This was insane.

Floria dove into a shell hole, trying to keep her shotgun out of the muck as a Dark Hound came charging out of the smoke. Rolling onto her back, she fired into the chest of the demon a second before it landed on her.

Please note, I've posted a revision to the earlier chapter, with significant changes, and there are significant changes in this one, too.

“Now Jackson, I’m aware of what happened with Ned, and all I can say is, don’t let it bother you, son. Be a tough guy, don’t let him get to you. Now, I’m sure you are a bit upset over that, and I’m willing to help you work off some of that weight. Just let me know if I can help. Now, we’re playing dodge ball today, get out there and show them what you got!” says Coach.

On and off that day, I thought about that Missing Child poster I’d seen and what Mom and Dad were feeling and thinking about all this. Did they know I was trans by now? They almost certainly knew I’d venned into a girl body at least once; they’d have heard from Tim’s parents by now, even if the police hadn’t told them about the details of their investigation and what they’d learned from Meredith and Sophia.

Sandy wasn’t just my spouse. I made it very clear to the professionals we hired for the campaign that there was no better political mind on the planet. Sandy almost never dipped an oar into my campaigns anymore, but I told the campaign staff, on no uncertain terms: “If Sandy says jump, you ask ‘how high?’ Don’t wait to talk to me.”

Dreams, Spells, and Closet Monsters - 2
Copyright 2022 by Heather Rose Brown

[central Smithfield, NC]

“I was beginning to think that you weren’t coming,” said Sylvie when I arrived in the diner.

"I had a bit of personal business to take care of. That's all done so we can get out of here."

“Where are we going now?”

I was just about to lose my lunch when I feel an arm snake around my waist, and someone else sit beside me on the bench. Strange, I think, the bullies in this little town usually begin by throwing my stuff in the trash and knocking me around a bit.

“It’s OK Jackson, those girls abuse everyone,” says a soft voice behind me. Turning around, I see several girls I don't know, along with my best friend and neighbor Deanna with her arm around me.

“Are they always like that?” I ask, putting my head back on the picnic table.

I got my feet out from under the table in case I had to run.

3. Juicebox

Never too Old

A Vignette

By Maryanne Peters

Von

“How much power does she have?” Von asked, looking at the dark lines covering the sky.

The Screechers flew over head, greatly reduced in number after most of them had tried to swarm the artillery and machine guns only to die as they touched the strands of necromantic magic. Rockets and scatter guns were quickly killing the rest.

She did a twirl, which was adorable and would have been much prettier if she’d had room for her dress to flare out without bumping into the walls and furniture.

“Don’t we all need a Sugar Daddy?"

2. Cereal

I woke up when I heard Mom stumble in about 5:30 in the morning. She yelled something obscene at someone then slammed the front door and laughed like she’d said the funniest thing ever.

CAUTION: There's a really creepy scene in this story. If something like that might bother you, then please be careful.

Dreams, Spells, and Closet Monsters - 1
Copyright 2022 by Heather Rose Brown

=-=-=

Once the opposition legal team had introduced themselves, I made myself comfortable and let the proceedings begin. Lane had hardly asked his first question when ‘they’ objected to the presence of Amy.

“Who are you? I didn’t know Jenny had a sister,” he said.

I had been reviewing for a test tomorrow at the dining room table when I got interrupted.

Jamie wakes up in the middle of the night, sweating and scared. She looks around the bedroom she is sleeping in and the pajamas she is wearing. It takes her some time to realize she is safe. She feels something wet nudge her hand. She looks down and notices it is the puppy Dakota has gotten her.

A trans woman faces the loss of the love of her life.

Another self-contained short story retelling a tale many of us which had happened to us: a gender-confused boy, a supportive mother, and concerns about the future.

Keir leaned against the invisible body of Hanina, letting her hold his leaden body in place. His limbs were numb and nearly useless, the reins barely stayed in his hands. Without the leg straps and his servant, he wouldn't have been able to stay on the horse. That would have been embarrassing.

In the middle of battle Eriana has fallen and it is Ursula's task to save her if it is possible. Once the situation stabilizes tough decisions must be taken to protect those in the arena and to rescue the two Counts. Eventually the weary survivors return to their hostel where the injured must be more closely inspected.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

68 - Consequences

I could go back to being Billy Jones. Did I want to?