The shuttle train was approaching Faen Shanta, and as we drew closer, my eyes widened in awe. This was the first time I had seen something like it. The tree was gigantic—far larger than I had ever imagined, even bigger than the history books made it seem. Its massive trunk seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, its ancient roots weaving through the land like the veins of the world itself. The tree's sheer size and majesty filled me with a sense of wonder and insignificance, immersing me in the enchantment of this magical world.

I made my way out to the garage. It smelled of polish and petrol. It was a change from the domestic smells and perfume I have got so used to. I wear perfume every day. Now I am so used to it I don’t even notice it. Luca did though.

“Ahh Tesoro, you have come at last.”

Luca was around 50 years old. He had a slight pot belly, and short greying hair. He had what could be described as a “Dad body”. He was wearing a vest and had just been cleaning the limousine.

“You wanted to see me, Luca. Can I get you anything?” I said hoping that was all he wanted.

Sadly, the remaining days of half-term went by in a flash, and we were due back at school much sooner than I'd have cared for.

Speak Now
A Short Story from "Romance and Other Crimes Vol. 3"
By Maryanne Peters

It was hard not to like L’Roy with his easy strength, his ready grin and his smooth butternut complexion. L’Roy Shipney and I were on the same road gang in New Mexico, working out of the county jail with sixteen other inmates repairing a culvert that had been damaged in a flash flood when the whole business began.

Scott had thought his jacket was unisex enough to suit me, and he wasn’t completely wrong, but I wished he’d bought something that went better with the skirt. And his blue stocking cap wasn’t very flattering, but... I wasn’t trying to impress Dean or even Glenn.

To repeat myself, this is a completely true story. I left out details that could be used to hurt me or others in this account.

I had a long life and was thankfully disowned by my greedy unforgiving children. My mate of 38 years was now my X, and died also. My other relatives had all passed.

It was peaceful alone in a one-bedroom apartment on the 4th floor. Not having drank or smoked, I lived a modest life.

A Grumpy Old Man’s Tale 59 Chineseium

“Well, Son, doubtless if you looked the words up in a fancy English ordbok it would tell you that they are the same, but there’s a difference in the way Bearthwaite folk use the words these days. Yance ower they were the same here too, but now a visitor is someone we welcome, even if they’ve never been here before, decent folk are visitors. Tourists are folk we don’t really like, folk we don’t approve of, but as long as they don’t get too far out of line we’ll happily tek their money off ’em. Okay, Son?”

“Yeah. I get that. Visitors good, tourists bad. Simple enough, Granddad. I’ll explain to my brothers. Thanks.”

As Ethan left Alan couldn’t help but smile at the Orwellian simplicity of life as seen by a child. Visitors good, tourists bad. ‘What,’ he wondered, ‘would I give to be eight again?’

Knight Group Banquet:
Susan and Sasha pull up in one of Sasha’s old-style Corvettes and turn it over to the valet. Sasha gets out of the car and hands the key to the valet.

“Please be careful with it.” Sasha didn’t want anything to happen to her old Corvette.

“Yes ma’am.” The young valet accepts the keys from Sasha.

“You know, we could have arrived in the BMW, instead.” As Susan and Sasha walk up the steps together.

“I know, but I wanted to drive my Corvette.” Sasha walks side by side with her wife.

The growl was the same, but the effect it had on me wasn't, even doubled up as this was. Last time it had been full of intimidation and malice; this time it was nothing more than the taunt of a bully, containing little more than hot air. I'd already beaten one of these guys and I’d been almost totally unprepared. This time I had some measure of confidence and, despite the peculiarity of it all, I was properly equipped.

Before we begin this is my first story so please bear with me. I am not the best writer and my dyslexia doesn’t help with it lol. This may be the start of a series if I continue to enjoy making these. I had fun making this and hope people enjoy reading it. Let me know where you’d like to see this series go

The story follows Sarah opening a salon and needing workers. Brad accepts her offer which comes with a catch of a full feminine makeover.

Themes: TG, Transformation, Makeover, Salon, Hair
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“Frankly, I feel even closer to panic than before,” Carla whispered while we were entering the elevator. “Maybe all of my future depends on what will happen now. And yours too… and that is important to me.” She blushed slightly.