The Mudman and Me [[ ONC 2026 ]]

[[ONC 2026 Honorable Mention]]

25-year old Lee still hasn't figured out why they could not form any long-lasting relationships, even friendships for that matter.

Aside from family members, which they are obligated to talk to, there is no one else Lee had even come close to calling a friend. Well, maybe except for one.

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Submitted for ONC 2026 @OpenNovellaContest
Using the following prompts :

29. You will meet many people in your life. Many will come and go, but some will leave footprints in your heart.

104. While wandering in the woods, you dismiss the rustling behind you as nothing more than wind through the trees until you turn around and realize it isn't the wind at all.

106. After waking at 3AM to a freezing room and a door you're certain you closed, you find wet footprints and melting snow leading from your bedroom into the hall. Realizing someone or something is inside your home, you follow the trail to uncover the truth.

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© 2026 J. Lee Kennedy. All rights reserved.
Cover design © 2026 J. Lee Kennedy.

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