans. My dad is sitting at the kitchen table, doing work on his computer. He looks at me as I grab two hair ties from the counter. “Good morning Lana. How was your sleep?” I sigh quietly so he doesn’t hear, I’m still mad at him. He should know that, but I decide to just stay calm and keep as short of an answer as possible. “Fine.” I put my hair into two buns and decided that they’re pretty cute. He gets up and studies my hair. “Those look nice, good job.” I shrug, “Thanks. I’m going to school.” He smiles. “Oh, I can drive you!” I’m still mad at him, but he always drives me to school on the first day and I would feel bad if I turned him down. “Alright, fine.” At least I’ll get the bus ride home. I walk outside and get in the car. I take my phone out of my pocket and check my phone. I quickly go to my messages to see who has texted me. I haven’t checked anyone’s messages all summer. 7,489 texts. 100 missed calls. 34 voicemails, and too many notifications all togethor. Everyone asking me to hang out or if I’m okay and all the normal stuff. It’s not that I’m ignoring them.. I just don’t have time. That’s all. Dad gets into the car and I put my phone away. I think about my answers to all the first day questions. My favorite color is purple. No pets, no siblings. I didn’t do anything fun this summer, and I don’t know what I want to be when I’m older. My hobby is listening to music and art. Those are the basic questions, I think I’ll be fine.

Chapter 4

 

As we get to the front of the school, my stomach starts to hurt. I hate it here, and I want to just go home. I grab my backpack but luckily Dad turns around and says, “Hey Lana. Can we talk for a minute, please?” I sit back and relax, “Yea, what is it?” He looks at me, and he looks like he genuinely feels really bad. “You have group therapy today as soon as school ends so I’ll be picking you up.” He pauses and then says in a low voice, “I’m sorry for telling you all this.. Without asking you if you even wanted to first. I know how hard this must be for you. And I’m just trying to help you. I will give you all the support and comfort you need, and no matter what happens. I will always be here for you.” I took a deep breath, just now realizing I was holding my breath the whole time he was talking. It felt really nice to hear him say that to me. “Thank you Dad, that means a lot.” His face lights up and he says, “Awesome.. Well, good luck on your first day.” “Thanks,” I reply.  I still don’t feel too good about school. I get out of the car, hang my head low and walk inside.

 

  ~

As I walk into homeroom, I look around for people to avoid. But before I can even get one name down- someone walks through the door. But not just anyone. It’s Reagen. Reagen is the girl who called me, texted me, tried to make plans with me and to all of the constant questions.. I never responded. I just know there is going to be a question as to why I didn’t. I read the texts, I just didn’t respond. I drop my head onto the desk and sigh. This day is horrible. Reagen walks and sits at the desk right next to me. “Uhmmm…. Lana? Are you okay?” I pick my head up off my desk. “Yea. I’m fine. You?” She looks at me; trying so hard to pretend like our friendship is perfectly normal, when it really isn’t. “Yea, yea, I’m good. Everything’s good.” She isn’t looking at me.. She’s looking at the bottom of the chair in front of her. Then she drops the bomb. “I saw you read my texts, and listen to my voicemails. Why didn’t you ever respond? I missed you!” I don’t say anything. If I’m being honest, I didn’t miss her. Not anyone.. Only mom. I just shake my head and say, “I can’t do this right now. Okay?” She frowns at me, disappointed. But I truly can’t. I wasn’t lying about that. I just want to get the day over with so I can go home in my room.

 

Chapter 5

The school day was so slow. Nothing interesting even happened. I’m waiting for Dad’s car to pull up. My phone buzzes- it’s Reagen. She’s calling me. Should I answer? I stare at her number as it rings. My finger clicks the ignore button, and thankfully my dad pulls up. I get into his car as fast as I can. “How was your day? Did you do anything fun?” I’m looking at the floor, “It was boring. And no, not really.” He nods. And after 10 minutes of the awkward silence in the car, he parks and we walk inside to the therapy building. There are gray walls, blue couches and chairs, and a white counter. Pretty cozy here, but nobody has to know that. A lady calls my name and leads me into a room with two boys and a woman. This is the group? Three people, including me? Wow. I walk in. The woman looks at me, “Hello! You must be Lana. I am Mrs. Warren. You can take a seat in the circle, and before you say anything. Yes, this is the group. Nobody else is a huge fan of group therapy.” I nod a little, and sit down. Mrs. Warren is very direct and says, “Okay. Let’s introduce ourselves. You all know me, I’m sure. We can start with this young man next to me.” She motions towards the boy next to her. He looks about my age. He has brown curly hair and blue eyes. He looks like he works out, because he has muscles.. And he’s wearing green cargo pants with a black hoodie. He has a chain necklace with an N on it. He talks softly, “Uhm- hey. My name’s Michael. I don’t wanna say why I’m here. But I’m 14. And uh- yea.” He doesn’t make eye contact with anyone. He seems sweet though. Then the next kid is up. This guy has orange hair, and it’s straight. He has a Michael Jordan shirt on with black sweatpants. He’s also wearing a baseball hat. And he has brown eyes. “Hi, my name is Bret.. I am 16 years old, and I’m here because my friend is going to therapy- so I told him I would go. For moral support, you know.” Bret makes eye contact with Mrs. Warrens because she is the only other one making eye contact. She looks over at me, while I look at the floor. “Your turn,” She whispers kindly. “Uhm… I’m not saying why I’m here either. My name is Lana and I’m 14 too. I don’t really know what else.” I shrug but Mrs.  Warren smiles. “Very nice everyone. Now let’s begin the session. I understand that Lana and Michael do not want to share, but we do have to for many reasons. Lana, I need you to go first please.” My arms are folded now.. This whole thing is making me uncomfortable. I shake my head, “No.” She looks at me. “Lana, you are here for a reason. You need to tell me what is going on so we can help. Why are you here?” I’m not making eye contact with her. “I am not going to talk about why I’m here and you can’t make me. What if I don’t know why I’m here? You don’t even know me! Maybe I don’t even want your help!” She glares at me. I feel Michael’s eyes narrowing down towards me. I look his way and his eyes meet mine. He smiles at me, and I smile back. He nods at me, and it seems like he is validating my point, but I’m not quite sure. Mrs. Warren focuses her eyes on me. She tilts her head down, and gives me the teacher look. I don’t mean to, but I burst into laughter. Michael starts laughing too, and John just sits there confused. Mrs. Warren is clearly annoyed.   “What’s so funny?” She asks. I wipe the tears from my eyes and when I try to talk, I just laugh harder, and so does Michael. I’m trying so hard to stop laughing but I can’t control myself. Mrs. Warren gets so angry and she gets out of her chair, looks at both me and Michael and says, “I’m going to take a break before I get too worked up. I do not understand what is funny at all, but I’m sure you both will be happy to discuss it with each other. Give me 20 minutes.” She walks out of the room and closes the door behind her. Bret rolls his eyes and mumbles something. Michael and I are still laughing after 5 whole minutes. I finally wipe the tears from my eyes and stop myself from laughing. Bret looks at me and I giggle quietly. “You wanna go outside with Mrs. Warren too?” I laugh harder and Michael is now on the floor in tears. “Yes. I think I will.” He walks out too. Michael finally stops laughing and looks up at me, “That was pretty hilarious. The way you talked to her and then the way she looked at you.” I smile at him. “Yea, it was pretty funny.” I pause for a second and then say, “I’m here because my dad sent me. He claims ever since the thing with my mom happened.. That I have just completely shut everyone out.” He looks at me with sad eyes. “I’m really sorry about that. That must suck.” I nod quietly. He looks away from my eyes and says “My uncle sent me here. I don’t even know why.” I look away, shocked. I couldn’t even imagine being in that situation. “I’m sorry.” I don’t know what else to say really. It’s finally time to leave so Michael leaves and gets into a car. I think it’s his Uncle’s. My dad gets me and I go into his car. And the questions begin on how it was. Yippee.

 

Chapter 6

The questions are a lot to handle. Once I get into the car, he starts. “How was it? Was the lead therapist nice? How many people were there? You have another session tomorrow, same time. Did you like it there?” I sigh. “It was fine. She was very pushy. There were me, two other people, and the lead therapist. Ugh, okay. And I guess.” He frowns. I can tell he isn’t too pleased with my responses. I just shrug it off, I’m fine, really. He pulls into the driveway and I run inside. “Lana. Reagen will be coming for dinner tonight.” I turn around and trip off the porch but catch myself quickly. “Sorry- what?! WHY would you invite her over?” He looks at me, confused. “Is that a problem? I can cancel it..if it is.” I look at him. “No, no it’s fine. It’s not a problem.” He looks at me, knowing something is wrong. “I just wanted you to talk to someone.. That’s all.” He says quietly. I nod, but I’m annoyed. I don’t like Reagen anymore.. And the last thing I want to do is to see her. 

 

~

“Lana, Reagen’s here! Come downstairs for dinner!” I sigh and put my drawing stuff on my bed. I walk downstairs and there she is.. Reagen. I sigh and she looks up at me. “Hey Lana.” She waves at me with her phone in one hand, and a paper in the other. “Uhm- hi.” My dad smiles at us, “Girls! Sit, sit! We’re having your favorite, both of you! Chicken Alfredo!” We both love chicken alfredo, we ate it all the time when we were little. My dad has made it the best way since forever. I sit at the table and don’t say a word to Reagen. My dad fills our plates and sets them in front of us, “Eat up!” He says with a soft smile. Reagen doesn’t touch her food. I look at her and sigh, “What’s wrong now?” She looks up at me. “I don’t eat chicken alfredo anymore.” I sigh. Why does she have to do this? Right here, and right now? Way to go. “Are you being serious? Just eat the food and deal with it. It’s one meal. You’ll be fine.” Dad looks at me and whispers, “Lana, stop. That’s enough.” Reagen just sits there, and stares at me. “No dad! She was invited over here and I think it’s pretty rude that she comes here and complains about our food.” He turns to Reagen. “I’ll make you something else. What would you like?” She smiles at him, “Just a salad is fine.” What a suck up. My hands clenched into fists, this is so annoying, and I stand up. “Who is going to leave?” I say, looking at my dad. He turns around, “What?” I repeat myself. “Who is going to leave? Reagen or me? Choose.” I fold my arms and look at him. He wants her over so bad then he has to choose. Me or her. “Lana, that’s crazy. Calm down, it’s fine.” I nod. “Okay.” I walk up to my room and grab a backpack. I put my sketchbook, charcoal pencil from my mom, and my colored pencils in it. I walk back downstairs. “I’m taking a walk.” My dad tries to stop me, but I couldn’t care less. I walk out the front door and down the road. I know exactly where I’m headed. I’m gonna go to the beach. The sun is setting and I’ll be able to sit alone and get some peace and quiet. I need some time.. For myself. So I turned off one road and onto the next, heading to my happy place.

 

Chapter 7

I sit on the brick wall that leads onto the beach. As I carefully take out my colored pencils to start drawing, I see someone out of the corner of my eye. I decide to just ignore it, and continue to draw the sunset. I shade the colors from red and yellow to blue and purple. I feel someone tap my shoulder softly. I turn around to see who it is, and it’s… Michael. “Oh.. hey.” I say, softly. “Hey.” He sits down next to me and leans over to see what I’m drawing. “You’re an artist?” I look out at the sunset and shrug, “Yea, I guess so.” He’s still looking at the drawing. “That’s really good.” I nod. “Thanks.” I set my drawing back into my backpack and watch the harsh waves splash back and forth. “So.. why are you out here? If you don’t mind me asking.” I pull my knees up to my chest and sigh. “My dad invited my ex-friend over and me and her got into a fight. So I just left and came here. It’s stupid, I don’t really know.” He looks at me and tilts his head. “It’s not stupid.” I shrug. “Why are you out here?” I look at him with confusion. He turns away. “I got into a fight with my friend too.” I see a tear fall from his eye but he wipes it away quickly. “Words.. Or hands?” I ask quietly. He puts his head in his knees, “Hands. He shoved me so I shoved him back and it just escalated really fast.” Aw.. poor guy. That must stink. I decide to scoot over and give him a little hug, just to make him feel better. He lifts his head up and looks at me, “Thanks. I needed that.” I nod, “No problem. Anytime.” I smile at him, and he smiles back. It’s getting dark and the stars begin to reveal themselves. I smile, looking at the beauty. He looks at me, “What are you smiling at?” He’s curious, I can tell. “Nothing, I just really like looking at the stars. They’re really pretty.” I look out at them. He looks out at the stars and water too. “Wow, you’re right. They’re beguiling.” I laugh. “What the heck does beguiling mean?” He looks at me, looks away, and chuckles. “It means it’s very fascinating.” We’re both laughing again, and it makes me a lot happier. “Thanks, I really needed a laugh right now.” He smiles gently at me, “My pleasure.” It’s almost completely dark outside. “I gotta get home, my dad is already gonna be mad that I left the way I did.” He looks up at me as I stand up, “Yea. Want to walk together?” I nod. “Sure, I would love that.” He stands up, and we head toward my house. “What do you mean.. You left?” I look towards the sidewalk as we walk down the street. “Okay, can I just tell you everything that happened?” He nods, “Yea, of course.” I nod too. “Okay.. my mom passed away 2 years ago, and basically ever since then I haven’t really talked to anyone. And I shut everyone out.” I can feel my face getting hot. “My dad got worried so he said he was sending me to group therapy because all I do is sit in my room and do nothing else. Well, I had to go to school today because it was my first day and my stomach was hurting really bad and my dad said I had my first appointment today and so when I got into homeroom, my ex best friend- Reagen. The one who I have been ignoring all summer, asked me why I didn’t answer her texts or call her back.” My throat feels tight and my eyes fill with tears. “And I just told her I couldn’t have that conversation right now. So then I went to group therapy and you know how it went because you were there and- and then my dad said he was inviting Reagen over for dinner. And once Reagen got to my house she- she was picky about the dinner so I got up and I..” I start hyperventilating and my hand shakes. I sit on the sidewalk, put my head in my knees, crying and hyperventilating with no control. Michael sits down next to me. “Hey, hey. It’s okay. Breathe.. Breathe..” He pulls me into a hug and I hug him back in tears. My breathing slows down and I wipe my eyes. “Thanks-” I say, embarrassed. “You're welcome. I’m here for you, okay? Just call me when you need me. I’ll always answer. I think I can figure out the rest of the story.. But I’m really sorry that happened. About your mom.. Your friend and everything else. I wish there was a way I could help you more..” He looks me directly in the eyes. I nod, “You’ve done so much for me. I’m sorry you had to see that. It’s never really.. happened before.” He nods, “Yea. It’s okay. I’m glad I was with you when it happened. Wanna keep walking? We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. And here’s my number.” He grabs my hand gently and writes his phone number on it. “Yea, let’s keep walking.” I smile softly, and we continue walking.