All Holly wanted was to be able to speak up. Something changes when she meets a special someone...and it changes her too.

Connor is sick. Always has been, always will be. It's left him jaded and strapped for cash, but at least it's not bloodrot. He's still got his sanity. When an estranged family member offers him a lifetime supply of his meds for an itsy bitsy bit of exploring, however, Connor accepts and ventures out into the dark tunnels of Par-12. This is well outside the relative safety of the subterranean mega-city of Heart. And it's a stupid decision. Meanwhile, Tess - his pharmacist's little sister - finds herself in a pickle. This isn't too unusual, given her knack for sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. However, it is the first time she's been plucked from her home and dumped outside of Heart. And there are things out there in those dark, dark tunnels - things that were once people. Tess and Connor are not alone. *Content warning: occasional strong language and somewhat graphic descriptions of a poorly handled disease. **Special thanks to @RicBlow for the lovely cover art!

Featured by @StoriesUndiscovered for the month of September 2023 on their reading list "Curiosity Cupboard" Tied for 1ST PLACE in the Rising Star Awards 2023 in the category Short Story and Oneshots. Caleb has a gift: He can sing. But not sing just like any other kid, he might as well be the next pop star of the century. But... no one knows about it because he sings in secret. Why, you ask? Well, it's because he doesn't want others to know him. He's extremely shy. Yep that's right. Caleb is just as shy as how much he loves to sing. His introverted self doesn't allow him to just sing whenever he wants. So he finds time whenever he's alone. When at last everyone leaves him alone, oh how amazing and wonderful his voice echoes out all along the walls of anywhere he can be alone. His amazing talent, however, one day lures in an audience. Together with his newfound 'friend' sworn to keep his singing secret, they find a way to make Caleb's talent known and help him finally face his demons: attention. ----------------------------------------------------------- This is my first attempt at a short story. Although I've tried to turn it into a full on novel, my creative brain can't go that far with this... Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Feel free to comment, vote, and maybe follow me if 'ya want? Also if you're interested in my writing, I have actual novels in the works. Just check my profile for more info. Happy reading!!