Wilted and ruined,

My precious flower is dead.

How long till you disappear

With Winter’s returned dread?

My garden no longer lives;

Its beauty is wasted.

If only flowers would never die

And Death never chase us.

Soon I’ll be like my flower,

Wilted and worn.

Frost will cover my skin

And my heart will be torn....

The cold rain soaked me to the bone. I shivered under my new wool jacket, now ruined by mud. Staring at a fresh grave, Mom promised everything would be alright.

She lied.

15 years later and that memory still haunts me. Everytime I think of Father buried beneath, I’m pierced again with that night. The coldness never left me.

“You’ll get the job?” Mom says, cleaning dirt from her fingers.

I do n...

Hidden, yet revealed,

My guardian angel watches by hour.

In danger and fear

Consolation and protection is powered.

Unknown, yet understood,

My guardian angel remains

Near my side

Through life’s many strains....

What to do if you’re an insomniac:

1. If you’re desperate enough, walk into the night barefoot. Cold soil always makes the head hazy.

2. Have blackout shades. Any crack of light can cause sleep to wink out. Sleep is like a candle, light is the wind to the flame.

3. Try sleep aids, though I’m almost 100% sure they won’t do a thing. You can double doses and still end up rethinking everything t...

“Don’t look them in the eye until you know,” Mother said, wiping lint from my shoulders.

“What if I don’t know—”

“And don’t fear them; they hate weak people,” she interrupted, handing me my breakfast of eggs and toast.

Suddenly she was silent. I could feel a veil of worry cover her.

“Mother,” I said. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”

She looked up at me, tears in her eyes. In an instant, her arms we...

The dusky skies were blooming with pinks and dulled purples as I walked back to the Oak Tree Inn with a basket of apples.

Tonight I was going to make apple pie for those staying at the Inn.

“Delia! Delia! Oh thank goodness you’re ok!” Madam Bell shouted, running towards me with short steps.

“What is it?” I questioned.

Madam Bell whipped the sweat from her brow with her handkerchief. “There is ...

The trees of Oaksdale hugged me out of sight as glowing yellow eyes searched.

Distant howls sent shivers through me, reminding me I was trapped.

As the rustling of leaves grew louder and louder, I knew the wolf was getting closer to his prey.

I wondered how I’d taste to the hungry wolf.

Would it think my blood sweet? Would my screams stop it from devouring me?

_Stop_, my head begged. _Think o...

He knows the map of my heart,

Where I bury my hardships and secrets.

Everything I presume to like,

He knows—flowers, food, and colors.

Feeling known is heart aching

Because what if he becomes a stranger?

I suppose we can never guarantee

Giving our whole selves to someone

Who never promises to stay....

Aged books and stained papers were scattered everywhere in Professor Garland’s office.

Dim lights gave little clarity around the room, making it hard to find where to step to avoid any piles of books.

“Watch your step,” Professor Garland said, motioning to a red liquid stained on the hardwood floors.

I froze at the sight. The liquid looked so much like blood.

My foot stepped back in uncertaint...

I can’t decide if I love you or feel nothing…

When you held my hands

My heart beat just the same.

But when you said my name

My mind went to distant lands.

When we connected eyes

I simply felt a blush.

But when I felt our lips brush,

My heart grew in size.

I simply cannot understand

What I feel for you.

Is what I feel true?

I guess I’ll never know,

For you’ve gone away.

My heart wishe...