astone2292

The trio of adventurers pointed and exclaimed. Bounding for joy, their journeys through sweltering savannahs and frigid mountains paid off. Many townsfolk and countrymen called them crazy. Some even cast them aside, taunting their hopes and dreams. Now, they stand mere yards away from their fantasies in an unfamiliar jungle. The gossip, rumors, and tales about the Temple of Baire appeared to have been quite exaggerated. Vibrant gold bricks were vine-covered clay. No sparking cobblestone la

Thanks, Gary!! It was such fun to tell. I'll be sure to keep this story in my back pocket at the next spooky bon fire.

Every time I see a comment from you, Patch, I always smile. Thank you for being such a dedicated reader 💜

I did my best to describe my current workplace. Very typical run-of-the-mill liquor store with an abandoned bar space attached behind walls. With the company finally realizing the costs of having a building sitting empty, it's now for rent. Our staff have spent extra time getting it cleaned up for the realty office, so it's spooky feel is starting to dissipate. The genuine care for customers, unfortunately, must be balanced with legality. We need to prevent overserving, and offer care (calling taxis, offer to leave their vehicle in our lot while a friend picks then up). It's not well-addressed, but insurance companies do come after liquor stores/bars when people are overserved and those people get into accidents/become medically ill. I joke about it, but I often mention to folks that liquor store employees are akin to police in the retail industry. I have training in reading bodily movement behaviors and speech recognition because of this. I don't want to stop their fun, but I gotta for their sake. If you want a more in-depth iteration of a day in the life of a liquor store manager, check out this chapter of "Dear, Grocery Shoppers," a rant-laden journal my husband and I forgot about. A fair warning, it's me swearing like a sailor... https://gayauthors.org/story/astone2292/dear-grocery-shoppers/11

Broadening horizons can lead to inspiring adventures, particularly for authors and readers. Beautiful paths and terrifying trails can be found, both with enlightening destinations at their end. I'm glad my little tale could accompany you along this journey 💜

Much thanks, everyone! I wanted to share a slice of my work life. They're a wonderful cast of characters that deserved a spotlight.. albeit, this makes Sheila's second appearance in my works. *makes a note to write something boring for next year's Secret Author just for you*

"Let me be the first to welcome our newest GM to the Spirit Shed team. Aggie, mind introducing yourself?" After waiting an awkward moment for the other conference call attendees to wrap up their forced applause, Augustus Buckner put on his best customer service voice. "Thanks, Brian! Having been a team member of ten-oh-two for a couple of years, I'm thrilled to bring my excitement and expertise to the squad. I look forward to working alongside y'all as we change and uplift our market."

Augustus earned his promotion to general manager. But with the new job comes new problems. What lies beyond his store's walls? An attached, abandoned bar.

Off I go to do another round of edits...

Add later - using currently for a walk-through via PM

I'm tickled pink you enjoyed this little tale. I wanted the active characters in the comaspace (I'm stealing that term, by the way) to reflect who they were in both planes of existence. Doctor Gallagher/Gilligan was not as humanoid compared to Malach/Malcolm because Nick might have subconsciously recognized his voice. I like small details, and I squeal when readers recognize them.

Nah, just been incredibly busy with work. Been sent to the other location in town to, and I quote my GM... "Save this s***show." So yes, Loserland.

So, you're saying I need to change my game for next year...

Nico will be going in my ever-growing "to-write" list. Behind "Cow-man"... and a Cernunnos sequel... and my Pokémon fanfic... and the insomnia-induced fever dream I had this morning.

With no more Secret Author duck tape over my mouth... Thank you, everyone, for reading my little story!!

Please disregard my message. Still waking up. Edit: no, no. Disregard this one. Same excuse. Need coffee.

I'm glad you had fun!! If you haven't already, I continued this tale with another prompt chapter (Chapter 7 of this collection).

Sure thing! Here the link to the entire trilogy. This will have all three stories listed in order.

A patient wakes up in a familiar hospital. His concerns? The doctor is a moving tree, the therapist has wings, and the waiting room is filled with every supernatural being known to existence. Oh, and he can't remember anything about himself.

A must-read, both during and after the Secret Author contest. The layering of the theme "Hidden" is extensive. A tale of self-discovery and realization, this one is worth reading. Excellent work, Secret Author!

This was an absolute treat. I had concerns with Frank and Koa's arguing, but the story slowly blossomed out beautifully. The ending and how it unfolded made me smile. I can understand Blue's desire to be like his parents (akin to how gay young adults wish they could be straight like their parents), and I truly love his realization.

I am left impressed with this short story. Misplacing a kitten can be stressful and heart-wrenching. What comes next in this story is equally, if not, more. Buckle in and read, folks. Brilliant use of this year's theme, Secret Author!

This story hit me. I was fully entranced by the lost kitten, and fully expected the entire story to be about finding the hidden kitten. Then WHAM! We dive down the poor parenting rabbit hole. I haven't been this blindsided since Yeoldebard's "The Neko's Tale." Very impressive interpretation of the theme, Secret Author.

This little story checked all of my short story likes. Out of the ordinary? Yep! Kept my attention? Yes'sir! Gave me a few giggles? Teehee! An excellent story to start off this year's Secret Author contest!

Kbois was my knee-jerk reaction as well!! This was a fun read. The lingering want for another that has been stretched over time... Oooh I simply love it! Brilliant work, Secret Author!