Core writing 

Jennie’s Last Breath

  Hi, my name is Jennie and I'm blind. I have an older sister named Elena and she just turned 16 years old. I also have a little brother named Nick and he's 10 years old. My parents are named Victor and Hailey. I was born with eye problems when I was little and it has since affected me and everyone. Instead of my mother going to work and making money for the family, she had to take care of me and my wellbeing. Every single time I would hear her crying and praying to get my vision better but it was no use. Even though I'm blind I could feel her presence and hear her every word. It made me so emotional to "see" her in this state, but I couldn't do anything but see darkness all the time. It got to the point where I was sick and tired of not having eyesight.

  There was a very exciting party going on for my sister. It was the very first time I've ever been to a party. My sister just turned 16 and I'm only 12 years old, acting like I know everyone here. It's definitely not for me, but since it's my sister's birthday I have to be there for her.

  The party was going great considering I was actually going. I wasn't allowed for certain reasons, like I would hold my parents back from talking to family members or friends. I initially understood why I couldn't go, but I slowly felt left out after they agreed it was best for me to stay during my aunt's wedding. I couldn't take it anymore, so that's when the shift changed. My sister's party had all sorts of music and I could hear people dancing. There were many different foods and treats but I chose to not have any.

  I was wearing this jean jacket over my t-shirt with a pair of leggings. My parents had brought a present for my sister, and since she had a license now she can drive. My parents bought her a nice red ford car, at least that's how my parents explained it to me. When they were surprising her with the car, I heard screams from her and so much joy and excitement. That's when I knew she loved the car. She couldn't wait to drive it, everyone was shook by how pretty it was. For the rest of the party we had karaoke and ate some cake, but I couldn't help but feel happy and uncomfortable at the same time. It's like my body is shutting down. My sense of feeling left my body. I felt weak. Unable to stand.

  I staggered up to my parents and was about to tell them my situation, but I couldn't let them know since they were having fun and celebrating Elena. So, I just stayed silent and covered up. It didn't take long for them to notice what was going on, they asked me many questions and that's when I blurted out that there's something wrong and that I couldn't feel anything. They panicked and packed up to take me to the hospital. They told my sister who was having a fun time with her friends, instead of being angry that I ruined her day, she was worried that this was going to be serious. My parents told my relatives about the situation and they agreed to take care of everything while we were away.

  When we arrived at the hospital, the nurses came rushing in and asked various questions. I was very nervous and anxious and all I wanted to know was "what's wrong with me, and can you fix me?". As soon as the doctors showed up they examined me and found that there was something wrong with my eyes. I simply told them that I've been blind my whole life. They asked a serious question asking if there were any signs of itchy eyes or any kind of feeling whatsoever and I answered that I've felt a weird sensation, almost like a feather is tickling my eyes.

  Their expression turned from calming to terrified. I could sense the terror in my parents eyes and that's what scares me. The doctors didn't even tell me anything. All they did was ask if they could bring more doctors and nurses in. So, they started to gather around me and my parents and I could tell by the atmosphere that this wasn't a good thing. The silence in the room made me really scared, there wasn't any sound, just pure silence.

  I couldn't take it anymore so I screamed saying "what's wrong with me!" "Why are you guys not talking?". My parents cried sobbing and I didn't know why, all I wanted was answers but they weren't giving any. My doctor took my hand and said "Jennie, I'm sorry but today's your last day". Deep in my heart I knew what he meant but I just kept a straight face knowing if I had cried my parents would have cried harder. I didn't want to suffer in a hospital bed so I asked my doctor if I could go to my favorite place one last time with my family. He agreed and wished me the best of luck.

  As we exited the hospital I didn't want to talk because that would lead to sadness and I didn't want my parents to be sad but happy. I wanted to talk to my siblings and tell them the horrible news myself. As we arrived at my sisters' after party with several family members and relatives I started to feel upset. Upset at the fact that I won't be seeing them for a long time and I will miss them continuously. I held my tears till I couldn't. My parents saw the emotional state I was in and asked me if I wanted to do this. I answered "it's my last day on this planet, mom, dad I want to do this". They helped me walk to where everyone was at, I told them to kill the music and that I have some really important news.

  As the music died down it was completely silent. "Today's my last day on Earth, I have a couple hours to my name". As I said , Elena ran to me and sobbed as Nick did the same. The emotions in this room were filled with sorrow, sadness and anger. I however, didnt cry because if they saw me they wouldn't stop. I requested that only my parents and siblings shall go to my favorite spot with me for one last time. When we arrived I immediately fed the fishes with cereal instead of the fish food. After I fed them I went to my favorite tree, the weeping willow tree. I love the big green branches filled with green leaves. The rocks that are perfect for skipping and the soft grass as delicate as ever. I will miss this place. I wanted to have a photo of me and my family with this tree so I asked my dad and he offered to take one.

  After that fun day of laying down in the grass, I started to feel extremely exhausted. I told my parents and they knew my time was almost done. They told me how great I was as a daughter and to not be scared of what is happening after I pass. I told them I will wait for them when it's their time. They started tearing up but I told them not to cry and to smile and be happy instead. I told them there was a big white light and that I was going through. "Goodbye and thank you for everything". That was the last thing I said to my family.

Birthday

 Today marks 25 years of living on earth. Frankly, Rosie hated celebrating her birthday as much as she hated taking pictures. When celebrating her birthday it reminds her that she is one more year closer to death and having yet one more year of laughter, anger, sadness, confusion, all of the emotions that she had felt in her last 24 years. She had her son Jacob in the car as we headed straight to my parents house. Yet, again they were excited to see Jake as they took him away from rosie. There is nothing like celebrating my birthday with my 8 month old son and my parents. She gathered his diaper bag and some extra clothes since she'll be staying there until Monday.

   By the time she got to the house she was surprised with lots of cheering and lots of confetti. As she looked around she happened to notice her siblings and other family members like her cousins, aunts and uncles that she hadn't seen in a long time and even more family singing "happy birthday". Even though she hated celebrating, today was an exception as she didn't want to bring down the mood. After we celebrated, Rosie looked and saw her son looking tired.

  Rosie announced that even though it's still my birthday Jacob is very tired so I'm going to put him to sleep. They all understood as she went upstairs to change his diaper, change his day outfit to his night, put on his sleep sack and nursed him to sleep.

 It was clear that not every birthday is a bad birthday. Today was a very special day.

The New Mother

   It was a cold winter night, me and my son Jacob came back from a long day of hospital appointments and holy we are tired. When Jake had to get his shots I felt a sense of worrieness and honestly scared. Scared that he will cry, or scream even but I know that it's natural for babies who receive shots. This is my first time doing this and I'm just not ready for it yet. I'm not ready for anything in fact. All of this was happening to me rapidly. But, I don't regret having Jacob. He kind of saved me from myself.

  After Jacob had to get his shots I went back to my parents house and visited them for some time till it was time to go home. Of course they insisted that we should stay the night considering how heavy the snow is falling down. I happily agreed but had to get some necessities for me and Jacob. He's currently inside his car seat wearing a blue striped star onesie, some burgundy sweats, Velcro shoes and a winter hat. I looked at the state that he's in, and he seems content with sleeping. So, I decided to go alone and get some stuff for us but asked if my parents could watch him for a while.

  They were overjoyed by me asking and immediately kicked me out of the house to get the items. Ever since I've had Jacob they've been so happy and excited to see him when we visit. He is about 3 months old and honestly, he is pretty big for a 3 month old. As i gathered our belongings, the power went out but thankfully we have a power generator. I have a fear of the dark but that's because of how many crime shows and scary movies I've watched in my lifetime.

  As I arrived at my parents house, there he was awake. When he saw me his eyes lit up like fireworks. He looked so happy. I went and fed him and went to bed after. I'm so glad I have him in my life.

Nightmare

  There was this weird sensation of warmth through Ashley's body telling her something was not right here. It's almost like it's warning her of what is coming. She hesitated thinking it was just the cold but there was no air flowing, no windows, just the chills coming down her spine. Before she could retreat it was already too late. The doors were locked and that was the only way out of this mysterious, dangerous place. She couldn't think but panic, all there was in the room was a broken chair, really old cheese that expired years ago, a portrait of Jesus, some new balances, with the sign that says catch, and a mannequin with no arms. As she explores this place it feels really familiar to her. It's like she's been here before. She doesn't know how to explain it but it feels surreal. She goes further than expected and starts to feel a sharp pain in her lower back. As she feels where the pain was she feels blood. Confused as ever she tried to figure out where she was hit, but no use. There were no bloody corners or sharp objects that she could have bumped into.

  She decided to retrace my steps and head back to where she started. It was until she heard footsteps coming towards her. She ran as she heard the gruesome steps. As she reached the start of the adventure she started at, she started to turn her face to see what or who made the sound. As soon as Ashley turned there she met a masked man facing her. She tried to pry the door open but as soon as she did that… She woke up from her dream screaming.

Freedom!

  Naomi had her whole life planned for her by her grandparents. They owed some money that they borrowed from a family friend. However, they couldn't repay them so they decided to give away the first granddaughter and marry her off to their grandson.

  Naomi however, didn't like this "idea" so she worked really hard to earn money and be on her studies. She didn't want to marry someone just because her grandparents didn't pay off their debt. It didn't make sense to her that she had to be the one. She was always on the top of her class, she graduated early from high school and has 2 PHD's in Criminal law and Forensics. But of course that didn't matter to her parents nor grandparents.

  By this time she is about 24 years old which is the age that they agreed she would be married at, but of course Naomi had other plans? She got a job in the FBI as one of the Agents, which would mean she had to fly out of her hometown. She knew that she had told her relatives this amazing news they would immediately shoot it down and not let her leave or have this amazing opportunity.

  She decides to pack her things up and secretly move her things to Washington as she accepts the job. She planned everything out from head to toe. She has got enough saved money from previous jobs, she has her own car that she bought recently, she also planned to move tomorrow. She wrote various letters to her family and friends. She wrote how she had got an amazing opportunity to work her dream Job, and that she won't be using her number again, that means no contact from her. She wrote down "I'm sorry, nana and pop pop but I'm not going to be a liability for the debt that you haven't paid back. You said I had to get married to a guy that I don't know and if I didn't then you would disown me. But here's the thing, I have already been disowned by you, you can't make me do anything.

Signing off,

Naomi."

  As she wrote that last sentence she said goodbye to her room. She looked around, and had a couple of flashbacks of what she did in her bedroom. It was a bittersweet moment but she knew she had to leave. She couldn't bare the thought of this family and the arranged marriage. She packed the last of her clothes and necessities. She made sure the letters were on her bed along with her favorite picture of her grandparents and her having fun and smiling. She felt a tear coming out of her eyes. She said her final goodbyes and left.

 She moved quickly and quietly so she wouldn't wake her fellow family members. It was around midnight where everyone had gone to bed. She closed the door and threw away her house key and looked at the house again, hesitating if she had made the right decision. She took one last good look before unlocking her car and drove away. Prior to yesterday she had gotten a new phone with a new number, she destroyed the old phone so they wouldn't call and she burned it leaving no evidence behind. This was her last hurrah.

  This was it. It's all over. She at last has the FREEDOM. She kept driving, never looking back again. She still had her security cameras in her room that she had forgotten. She looked through the footage and saw her parents and grandparents cursing her out every minute and every second. She knew this was going to be a rough but nice clean start into her life.

  She was about to close the camera when she heard that there was a tracker on her car. They didn't know that she had already seen it. As soon as they noticed, they screamed as she smirked.

Mirror On The Wall

  It had been 10 years since Mackenzie graduated from highschool. she wasn't one of those popular girls, she was more academically smart. Her 4 years of highschool were filled with rollercoasters of emotions. It felt very fast but also sometimes she would feel stuck for periods of time but then it goes faster. She had many friends as well as her best friend Avery. They had been friends since kindergarten and after that they really hit it off.

  They would laugh, talk, cry everything bestfriends are meant to do. Avery is very different from Mackenzie, she was more popular among everyone but also she was really dumb at the same time. That's why these two work great together. Mackenzie would help Avery with school work while Avery tells Mackenzie some juicy drama.

 They had some falling outs and fights here and there but overall they overcame it. until the night of prom…

 They were all seniors and it was that time of year where they had their prom. Avery was going with her boyfriend Brian while Mackenzie was essentially "3rd wheeling". they had everything planned out. from prom dresses, to spray tans, to diets. everything you could possibly think of they did it. Mackenzie wore this beautiful red dress while Avery wore this stunning purple one.

 While looking in the mirror, she felt like something was missing. She looked at her jewelry box and saw this beautiful necklace that had this nice red ruby that matched her dress. she decided to wear it as she looked back to the mirror she felt satisfied and finally smiled. She felt pretty, and confident. it was the first time she had EVER felt like this feeling. it was different.

Happily Ever After

  Lydia's best friend Veronica's wedding is today and since she is the maid of honor she has to get everything perfect and on schedule. She and Veronica had been best of friends since the first grade. They are now the age of 24 and Lydia is still single as a pringle. Veronica had set Lydia up many times but no use. They were all big sore losers but that didn't stop Veronica from trying. She found out that one of her husband's groomsmen is also single. So what better time than now?

  As Lydia finished with the final touches, she headed over to check if everyone had gotten dressed and ready for this ceremony. She looks toward Veronica and sees that she is currently reading through her written vows over and over again to make sure they were perfect. She felt so tearing eyed that she forced herself to not cry.

  She felt happy for her best friend but sad at her own love life. As the wedding went on she spied the groomsmen Veronica told her about and she wasn't lying when she said he looked cute. As the ceremony went on it was time to do my maid of honor speech. she couldn't help but feel nervous and overthink if she was gonna mess up or what if they don't laugh at the joke she created.

  She felt all eyes on her as she started her speech. It was the most perfect well spoken speech ever. She made everyone laugh and embarrassed Veronica and her new husband Andrew. She looked in the corner of her eyes and saw the cute guy she really liked. After the speech had ended she went back to her seat and saw a message on her saying if she was single. She asked who this was and it turned out to be brian, the cute groomsman. Lydia hesitated before giving him the answer but knew it was best if she were to go on the date. She looked at her best friend and gave her a wink.

Misery 

  It is Sunday, and Marci attended her weekly church service that she has every Sunday. It was very long and today there was a speaker from a different church teaching different lessons to her fellow members. She felt very tired, almost falling asleep. So, she decides to go upstairs and walk a little, maybe explore a bit. The church on the outside looked like a castle but on the inside it was a normal church setting. it had long benched chairs, each aisle had a variety of books.

  As she went upstairs to help her wake herself up she decides to explore more of the church. The church was huge and it also had many levels. She went one floor and to her surprise it was the restrooms. She kept going to see what other levels there were, but it only tired her more. As Marci arrived at the end of all the levels, she saw what seemed to be beds of disney princesses?

  Marci furrowed her eyes. She didn't know if it was a restricted area or not. All she knew is that someone would get in trouble if they slept in one of those beds. But, Marci felt extremely tired from walking up all of those stairs. She decides to say why not she's the only one there and everyone else is down stairs. She thought she couldn't get in trouble.

  Marci picks one of the beds which turns out to be Mulan (which is her favorite Disney princess). She made sure that the covers wouldn't get too messy so that none knows she slept there. She quickly fell asleep, but as soon as she woke up, she saw her father sitting on the sofa near the beds. She waved at him but he walked away like she wasn't there. She was confused, so she quickly made the bed and made sure everything was perfect. She wanted to make sure that it didn't look like someone was sleeping there.

  As she was done with tidying up the bed, she saw a strange big tv that wasn't there when she arrived. It looked like it could have been window length. She felt like something bad was going to happen and she wanted to leave immediately. Marci went to walk out of the many bedrooms but she was trapped? She felt so confused as to why? Why was this open room somehow trapping her?

  Marci yelled for her dad since he was four feet away from her and he quickly looked in her direction. He noticed that it was his daughter Marci. He thought it was one of those jokes she would play on him. Until she tried to escape that room but to no use. He noticed that she was in trouble. She had a scared look on her face. Marci started to look around the room to see if there was something that could break this invisible barrier.

  Marci started to look around but there was nothing. She starts to look at the tv and she sees a button flashing blue and red. She panicked, she regretted sleeping in those beds. She eventually saw a person on the tv screen. It was a person with a black hoodie and a mask. Marci asked the person who he was and he replied that you shouldn't have slept in those beds.

  Her dad saw this as well and tried to break the invisible barrier using the chairs. As soon as Marci heard some noise coming from the room she looked behind her and saw the man that trapped her. He closed her in a corner holding a knife in his hand, almost cutting her stomach. Ben started to scream but it was no use. The man pressed onto her skin, almost cutting her, Marci screamed. She looked at the clock, it was 3 am.

The Royal Secret 

  My name is Jane and I'm kinda well known as of right now. You see, I was born with money and royalty. My parents are King George and Queen Victoria. And my siblings are none other than princess Penelope, princess Abigail and Prince Carlos, that makes me Crown Princess Jane of Burma. I'm 24 years old and currently searching for a husband who would lead our country to victory.

  The state that my country is in? Well, it's in jeopardy and the only way to fix it is for me to get married to a prince that has the power to defend Burma. The war hasn't ended yet and I know it's going to worsen. I found out that my parents have found many ways to keep me safe, but now it's my time to step up and save them.

  I'm currently in my room getting ready for a gala. My mother queen Victoria comes in reminding me that it's okay if there aren't any suitable men and to just enjoy the gala. As I continued to get ready I remembered the red dress that I bought recently and I wanted to wear it thinking why not. I put my hair in curls and did my makeup. As I was almost finished with getting ready, my sisters Penelope and Abigail came in and told me that they were waiting for me. I nodded and went downstairs where everyone was.

  As we headed to the gala, I couldn't help but notice the silence in the room, so I decided to start the conversation. they however, gave such lame and boring answers and I instantly knew something wasn't right here. I tried talking but no one answered me so I just dropped it and continued the silence until we arrived. There were lots of people, lots of paparazzi, and lots of security as well. But my mind was somewhere else. What had happened to my family members? Was there something I didn't know or was there some sort of secret they wouldn't tell me? whether or not I have to know.

  As we entered I immediately felt a sense of nervousness. Everyone was looking at me and I couldn't tell if they were judging me by their looks or if they were shocked as to why I'm here. But grantee that I'm only here to have fun and potentially find someone worthy. As the night went on I took some pictures and took some with my family also, they seemed so content and happy that I couldn't wrap around the fact they were so silent on the way here. I tried to shake the fact that they were definitely hiding something from me.

  As the event was still going on I noticed to my right that my parents and siblings were whispering but didn't know what they were talking about. I decided to look forward and ask them later. Everyone was very friendly and kind. They helped me navigate where to go since it was my first time here and the place was humongous. I met one of my bestest friends Olivia and we just catched up with each other.

  Towards the end of the long event I looked around with my bodyguard to see how big this place was and to see other rooms. As I roamed I saw this guy. He's tall, handsome and of Filipino descent. I stopped my tracks and started to stare intensely, until Robert checked on me to see what was going on. When he yelled my name I instantly looked behind me. I told him I just spaced out and that I was completely fine. After I had told him I looked back in that direction and he stared at me. I felt the slightest embarrassment from what had happened. I simply didn't want it to be more awkward so I just smiled and walked away.

  As soon as I saw him, I knew he's the one. Never in my life will I ever discover someone from an event. While walking I Imagined him in my head, what life would be like if we were together. I realized I've been doing this for so long that my feet led me outside where everyone was. I blinked and went back inside the car. My family was not here yet, but as soon as I started to open my phone a bunch of photos were posted on Instagram. They were all pictures of me in my room. I screamed in fear. Who did this and why did they do it?

 They eventually came back from the gala and I was still shaking in fear. They looked at me like I was going crazy. I showed them the photos that were posted on social media and at first I thought they would be concerned but no. They had no reaction. They said that I deserved the karma that I bought. I was so confused at how they were speaking to me. They have Never Never EVER spoken to me like that. I tried speaking but my Father slapped me. I was shocked at his behavior. I cried and cried during the car ride but it was all so silent. What did I do to get this type of treatment? I said and they were furious.

  My Mother screamed at me saying how I hid the fact that I had a man in my life and that I was screwing with them. She said that I had ruined my reputation as future queen and that I let the people of this country down. I didn't know what she was talking about so I spoke. What man is in my life? I'm trying to save our country and not ruin it. I spoke up and they gave me several photos of what seemed like a recent photo of myself and a edittation of a stranger I did not know. I told them I don't know this person. They of course didn't believe me so I told Robert my body guard if he could tell them and show them what really happened.

  They pulled the cameras and it clearly showed me taking the same picture that they had. It showed no man but Robert taking the same photo. I was waiting for them to say something and they did. They told me someone sent the pictures to the house and they didn't see who sent it or how it got sent. but one thing is for sure i wont let this ruin what ive worked hard for. I WILL FIND THIS PERSON AND BRING THEM DOWN WITH ME!

2014

  It was the summer of 2014. The sun was shining down on me as I walked out onto the big meadow in front of me.

  Day 1 of me being a camp counselor had started. Being a counselor wasn't so hard. My usually eventful life back home slowed down once I arrived here. I was once one of the children who had visited here in the summer and took for granted the pleasant getaway that it was. I had driven my car through the mountains and saw the trees blur past me. It was peaceful. I came down from the ledge I was standing on and made my way to the middle building where most of the campers would now be. As I walked, I could hear the voice and distant wails of children bidding their parents goodbye. I waved in greeting to fellow camp counselors who I had only known for a brief moment. Along with a sympathetic smile for the frazzled mother of a wailing kid. All these pictures and ideas crossed my mind as I gazed down at the now quiet boy in my lap. The one who had wept to his mother not to leave him.

  The rain on his cheek and the pounding of it on my back.

  Strings of hair were stuck to my face as it poured relentlessly and the shiny red stained my clothes. It was relentless and inescapable. It was a sacrifice that had to be made. But for what? I pushed his head away from me and placed him in the mud. Looking around, I noticed that the trees surrounding me had symbols etched into them. I was then startled by a clap of thunder and quickly jumped to my feet.. My head swirled with bits of recollections, trying to remember why or how it had gotten to this point. A gust of wind blew the rain sideways, lowering visibility even further, but I forced myself to focus on the symbols carved into the trees. Markings, rough and scraped into the bark, a broken trail deeper into the woods.

  I looked across at the boy, his white and still face, and my stomach twisted with regret. This was not how the summer was meant to be. A rustling to my left made me whirl around. Someone was there, almost blending into the shadowy trees. It was a tall man in a thick, battered coat, his face hidden behind the brim of a hat. My senses cried out danger, but I couldn't move. He said nothing, just nodded toward the path traced by the symbols. I paused, glancing back at the boy a final time, but something inside of me knew that to remain here was a sentence of death. I steeled myself and cast the boy one last, regretful look before I trailed the path. The trees enveloped me, their branches reaching out to snag at my clothes and skin. The man's tread was heavy behind me, but he was silent. As we walked further into the woods, I saw the remains of ancient buildings. There were ivy and moss-covered stone columns half-hidden in the mire.

  The trail wound and curved, taking us down into a hollow where the air was heavy and suffocating. The symbols became more intricate, almost ritualistic, and my heart pounded.

  Finally, the man stopped, and I dared to look back at him.

  He dipped into his coat, pulling out a small, ornately carved dagger and offering it to me. I was dazed and scared, and I jerked my head away, but he simply forced it into my hand, his eyes uncompromising and cold. The message was clear: there was something I needed to do. Ritual. Sacrifice. Whatever had been done to that boy wasn't complete. I glanced down at the knife, then up at the man, and in that moment of clarity, I understood. I had a choice to make either finish the ritual or suffer whatever curse had befallen the camp. I stepped forward with trembling hands, aware that no matter what I decided to do, I would never be the same person again. The air around me started to vibrate, an unnatural hum that set my skin tingling. The man stepped further back into the shadows as a low chant appeared to emanate from the ground itself beneath my feet. The symbols on the trees started to glow with an eerie blue light, pulsating in rhythm to the chanting.

  My heart pounded as I understood that whatever ritual had started, it was underway now, and I was standing in the middle of it.

  Abruptly, the earth parted between the columns of rock, and ghostly figures emerged from the fissures; they were ghostly, ethereal creatures whose lamenting wails added to the chant. They moved in a circle around me, their empty eyes on the dagger in my hand. The man had vanished, but I sensed his presence as a shadow on the periphery of my vision. A voice sounded in my head—low, resonant, and old. "Balance must be restored. Blood was spilled, but the soul remains trapped. Set it free, or be consumed." The truth struck me with force; the boy's death had unsettled something much older than the camp itself. I needed to use the dagger to slash through the veil, to cut the connection binding his soul. I knelt in the middle of the hollow and plunged the dagger into the earth. There was a jolt of light, and the supernatural creatures shrieked together, dissolving into mist. The light went out, the earth sealed, and there was nothing. I was panting, spent, but I could feel the curse was lifted. I stumbled into camp at daybreak, unsure if it was a nightmare or twisted reality. Later that morning, when the campers returned, everything was usual except for this: the boy who cried for his mother never showed up at camp. His name was not on the list. No one recalled him but me.