In anticipation of signs of life, the animals crept closer, then closer still. From outside, the birds in the trees were singing, and the breeze from the wind carried their songs for miles around. All over town, you could hear them, and although most didn’t, those with an ear for delicate wonders smiled to themselves… Read more

The steam shimmered and sang, dancing in the air like a feverish child. One by one the animals opened their eyes, and together they saw it spinning above X’s body like a mini tornado. George was the last to catch sight of it. Adjusting himself to the warm sunshine that filled the bathroom, he felt… Read more

Although George had told the other animals to keep their eyes closed, one rat, in particular, couldn’t help but take a peek. He’d been working himself to the bone trying to bring the girl back to life, but the entire time they’d been feeding her their energy, there had been a familiar and distinctive scent… Read more

Whipping his tail from side to side, George propelled himself towards X as she floated in her bubble of light. Inching through the strange space inside her skull, the rope tied around his waist was ready to snap him back as soon as he reached her. She may have saved herself from slipping out of… Read more

As George floated in what was some peculiar layer of X’s subconscious, he willed himself to take on physical form. It was a difficult task—one that left him on the brink of passing out—yet focusing with all his might, he appeared just as he did in real life. With a full set of whiskers, fur,… Read more

There were no stars, but as she kicked her feet as hard as she could, George’s voice drifted from somewhere above. “No more tomorrows, Prudence.” She tried to call out to let him know she was fighting, but the words got stuck in her throat. “No more second chances” he purred. Clenching her teeth and… Read more

Looking behind her, she saw the stars that had been floating so abundantly were no longer there, and all that was left was the big empty. “George—where have all the stars gone?” “There’s no time, Prudence. You need to shine, and you need to do it now.” “Oh George, I’m so scared.” Not only were… Read more

She didn’t respond, but she didn’t have to. George knew his words were serving their purpose, and so he continued. “How tempting it is to slip away—to give up on the remains of your life and return to the stars. One day we will all return to the stars whether we like it or not.… Read more

“But it hurts so much” she replied. “What hurts?” “Living hurts” she sniffed. George couldn’t see her, but it was as if they were both looking into each other’s eyes, and even though they didn’t have long, he spoke to her with a sense of measure and calm that reminded her of her father. “I… Read more

“I’m so cold, George.” “I know you are, but I need you to keep with me. Can you do that?” Breathing heavy, she fought away her tears and steadied herself. The stars before her were shining so bright, yet unlike George, she wasn’t aware that those behind her were beginning to fade. “I guess” she… Read more