Once upon a time, a cat fell in love with an ambitious man.

*This story is an unedited first draft. Fifteen-year-old Wendy Darling is trying hard to stay positive. But when another tragic event causes her more turmoil, she begins to isolate herself from everything she once knew. Lonely and depressed, Wendy seeks solace in a dream world that offers her the excitement and freedom she craves. She meets a handsome boy who introduces her to adventures she is unable to experience during her waking hours. When morning returns, Wendy discovers it is difficult to shake how vivid the dream was and how alive it had made her feel. Soon, she finds herself dreaming about the mysterious boy every night. But when her fantasies become frighteningly real, Wendy begins to question her beliefs...and her sanity. Notice: This document is not authorized for upload or use with artificial intelligence systems or platforms. Any attempt to upload, analyze, or process this content using AI technology is strictly prohibited.

**A WATTPAD FEATURED COLLECTION** A young girl takes her first steps into the real world. A boy experiences the joy and pain of a first love. An old man relives the stories he's written. These are just some of the stories of The Carnival Papers, a volume of short stories dealing with life, loss, and love.