February 2025

I kept my eyes and ears tuned to any sign of Aaron and Beth as I snuck into the field. The fires would hopefully hold their attention.  All was quiet. Not even the sound of crickets or frogs broke the silent tension, like they knew something I didn’t. On my way, I tried to communicate. […]

There was a building excitement inside of my chest as I introduced myself, as if I had been trying something for years and a breakthrough just occurred. But even though I was feeling it, the emotion belonged to the woman in the chapel. “How does this work?” I asked. The sound of my voice was

Huh?  I stared at the poster that was taped to the back of the door. The woman on it had a large crown that rested over one of her eyes while she looked back at me with the remaining one. My hand still rested on the metal doorknob. I tightened my grip and opened the

I stared blankly back at Beth, trying not to give any tells on my face. “Jason!” Beth barked out. I heard his footsteps running away. She sighed. “That boy needs to learn to listen to his mother. Come along now.” She walked back towards the house. The circle of vehicles was still there, although some

I was still awake when sunlight began to creep up the blinds of the window. Every hour of the night Beth had come to check on me. Even without the constant surveillance, I doubted I would fall asleep, so instead, I schemed.  The visit from the neighbours had left an impression on me. They were

I couldn’t leave through the front door. That hallway was a minefield and without knowing where I should place my feet on this quiet night, any unfamiliar creak or groan of the house could tip off the Cathrows. They were keeping a close eye on me. After putting my shirt back on, I leaned out

“This is the last time. I promise.” I nodded mutely. Dad carried me to the car and sat me down. The scent had already invaded this space, like it knew where we were going. Sharp, acidic, metallic. It stung my nose and made my stomach twist into a tiny knot. I could do it. Just

“What on earth,” I whispered, touching the point of the antler. “When did Dad give you your gift?” Jason asked. “We all got ours really young, so I don’t remember it.” “I… I don’t know.” I said, seizing the base of the antler and trying to pull it out. It didn’t budge and I started

He just hit me. My thoughts kept looping back to that realization, that another human being had just punched me. I’d gotten into scraps before with bullies in middle school, but that felt like a lifetime ago. Aaron’s expression was neutral, relaxed like he handled violence as just another farm chore. He gestured. “Come on.

I lurched out of bed, my mind buzzing with a euphoric feeling. Hand to my mouth, I clumsily left the room and crossed the hall to the bathroom where I sank to my knees and vomited into the toilet. My body shuddered in waves. Emptying my stomach wasn’t sufficient, I continued to dry heave, spit