In light of the time of year, the start of the school year for so many from preschool to college, and the nearing deadline of the coming anthology, I wanted to feature a past anthology with a school tag. I plugged in those filters (have you tried that system?!) and viola! This month readers get to enjoy Cliff's Pendant, a short story written by Altimexis for the 2021 Fall Anthology themed "An Unconventional Gift". And if, like me, you're going crazy with your IRL schedule, this is a snack-sized submission! If you like it, though, it's part of another series you can submerse yourself in! Just another gift to you.  Remember to come back to share your thoughts on the Discussion day! 

Cliff's Pendant

by @Altimexis

Length: 7,527

Description: Zach thought he was fooling everyone and was only out to Jake, his kid brother. Then on his 15^th birthday, his dad gave him a rainbow pendant inscribed with the Hebrew word ‘Chai’, which means ‘Life’. His dad had had it made to give to his best friend, Cliff, who had AIDS, but never got the chance. Zach promised to wear it with pride, but hid it under his shirt, forgetting he had to undress for gym, a class he shared with Tanner, his secret crush.

A Reader said: A brilliant and worth-while read from this year's Anthology. The amount of detail sucked me in and wouldn't let go. Filled with the character's intelligence and awkwardness, this short story put a smile on my face. Very well done! ~astone2292

Come back on the last Monday of the month, September 29th, to check out the Discussion day and share your thoughts!