The sewing box was waiting beneath my mother’s winter coats, wrapped in a pillowcase yellowed at the folds, as if someone had put it to bed and hoped it would die there. After the funeral, the others took the photographs they wanted, the decent china, the little things carried away without argument. I stayed behind because I lived nearest and could be trusted not to make a fuss.

I knew it. Dark wood, brass clasp, the lid scratched where my childhood fingers had earned the only slap my mother ever gave me.

“That was your grandmother’s,” she used to say. “She mended everything.”

I set it on the kitchen table and opened it. Inside were ordinary things. Black reels of thread. A paper fold of needles. Bone buttons sorted into a tobacco tin. A thimble dulled by use. Small scissors with one handle cracked through the middle.

The lining was blue silk, faded almost grey. I remembered it loose at the corners, because I had once lifted it with a fingernail and my mother had crossed the room so fast the chair rocked behind her. Now it was stitched down with black thread, neat and tight.

“She mended everything,” I said, as though the words belonged to me and not to my mother.

I began to lift things out. The tobacco tin was full of odd buttons from coats I half remembered. The black thread came last. It snagged as I pulled it free, and a length of it slipped through my fingers and fell across the table in a loop.

There were phrases in our family for things that were not to be named. She had a bad spell. She was not herself. It was the winter that did it. We do not drag sorrow through the house. I had used them all, or nearly all, when my own children asked why there were no photographs of their great-grandmother after she was young.

“She died before there was much to remember,” I had told them. That had not felt like lying. It had felt like tidying.

I looked at the lining again. The black stitches were my mother’s work — I knew her hand, the same tight, punishing neatness she brought to hems and school labels. Whatever was underneath, she had meant it to stay there.

I fetched a knife from the kitchen drawer, then put it back because it felt too aggressive. In the end I used my mother’s nail scissors, blunt at the tip and stiff in the hinge. The black stitches gave one by one.

Underneath lay paper, folded narrow and pressed flat. At first I thought it was a dress pattern, but then I saw words. Not many. Half sentences. Corners of loops and tails. A date. A name signed once, then sliced through.

I laid the strips across the table and tried to make them innocent.

My dearest. Forgive. I have tried. Tell the child. No more.

The last piece was darker than the rest, stained at one edge. On it, in careful handwriting, were six words.

I cannot go on being useful.

I sat down. All my life, they had made her small and gentle. Poor Grandmother. Quiet Grandmother. Grandmother with her nerves. Grandmother who left no trouble behind her. They had not said she wrote a note. They had not said someone cut it up and pinned hems through it, made sleeves and linings from the only words she had managed to leave.

My mother must have known. Perhaps not all of it. Perhaps she had found these scraps as I had, young enough to be frightened, old enough to understand why silence was admired. Then she had stitched the lining shut again and kept the box where no child could touch it.

And I, who had known nothing, had known enough. I had told my children there was little to remember. I had repeated the family mercy in a kinder voice.

The box sat open in front of me, not accusing. That was the worst of it.

For a long while I did nothing. The rain worked at the windows. Somewhere upstairs a pipe clicked. Ordinary sounds in an ordinary house.

I gathered the paper strips together in the right order, or as near to right as I could make them. The sentence would never be whole. Too many words had gone into dresses, cuffs, pillow hems, all those decent things the family had washed and folded and worn without knowing the despair that had been sewn inside them.

I took the blue silk lining and smoothed it back into place. Then I threaded a needle with black cotton. My hands knew the work. That was what frightened me. The small tuck of the cloth, the wetting of the thread, the old instinct to leave no edge visible. I had learned it from my mother without ever knowing the lesson.

The needle would not pass through the silk. I tried again. The thread bent, split, frayed. At last I put it down.

Then I looked at the coats still hanging, the drawers still open, the medicine cabinet with its glass door ajar. All my life, we had called that sort of thing mess.

That morning, I understood it as evidence.

I left the sewing box open on the table.

THE END

More of Jonathan B. Edvane’s work can be found here.

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.

At the turn of the century, in a rented room on West Twenty-third Street, Judith Alden found herself measuring the distance from the bedstead to the door. It was seven feet, perhaps a little less. The window was farther, though not by much. Across the street, a man in a brown coat paused beneath a lamp and she judged the space between him and the curb before he moved again. She had done this since childhood. For Judith, rooms arranged themselves in lengths. Streets were observed and estimated. She had even learned to attend to silence and measure that too.

The habit had begun in Lenox, in the winter of 1885, when she was eleven years old. The town had donated its raised funds to Mister Pulitzer that morning. Her brother Thomas was dead before supper. Her uncle Sloane had killed him in the yard by the woodpile and then gone into the shed and cut his own throat with the same knife. There was no mystery in it after that. There was only the body of Thomas upstairs, washed and laid in his bed, and the body of Sloane below, put into a plain coffin in the front parlour because there was nowhere else for him. Snow came hard that evening and harder the next day. The road was bad. The ground was iron. No neighbour came farther than the gate. Her father remained in the house, moving from chair to chair with his hands folded, while her mother did what requiring doing and asked no one twice.

By the second day the parlour had a smell. The cold slowed it but did not stop it. Something sweet that Judith noticed everywhere in the house. Faint, unspoken of, but present.

On the third night Judith woke because the house had made a noise. It was not loud enough to frighten her, but it brought that uneasy feeling that sound inspires after midnight. She went barefoot to the landing and saw light from the parlour door. Her mother was kneeling beside Sloane’s coffin with a pencil in her hand. She leaned close to the floorboard and drew one straight mark, no longer than Judith’s thumb.

Judith did not ask what she was doing. The coffin stood where it had stood all day, or near enough to it that no one else might have cared. Judith cared. She saw the narrow space between wood and line, and knew at once that the mark was not for where the coffin was.

It was for where it had been.

After that, the marks increased. Judith did not see her mother make each one, but she saw them when the parlour door stood open and no one was near. They lay in a row beside the coffin, slight pencil strokes on the scrubbed board, each one a little farther back than the last. She began to count them in her head. At first the numbers came of themselves. One inch in a night, or near enough. The parlour was fourteen feet from the hall door if measured from the front legs of the coffin. Less, if measured from the end.

Her mother went in early, before Judith’s father came downstairs. Judith would hear the latch, then the soft halt of the steps within the room. When she came out she carried the same face to the kitchen. Calm and pale and already busy with the stove. Her father did not ask questions. He sat where he was set and ate what was put before him.

All day the house moved around the coffin. A bucket was carried past it. A shawl was taken from the chair beside it. No one turned their head. Judith knew, before she had words for such a question, that there were two fears in her. One was that Sloane would reach Thomas’s room. The other was that he would not.

On the fourteenth night she passed the parlour door and the sweetish smell was gone. She did not know what that meant. She did not ask.

On the fifteenth night Judith did not rise.

She had known since morning that the count was finished. The last mark lay so close to the parlour door that even her mother had stood over it a long while before turning away. No word had passed between them. Mother had made bread. Judith had washed the cups. Her father had slept in his chair with one hand open on his knee.

At night Judith lay under the quilt and kept her eyes on the dark above her. The house was still. Snow pressed against the windows. Somewhere below, the parlour held its shape around the coffin.

Near midnight, she heard the latch lift. She did not hear a footstep after it. She did not hear her mother speak. There was only that small metal sound, followed by a silence that came up the stairs and entered her room.

In the morning Judith came downstairs before her mother was up. The parlour door stood open. The room was empty. At the far end of the hall, the door to Thomas’s room was shut, and the smell that had left the parlour on the fourteenth night had found its way there instead.

She went to the kitchen and put the kettle on. When her mother came down neither of them spoke of it.

By the time the ground softened enough for burial, Sloane was gone from the house, and Judith never crossed the parlour threshold again.

Fifteen years later, in Manhattan, Judith still measured. Doorways, beds, windows, streets, hands laid on tables. She no longer asked herself why. Some habits are not habits at all, but survivals. The world had once moved while she slept, and she had learned to count the distance before it reached her.

THE END

More of Jonathan B. Edvane’s work can be found here.

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.

1) A girl must be wise and lean. This doesn’t mean she should be old before her time or deprive herself of calories. Leanness is not always thin.

2) She must be fully alive.

3) She is a lioness, a predatory creature of royal blood.

4) She must never be a storage unit for other people’s ideas or the things they have said about her.

5) A girl should hide from danger or confront it but never linger with indecision.

6) She must cut off lesser potentialities with ruthlessness. She cannot have it all. She cannot be it all or do it all. She is capable of many things and can be a great success in many forms. But this doesn’t mean she should.

7) A girl must do the things she knows she has to do and forget the rest.

8) She should never ‘follow her dreams’. This is for weaklings. Better to decide on her goals, commit to them and make them happen.

9) Here is a magic key: Choice. In the end, she’ll understand it was always about choice.

10) A girl should ignore most potential lovers and never waste her energy on meaningless flirtations. It is wise to say no over and over again - it will make yes all the more powerful. She does not have to be sexually experienced in order to be a great woman.

11) She must be careful not to define herself by her roles or her relationship to others.

12) If others respond to her body without responding to her they are lost in the desert and should be treated with contempt.

13) She must continuously question the narrative of our decadent culture lest she lose her sanity.

14) A girl should be as pure and innocent as a child. She must be as seasoned as an aged whore and as learned as a woman of the ancient crafts.

15) Above all, a girl must read and re-read as many great books as she can.

16) A girl must exercise restraint and self-discipline lest she be caught up in a great wave of sloth and hysteria.

17) She must make an art of breathing.

18) A wise girl tastes, sees, hears and feels as fully as she is able.

19) A girl should never be kind for anyone else’s sake. She must do it because it lightens her own soul. A girl is not here for anyone else.

20) It’s quite possible a girl is the only one who exists. There is freedom in this idea so long as she adheres to a strict code of honour, acknowledging that everything and everyone she perceives is part of her self.

21) A girl must never transgress her own standards but if she does she must ask for forgiveness and be more humble than she can imagine.

22) A girl can grow her intelligence throughout her life. It is wise to make this choice.

23) The path is always lonely. There is no other way.

24) A girl must remember it has little to do with what she eats but everything to do with how she eats.

25) She must develop strong daily habits. Little by little. Slow and steady wins the race. Consistency is another magic key.

26) She must keep her house in order and strive to be immaculate.

27) A girl ought to discard possessions and continue this process until the day she is left with only her soul.

28) A girl must understand that fitness and health are much easier than degeneracy.

29) She should make the courageous choice to be wealthy.

30) A girl must dance every day and make no excuses.

31) The last magic key is gratitude but this should also be the first.

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.

Or let The Bindery make your work into a beautiful book.

Chapter One

In which Lady Emelina makes her escape.

It was a bright, summer day at the beach, but Lady Emelina was NOT enjoying herself. For one thing, Mumsie would insist on making her wear a scratchy taffeta sunbonnet.

“Darling, the sun is too strong for such fair skin as yours. You must guard your complexion, if you wish to stay a rose,” said Mumsie, patting her own magnificent, flowery sunhat with a sigh. “Keep your bonnet on, sweet-ums.”

“Shan’t!” Emelina wrenched off the bonnet and stuck her bottom lip out.

A wide lace-trimmed sun umbrella provided plenty of shade. But the Duchess continued to fret about the ravaging effects of the sun. She fluttered a colourful butterfly-fan and shot her daughter troubled glances.

“I do not wish to BE a rose, BECOME a rose or STAY a rose!” grumbled Emelina, tugging at a taffeta bonnet flower until she’d frayed the edge.

In the distance, the silver waves gleamed, lapping the shore. A soothing breeze carried the salty fragrance of the ocean towards them.

Mumsie, who was also known as The Grand Duchess Dotty, put a plump hand to the swell of her own ample bosom. Her diamond jewellery glittered in the sun. “Now, now, we must stay properly attired, my dove.”

Mother and daughter lay on sun-loungers, next to a striped beach hut. Both wore whale-bone corsets, full brocade skirts, and layers of frothy white petticoats.

“King Krustible and his son Prince Rupert are coming for high-supper,” continued the Duchess. “You can play croquet with the prince.”

Emelina shuddered. “ICK! I loathe Prince Rude-Bert. He is the stupidest boy in the world. I will not play croquet with him. And King Krustible is crusty and creepy. I know you think I’ll get married to the prince one day, but you are mistaken.”

The Duchess frowned. “Must you be so taxing, Emmy-kins?”

“Yes, I must!”

Emelina crossed her arms and turned her head away, her chin in the air.

Now the bonnet was off, she longed to shake her hair loose. Her corkscrew curls were pinned rigidly against her head. But Mumsie would have such a fit if she messed up her hair.

A picnic tea lay arranged on a tall, tiered display. Sugared fruits, a variety of tarts, crustless cucumber sandwiches, meringues, all heaped high. There was a tower of dainty pink and white cakes in the centre.

“I would like some too, actually,” said Magrus.

Magrus was Emelina’s little yellow dog. He was tied to the leg of a sun-lounger and also forbidden to wander.

“Not for dogs!” said the Duchess haughtily, nibbling at a meringue.

Magrus stared up at the treats with sad eyes, and muttered under his breath. “So ungracious.”

Emelina grabbed a pink cake.

“Not with your hands, sweetie. Use the tongs and a plate!” Mumsie’s fulsome face flushed with frustration.

“Whoopsie!” said Emelina, as she accidentally-on-purpose dropped the cake on the sand.

Magrus glanced at the Duchess before gobbling it up. He licked his chops and gave Emelina a grateful, conspiratorial smile.

“Well!” The Duchess clutched her long diamond necklace.

But before she could fuss, Thomas the Butler emerged from the beach hut. He picked his way over the sand in his black, buckled shoes and stood to attention before them. A silver platter rattled high above his polished, bald head.

He tiptoed to pour Orange Pekoe tea in a high, flowing stream from a fat mushroom-teapot. He was a short man, no taller than a child.

“Sugar, Your Grace?”

“Oh, I shouldn’t.” The fine lady patted the folds of her generous stomach.

He arched a bushy eyebrow and cleared his throat. A blue-bottle fly settled on the tip of his exceptionally long, straight nose. This was ignored in expert High-Butler fashion.

“Ok. If you insist,” said the Duchess. “Just one.”

He produced silver tongs and dropped a sugar-lump into her cup with a delicate plonk.

“Perhaps two lumps.” The Duchess coughed a Duchessy cough. “Only this once. Two more lumps, that is.”

A smiling, round man sauntered towards them. He held up a selection of colourful ice-lollies.

“Lollies! Deeeeee….licious ice lollies!”

A gaggle of children in long-sleeved, one-piece, striped bathing costumes scampered after him. Seagulls squawked from their path.

Before Emelina had a chance to say a word, The Duchess gave her the warning look.

“What if it dripped on our gowns, sweetums? It wouldn’t do.”

“Humpf!” said Emelina with a scowl.

What was the point in going to the seaside if she had to be hot and bothered and remain in full frocks and hobnailed boots?

She was about to say as much but–oh joy! – her mother’s fan had stopped moving. Her eyes were flickering closed. After a moment, her fingers went limp. The butterfly-fan shook itself, as if waking from a dream, and fluttered off towards the dunes.

Before long, Mumsie was snoring in well-mannered Duchess tones.

Hee-haw… hee-haw…

She was asleep!

Thomas was nowhere to be seen. He did have such an uncanny way of coming and going without being noticed.

Emelina yanked at her hair until it tumbled free to her shoulders. Then she unfastened her high-buttoned boots. Next, she pulled off her woollen stockings and tore off three overskirts. With a sigh, she unlaced her corset. At last, she was bare footed, in only her knickerbockers and bobbin-lace chemise.

Magrus thumped his shaggy tail on the ground. “Hurry up, Emmy! Go, go, go!”

Without further delay, she untied him. In the next moment, girl and dog were frolicking away across the wrinkled, golden sand.

Chapter Two

In which Lady Emelina’s disobedience leads her to find a peculiar, gold ring.

Magrus chased some seagulls and ran back to yap at his mistress’s heels. He circled her and yapped some more.

“Fun, fun, fun!!!” he barked. “Go, go, go!!!”

“Shush Mags! Don’t wake up Mumsie!”

But the Duchess’s snores were still rumbling through the air.

Emelina kicked at the blue-green water, emphasizing words with each splash. “I do not wish to be a… rose… Or a… lady… Or a… duchess! And I certainly do not wish to play croquet with Prince Rude-Bert.”

Magrus’s little paws paddled fast as he dug up wet sand behind him, yipping with excitement.

She gasped. There was something gold glinting in the sand!

“What have you found, Mags?”

“Mine!” he said.

“Please let me see, Mags.” She tried to push the dog’s nose out of the way to get a better look.

“No! Mine!” he snarled, showing her his teeth.

Emelina sighed. “If you let me have whatever it is, I’ll give you double din-dins when we get back home.”

“Ok,” he said, scampering off to chase a little blue parrot who’d been watching them the whole time.

Emelina bent down to see what the gold thing was. Oh my! It was a small ring–heavy, warm, and a splendid deep yellow golden colour.

She bit the ring between her back teeth. Everybody knew you were supposed to do that to test for gold. She spat out sand. What did biting it prove, anyway? She really didn’t know.

“Real gold,” she whispered. How she knew for certain it was real gold she wouldn’t be able to say, but she did know.

She slipped the ring onto the index finger of her right hand. It fit as though made for her.

Immediately, a Funny, Buzzing, Zapping came over her. The world seemed to pause. The waves stopped lapping on the shore. Everything was quiet. Even her own heart seemed to stop beating.

Magrus ambled back, the curious parrot toddling behind. The bird was apparently not concerned about being chased.

Both dog and bird stopped in their tracks and stared up at Emelina as she Buzzed and Zapped. Their eyes seemed especially bright, as if they knew something BIG was about to happen.

Chapter Three

In which Emelina turns her mother into a statue.

A shrill sound pierced the air.

“Emeeeeeee-lina!!! Where arrrrrrrrre yoooooou???”

It was the Duchess. She was using the shrieking, pinched kind of voice she used only when she was very, very upset.

When Emelina did something simply dreadful, such as use the best sterling silver to feed cream to the cat.

Or slide down the mahogany banisters in her night-frock, saying ‘wheeee!!!’

Or that time she’d eaten all the toast, and all the butter, and all the jam, and left none for anyone else.

It was the same voice the Duchess used when Emelina hid in the rose bushes for half a day. That sort of thing especially disturbed her mother. But it was so much fun to hear the servants rushing around looking for her, here, there, and everywhere! It made Emelina giggle whenever she remembered it.

“Emeeeeeliiinnaa!!!”

Yes, it was that voice.

And hearing that voice immediately put Emelina into a strop. She hated that voice.

“Botheration!” she said, her face clouding over, like a dark storm had blown in.

She stomped over to her mother and planted her legs wide. “What?”

The Duchess’s face was maroon. In her panic, she’d knocked over the tiered display and the picnic tea was scattered across the sand.

Seagulls pecked at the crustless sandwiches, tarts, pink cakes, and sugared fruits. The little parrot, who was following Emelina and Magrus everywhere now, joined the crowd. He dragged away an enormous meringue and looked ever-so pleased with himself.

Magrus sized up the situation and snaffled a couple of sandy sandwiches. Then he disappeared underneath one of the loungers with an entire cherry tart.

“Where have you been, Emmy-kins? You frightened Mumsie to pieces! And look at you, dressed only in your under-garments! Well!”

The Duchess clutched her diamonds and looked as if she was going to faint or explode. Or both.

The lollipop man stood with his mouth hanging open. The unsold lollies were melting and dripping pools of sticky red and orange and blue down his arm, onto the sand.

The Duchess continued to scold Emelina.

“You will mar your complexion! Oh heavens, it may never be right again… You’ll never marry royalty. Never be a rose. What will the servants think? And look at your hair, it’s going to be so tangled and sandy! And, and, and….” Lost for words, the Duchess now only made anguished, guttural noises. “Ugh, ugh, argh…”

“HUMPF!” said Emelina, stamping her foot.

“Humpfy-humpf!” said Magrus, backing her up from under the lounger, his mouth full of cherry tart.

The Funny, Zapping, Buzzing, Tingling, Electric Zinging was stronger than ever now. Emelina twisted the gold ring on her finger and, as she did so, something came over her.

Later, she would come to say the something was magic. But not the ordinary kind of magic where a man arrives with a black case and an assistant and saws her in half.

No, it was the other kind of magic. The Roaring, Spinning, Fierce Kind of Magic which blazes up from deep within you like fire. Or like a tidal wave, washing up over the whole world. It was that kind of magic.

Up and up and up, it came. Whooshing through her whole body. A Zappy-Zinging that made her tingle and buzz. It made her toes curl and her fingers twitch. She felt as if she’d swollen to ten times her normal size.

She would never be able to explain why she said it, or where the words came from. “Be…” She meant to stay, be as still as a statue, which would have been an odd enough thing to say. But, instead, she said something even odder. “Be… a statue!” Her voice came out surprisingly deep and booming for a little girl.

And her mother immediately was as still and silent as a statue, frozen in mid-tell-off.

Chapter Four

In which Emelina and Thomas confirm that the Duchess really is a statue.

“Ahem.” Thomas cleared his throat. “It appears you have turned your mother, the Duchess, into a statue, my Lady.”

Emelina blinked. “Have I really? Or is she only standing awfully still?”

He moved closer to the Duchess and pulled out a magnifying glass from his pocket. Casting an expert eye up and down, he said, hmmm, as if he had seen this kind of thing many times before.

“Her Grace’s petticoats are not ruffling in the breeze. And she is stone coloured. I’d say she is indeed a statue.

Emelina’s eyes widened. A moment ago, her mother had been as colourful as a Duchess is supposed to be. Now she was stone coloured from head to toe.

The little parrot had given up on trying to get his meringue back from a big seagull. He fluttered upwards and landed on the Duchess’s extravagant hat, which was now grey instead of sunshine yellow.

“OUCH!” he said, disappointed it wasn’t a comfortable nest. “Hard as a rock!”

He leaned over and pecked at the Duchess’s grey nose, as if it might be something to eat. There was the sound of beak hitting stone.

CLUNCK!

He seemed even more disappointed. He flew down to re-join his feathered relatives battling over the treats.

Emelina marched over to the man and plucked a melting ice-pop from his hand. He didn’t seem to notice her. He was too busy gawping at the statue now replacing the lady who had been there moments before.

Emelina licked her lolly and poked her mother in the belly. Instead of poking soft fleshiness, it was like poking a rock. She tapped here and there. It was like tapping a hard wall.

She waved the lolly beneath her mother’s nose to see if the deliciousness would wake her up. The Duchess statue didn’t stir.

Magrus seemed a bit upset by the Duchess’s strange appearance and wouldn’t come out from under the lounger. Plus, he was still eating the cherry tart.

Thomas took a small silver hammer out of his waistcoat, as if he had always expected to need it for such an occasion. He hammered the Duchess lightly on the arm.

KLING!

The Duchess still didn’t move.

“Her Grace is indeed a statue,” said Thomas, in his dignified fashion.

He shot a sideways glance at Emelina. His eyes travelled to the ring on her finger, back to the Duchess statue, and back to the ring.

“Ahem.” He cleared his throat once more. “And a fine statue she is, there is no doubt.”

“Yes, she is rather splendid, isn’t she? Perhaps she should go in the centre of the courtyard. We could grow some ivy on her.”

“That’s a magnificent idea, my lady.”

A silent understanding passed between butler and girl. Without saying a word about it, they both knew the score. Thomas did not want to be turned into a statue. So long as he did everything Emelina said, she wouldn’t turn him into one.

“Well,” said Emelina, at last. “You’d better figure out a way of getting her home, hadn’t you? She’s too heavy to put in the carriage. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”

Thomas nodded, in a Butleresque way, turned, and disappeared back inside the beach hut.

Emelina dragged Magrus out from beneath the lounger. He had cherry tart all over his chops.

“Belly ache,” he said, glumly.

“Serves you right, Mags.”

Emelina sat down on the warm sand, the little dog in her lap, and began to dig. The parrot hopped over to watch.

Chapter Five

In which Emelina builds a sandcastle and realises she has a Do-As-I-Say-Ring

You may think Emelina would feel sorry for turning her mother into a statue. But she was enjoying herself far too much to be even a teensy bit sorry. The sun was warm on her bare arms and shoulders. The sand was as soft as talcum powder between her fingers. After a time, she got to the lovely, cool wet bit below.

She began to build a sandcastle, piling up sand and patting it down to form the shape.

Now and then, she’d find a little shell or pebble. She tossed them away. They weren’t big enough for what she wanted, this far up the beach.

The blue parrot watched everything she did. He gathered her discarded objects into a pile. When he got bored with that, he tried to build his own sandcastle, using his orange curved beak to push sand into a pile.

“This is lots of fun,” he said. “Passes the time. Tremendously creative. Not at all boring.”

From time to time, Emelina looked up to stare out across the gleaming sea. She twisted the gold ring thoughtfully. “Hmmm…. Could it really be…” she muttered. But she never finished what she had to say. She shook her head and carried on digging.

Magrus climbed down from Emelina’s lap. He stuck his little black nose in wherever her hands were, wagging his tail. The sand stuck to the sticky cherry on his chops. Emelina’s knickerbockers were also covered in sand-stuck-to-cherry, as well as sand-stuck-to-melted ice-lolly.

“You’re not really helping, Magrus.”

“I am actually,” he sniffed. “I’m a very helpful little dog!”

The ice-lolly man hadn’t moved an inch since the whole thing began.

“Snap out of it, man!” bellowed Emelina, clicking her fingers in the air. She surprised herself with her own bossiness. She’d always been a bossy girl, but this was on a whole new level. “Fetch more ice-lollies! Those are all melted!”

The lollipop man shook himself, did an awkward kind of bow, and ran away up the beach.

The parrot was impressed. “Wow, just like that, she told him! Yes, she did!” he said, as he pushed more sand around with his beak.

The ice lolly man was soon back with a fistful of lollies. He was out of breath and had obviously run the whole way.

“Here you are, my lady.” He handed her a red lolly and stood very straight, as if waiting for her to tell him what to do next.

“Leave all those ice-lollies here for me! Fetch pretty pebbles and feathers and shells for my castle!” Emelina ordered.

He did another clumsy bow and stuck the lollies in the sand in a neat row next to her. Then he scurried to the shore to gather the treasures.

“Magrus,” she whispered. “I do believe this ring has given me magic powers. It’s a Do-As-I- Say-Ring!”

“Are Magic Powers good to eat?” he said, not really paying attention.

And then Emelina did something terrible, which no one should ever do to their best friend. She tried to do magic on him.

“Sit Magrus!” she commanded.

Magrus didn’t sit.

“Bossy-boots,” he said, still digging and sticking his nose everywhere.

“Phew,” said Emelina, turning a bit pink in the face. “I’m rather glad the magic doesn’t work on you too.”

Doing magic on Magrus would have felt wrong, even though turning her mother into a statue hadn’t seemed at all wrong. Nor had being very bossy. It had felt Zappy, and Roaring, and Whooshing, and Fiery. The Wonderful, Exhilarating, Zappy, Roaring, Whooshing, Fiery-ness was the best feeling ever.

“Power!” she said, out loud. “This is what POWER feels like. I love it!!!”

She looked at the parrot and the parrot looked at her.

“Go on,” he said, “Try it on me. I’m curious to see if it works.”

“Ok,” said Emelina. “Fly to the top of the beach hut!”

He tilted his head and stayed where he was.

“That was good, but perhaps not bossy enough. Try it again, with more Commandingness.”

“Ok,” said Emelina. “I command you to fly to the top of the beach hut!”

He still didn’t move. “Oh well. It’s probably just a People-Bossing Magic Ring. My name’s Sidney, by the way.”

“Please to meet you, Sidney. How do you do,” said Emelina.

“How do I do what?”

Emelina furrowed her brow and scratched her head.

“Can I be on your team?” continued Sidney. “It’s just… well, I’m bored and lonely here on the beach, to be honest. None of the other seagulls like me.”

“That’s probably because you’re not a seagull,” said Emelina.

“Ho!” laughed the parrot, as if she’s told a silly joke. “Of course, I’m a seagull! A very seagullish seagull.”

Emelina and Magrus exchanged a look.

“It’s fine with me if you join our team,” said Emelina. “But it’s up to Mags.” She knew Magrus got jealous easily, so it seemed safest to let him decide.

Magrus stopped digging to appraise Sidney. “Do you promise to leave my din-dins alone?”

Sidney nodded and did a funny kind of bow, sweeping one wing in front of himself.

“I promise.”

“You’re in,” said Magrus.

“Yes!” said Sidney, doing a happy, hoppy dance.

“Splendid!” said Emelina. “We’re equal partners. Team Power!!! Everyone else in the world will do as I say apart from you two. The question is - what should I tell them to do next?”

Chapter Six

In which Emelina avoids arrest by turning the policeman into a frog.

The lollipop man was back with handfuls of shells and pebbles.

“Put them down!” commanded Emelina. “Fetch lots more! Straight away! And, hey you, children over there!” She yelled to some children in striped bathing costumes, playing on the shore. “Yes, that’s right, you lot! Fetch me pretty shells and pebbles and feathers! Right away!”

And they all rushed to do as Emelina said.

“This really is brilliant!” Emelina turned to Magrus with a grin. “It’s power! Whooshy, Fiery, Roaring, Zapping Power!!!”

Magrus gave her a side-long glance. “Is Whooshy Power as good as din-dins? Double din-dins! Don’t forget!” he added, as he carried on digging.

“Even after you’ve eaten an entire cherry tart, Mags?”

Magrus gave her another look, as if to say, don’t you know who I am?

Before long, Thomas emerged from inside the beach hut. He was accompanied by the stableman, the butcher, the baker, and the publican. They had lots of ropes and the wooden cart that the stableman normally used to pull around bales of hay.

Sergeant Frogsworth, the village policemen, followed behind.

“Hello, hello, hello,” he said, eyeing up the Duchess Dotty Statue. He moved closer to inspect it and pulled out a little notebook and pencil. “What have hwe here? I call this hevidence. Scene of the crime.” He said all his e’s and w’s with an h in front of them.

He raised a suspicious eyebrow at the stableman. The stableman flared a nostril in the direction of the butcher. The butcher, in turn, glanced at the baker. The baker stroked his chin and tilted his head to Thomas. Thomas coughed and nodded his head - ever so slightly- towards Emelina.

She focused on her sandcastle, as if she hadn’t even noticed any of them.

“Hello, hello, hello,” said the policeman. He towered over her, bending his knees in a frog-like fashion. “Lady Hemelina, isn’t it? Turned your mother into a statue, did we? We can’t have that. Oh no, won’t do at all. That’s breaking the law, that is…”

“What law?” said Emelina, still not bothering to look up at him.

“What law, you say? It’s breaking LOTS of laws, I’m sure…”

Emelina got to her feet, wiping her sticky-sandy hands on her already sticky-sandy knickerbockers. “So tell me, Sergeant Froggy…”

“It’s Sergeant Frogsworth, my lady,” he said, turning pink.

“Ok, Sergeant Froggysworth. Tell me, specifically, which law says I can’t turn my mother into a statue.”

The policeman pulled out a leather-bound book from his top pocket. On the cover, were the words, “Quick Guide to Laws.”

“Let me see…. let me see…” he muttered, flipping through it. “Statute 23.4. Um no… h-where is it, h-where is it…. Code 49.5 b…” He had now turned quite red, as he flipped through the book faster and faster.

“Haha! You can’t find it, can you?” Emelina put her hands on her hips. “Na-na-ne-na-na! You can’t find it! You don’t know why I can’t turn my mother into a statue!” she chanted, sticking out her tongue.

“Na-na-ne-na-na!” echoed Magrus, prancing around in a circle.

“Na-na! Ne-na-na-na!” added Sidney.

Out of the corner of her eye, Emelina saw the stableman stifling a guffaw.

The Sergeant was now as red as a beetroot. His eyes bulged out, like a frog. He slammed the book shut and put it back in his pocket.

“Never mind! We’ve got a bigger law book down at the station. We’ll figure out what laws you’ve broken later!” He clinked some cufflinks and moved towards her. “You’re under arrest!”

“Right, that’s it!” said Magrus, finally losing his temper. “Leave me Emmy alone!” The little dog rushed at him, snarling and growling. He set his jaws on the policeman’s shin, shaking his head as if he was throttling a rat.

“One for all, all for one!” said Sidney, flying up like a missile to launch a pecking attack on the policeman’s nose.

“You’re ALL under arrest!” said the policeman, hopping around, trying to shake them off. “All three of you!”

“You are a bother,” said Emelina with a sigh. “I didn’t want to have to do it, but you asked for it.”

“Sergeant,” said Thomas, who’d been trying to get his attention for a while. “I would highly recommend you don’t try to arrest them.”

“Standing up for the Ladyship and the little furry and feathered terrors, are we? Colluding with the criminals, are we?”

“No really. I wouldn’t…”

But it was too late. Emelina’s ears were buzzing. The Zappy, Whooshy, Buzzy, Fiery, Zippy Roaring was back.

Her fingers twitched. Her toes curled. She felt as if she were as big as a giant.

Then she said it - the first thing that came into her head.

“Be a… be a frog!” she said.

A stillness came over the air. Magrus stopped snarling. He let go of the policeman’s trouser. Sidney stopped pecking the policeman’s nose and settled on top of Emelina’s sandcastle. The only sound was the sound of waves lapping on the shore.

The policeman had become ever-so still. At first, it seemed as if nothing was going to happen.

But then, something did happen.

“He’s shrinking!” gasped the stableman.

“Can’t be. Not possible,” muttered the publican, rubbing his eyes.

“He is!” said Sidney.

“Shrink! Shrink! Shrink!” yapped Magrus.

And the policeman did shrink...

and shrink...

and shrink..

And then there was no policeman anymore. There was only a small, green frog on the sand, looking around with a startled expression in his eyes.

THE END

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.

Occupation: Detective

Quirks: Collects vintage vinyl records, loves crossword puzzles

Strengths: Observant, analytical thinker

Weaknesses: Impatient, struggles with empathy

Appearance: Wears a classic trench coat, has a distinctive scar on the cheek

Motivation: Solve a cold case that haunts their career

Problem: Evidence points to a close friend as a suspect.

Occupation: Chef

Quirks: Always wears mismatched socks, has a pet parrot

Strengths: Creatively innovative, can whip up a meal from anything

Weaknesses: Overly competitive, perfectionist

Appearance: Wears a bandana and apron, tall and stocky

Motivation: Win a prestigious cooking competition

Problem: Their secret ingredient goes missing before the final round.

Occupation: Scientist

Quirks: Talks to plants, afraid of heights

Strengths: Brilliant problem solver, keen attention to detail

Weaknesses: Overly cautious, socially awkward

Appearance: Wears glasses, lab coat always slightly stained

Motivation: Discover a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough

Problem: A rival scientist sabotages their experiments.

Occupation: Musician

Quirks: Never leaves home without a lucky charm, collects vintage guitars

Strengths: Talented and charismatic performer, connects with the audience

Weaknesses: Easily distracted, struggles with stage fright

Appearance: Wild hair, dresses in bohemian style

Motivation: Write a chart-topping hit

Problem: Suffers from a creative block after a personal loss.

Occupation: Librarian

Quirks: Organizes books by color, has a vast collection of rare bookmarks

Strengths: Incredibly knowledgeable, resourceful

Weaknesses: Introverted, avoids confrontation

Appearance: Always seen with glasses, dresses in vintage clothing

Motivation: Preserve a historic library from being closed down

Problem: An unknown enemy is stealing valuable books.

Occupation: Journalist

Quirks: Carries a worn notebook everywhere, speaks multiple languages

Strengths: Tenacious investigator, skilled negotiator

Weaknesses: Impulsive, struggles to maintain personal relationships

Appearance: Wears a fedora, has a distinctive scar on the wrist

Motivation: Expose corruption in a powerful corporation

Problem: Faces threats and intimidation as they dig deeper.

Occupation: Archaeologist

Quirks: Obsessed with ancient civilizations, collects rare artifacts

Strengths: Keen eye for detail, adventurous spirit

Weaknesses: Risk-taker, easily distracted by historical mysteries

Appearance: Wears a fedora and cargo pants, carries a leather satchel

Motivation: Uncover the secrets of a lost city

Problem: Competing archaeologists are determined to beat them to the discovery.

Occupation: Nurse

Quirks: Talks to animals, enjoys stargazing

Strengths: Compassionate, quick thinker in emergencies

Weaknesses: Takes on too much, struggles with time management

Appearance: Wears scrubs with colorful patterns, always carries a stethoscope

Motivation: Provide the best care for patients

Problem: A mysterious illness sweeps through the hospital, affecting their loved ones.

Occupation: Private Tutor

Quirks: Writes poetry, has a fondness for vintage typewriters

Strengths: Patient and empathetic, excellent at explaining complex concepts

Weaknesses: Overly critical of themselves, avoids confrontations

Appearance: Dresses in modest attire, wears reading glasses

Motivation: Help a struggling student overcome academic challenges

Problem: The student is hiding a troubling secret that affects their performance.

Occupation: Firefighter

Quirks: Plays the guitar in a band, volunteers at an animal shelter

Strengths: Brave and physically fit, great team player

Weaknesses: Can be impulsive, struggles with claustrophobia

Appearance: Muscular build, always seen with a bandana

Motivation: Save lives and make the community safer

Problem: A string of arson cases puts their town at risk.

Occupation: Teacher

Quirks: Collects vintage children’s books, loves birdwatching

Strengths: Patient and nurturing, creative teaching methods

Weaknesses: Overly protective of students, can be too idealistic

Appearance: Wears colorful dresses, often seen with a cup of tea

Motivation: Inspire a love of learning in every student

Problem: Faces resistance from the school board to implement innovative curriculum.

Occupation: Farmer

Quirks: Talks to plants, believes in traditional farming methods

Strengths: Hardworking and resourceful, deep connection to the land

Weaknesses: Stubborn, resistant to change

Appearance: Wears overalls and a wide-brimmed hat, weathered hands

Motivation: Save the family farm from foreclosure

Problem: A big corporation wants to buy the land for industrial development.

Occupation: Small Business Owner (Café)

Quirks: Expert barista, collects vintage teacups

Strengths: Welcoming and friendly, great at multitasking

Weaknesses: Overextends themselves, struggles with delegation

Appearance: Wears apron with coffee stains, always has a smile

Motivation: Create a cozy community gathering space

Problem: Faces financial challenges when a big coffee chain opens nearby.

Occupation: Software Developer

Quirks: Enjoys solving Rubik’s cubes, loves attending comic conventions

Strengths: Logical thinker, skilled programmer

Weaknesses: Introverted, can be socially awkward

Appearance: Dresses in casual tech attire, wears glasses

Motivation: Create innovative software that changes people’s lives

Problem: A rival tech company steals their groundbreaking code.

Occupation: Environmental Activist

Quirks: Practices zero waste lifestyle, volunteers at animal shelters

Strengths: Passionate advocate, persuasive speaker

Weaknesses: Can be too idealistic, takes on too many causes

Appearance: Wears eco-friendly clothing, always carries a reusable water bottle

Motivation: Protect the planet and promote sustainable living

Problem: A corporation plans to destroy a local wildlife habitat for profit.

Occupation: Photographer

Quirks: Collects vintage cameras, enjoys urban exploration

Strengths: Creative eye for capturing moments, adventurous spirit

Weaknesses: Can be overly self-critical, struggles with self-promotion

Appearance: Wears vintage-inspired clothing, always has a camera strap around the neck

Motivation: Document the beauty of the world and tell compelling visual stories

Problem: A rival photographer steals their portfolio and passes it off as their own.

Occupation: Social Worker

Quirks: Rescues abandoned animals, enjoys painting

Strengths: Empathetic listener, dedicated to helping others

Weaknesses: Takes on too much emotionally, struggles to set boundaries

Appearance: Wears comfortable clothing, often seen with a notepad

Motivation: Improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and families

Problem: A case involving a troubled teenager becomes more complex and dangerous than expected.

Occupation: Film Director

Quirks: Collects vintage movie posters, enjoys people-watching

Strengths: Creative vision, excellent leadership skills

Weaknesses: Perfectionist, can be demanding on set

Appearance: Wears stylish attire, always has a camera hanging from the neck

Motivation: Create cinematic masterpieces that impact audiences

Problem: Budget constraints and creative differences threaten their latest project.

Occupation: Veterinarian

Quirks: Speaks to animals in different accents, enjoys gardening

Strengths: Skilled animal care provider, compassionate and patient

Weaknesses: Takes on too much responsibility, struggles with decision-making

Appearance: Wears scrubs with animal-themed patterns, carries a stethoscope

Motivation: Ensure the health and well-being of all furry and feathered patients

Problem: A mysterious illness spreads among local animals, putting their clinic at risk.

Occupation: Architect

Quirks: Sketches buildings on napkins, loves exploring old ruins

Strengths: Creative thinker, adept at balancing form and function

Weaknesses: Overworks themselves, can be overly critical of own designs

Appearance: Wears sleek and modern clothing, often carries a blueprint tube

Motivation: Design innovative structures that shape the city’s skyline

Problem: A major project faces unexpected construction delays and budget issues.

Occupation: Personal Trainer

Quirks: Always carries a jump rope, practices mindfulness meditation

Strengths: Motivational, physically fit and disciplined

Weaknesses: Pushes themselves too hard, struggles with work-life balance

Appearance: Wears athletic clothing, exudes confidence and energy

Motivation: Help clients transform their lives through fitness and health

Problem: A client’s lack of commitment threatens to derail their progress.

Occupation: Travel Blogger

Quirks: Collects unique postcards, loves trying exotic foods

Strengths: Adventurous spirit, excellent storyteller

Weaknesses: Can be impulsive, struggles with commitment

Appearance: Wears comfortable and stylish travel attire, always carries a camera

Motivation: Explore the world and share cultural experiences through blogging

Problem: A canceled flight strands them in a remote location with no internet connection.

Occupation: Gymnastics Coach

Quirks: Practices yoga every morning, enjoys solving riddles

Strengths: Patient and encouraging, skilled at spotting and teaching techniques

Weaknesses: Can be overly perfectionistic, avoids personal confrontations

Appearance: Wears workout attire, always has a whistle around the neck

Motivation: Inspire young athletes to reach their full potential

Problem: A talented student faces a crisis of confidence after a major fall during competition.

Occupation: Stand-Up Comedian

Quirks: Collects humorous vintage postcards, enjoys people-watching

Strengths: Quick-witted, natural performer

Weaknesses: Self-doubt, struggles with stage anxiety

Appearance: Dresses in casual and colorful clothing, carries a notebook for jotting down jokes

Motivation: Bring laughter and joy to audiences, even during tough times

Problem: A rival comedian plagiarizes their material and gains popularity.

Occupation: Antique Restorer

Quirks: Rescues stray cats, enjoys solving puzzles

Strengths: Skilled at restoring and preserving historical artifacts, patient

Weaknesses: Can be overly sentimental, struggles with technology

Appearance: Wears practical clothing with a touch of vintage style, always has tools in hand

Motivation: Breathe new life into cherished heirlooms and objects of the past

Problem: A priceless antique goes missing from their workshop, and they become the prime suspect.

Occupation: Lifeguard

Quirks: Enjoys stargazing at night, has a talent for playing the ukulele

Strengths: Strong swimmer, vigilant and focused

Weaknesses: Takes unnecessary risks, struggles with communication

Appearance: Wears lifeguard uniform, always carries a whistle and sunscreen

Motivation: Ensure the safety of beachgoers and prevent accidents

Problem: A series of near-drowning incidents raise suspicions of foul play.

Occupation: Speech Therapist

Quirks: Enjoys birdwatching, practices calligraphy

Strengths: Patient and compassionate, great listener

Weaknesses: Overextends themselves, can be overly self-critical

Appearance: Wears professional attire, carries therapy materials

Motivation: Help clients overcome speech and communication challenges

Problem: A young client’s mysterious speech regression baffles medical experts.

Occupation: Meteorologist

Quirks: Collects weather-related memorabilia, enjoys star gazing

Strengths: Analytical thinker, knowledgeable about weather patterns

Weaknesses: Overthinks, struggles with public speaking

Appearance: Wears weather-themed accessories, often seen with a notebook and pen

Motivation: Accurately predict and warn about severe weather events

Problem: A major storm approaches, and the forecast models are conflicting.

Occupation: Social Media Influencer

Quirks: Enjoys origami, practices mindfulness meditation

Strengths: Charismatic and relatable, adept at online engagement

Weaknesses: Obsessive about online presence, struggles with self-image

Appearance: Dresses in trendy and fashionable outfits, always has a phone for selfies

Motivation: Connect with followers and promote positive lifestyle choices

Problem: A negative social media campaign threatens their reputation.

Occupation: EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

Quirks: Always carries a first aid kit, enjoys painting landscapes

Strengths: Quick decision-maker, calm under pressure

Weaknesses: Overworks themselves, struggles with emotional detachment

Appearance: Wears EMT uniform, often seen with a stethoscope and medical supplies

Motivation: Save lives and provide critical medical care in emergencies

Problem: A major accident overwhelms their resources and skills.

Occupation: Environmental Scientist

Quirks: Practices sustainable living, enjoys birdwatching

Strengths: Knowledgeable about ecosystems, dedicated to conservation

Weaknesses: Overly critical of themselves, can be too idealistic

Appearance: Wears eco-friendly clothing, often seen with a magnifying glass

Motivation: Research and protect fragile ecosystems from human impact

Problem: A proposed construction project threatens a vital wildlife habitat.

Occupation: Crisis Negotiator

Quirks: Enjoys solving riddles, practices martial arts

Strengths: Calm and composed under pressure, skilled communicator

Weaknesses: Takes on too much responsibility, struggles with personal relationships

Appearance: Wears professional attire, often seen with a headset

Motivation: Save lives and bring peaceful resolutions to high-stress situations

Problem: A hostage situation becomes more complex than expected, and time is running out.

Occupation: Wedding Planner

Quirks: Collects vintage wedding invitations, enjoys ballroom dancing

Strengths: Organized and detail-oriented, great at handling client requests

Weaknesses: Overextends themselves, struggles with saying no

Appearance: Wears elegant and stylish clothing, often seen with a clipboard

Motivation: Create unforgettable weddings and make dreams come true

Problem: A major supplier fails to deliver, threatening a high-profile wedding.

Occupation: Fitness Instructor

Quirks: Practices acrobatics, enjoys solving brain teasers

Strengths: Energetic and motivating, excellent at leading group classes

Weaknesses: Overworks themselves, struggles with work-life balance

Appearance: Wears athletic attire, always has a water bottle and headset

Motivation: Inspire clients to achieve their fitness goals and lead healthy lives

Problem: A client’s sudden injury impacts their ability to exercise.

Occupation: Marine Biologist

Quirks: Enjoys sketching underwater scenes, practices free diving

Strengths: Knowledgeable about marine life, passionate about ocean conservation

Weaknesses: Obsessive about work, struggles with sea sickness

Appearance: Wears practical diving gear, often seen with a waterproof notebook

Motivation: Study and protect marine ecosystems and endangered species

Problem: An unknown pollutant threatens a coral reef they’ve been researching.

Occupation: Wildlife Photographer

Quirks: Collects nature-inspired artwork, enjoys forest hiking

Strengths: Patient and persistent, skilled at capturing elusive moments

Weaknesses: Overly focused on work, struggles with relationships

Appearance: Wears rugged and weather-resistant clothing, always has a camera strap around the neck

Motivation: Document and raise awareness about endangered species

Problem: A rare animal they’ve been tracking disappears from their natural habitat.

Occupation: Costume Designer

Quirks: Enjoys cross-stitching, practices yoga

Strengths: Creative vision, attentive to character details

Weaknesses: Overly perfectionistic, struggles with work-life balance

Appearance: Dresses in eclectic and fashionable outfits, always has a sketchbook

Motivation: Bring characters to life through elaborate and authentic costumes

Problem: A major film production faces budget cuts, affecting costume design.

Occupation: Park Ranger

Quirks: Collects pressed flowers, enjoys birdwatching

Strengths: Knowledgeable about wildlife and conservation, dedicated to preserving nature

Weaknesses: Overly protective of the environment, can be too cautious

Appearance: Wears ranger uniform, always carries a field guide and binoculars

Motivation: Educate visitors about nature and protect the park’s ecosystem

Problem: A string of vandalism incidents threatens the park’s integrity.

Occupation: Astronomer

Quirks: Enjoys stargazing with a telescope, practices astronomy photography

Strengths: Analytical thinker, skilled at interpreting celestial phenomena

Weaknesses: Obsessive about work, struggles with public speaking

Appearance: Wears astronomy-themed accessories, often seen with a notebook and pen

Motivation: Discover new celestial bodies and unravel mysteries of the universe

Problem: Funding cuts threaten their research project on a rare cosmic event.

Occupation: Paranormal Investigator

Quirks: Collects haunted artifacts, enjoys solving cryptic puzzles

Strengths: Open-minded and curious, skilled at debunking myths

Weaknesses: Can be impulsive, struggles with skepticism from others

Appearance: Wears attire suitable for different environments, carries ghost-hunting equipment

Motivation: Uncover the truth behind unexplained phenomena and spirits

Problem: A haunted location reveals a malevolent entity that poses a serious threat.

Occupation: Speechwriter

Quirks: Practices calligraphy, enjoys stand-up comedy

Strengths: Articulate and persuasive, excellent at crafting compelling narratives

Weaknesses: Overthinks, struggles with public speaking anxiety

Appearance: Wears professional attire, often seen with a notebook and pen

Motivation: Create impactful speeches that inspire and influence change

Problem: A high-stakes political speech faces last-minute revisions and pressure.

Occupation: Architectural Historian

Quirks: Collects vintage blueprints, enjoys restoring old buildings

Strengths: Knowledgeable about architectural styles, passionate about preserving history

Weaknesses: Can be overly nostalgic, struggles with technology

Appearance: Wears attire with a touch of vintage style, often seen with a magnifying glass

Motivation: Document and protect architectural heritage from modernization

Problem: A historic building faces demolition to make way for a new development.

Occupation: Wedding Singer

Quirks: Writes love poems, enjoys learning foreign languages

Strengths: Talented vocalist and performer, emotionally expressive

Weaknesses: Overthinks, struggles with stage fright

Appearance: Dresses in elegant and stylish outfits, always has a microphone

Motivation: Bring joy and create unforgettable moments for couples on their special day

Problem: A rival singer tries to sabotage their reputation before a high-profile wedding.

Occupation: Art Therapist

Quirks: Practices meditation, enjoys sculpting

Strengths: Empathetic and patient, skilled at helping others express themselves

Weaknesses: Takes on too much emotional burden, struggles with self-care

Appearance: Wears attire that reflects a calming presence, often seen with art supplies

Motivation: Help clients heal and find emotional release through artistic expression

Problem: A young patient with trauma resists opening up through art therapy.

Occupation: Botanist

Quirks: Collects rare seeds, enjoys bonsai tree cultivation

Strengths: Knowledgeable about plant life, dedicated to preserving ecosystems

Weaknesses: Obsessive about work, struggles with allergies

Appearance: Wears practical and weather-resistant clothing, often seen with a magnifying glass

Motivation: Study and protect plant species from extinction and habitat loss

Problem: An invasive species threatens to overrun a local ecosystem.

Occupation: Archaeology Professor

Quirks: Enjoys deciphering ancient texts, practices fencing

Strengths: Knowledgeable about historical civilizations, passionate about uncovering the past

Weaknesses: Can be overly focused on work, struggles with physical activity

Appearance: Wears scholarly attire, carries a leather-bound notebook

Motivation: Educate students and make groundbreaking discoveries in archaeology

Problem: A rival professor challenges their interpretation of a significant artifact.

Occupation: Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

Quirks: Collects forensic-themed puzzles, enjoys rock climbing

Strengths: Detail-oriented and analytical, skilled at reconstructing crime scenes

Weaknesses: Obsessive about work, struggles with work-life balance

Appearance: Wears CSI uniform, often seen with a forensic kit

Motivation: Solve crimes and provide justice for victims and their families

Problem: A high-profile case becomes a media frenzy, affecting their investigation.

Occupation: Speech Coach

Quirks: Practices mindfulness meditation, enjoys practicing accents

Strengths: Patient and encouraging, skilled at helping clients improve communication

Weaknesses: Overextends themselves, struggles with public speaking anxiety

Appearance: Wears professional attire, often seen with a notepad and pen

Motivation: Empower clients to become confident and effective speakers

Problem: A client with a fear of public speaking faces a critical presentation.

Occupation: Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

Quirks: Rescues injured animals, practices yoga

Strengths: Compassionate and nurturing, skilled at animal care and rehabilitation

Weaknesses: Takes on too much emotional burden, struggles with bureaucracy

Appearance: Wears attire suitable for outdoor work, often seen with a wildlife care kit

Motivation: Heal and release injured animals back into their natural habitats

Problem: A series of mysterious animal poisonings raises suspicions of foul play.

Occupation: Perfumer

Quirks: Collects rare botanical extracts, enjoys painting landscapes

Strengths: Artistic and creative, adept at crafting unique fragrances

Weaknesses: Overly critical of their work, struggles with decision-making

Appearance: Wears elegant and sophisticated attire, often carries a notebook

Motivation: Create evocative and memorable scents that evoke emotions

Problem: A rival perfumer steals their signature fragrance formula.

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.

A floating city made entirely of balloons.

An alternate reality where the laws of physics change every day.

A hidden civilization thriving beneath a suburban neighborhood’s sewer system.

A haunted amusement park on an abandoned oil rig in the middle of the ocean.

A space colony located inside a massive hollowed-out asteroid.

A sentient forest that communicates with visitors through melodies.

An underwater society of merfolk living in an ancient sunken library.

A post-apocalyptic world where plants have taken over and humans are the endangered species.

A time-traveling diner that serves meals from different eras in history.

A school for magical creatures disguised as an ordinary high school.

A floating island populated by talking animals who form their own societies.

A ghost town where the ghosts are more alive than the living visitors.

An intergalactic flea market on a distant planet.

A parallel universe accessible through a forgotten janitor’s closet.

A retirement home for retired superheroes.

A world where everyone’s emotions manifest as colorful auras.

A town where technology is powered by the dreams of its inhabitants.

A library that contains books written by people who never existed.

An enchanted carnival that only appears at midnight.

A city suspended in the sky by enormous kites.

A sentient planet that communicates with its inhabitants through geological phenomena.

A mysterious island where time moves in reverse.

An abandoned shopping mall that serves as a gateway to different dimensions.

A factory that produces dreams and nightmares, influencing reality.

A traveling circus with performers who possess supernatural abilities.

An alien embassy located inside an ordinary suburban house.

A secret garden tended to by sentient robotic gardeners.

A desert wasteland where ancient relics reveal forgotten histories.

A village inhabited by shape-shifting creatures who mimic human form.

A cave system filled with bioluminescent creatures and glowing crystals.

A post-apocalyptic world where survivors live atop massive, roaming beasts.

A labyrinthine library guarded by creatures of imagination.

A sentient rainforest that reacts to the emotions of those who enter.

An underwater city powered by geothermal vents and inhabited by amphibious beings.

A world where colors have physical properties and can be manipulated.

An alternate Earth where animals are the dominant species and humans are rare.

A carnival where rides and attractions come to life after dark.

A haunted hotel with rooms that lead to different eras in time.

A sunken city inhabited by aquatic robots and ancient sea creatures.

A village inside a massive, ancient tree inhabited by tree-dwelling people.

An abandoned space station overtaken by sentient AI.

A series of floating islands where gravity varies based on altitude.

A planet with a day that lasts only a few minutes, resulting in unique challenges.

A steampunk city powered by enormous mechanical gears.

A realm where thoughts and emotions take physical form.

An alternate dimension accessed through reflective surfaces.

A post-apocalyptic ice world where people live in massive ice sculptures.

A world where magic is powered by emotions and belief.

An enchanted forest where animals can communicate with humans.

A library where books are portals to other worlds.

A desert oasis inhabited by mystical beings and sentient sandstorms.

A city built on the branches of an ancient, colossal tree.

A space station in the orbit of a living star.

A town where every inhabitant has a unique, surreal talent.

A parallel universe where animals have evolved to form advanced societies.

A realm made entirely of floating, interconnected islands.

A world where dreams influence reality and can be harvested for power.

A sentient cloud city that changes shape and location based on collective desires.

A village located on the back of a colossal, slumbering creature.

A post-apocalyptic wasteland transformed into a massive botanical garden.

A planet covered in bioluminescent flora that illuminate the night.

A cave system filled with living, glowing crystals that respond to music.

A society built within the intricate layers of an enormous, sentient tree.

An underwater laboratory inhabited by scientists and genetically modified sea creatures.

A world where certain locations are portals to other dimensions.

A time loop city stuck in a specific era, but with modern technology.

A village built on the back of a giant, migrating turtle.

An ancient, sentient city that grants wishes to those who solve its riddles.

A parallel universe where physics are governed by different mathematical principles.

A post-apocalyptic city where plants and animals have become sentient.

A realm made entirely of living, glowing crystals that respond to human touch.

A city suspended in the air by a complex network of hot air balloons.

An enchanted forest where the flora and fauna are made of candy.

A planet with shifting terrains and landscapes that change with the tides.

A society living inside a massive, hollowed-out tree trunk.

A world where animals have evolved to communicate through interpretive dance.

A town where inanimate objects come to life at night and hold their own festivities.

A desert wasteland inhabited by nomadic tribes who ride giant sandworms.

A planet with floating islands that are connected by colorful suspension bridges.

A realm where weather patterns are controlled by the emotions of its inhabitants.

A haunted mansion where the ghosts are friendly and host grand parties.

A city built within the caverns of a vast, underground crystal formation.

An alternate Earth inhabited by humanoid creatures based on constellations.

A futuristic city nestled within the remains of ancient ruins.

A land of living, sentient plants with unique personalities.

A society of underwater dwellers who communicate through intricate light patterns.

A realm where time moves differently in each city, creating a patchwork of eras.

A town whe

A place where the inhabitants are miniature and live in a giant’s garden.

A planet with forests of giant, sentient mushrooms that release spores of creativity.

An alternate reality where technology is powered by laughter.

A labyrinth of tunnels inhabited by a society of bioluminescent insects.

A society of nomads who traverse the ocean on the backs of massive, docile sea creatures.

A land where everything is upside-down, and people live on the undersides of floating islands.

A realm where dreams are tangible and can be woven into physical objects.

A city where architecture is composed of living crystals that grow and change shape.

A floating marketplace located on a series of interconnected airships.

A society of underground miners who harness the power of volcanic activity.

A world where the geography shifts and rearranges itself on a daily basis.

A village inhabited by time travelers from different eras in history.

A parallel universe where humans have evolved to communicate through scent.

n abandoned, retro-themed amusement park struggling to regain its former glory.

A remote coastal village where a tight-knit community navigates the challenges of isolation.

A small town where a secret society of elderly retirees embark on unconventional adventures.

A struggling family-owned bookstore facing closure in the digital age.

A bustling food truck scene in a culturally diverse urban neighborhood.

A gritty, underground urban art scene where street artists push the boundaries of creativity.

A competitive reality TV show set in a quaint bed and breakfast where contestants vie for the title of best innkeeper.

A community garden where a diverse group of individuals form unexpected connections.

An eco-village dedicated to sustainable living and self-sufficiency.

A historic theater in a small town that hosts eccentric, offbeat performances.

A quirky roadside motel where guests from all walks of life share stories and experiences.

A group of amateur treasure hunters searching for long-lost artifacts in overlooked locations.

A struggling radio station in a remote area that brings the community together through music and storytelling.

A neighborhood knitting club that unravels secrets and solves local mysteries.

A traveling carnival that brings joy and nostalgia to communities across the country.

A quirky neighborhood bar known for hosting unique theme nights and events.

A vintage clothing store that serves as a hub for eccentric fashion enthusiasts.

A charming bed and breakfast with a mysterious history and a revolving cast of eclectic guests.

A small-town bakery known for its delectable pastries and the quirky characters who frequent it.

A support group for individuals with unconventional phobias who bond over their shared experiences.

A community center in a diverse urban neighborhood that hosts cultural exchange events.

A cozy book club that delves into unusual and obscure literature.

A hidden speakeasy-style bar where patrons gather to discuss conspiracy theories and urban legends.

A coastal fishing village where a group of misfit fishermen form an unlikely bond.

A quirky family-run funeral home that celebrates life in unconventional ways.

A vintage arcade that becomes a haven for nostalgic gamers and pop culture enthusiasts.

A DIY community workshop where locals come together to build and create.

A small-town newspaper struggling to stay relevant in the digital age.

A quirky roadside attraction that draws tourists from across the country.

A suburban neighborhood with an annual scavenger hunt that leads to unexpected discoveries.

A coastal lighthouse where a reclusive artist finds inspiration and solitude.

A remote mountain lodge that hosts unconventional wellness retreats.

A charming historic diner known for its unique menu items and colorful regulars.

A support group for people with unusual hobbies and interests.

A community theater group that stages quirky and unconventional productions.

A unique Airbnb-style lodging where guests stay in creatively themed rooms.

A struggling independent cinema that screens offbeat and obscure films.

A rural farming town that hosts an annual quirky festival celebrating a local oddity.

A hobbyist club where members gather to indulge in unusual and niche interests.

A cozy cafe where patrons can participate in board games and trivia nights.

Renaissance-era apothecary shop where the eccentric owner dabbles in alchemy and herbal remedies.

A Victorian-era traveling circus that performs elaborate magic shows and showcases oddities.

A colonial-era tavern frequented by pirates, smugglers, and secret societies.

A medieval monastery where the monks are secretly experts in crafting ingenious inventions.

A 1920s speakeasy that becomes a hub for artists, intellectuals, and prohibition-era rebels.

A Gold Rush town where a group of eccentric prospectors embark on a wild treasure hunt.

A Tudor-era royal court where a group of courtiers engage in a secret society dedicated to solving mysteries.

A World War II-era small town where an amateur group of codebreakers stumbles upon a larger conspiracy.

An ancient Egyptian temple where a team of archaeologists uncovers a hidden chamber with unexpected artifacts.

A Viking settlement where an unassuming fisherman stumbles upon a portal to another realm.

A 19th-century scientific society that explores and investigates unexplained phenomena.

A medieval castle where the court jesters secretly scheme to overthrow the monarchy.

A Victorian-era insane asylum where patients discover hidden talents and form an unlikely support group.

A feudal Japanese village where a group of samurai warriors moonlight as detective-swordsmen.

A Victorian-era tea salon where a group of suffragettes secretly plans their activism.

A Wild West town where a traveling medicine show peddles dubious elixirs with unexpected effects.

A Renaissance-era artists’ workshop where apprentices uncover a series of enigmatic paintings.

A pirate ship crewed by adventurers seeking mythical sea monsters and hidden treasures.

A World War I battlefield where a group of soldiers stumble upon a hidden underground bunker filled with ancient artifacts.

A Roman bathhouse where a group of diverse patrons gathers to discuss politics and mystery.

A medieval castle inhabited by reclusive scholars who decipher ancient texts and unravel ancient secrets.

An 18th-century salon where philosophers and thinkers delve into supernatural phenomena.

An ancient Greek agora where philosophers and mathematicians engage in lively debates and solve mysteries.

A medieval alchemist’s laboratory where a group of misfits uncovers the philosopher’s stone.

A Renaissance-era court painter who uncovers a conspiracy within the royal family.

An Aztec city where a group of scholars deciphers a mysterious codex that leads to hidden treasures.

A Victorian-era séance parlor where mediums communicate with spirits and uncover unsolved crimes.

A medieval castle haunted by the ghosts of former inhabitants who leave behind cryptic messages.

A 17th-century village where a local blacksmith uncovers a map that leads to an ancient artifact.

A World War II internment camp where prisoners form an unlikely alliance to solve a murder.

bustling spice market in Marrakech, Morocco, where traders become entangled in a web of intrigue and ancient secrets.

An isolated village in the Amazon rainforest, where a group of researchers discovers a hidden civilization with advanced technology.

A remote Himalayan monastery where monks possess the ability to communicate with animals and solve local mysteries.

A vibrant floating village on Inle Lake, Myanmar, where fishermen-turned-detectives solve crimes amidst lush landscapes.

A nomadic tribe in Mongolia that navigates the vast Gobi Desert using ancient navigation techniques to uncover buried treasures.

A colorful village in Bhutan where monks practice ancient rituals to communicate with spirits and solve otherworldly mysteries.

An Arctic research station where scientists uncover a long-lost Viking ship buried beneath the ice.

A remote island in Indonesia where the indigenous people possess ancient knowledge and solve mysteries through dream interpretation.

An ancient temple complex in Cambodia where a group of archaeologists discovers a hidden chamber with cryptic inscriptions.

A vibrant bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, where rug merchants inadvertently uncover a centuries-old conspiracy.

A traditional Maori village in New Zealand where the local tribe uses ancient customs to solve modern crimes.

A colorful street market in Bangkok, Thailand, where street vendors become amateur detectives in a bustling urban setting.

A remote Aboriginal community in the Australian Outback where the elders possess unique insights into the land’s mysteries.

A mystical oasis in the Sahara Desert, where travelers are drawn into a world of genies, curses, and enigmatic treasures.

A remote village in Papua New Guinea, where indigenous shamans utilize ancient rituals to unravel supernatural mysteries.

An ancient Mayan ruins site in Mexico where modern archaeologists unearth a portal to an alternate dimension.

A serene Buddhist temple in Japan where monks combine ancient wisdom and modern technology to solve contemporary puzzles.

A coastal town in Greece where fishermen discover an underwater cave with clues to an ancient maritime mystery.

A remote island in the Philippines where traditional healers use mystical powers to solve medical and spiritual enigmas.

A mystical forest in Madagascar where local guides harness their knowledge of unique flora and fauna to uncover hidden truths.

A bustling street market in Lagos, Nigeria, where vendors join forces to solve a series of thefts using their street-smarts.

A vibrant fiesta in Mexico City where celebrants stumble upon a trail of clues that lead to a centuries-old treasure.

A remote nomadic village in Mongolia where skilled eagle hunters uncover a plot to exploit their ancient hunting techniques.

A tranquil tea plantation in Sri Lanka where workers use ancient herbal remedies to solve health-related mysteries.

A bustling night market in Taiwan where food vendors become accidental detectives in a series of culinary capers.

coastal village in Senegal where fishermen rely on their ancestral knowledge to solve a disappearance at sea.

A bustling market in Marrakech, Morocco, where a street magician uses illusions to uncover a smuggling ring.

A remote village in the Peruvian Andes where ancient textiles hold clues to a lost civilization’s secrets.

A lush tea plantation in Darjeeling, India, where plantation workers become amateur detectives in a theft mystery.

An indigenous village in the Amazon rainforest where a shaman’s visions lead to the discovery of hidden treasure.

A tranquil rice terrace in Bali, Indonesia, where local farmers use their knowledge of the land to solve a murder.

A mystical temple complex in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, where archaeologists decipher inscriptions to unveil a prophecy.

A vibrant floating city on the canals of Venice, Italy, where gondoliers use their unique skills to solve a canal mystery.

A nomadic desert caravan in Tunisia where traders use ancient navigation to uncover a lost oasis.

An isolated village in the Scottish Highlands where residents draw on folklore to solve a series of unexplainable events.

A remote monastery in Tibet where monks decode ancient texts to solve a mystery linked to a sacred relic.

A bustling fish market in Tokyo, Japan, where vendors become unlikely detectives in a missing-person case.

A colorful street festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where dancers and musicians work together to solve a mystery.

A serene village in the Swiss Alps where locals use mountaineering skills to uncover a hidden treasure.

A traditional village in Papua New Guinea where the discovery of ancient cave paintings leads to an archaeological puzzle.

An ancient castle in Scotland where historians piece together the past to solve a centuries-old family mystery.

A remote island in Fiji where traditional storytellers use oral history to unravel a forgotten legend.

A bustling souk in Cairo, Egypt, where merchants assist a detective in solving a cryptic riddle.

A mystical rainforest in Costa Rica where eco-tourists collaborate with local guides to solve an environmental mystery.

A remote village in Mongolia where skilled archers join forces to solve a series of mysterious animal deaths.

An idyllic vineyard in Tuscany, Italy, where wine enthusiasts decode clues in old wine labels to solve a crime.

A lively market in Marrakech, Morocco, where rug merchants team up to uncover a hidden network of spies.

A remote Aboriginal settlement in Australia where trackers use their cultural knowledge to solve a disappearance.

A tranquil bamboo forest in Kyoto, Japan, where zen gardeners decipher symbols to reveal a long-lost manuscript.

A bustling carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where performers use their stagecraft to solve a backstage mystery.

A vibrant market in Accra, Ghana, where vendors unravel a conspiracy by decoding messages in traditional fabrics.

A serene rice paddy field in Bali, Indonesia, where farmers work together to solve a series of crop-related puzzles.

A hidden oasis in the Sahara Desert where nomads decipher ancient star maps to locate a mythical treasure.

A traditional fishing village in Newfoundland, Canada, where local seafarers decipher maritime codes to solve a mystery.

A mystical cave complex in Cappadocia, Turkey, where explorers decode ancient inscriptions to uncover a forgotten legend.

An isolated lighthouse on the rugged coast of Scotland, where keepers collaborate to solve a maritime enigma.

A bustling market in Nairobi, Kenya, where traders with unique skills join forces to solve a cross-border crime.

A tranquil Zen garden in Kyoto, Japan, where gardeners interpret intricate rock formations to reveal a hidden path.

A remote village in Bhutan where traditional healers use their knowledge of herbs to solve a medical mystery.

An ancient library in Timbuktu, Mali, where historians decode ancient manuscripts to uncover a lost history.

A vibrant street carnival in New Orleans, USA, where performers use their artistry to solve a mysterious disappearance.

A hidden cave complex in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where explorers decipher Mayan glyphs to uncover a forgotten prophecy.

A serene monastery in Mount Athos, Greece, where monks collaborate to solve a series of mysterious spiritual visions.

A bustling bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, where vendors decode ancient symbols to uncover a hidden artifact.

A tranquil vineyard in Argentina’s Mendoza region, where wine experts analyze vintages to solve a wine-related mystery.

A hidden hot spring village in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture, where onsen enthusiasts decode ancient maps to locate a hidden treasure.

An isolated lighthouse on the remote Faroe Islands, where keepers collaborate to solve a series of maritime puzzles.

A vibrant street market in Marrakech, Morocco, where spice merchants decipher hidden messages to uncover a smuggling ring.

A traditional fishing village in Kerala, India, where fishermen collaborate to solve a series of disappearing fish mysteries.

An ancient desert city in Petra, Jordan, where historians decipher inscriptions to reveal the secrets of an ancient civilization.

A tranquil monastery in Mount Koya, Japan, where monks decode ancient sutras to solve a series of mysterious events.

A bustling floating market in Bangkok, Thailand, where food vendors unravel a culinary conspiracy by decoding secret recipes.

A hidden cave system in Borneo, Malaysia, where explorers decipher cave paintings to reveal the history of an ancient tribe.

A vibrant carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, where performers and musicians decode clues in calypso songs to solve a mystery.

A serene tea plantation in the Himalayas, where tea connoisseurs analyze leaves to uncover a secret tea blend with mystical properties.

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.

I once lived in an Altbau apartment in an old neighborhood of Berlin. There was an elderly lady called Frau Heffelfinger who lived by herself at the top of our building.

My heart said, “Frau Heffelfinger is lonely, you should visit her and take her home-baked cakes.”

It didn’t occur to me to question my heart, to doubt I should visit the old lady. I went up to Frau Heffelfinger’s every Saturday, balancing the tray of cakes with care. One foot in front of the other up the creaky stairs, my shadow trembling on the high white walls.

Sometimes - even now - I smell beeswax polish or hear muffled sounds through a door. I catch a glimpse of colored light falling through a stained-glass window. And I remember that steep journey to the top floor.

Frau Heffelfinger always opened her door to me with the same manner. Pleasantly surprised, as if it were my first time there.

“Come in, my dear,” she said. “How nice you are here. Look at those lovely cakes.”

We ate the cakes with milky coffee in her front room. Time and thoughts moved slow in that room. The electric bar heater always on, the windows always shut. There was a Swiss clock on the wall. Every hour a wooden cuckoo made a noisy appearance, never failing to startle me. This always elicited a gentle smile from the old lady.

Letters and books and diaries and papers lay in piles. Pens, glass paperweights and bottles of ink were spread across every surface. For a coffee table, we used a large leather trunk.

One wall was covered with framed black and white photographs. I saw generations of Heffelfingers sitting on stiff backed sofas in dark rooms. One frame contained a bridal garland made of silver paper, with a satin heart bearing thedate of a wedding. Frau Heffelfinger watched me inspecting this without a word.

Her apartment had a wall covered in books. A vast array of dusty red and blue and yellow, highlighted with gold.

There was a ladder that slid along so you could reach the top shelves. I never saw her climb this ladder. It would be hard to imagine she could with her tiny body, clad in tweed and nylon, feet shod in heavy buckled shoes.

It was whilst looking at the books that she peered at me over her horn-rimmed glasses.

She said, “Young lady, what do you want to do with your life?”

“I want to write stories.”

“Of course,” she said. “Writing stories is a marvelous thing. It happens to be what I do.”

She showed me the black typewriter on which she wrote her stories. She pointed out her papers piled high and stuffed in drawers and cupboards. Once, she allowed me to see a special shelf filled with all the books she had published. I was impressed.

She shrugged and tapped her temple with a wrinkled hand.

“The greatest stories of all are still up here,” she said.

I imagined her grey head brimming with stories, like a cave full of sparkling gems.

Frau Heffelfinger ate my cakes with caution, as though she had to be careful with her teeth. I matched her long silences, my ankles crossed. Taking sips of coffee and placing the China cups back in their saucers with care.

During those silences, her stories left her imagination and fluttered across the room. Humming phantoms, shimmering like particles of golden dust. Tales of handsome husbands who died too soon. Young heroines who smuggled people through alpine mountain passes. Elaborate yarns about dancing on bohemian Berlin stages. Intrigue in dark, smoky back street bars. Marvelous sagas of war and romance. Stories of magical nuance and passion, subtle mystery and doomed love.

All the stories of Frau Heffelfinger’s life, the written and unwritten. The imaginary, the real and the not yet told, danced, and swirled their way into my receptive mind.

I talked to my heart.

I said, "Frau Heffelfinger is a writer."

Years went by.

My heart said, "You tried hard to write. I believed in you. But you had nothing to truly say."

One summer, I visited Berlin again. I walked through my old neighborhood. Soon I was outside the building I had once lived in.

I stopped to gaze up at the ornate facade, the scrolled designs and fairy-tale faces carved in stone. I looked up at the pigeons resting in the alcoves. The bright flowers on the balconies. The stained-glass windows glinting in the sun.

Everything seemed smaller and dustier than it had in my memory. The black typewriter and the stacks of papers were nowhere to be seen.

The books had been packed into boxes. The furniture was for sale. This included the leather trunk we had used for our coffee table, all those years before.

After that, I started getting a better response to my writing. The world loved my stories about passion and war and adventure. Tales full of magical nuance and mystery, subtle romance and tragic love.

I got my fiction published in some decent journals. Before long, I had an offer to publish a novel. People took notice. The reviewers raved.

Now I am famous and celebrated. I’ve sold thousands of books and received many awards.

No one has ever questioned why my work seems so old-fashioned. No one has ever asked me why all my stories are set in an era long past or how I developed such a vintage style.

Sometimes - when I go to deposit a royalty check or sign one of my books for a fan - I imagine Frau Heffelfinger is looking down at me, smiling her soft smile.

The Hall welcomes your fiction stories or fragments. Submit yours here.