Thunder from the approaching storm grows louder while the ocean waves below the castle create a deep hum that echoes into the upstairs hallway. At the writing desk, Nia taps her pencil on the journal page while she thinks of words to improve her poem. So far, it goes like this,             Bubble poppers,             ...

Hikari stares at the castle and its decorations; it shows confidence, despite its messy appearance of mismatching décor and the approach of an angry thunderstorm. She smiles to herself. Mr. Cash always has confidence, even giving it to his home. I want to have that kind of feeling in myself. She heads towards the front ...

The castle’s entrance walls are a deep shade of bloody red. Throughout the great hall, paintings and photographs of various games surround every which way. Nia tries to walk in quietly as possible, not wanting to disrespect Chav and to make herself invisible to any other guests who may already be in their rooms. However, ...

                                                Osaka, Japan                                                 Wednesday, October 12, 2 PM                                                 Kaze Tea Ceremony House Hikari sets several teacups down, then kneels to practice her bowing for guests. Her knees ache, and her feet sleep. She attempts to hide her discomfort by smiling. The tea kettle begins to steam, and Hikari crawls over to pour ...

Nia finishes off her toaster waffles and sets her dishes in the kitchen sink. Knowing her parents were not home gives her a sense of comfort.

                                    Monday, September 19, 3 AM                                     Post Office in Monaco Fog rolls in from the coastline and shrouds the streets of Monaco. A distant foghorn alerts ships coming in from the sea to be careful. Only the streetlamps appear visible through it. Unaware of the fog’s arrival, tourists cling to their dreams of winning ...