Wonders of Weird, Manhattan, New York:
Carla walks into the store and the theme song to Ghostbusters starts playing. She really hated that song and found it really annoying. She heads toward the counter to see if Pixel was in.

James comes from the back and spots Carla standing at the counter. He knew he heard the Ghostbuster theme song played. A smile appears on his face “long time no see Carla. What brings you in here today?”

“I know you. Fact is I know hundreds just like you. Gateshead wasn’t it. You were about to blow me in to Social Services weren’t you? Nosey busy bodies like you should learn to just mind your own business. I know you’ll blow me in because you’re a teacher and you have to. I don’t need Social Services and I don’t need you, your do gooder intentions, nor your sympathy. I’ve no intention of telling you or anyone else anything about me. Bye.”

Another August, another Testing Day at the Kims' Dojang. Christie reflects on what the last fifteen months have wrought in her life and what she has to look forward to in her new future.

One of the most enduring urban legends of Benton is that of a supposed tree that is supposed to feed unwary travelers who stray too near to its trunk. The location of the tree is supposed to be a meadow that is located deep within the marsh that surrounds the north side of Benton. Now, though many consider it nothing more than a silly urban legend, something of an old wives' tale, something to keep curious children from exploring the mashes.

Life as a sorceress isn't all spells and training and such. Sometimes, a girl just needs to kick back and enjoy a meal and conversation with her Mom.

Amanda calls in one of the women who trained her in the healing arts to help train Christie.

As Grandfather Kim suggested, Christie spends some time meditating on her concerns before proceeding home to explain her and Charlie's actions to her Mother and Grandmother.

Chapter 3.14

May 23^rd, 2023

12:34PM

Bruce sat on a log bench that was sitting near the barn. It was facing out towards the water and Pioneer Peak, and he was enjoying the view. He had his eye on a golden eagle circling something below. He supposed it was a rabbit, and he watched to see if it would dive for its prey.

Chet exited the house, looking for the older man, and when he spotted him, he followed Bruce’s gaze and saw the eagle just as it dived. A moment later, it was heading back up, a wiggling mass of brown and white fur in its talons. He hoped it was a rabbit.

Walking up to Bruce, Chet observed that the man was munching on a sandwich. “Well, did the police mess up your camper?” He asked.

Christie faces the end of her trial, but even as she finds answers to many of her questions, only to uncover that not all the answers are to her liking. Her verdict will determine who will face the future. The morning after dawns shedding light on new questions. In the end, the young sorcerer must seek the advice of family and friends along with the wisdom of Sa Bum Nim, Grandfather Kim, for answers.

Mom Amanda comes downstairs the morning after Christie's Very Weird Day and is surprised that her daughter is not following her usual exercise routine. Come to find out that Christie had a very restless night and would need Mother's insight and guidance on what to do next.

Ever had a weird day? Well, Christie is an emerging sorceress, and when she has one? Christie has a REALLY WEIRD DAY!!!

Apparently, a good night's sleep works wonders, and Christie awakens without pain. Still unsure of the cause, she tries a day's workout plan of progressively increasing intensity. After playing matchmaker, she goes on to learn a little more about herself and her power.

Chapter 14 - The Birthday Party

Have you ever gotten so busy that you forget some important stuff? By the middle of February I was settling in to my new school and new friends and identity. If I wasn't doing homework or thinking about school I was thinking about the upcoming play, learning the songs and dialog and wondering who was going to be playing Colin and Dickon.

Finally released from the Hospital but still unable to visit Valerie, Christie tries to relieve some of her stress at the pistol range, but something is just not quite right. Christie vents a bit and then knuckles down to do damage to some targets, only to have something bite her back . . . side. Amanda tries to help but has a 'Mommy Moment' and calls her own Mom for guidance.

Chapter 3.13

Wednesday, May 22^nd 2023

It had been several days since French and Brandy had told them what happened to Gerald Parks.

Marcia had hoped they would find that the saw cuts had been made after death – maybe the killer initially planned to dispose of the body in different locations? That wouldn’t be great, but at least it wouldn’t be torture. But no, there was clear evidence that the sawing was done while the poor man was alive.

She found it hard to conceive that people could do things like that to each other. She wished she'd never found out about this case, but she desperately wanted to prove that Bruce had nothing to do with it.

Chapter 10 - A New School and A New Show

Ursuline Academy was everything I hoped it would be. Eventually. Of course I had to get through being the new girl, which I thought wouldn't be too hard. After all, I was able to stand up in front of a few hundred complete strangers and convince them I was a cute little orphan for several nights. Stage fright? Me?

“Beep! Beep!”

“Eh? What’s that?” I thought to myself, as I slowly woke from my light sleep.

My alarm clocks illuminated display showed that it was just past midnight. With my phone set not to disturb me during the night, I was confused as to why a message alert had woken me. My sleepiness wasn’t helping me think straight.

I reached over to where the now brightly-lit phone was charging, on top of my bedside table.

“You nasty little bitch!” read the message previewed on the home screen, shocking me into a more fully awake state.