TYLER You know what? To a certain extent, I liked the house especially because its duplex structure was done in a rather peculiar way. It had two large spiral staircases with mahogany railings that led to the top of the floor of the house. While it was well in the middle of nowhere and had Grandpa freaking out because the compound was ‘wild' and unkempt— knee-high grasses had taken over the entire backyard, I still liked the mansion. I mean, it was beautiful— way more ‘attractive’ and expensive-looking than the one we lived in and that was funny since this belonged to Grandma. I could only wonder why Grandma called it a little cabin. This was nothing like any cabin I had ever seen. It was a mansion and I couldn't understand why my grandparents had never told me about this place. I settled onto a cushion next to the fireplace, which Grandpa had already stocked with short logs of dry wood that crackled and popped as they burned. The warmth was especially welcome tonight; even werewo
ADA Sitting at the large dining table, surrounded by my family and, well, strangers, I couldn't help but notice my father pulling Tyler aside for a private conversation. Despite their attempts at speaking in hushed tones, my heightened senses allowed me to hear every word being exchanged between them. As much as I tried to ignore the conversation, my curiosity got the best of me and I found myself eavesdropping. I couldn't help but feel conflicted; on one hand, Tyler had been nothing but a complete gentleman, but on the other, my father was quite protective and guarded when it came to his family. Particularly, when it came to me. “How are you feeling?” Mum said, looking at me and Dad, who was now sitting at the table. “I'm fine,” I let out. “You know what, Mum? I will like to take a look around the cabin. Seems really big.” I went out first, wanting to view the cabin from the front. As I stood before what, compared to my little height, appeared to be a towering structure, I could
TYLER When I close my eyes, I can hear Johnny saying, “It’s your fault, Ty. You always end things just before it gets serious.”Can I blame him? He wasn't lying.Today, as I sit in the backyard alone, my thoughts and feelings are muddled by my previous romantic relationships. As I sit here with a heavy heart, I try to make sense of my feelings but find myself slipping deeper into this state of despair and loneliness that I have been in for quite a while. Want to know what's funny? I like to think that every time I think I've found true love, it's ripped away from me, leaving me with a broken heart and a sense of emptiness that I just can't seem to shake off.I love thinking about it all that way. It makes everything easier and uncomplicated. But in reality, that's not really true. I am the one who pushes them away. Yeah, it's me – I'm the problem.Susan, Stacy, Laurel, Windinya, and most recently, Enid...all of them were amazing women, each with their own unique qualities that drew m
ADA“Ada, get back,” Dad yelled as he pulled me behind him.The eerie silence that lingered in the compound was broken by the sudden intrusion of the Xiray. Its skin, an inky shade of black, was the very embodiment of darkness. Its eyes were like deep, empty pits, within which swirled an otherworldly energy that sent shivers down my spine.As I watched, my hands trembling, from a safe distance, Tyler and Johnny slowly came up to the Xiray. Their movements were slow but steady. Both of them had this grim determination as they approached the Xiray, their claws already out of their fingers. I stared at them in awe because in this moment, there didn't seem to be a foe they couldn't take down.However, the Xiray seemed fearless. If anything, it was excited for the fight to start. The Xiray was a formidable foe, with sharp claws that glinted menacingly in the dim light. I held my breath as I stared at it. But Tyler and John, from the way they acted, didn't seem like they were strangers to f
ETHANI was in the bookstore, enjoying some hot coffee. Yeah, just another day in the bookstore.As I sat there, coffee in my left hand, my mind wandered towards memories of Brent, and my heart instantly quickened its pace. You know what's funny? I always like to say I don't like him, but I find myself helplessly drawn to him.A few days ago, I saw that demonic face I previously saw at the Conans. Even to this day, I can't explain what I saw. Long story short, I called Brent, and like the noble soldier he was, he came, kissed me, and had me in his arms. Call me a kid or whatever, but I felt safe. Even though he didn't understand why I was so terrified, he told me that everything would be fine, and willingly, I believed.Brent, in my somewhat biased opinion, was the epitome of strength, exuding confidence in every move he made. His face, chiseled to perfection, held the promise of the world in his eyes, as if he could conquer anything that crossed his path. Yes, he was a carpenter, but
TYLER I walked along a pathway that led to the top of a nearby hill. As I looked around, it was as though I was suddenly transported to a realm of utter serenity and tranquility. I have always been one to sit back and enjoy watching the beauty of the world. The towering trees extended heavenward, like imposing giants commanding the attention of all who behold them. Their branches stretched out like arms beckoning me forward. The grandeur of the natural world left me awestruck, and a profound feeling of respect and admiration washed over me. The warm rays of the sun tenderly grazed my cheeks, while the gentle breeze brushed against my skin. I felt as if the world itself was embracing me and, of course, it received the same energy from me. Taking it all in, I gaped at everything I saw, taking in the beauty and splendor of my environment. My heart beat with gratitude for the beauty that surrounded me. The trees stood tall like magnificent monuments of life. Their trunks exhibited an un
ADA **Three Weeks Later**I found myself drifting in a dream, surrounded by a somewhat unreal landscape of white and shadow. It was an unusual feeling, like floating in an empty void, waiting for something to happen. And then, suddenly, a woman appeared before me.She was stunningly beautiful, with a face that glowed with an inexplicable intensity. Even though I knew it was a dream, I couldn't help but feel awestruck by her presence. It was as if she was imbued with a power beyond anything I had ever seen.“Ada,” she started, “I’m guessing you know who I am.”What the hell! It was at that moment I knew who was speaking.As I looked at her, I couldn't help but notice a striking resemblance to my mother -- the same gentle smile, the same kind eyes. It appeared somewhat comforting, but now that I knew who she was, I was beyond terrified. I didn't feel afraid, however. I guess I knew if she wanted to hurt me, she could.The woman's eyes locked with mine, and suddenly, everything changed.
TYLER “One more bastard and it's over,” Johnny said, exhaling. “Just one more. I hope it will just come out right now.”“Man, I feel you. The last one should have gotten here by now.”It had been days since we killed the nineteenth Xiray. We were all impatiently waiting for it to appear so that we can put all this behind us. As I sat on the porch of the cabin, with my best friend Johnny beside me, we chatted about everything, including the day that had been bestowed upon us. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and the sky was painted with breathtaking shades of blue.My attention was drawn to the magical ring on my finger. It wasn't the most beautiful piece of jewelry you would find, but it’s function was quite impressive. It contained a power that wasn’t like anything in our realm, and it would glow when one was close to a Xiray. It was the only thing that could lead us to the last Xiray if we ever had to go look for it. I gazed at the ring and marveled at how ordinary i