The next part is here! This episode is so long that I had to split it, and today, you're finally getting part 3 of 3.
You can find the previous episodes in the side bar! (Community info page in the app)
DISCLAIMERS (the same ones as before)
The point of this fanfiction is not to be a straight-up continuation of events with the same themes, intensity, and tone. If you go into it with those expectations, you are probably not going to like it. Rather, it’s supposed to be how I wish things went if these events were real life. The resolution you want for a real-life situation isn’t often the right choice for a show, but it can be incredibly beautiful. Think of what you’re about to read to be a separate show then.
Episode 1 of this fanfiction begins after the episode “2:00” (season 2 episode 4), so it replaces the episode “Cake” and the ones that follow it. This fanfiction expects you to have seen the entirety of seasons 1 and 2, so you should watch those first.
I myself am bursting into the story here. The narrator and me are the same. While my character is like 95% real me, don’t take events about my life described here as facts. Some aspects of my life have been changed for the story. In my head, I started writing like an “alternate me” character in 2016, fulfilling a lot of the things that I wish I had in life, adding that to my story. I’m not really from Ukraine. I speak fluent Ukrainian as a foreign language, I started learning it in 2014, and I’ve talked to tons of people from there, but I’m not from Ukraine. I also don’t have as much money as I do in the story. I wish lmao.
If you want to post your own fanfiction, feel free to do so! To get your own post flair for your fanfic, and to appear in the side bar, please message me.

Part 3 (days 3 and 4)

We’d wake up on day three, and still, nothing would be any different - we’re still locked up. We’d both feel really worried not knowing if we’ll have to forfeit our whole plan because we might run out of food and water and take the risky route - calling the police and getting ourselves into a situation where we’d have to be freed by force, which would be so dangerous because the Turners have proven that there’s nothing they’re not prepared to do to us to “get Jericho back”. Leanne would ask me “What do we do if we call the police, and Mrs. Turner comes up here and tries to hurt us?” At first, I’d insist that we start thinking about that when we do run out of food the next day, but she’d insist we should come up with a plan. I’d point at the corner on the edge of the attic facing Spruce Street, the corner that’s to one’s right when coming up into the attic,
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and say “Then you’d curl up and hide over there, and I’d take the radio, you’d take the metronome, and I’d sit down in front of you, shielding you, and if she gets in here before the cops do, we’ll defend ourselves. And we’d record everything on my phone. And we should probably hide behind the sofa. Maybe then, she might not notice we’re still up here at first. She’d probably be in a state of panic.” She’d look at me with sad, but touched eyes and just hug me and say thank you. I’d reply “Of course”. After some silence, I’d tell her “If anything happens to me… Please bring me back”.

She’d be touched by that, but say that if she reanimates me, the Church of Lesser Saints will come after ME as well because they’ll believe that I’ll be obligated to join. With a worried smile, I’d say “I know... But they’re probably already gonna do that, right? Because I won’t let them get to you!” We’d both nod with the same half-happy, half-worried expression. “And if things go terribly wrong and you have to bring me back, we can try again!”

I’d ask if I’m getting it right that the “great sins” they think she’s committing are not spending time with the Church and helping another family from the one that was assigned to her. She’d say yes and add that there’s a lot more they hate her for, like her “disobedient and rebellious streak”, disobeying their instructions, putting curses on people, and now, leaving the Marinos.
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After a few seconds of silence (out of shock that this is how the Church of Lesser Saints frames it), I’d be like “If you disobey so many of their instructions, then...”, look her directly in the eyes, and go “Good! Keep on disobeying them! I’m actually kind of stunned that this is how they frame your actions, because that is so manipulative. Wanting to have a life where you don’t have to worry about your every step being watched and controlled, where you can actually freely explore what you believe – not what they tell you to believe, but what YOU believe, where you can do totally normal human things like listen to music, and where you can go wherever you want and make some basic decisions for yourself and work wherever you want, that doesn’t make you...” (doing the “quote-on-quote” with my hands while I say it) “quote-on-quote ‘disobedient’ or ‘rebellious’, it makes you a normal human being. If they forbid every little thing that people do that makes you happy, if you then look for happiness elsewhere, that’s on them. You can’t take every bit of joy away from people and then expect them to just deal with it. You wanting to run away, that’s the logical result of their bullshit. And you didn’t ‘leave’ the Marinos, you were taken. Don’t let them think you’re at fault in any way!” She might have never heard any verbal confirmation before that her feelings about leaving are valid, and this would be so reassuring to her. She’d tell me that whenever she did things like not be there for meals at the Church, skip assemblies, or curse people without permission, she would be brought before May and the rest of the community, get questioned about her behavior, and she’d have to self-flagellate to receive forgiveness.
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I’d go really still and quiet when she mentions the self-flagellation, which she’d then explain is a frequent punishment. That would freaking break my heart... I’d ask her when was the last time she hurt herself, and it was a little less than two weeks ago, before she was forced to leave the Turners. Very carefully and quietly, I’d ask her if it would be okay if she can show me her scars and add “You do NOT have to if you’re not comfortable, PLEASE don’t do it if you’re not”, and after a second, she’d nod and show me her back. My heart would break for her even more seeing her scars, I’d just express how horrible it is that they made her do that… I’d show her some of my cut wounds from when I self-harmed, which I hadn’t done in like three and a half years at that point. I’d want her to know that way that I get the urge, that I really do, but I’d tell her that hurting oneself achieves nothing. All it does is make you feel horrible mentally and physically, and every time you do it, there’s a risk of infection and even death. I’d just tell her I understand while taking her in my arms. I’d ask her to please look me in the eyes and tell me she won’t hurt herself again, and that when she feels like doing it again, to please talk to me first. She’d quietly say “I promise” while looking me in the eyes, and after some longer embraces, we’d both smile a bit, that would make me really happy to hear! I’d ask that when we’re out of here, if we can call a doctor sometime soon and get them to look at her scars to make sure none of them are infected, if she’s comfortable enough, and she’d nod and smile at me a little bit some more.

We’d eat after that. We’d run out of tomato soup that meal, and I’d tell her that when we’re getting out of there, I’d get her all the tomato soup in the world! “We’re gonna fill a whole hotel fridge with tomato soup!” “And with Ben & Jerry’s?”, she’d ask, and I’d say yes and say that we’re probably gonna need more than one fridge. I’d say we’re gonna pick the nicest and most expensive hotel to stay at, an idea that she’d love! “You still think Allentown is a good idea?”, I’d ask her, and she’d think my reasoning from the day before makes sense and say yes. We’d look for the nicest hotel in Allentown online and see that there are “only” three-star hotels in Allentown. Leanne would ask if getting such an expensive place to stay is really okay, and I’d say “Money is not an issue, don’t worry about it” while reaching across her back and like caressing her right shoulder, looking her in the eyes, and smiling. “And besides, let’s spoil you, you fucking deserve it after all this!” We wouldn’t book anything yet because we wouldn’t know when we can get out of there yet, but looking at all those insanely nice hotels would lift our spirits a bit.

After eating the first half of that day’s rations (only two half day’s rations would be left after that…), we’d think that it would probably be a good idea if we started writing the document for the police right now. Writing it can take hours upon hours, and there’s no point in delaying the rescue to write the document after I leave if we can do it right now, so we’d begin right that moment. It would begin something like “My name is Daria Horenko, born July 30, 1999 in Odesa, Ukraine, residing in 501 Pembroke Ave, Philadelphia 19050, Pennsylvania...” (I don’t live there. I have no idea who does. Please leave them alone lmao) “...I sent this statement to my Facebook friend Liam [...] (residing in Tipperary, Ireland, using Facebook as Liam [...]) as a PDF file and told him to call the Philadelphia police and read this statement to them if I don’t come back online and confirm that I’m okay by 10 PM Philadelphia time / 3 PM London, UK time on December 22, 2022. If he is reading this to you, it probably means that there was no sign of life from me by that time, and that I’m not safe, probably kidnapped and locked up by Dorothy Turner, Sean Turner, Julian (I’m not sure about his surname, but I’m referring to Dorothy Turner’s brother - redhead, not very tall, moderately overweight) in the attic of their residence at 9780 Spruce Street, Philadelphia 19139, Pennsylvania”, and then document everything I’ve seen in chronological order and everything that Leanne has told me, with a link to our video and photographic evidence, references to DNA evidence that can probably be found in the hole in the basement if they haven’t covered it up by now, and a statement at the end saying that I’ve written it together with Leanne to make sure that everything is correct. That would take a really long time, hours for sure. But when it’s done, I’d run spell- and grammar checks on it and send it to my printer at home, to be queued for printing when I get home and turn it on. We’d also know that today (December 21) or tomorrow will be the day when we leave one way or another, so I’d schedule a text message to 911 in 30 hours from that moment. The message would say “This is a scheduled message. If you’ve received it, then Leanne Grayson (born October 13, 2001)...” (We only ever learn Leanne’s birth year from the gravestone. October 13 is Nell Tiger Free’s birthday, so October 13, 2001 being Leanne’s birthday is kind of my headcanon)
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“...and me (Daria Horenko, born July 30, 1999) are probably not safe, abducted and locked up against our will by Dorothy Turner, her brother Julian, and Sean Turner in the attic of their house at 9780 Spruce Street, Philadelphia 19139, Pennsylvania or somewhere else on the property. We need help immediately. The Turners should be considered dangerous and very clearly willing to use violence and intimidation. We need help NOW. Details in our prepared statement: [the link]”. Because we’re holding out hope that we won’t have to call the police from inside the attic, the document would include information on what our plan is to get Leanne (and me) out of there as safely as possible and call the police from the taxi, but that if we run out of rations, we won’t have a choice but to call the police while we’re unarmed and while the Turners still have the upper hand.

We would debate whether we should include information about the Church of Lesser Saints right away or tell the police about them later because we know how that sounds, considering that this would hurt the credibility of our testimony,
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but we’d modify the document and include the most important information about them as well, with more believable explanations - how they forced Leanne and other members to self-harm (meaning that current members or those who recently left), where they’re currently operating from in Lancaster,
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that they faked their deaths, that they forced Leanne to leave the Turners, and the necessary lie that they took the real baby, and that Leanne hasn’t seen it since that day and doesn’t know where they’ve taken it. We’d also include names and stuff, and most importantly, reference the baptism tape and say that it shows May and George watching us from the sidewalk outside the church less than three weeks ago, and that piece of evidence would change everything in regards to investigating the Church of Lesser Saints and make the police believe us. We’d add that it’s probably among the other DVDs in the Turners’ living room, and that I’ll try to get it when leaving the building if our original plan is still going to be an option, rip the DVD at home, and add a link to the video file to the document. We’d modify the scheduled text message as well, and we’d charge both phones, mine first because the scheduled message is so important, but it’s an iPhone, so we could charge it to 100% rather quickly and then charge hers. And we’d add that we’d want the police to get Leanne’s things from the Marino estate. All her stuff being there would be further evidence that she was taken suddenly and against her will. We’d also add what number Leanne can be reached at for now with the Samsung Galaxy phone. And then, I’d send the document to Liam on all platforms where I know how to reach him, followed by a message to alert the authorities if I’m not back online confirming that we’re both okay in what’s now probably more like 29 hours, the phone number of the Philadelphia police, and caps at the beginning saying that it’s an actual emergency.

Out of nowhere, I’d ask her if she’s seen “Titanic” lmao, and with her near total isolation growing up, she wouldn’t have seen it. “I’ve only seen movies on TV”. I’d be like “I can show you lots of movies if you want! I got several subscriptions to streaming services, and also a bunch of stuff offline on an external drive at home.”
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Back on talking about “Titanic”, I’d tell her it’s wonderful and so freaking romantic, albeit over-the-top at times for sure and a bit overrated. It has that glossy feeling and some superficial characters to it that all James Cameron movies have, but it’s still really wonderful. After explaining the plot to her (since she’s grown up so isolated), I’d tell her about one scene that I’m thinking about a lot from time to time - near the end of the movie, when old Rose is done telling the researchers her story, she says that she doesn’t even have a picture of Jack, and that has hit me so hard from the first time I’ve seen the movie.
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She has no physical memories of him, she can never see his face again, and she can never show people what he looked like. That just rips my heart. I’d ask Leanne if we can take some pictures together. We’d look pretty horrible because we haven’t been able to shower in days, but we wouldn’t care and take them anyway and really, genuinely smile so hard. I’d send them to her email address (leanne_grayson@icloud.com, that email address is on her resume in the show),
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manually sync my gallery with iCloud, and I’d send them to Liam. I’d ask what phone she got back at the Marinos’ and if she’s got any pictures of herself in her iCloud gallery, but she’d tell me she’s rarely ever taken pictures of herself, only for the resume she applied at the Turners’ for, and I’d be like “Whaaaaat? But you’re so beautiful!”, and she’d smile hard, a bit embarrassed. I’d look her straight in the eyes and say it again and say that I mean it for real, she is so incredibly beautiful! It’s probably so rare that anyone’s ever said that to her in her entire life (her mother definitely didn’t, and given that the Church of Lesser Saints believes that anything that feels good is dangerous,
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it’s rather unlikely that they did), Tobe saying it in “Balloon” might even have been the only time ever…
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I’d then add “Inside AND out!”, and she’d smile some more in a bit of embarrassment and then look me in the eyes and say “You, too, Daria!”, and as you’d expect, I’d smile so hard and even with my eyes!

It would be rather late by then, so we’d eat and listen to some more music together from the Spotify playlist I created for her and talk so much about what we’re hearing.

After dinner, she’d bring the topic up on her own (this is kind of making fun of these fan theories) - she’d tell me that some in the Church of Lesser Saints think she’s the Devil or Lilith because of her rebelliousness, and how she’s inspired doubt in some people in the Church. I’d make such a weirded-out face. After realizing she’s serious, I’d say “If you are the Devil, then hail Satan! Like, seriously, if YOU are what God is threatening will happen if we don’t follow him, then that’s literally the weakest threat I’ve ever heard of. Then God is the villain here. We need more people like you in the world!” Shy as she still is, she’d still be almost embarrassed to hear this (she’s so not used to compliments), and I’d make it clear I’m serious, that I really think she’s fricking wonderful and the sweetest, and that she clearly has a huge heart full of so much love, and that she deserves so much better than what she’s ever experienced! Almost in denial, she’d see in my eyes that I really mean it and just smile and hug me, and then, we’d both smile even more! I’d rub her back a lot in that moment and promise her again that everything will be okay. “I’ll make sure of that!”

After some more music together, knowing that tomorrow will be the day we leave, no matter which plan we’ll go with, we’d make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. Looking around, I’d realize I have to give her my earphones with a cord because the internal mic of my Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini is essentially useless. I’d tell her that when I call her the next day to tell her it’s safe to come downstairs now, she should answer the call, plug in the earphones, and then, it will take a few seconds until I can hear her, but then, it should be fine. We’d set a code phrase that I’ll mention to let her know if the Turners got me and it’s NOT safe to come down. She’d suggest “tomato soup”, and I’d smile and say yes, that’s gonna be our code phrase. “And if it IS safe to come down?”, she’d ask, and I’d suggest “ice cream”.

I’d realize that we should probably find her fresh clothes in the attic and a coat right now, so as I said, it’s not too obvious that she’s been locked up for a long time the second she walks out of the door, because if she’s in dirty clothes or nightwear, with it being obvious that she hasn’t showered in days, and I get her out of there and into a taxi to drive off while I got a gun, it would look as if I was kidnapping her, so we’d find her a nice dress and coat up there, and I’d turn around and close my eyes while she puts it on, and when she’s done, I’d tell her again that she looks amazing! 😊
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And she’d smile and thank me this time, sort of the way she says it to the makeup artist at the street fair in S3E5 “Tiger” in that typical way of hers that’s so adorable for real,
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and she’d look in my direction and say “You look really beautiful, too!”, really shy, before peeking me in the eyes for a moment, and we’d just look at each other for a moment. “Can I have your pictures?”, she’d ask me, and I’d say yeah, open my iPhone, and select ALL pictures of myself in my gallery and send them to her email address, and send her those that are too large via a Google Drive link (iCloud isn’t great for sharing files lol), and then, I’d take her Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini, download them all (which would take a while because that phone is ancient), and set one of the pictures we’ve taken together as her wallpaper, and then set it as my wallpaper on my iPhone as well! 😊

We’d consider if there’s anything else we’ve missed. She’d mention that parts of the floor screech, especially one tile, so when I sneak out, I gotta be careful on the stairs, especially with that one tile.
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After a few seconds, she’d ask me if we wanna book a hotel now, and I’d smile and say sure! “Did you like any hotels in particular, out of the ones we looked at?” She’d say “The one with the big jacuzzi looks great” with big eyes and enthusiasm in her voice, like she does during some of her conversations with Tobe in S3E5 “Tiger”. “You’ve ever been in a jacuzzi?”, I’d ask her, and she’d go “Nooo, but I wanna try!” in the same tone,
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and so, after lying down now, we’d look up which hotel she was talking about and book a two-room suite in that hotel in Allentown for three weeks. I’d add “So we can easily look out for each other, and so you’ll also have some privacy.”, and she’d smile and nod, that consideration would probably mean a lot to her.

We’d then get ready for bed. For the next day, I’d get some better clothes as well and put them on while she’s turned around with her eyes closed. I’d take the last ration of food out of my backpack, put the clothes I just took off at the bottom of it, above Leanne’s Bible (the porcelain baby and card are already in one of the other pockets), and put my phone and the chargers in another pocket. I’d look around and ask her if there’s anything else I should take with me to safeguard, and at first, she’d also look around because she wouldn’t know how to answer right away, but she’d then point at Mrs. Barrington with her face,
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and I’d be like “Well, I think she’s a little too big for my backpack, but I can talk to the police when we’re out of here, maybe we can try to get her!”, and Leanne would nod with a big smile again.

We’d lie down on the mattress and share the covers again. Just like the night before, I’d lie down on the side of the mattress that’s closer to the stairs, in case Dorothy changes her mind and tries to assault Leanne again… On the mattress, she’d suddenly hug me really tight, break into tears, and thank me over and over again, and I’d just hold her tight, say “Of course”, and assure her that everything’s gonna be okay, that we’ll get out of there tomorrow. I’d wipe some of her tears off her face 🥺 On the mattress, we’d just look each other in the eyes and both just smile more and more, and after a minute or two, she’d kiss me on the lips for a tiiiiny moment and then, we’d just smile at each other even harder! She’d say “I’m not supposed to do that” while still smiling just as hard and looking me directly in the eyes! “Says who?”, I’d reply. She goes “My aunts and uncles”, and I’d say “I don’t think they’re a reliable source!”, and we’d kiss each other some more and longer, and both feel each other’s smile on our lips, and peek at each other a few times in between 😊🥰❤️ We’d both put our arms around each other before telling each other good night and before I promise her one more time it’s all going to be okay!
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At some point during the night, she’d wake me up, and when she does, I’d realize I had a nightmare, like, not from my night terrors, and she’d tell me I had a nightmare, that I was sniffling in my sleep, and that I told her two days earlier to wake me up if this happens. Still feeling terrible (the feeling of immediate dread always takes a while to subside for me), I’d thank her. I’d ask what I was saying, and she’d say that I wasn’t speaking English. I’d consider if I should tell her for a moment, but then, I’d take a deep breath, look up for a second, and with a heavy voice, slowly say “What if we try plan A tomorrow, and I fail? I’m scared… I don’t wanna mess this up… I don’t wanna fail you…” And she’d slowly look at me and just say two words: “You haven’t!” I’d look at her and almost laugh a bit out of joy. I’d smile and just cuddle up to her a bit, and she’d do it back. I’d say I’ll try to listen to music for a while to calm down because doing something else makes it much easier for me to zone out of the feeling of dread again. “Why only you?”, she’d ask. “I don’t wanna keep you awake”, I’d say, “You need the sleep”, and she’d say “It’s okay” and just smile a bit, and so, we’d listen to some music together for about half an hour.

I’d tell her that my sleep is so horrible (she’d say she can tell) because I don’t have my meds, and I’m really fricking looking forward to taking them again. Without them, the quality of my sleep is terrible, and it takes so long for me to fall asleep at all if I don’t take them. She’d ask if I’ve taken them for a long time, and I’d say that I haven’t taken these particular meds for long because whatever I take, my body builds up some resistance to them pretty quickly, so after a while, I always have to get new ones, but I’ve taken sleeping meds for years now. “It sounds like they’re really helping you, right?”, she’d ask, and I’d nod and say “Yeah, they really do. I’m also taking antidepressants, and they were an absolute gamechanger for me. It’s okay if I don’t take them for a few days because they don’t work in the moment, but they like rewire your brain over time, and they’re the best thing that’s ever happened to my mental health. Before I started taking them, it was so hard for me to avoid bad thoughts or resist them, like, it was hell, but ever since then, it got sooo much easier, and not letting things get to me or not letting bad things really take over me is just so much easier now.” After a while, I’d say “I was at a psychiatric clinic voluntarily for six months, but I also had nowhere else to go, and the doctors and employees really abused their power. They only intervened when there was physical violence, they didn’t intervene in any other conflicts, so because of them, the patients constantly bullied each other. My doctor switched to another department while I was there, so I got a new one, and the new one wasn’t perfect, but at least, she cared. I got really lucky to get a place at a living group for mentally ill people, which was when I could finally leave. But honestly, all my experiences with mental health professionals since then have been better. I went to a different clinic for four or five days voluntarily in 2019, and even they were far better. “That sounds scary…”, she’d say. I’d reply “It was. But things got much better after that. I had lots of setbacks, like, you know, but if you get help, it’s always better.”

After the current song’s over, we’d lie down to try and sleep again. We’d smile at each other again in bed, and I’d give her a short-ish kiss before saying good night, and we’d both smile even harder after that 😁 And we would fall asleep for good after a while (it would still take me longer than her).

In the morning, Leanne would wake me up again. She’d show me that the door is unlocked and open by a little bit now (they’re “letting” her out for a few hours…),
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and we’d both just embrace and chuckle in huge joy, as we can go with plan A now, the less risky one! We’d remember to quiet down after a few seconds and whisper from then on out. I’d go to the toilet roll, take eight pieces, rip them into two bands of four pieces each, and roll each of them up into a little bunch. I’d give them to her and tell her to put them into the wall pieces of the door when she gets out (so it looks like the door is closed while it can’t actually lock) and give me an audible signal when the third floor is clear, so I’ll get out with my backpack, take out the toilet paper, and hide in her room.
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“Is there anything you want me to get from there?”, I’d ask. “No. Everything is here or at the Marinos’.” I’d go “Okay” and move on - since I’m almost definitely unable to come down to the second floor right away (I’m using American English in all of these episodes. “First floor” in American English = “ground floor” in British English; “Second floor” in American English = “first floor” in British English; “Third floor” in American English = “second floor” in British English, etc.), she’d give me a signal when coming back upstairs. We’d agree that when she comes back upstairs, if it’s safe to go to the second floor, she’d shout something, maybe in conversation, maybe some sort of cry, doesn’t matter, and if not, she’d kick something. She’d be locked upstairs again after that, so I’ll have to tell when to get further downstairs myself, which I’d do as soon as I’ve heard absolutely no sounds from inside the house for at least a few minutes. On the first floor, I’d get the DVD from March 11, 2001, and if the baptism tape isn’t clearly labeled among the tapes, I’d unplug the DVD player from the TV, turn on the player, open the DVD slot, and if the tape isn’t in there, I’d take all unlabeled tapes. I’d then listen in on the basement door for a few seconds, and if I hear no sounds from down there, I’d quietly open the basement door and go downstairs, and if no one’s there, I’d get out through the side entrance down there, out through the back gate, walk back to Spruce Street, drive my bike home, take a shower, watch the tape from March 11, 2011 like she told me I could, hide it somewhere at home, print out the document for the police, take it with me in an envelope, print out a second version of it to give to the taxi driver, so I can say “If I’m not back in an hour, please call the police for me and read this to them”. I’d then call a taxi (a taxi with a large trunk whose driver is allowed to drive to Allentown and back), load my gun, and leave for the Turners’ and get Leanne.

We’d see that Liam has replied by now. Of course, he’d be super worried, but he’s got our backs for the plan, and that would be really reassuring. We’d look each other in the eyes, and then, I’d hug her sooo tight for several seconds, and we’d have one loooong kiss (hoping it’s not the last time we see each other…) before she goes downstairs while looking back at me on the way before putting the toilet paper in the door. I’d then put on my backpack. Once Leanne loudly shouts “Mister Turner?”, that would be my signal, and I’d hide in her room for about 45 minutes before she’s “let” back upstairs and shouts “You can lock me in now, Mrs. Turner”,
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which is when I’d sneak into the storage/guest room and wait. It would take like five hours until I hear nothing for a while, which is when I’d sneak onto the first floor, look around to make extra sure no one’s there, and go to the living room. I’d get the tape from March 11, 2011, and the baptism tape would be among the labeled DVDs, and I’d put it into the box of the March 11, 2011 tape (I’d put the original DVD loose in there and use the spot inside the box for the baptism tape because it’s probably more important. I then wouldn’t hear anything from the basement, so I’d slowly and quietly go down there. No one would be there, so I’d leave as planned and go home and take a shower. I’d watch the March 11, 2011 DVD. I’d be surprised to see the interaction between Leanne and Dorothy for sure, but sort of knowing her, I wouldn’t think anything bad of it. I’d actually get it because of my past celebrity crushes (which I know isn’t what she was feeling for Dorothy) and the desire to meet them, especially with Blanche. I’d get why Leanne wouldn’t want the police to see it, it would look bad for her. I’d wrap up the DVD in a thick piece of paper and tape it to the back of my closet, between the closet and the wall. I’d burn the piece of paper in the DVD case in my bathtub with a bucket of water next to me just in case. I’d test if the DVD of the baptism tape still works (it does), rip it, upload the video file to Google Drive, add it to the document for the police, cancel my printing queue, print the document (two versions of it. The one for the taxi driver would just have a short introduction at the beginning, like, that I’m the person who ordered the taxi), order the taxi, pack my things for the next couple of weeks and anything that Leanne might need, so I’d include any clothes that I think could fit her, and go to the taxi. I’d tell the driver to get me one block away from 9780 Spruce Street (which isn’t actually a real address, by the way) and wait there for me. Before leaving for the Turner house, I’d give him the envelope with his version of the letter for the police and tell him what I said I would tell him. I’d then get my backpack with the gun in it from my luggage in the trunk, and walk to the Turners’ house.

I have already "written" so much more in my head, but I've now reached the end of what I've actually written down, so it will take longer until the next episode is out now! Hope you've enjooooyed this one!

Not sure if I can post this here but below is the rough translation of the Marie Claire interview using ChatGPT. Please note I don’t know Korean so I can’t attest to how accurate this translation is. Still I very much enjoyed the read and hope you do too.
“Last March, we wrapped up the activities for our mini 3rd album ‘EASY’. How have LE SSERAFIM’s days been these days? Chaewon: We haven’t taken a break and are preparing for the next album. We also have a second fan meeting scheduled soon. Kazuha: Actually, we don’t get many opportunities to meet fans in person. So, the time we spend face to face is even more precious and happy, and we are working hard thinking about the fans who will enjoy it.
It’s already been about a month since you performed on the stage you loved at Coachella. How do you remember those dreamlike days? Chaewon: It was such a huge honor because it was a stage we had dreamed of since ‘Never’. The sight of fans filling the audience and enjoying it all together was an incredibly intense time. Every part of preparing for the stage is memorable. It was a stage where we felt and learned a lot. Kazuha: Actually, I was very nervous while preparing for the stage, but when I got there, I could feel the audience’s support with my whole body. Eunchae: That’s right. We prepared a total of 10 songs, and the sight of everyone dancing and singing along with us remains deeply in my heart. Sakura: It was also a moment when I resolved to work even harder in the future. Yunjin: I’m very grateful to everyone who worked hard together for this stage. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we gained wonderful growth and development, as well as precious memories.
After finishing the stage, the expressions of the members who seemed overwhelmed by the excitement of the scene were impressive. Expressing emotions as they are is also a theme LE SSERAFIM pursued in the album ‘EASY’, right? Eunchae: That’s right. If the debut album and the mini 2nd album mainly showed strong images, the 3rd album contains the stories of this time. We highlighted the worries and anxieties we usually experience. Preparing this album allowed us to be more honest about our emotions. Sakura: It’s not easy to talk about your worries or anxieties to someone. So I think our honest stories could resonate with many people. Yunjin: I think it was an opportunity to listen to our inner selves, gaining confidence, and becoming closer to the members.
Reflecting on what this album has left for LE SSERAFIM as we wrap up the activities, what comes to mind? Is there anything new you realized about yourself? Yunjin: Thanks to this activity, I feel like we’ve become closer to the members and fans. Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about myself. It was a precious opportunity to reflect on what kind of person I want to be and what kind of image I want to show to the members and to our fans who love us, ‘FEARNOT’ (LE SSERAFIM’s official fandom). Sakura: I felt that “if you do it, it will work out.” Honestly, when I first encountered the ‘EASY’ choreography, I couldn’t even imagine myself perfectly performing it on stage. But as I practiced repeatedly and saw myself improving, I realized that if you work hard, you can achieve anything. Kazuha: I realized that I have a desire to keep making albums consistently. All five of us have a lot of ambition. (laughs) Chaewon: That’s right. (laughs) So every time we go on stage with a new album, it always feels fresh. The time we spent wrapping up the activities brought us many new experiences.
While working on the album, I think it was an opportunity to listen to my inner self, gain confidence, and become closer to the members. As we wrap up our activities, what has this album left for LE SSERAFIM? Is there anything new you’ve realized about yourself? Yunjin: Thanks to this activity, I feel like we’ve become closer to the members and fans. Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about myself. It was a precious opportunity to reflect on what kind of person I want to be and what kind of image I want to show to the members and to our fans who love us, ‘FEARNOT’ (LE SSERAFIM’s official fandom). Sakura: I felt that “if you do it, it will work out.” Honestly, when I first encountered the ‘EASY’ choreography, I couldn’t even imagine myself perfectly performing it on stage. But as I practiced repeatedly and saw myself improving, I realized that if you work hard, you can achieve anything. Kazuha: I realized that I have a desire to keep making albums consistently. All five of us have a lot of ambition. (laughs) Chaewon: That’s right. (laughs) So every time we go on stage with a new album, there’s always a feeling of regret. Wrapping up activities has been a time when we’ve gained a lot of new experiences.
Every time we go on stage with a new song, there’s always a feeling of regret. As we wrap up our activities, I felt that the task ahead is to live up to the expectations sent to us as the team LE SSERAFIM, and this album seems to have been a healthy motivation.
MC: Could it be thanks to this sincere heart that your message in ‘EASY’ resonated with fans around the world? Last March, you charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. Have you ever thought about why LE SSERAFIM’s music is loved globally like this? Chaewon: I think it’s because our songs convey our honest stories, which feels genuine. We’ve tried new genres and concepts with each album, and I think fans love these challenges. Yunjin: That’s right. Our fans show great interest in our changes and growth. They’ve always paved the way with our music first, and we feel like we’re following that path. That’s why I think we’ve been able to receive more love. Kazuha: Honestly, it’s impossible not to be nervous in front of such good results. Every time we go abroad for performances, we confirm the love of fans who are far away, and it makes me want to work even harder each time.
LE SSERAFIM is a team that has consistently talked about confidently paving their own path without wavering since their debut. Like the lyrics of the title song ‘UNFORGIVEN’ from your first full-length album, can you each talk about one thing you’ve held onto to go beyond your limits? Chaewon: Having confidence in yourself and the decisions you make. Believing in yourself is the most important thing. Kazuha: I agree. Overcoming one’s limits is such a difficult task, so the mindset of believing in and cheering for yourself is even more necessary. I know myself the best. Sakura: The courage to take on challenges. If you know exactly what you want to do and have the heart to challenge it, I believe you can achieve anything. Learning and realizing things through the process of challenging is more important than hesitating and stopping. Yunjin: Sometimes, just having a vague hope that things will be okay can be more powerful than any words. There are times when it’s stronger than the shark method. Eunchae: Two things come to mind. Meditation and time of reflection. The desire to challenge new things, and even if moments of excitement and fear come in that process, taking the time and doing it slowly is important. Chaewon: I agree. I think what’s really important is to keep going consistently. Trying and challenging new things from time to time is important, but in the end, consistency is the most important.
When imagining the future of LE SSERAFIM, what are you most looking forward to or what goals do you want to achieve? Chaewon: Just like now, we want to continuously express our thoughts and concerns through music and show them with new performances each time. Absolutely. We want to capture all the emotions and different aspects we feel at each moment. It would be fun to try different genres within that. Chaewon: We also have a goal. To become a team that is loved for a long time, not just a fleeting trend. It’s really joyful to have colleagues who are moving toward the same goal beside me.
I’m curious about how the members of LE SSERAFIM usually show support and encouragement to each other. Yunjin: As the leader, I listen to and talk with the members a lot. I always encourage them by saying they are doing well. And I try to practice small acts of kindness. I want to make them feel safe to open up anytime, even about the small things we might overlook in our busy daily lives. We have casual talks while eating together, and although the conversations aren’t grand, it feels like we are becoming family. Yunjin: Thinking ‘Ah, these are truly my people who won’t leave me’ brings an indescribable heavy feeling. I feel that understanding each other’s emotions fully is something only we can do, and that thought supports LE SSERAFIM. There have been many moments I couldn’t have endured without the members.
It’s already been two years together as LE SSERAFIM. Looking back on the many changes LE SSERAFIM has faced, what aspect of yourself or LE SSERAFIM as a team would you most like to praise? Eunchae: I want to praise myself for not forgetting the mindset I had when I first met LE SSERAFIM and for working hard in many ways. I’m especially grateful to the members who have been a strong presence for each other. Kazuha: The feeling of being on stage for the first time, and the effort to do better, seems to have remained unchanged. Chaewon: I want to say thank you for working so hard. There must have been times when it was difficult and exhausting, but we always gave our best. Yunjin: Now, I know that LE SSERAFIM is a team that can stand up even if we fall. I praise the kind yet strong image of LE SSERAFIM, who always reach out to each other and strive to lead one another. (laughs)”

7 Holiday and Polar Express Train Rides Near Atlanta Looking to add a touch of enchantment to your winter season? Look no further than the captivating world of holiday and Polar Express train rides near Atlanta!As a community, we have curated a list of the most magical train rides in the surrounding areas that will transport you and your loved ones to a winter wonderland.With destinations ranging from the charming Blue Ridge, Georgia to the scenic Bryson City, North Carolina, there is a plethora of options to choose from.So, hop aboard and prepare to be whisked away on an unforgettable journey filled with festive lights, delicious treats, and cherished memories.But that's not all, there's something else awaiting you...Key TakeawaysThere are multiple holiday and Polar Express train rides near Atlanta, including locations in Blue Ridge, Georgia; Bryson City, North Carolina; Cordele, Georgia; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Delano, Tennessee; Stone Mountain, Georgia; Villa Rica, Georgia; Calera, Alabama; and Kingsland, Georgia.Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the train stations, and passengers are also allowed to bring their own refreshments on board.Free newsletters are offered for subscribers to stay updated on family activities, upcoming events, and exclusive offers and discounts.Mommy Poppins is a trusted resource for finding family-friendly entertainment and offers recommendations and ideas for activities with kids.Blue Ridge, Georgia Train RidesWhen it comes to train rides in Blue Ridge, Georgia, there are two options that will transport you to a world of holiday magic and enchantment.The first option is the Blue Ridge Polar Express, a delightful train ride that brings the beloved children's book to life. Climb aboard this festive train and embark on a journey to the North Pole, where you'll meet Santa Claus himself. The train is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, creating a whimsical atmosphere that will fill you with joy and wonder.As the train chugs along, you can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, just like in the story. The friendly staff will be dressed as characters from the book, adding to the immersive experience. Kids can listen to a reading of 'The Polar Express' and participate in sing-alongs of Christmas carols. This train ride is perfect for families who want to create lasting holiday memories.The second option is the Chattanooga Polar Express, which is just a short drive away from Blue Ridge. This train ride takes you on a magical journey through the scenic mountains of Tennessee. As you travel to the North Pole, you'll be greeted by Santa and his elves. The train is decked out in festive decorations, and the atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer.Both the Blue Ridge Polar Express and the Chattanooga Polar Express offer a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family. So, hop aboard one of these train rides and let the holiday spirit fill your heart. It's a magical adventure that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas all over again.Bryson City, North Carolina Train RideAfter immersing ourselves in the holiday magic of Blue Ridge, Georgia, let's continue our train ride adventure and head to Bryson City, North Carolina for another enchanting experience. The Polar Express train ride in Bryson City is a popular attraction during the holiday season, offering a memorable journey that captures the spirit of Christmas.The Bryson City Polar Express train ride takes passengers on a magical trip to the North Pole. As you board the train, you will be greeted by cheerful elves who will guide you to your seat. The train is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.During the journey, you will be entertained by a cast of characters from the beloved Polar Express story. They will bring the story to life through interactive performances and storytelling. The highlight of the trip is a visit from Santa Claus himself, who will personally deliver a special gift to each child on board.To add depth and complexity to the experience, here is a table showcasing the schedule and ticket prices for the Bryson City Polar Express train ride:Train Ride ScheduleTicket PricesNovember 8 - December 31$40 - $75Departure Times:5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PMAs you can see, there are multiple departure times available, allowing you to choose a time that fits your schedule. Ticket prices range from $40 to $75, depending on the date and class of service you choose.The Bryson City Polar Express train ride is a magical experience that will leave you with cherished memories of the holiday season. So grab your family and friends, hop aboard the train, and get ready to embark on a journey to the North Pole.Cordele, Georgia Train RidesLet's now explore the train rides in Cordele, Georgia, where you can experience the enchantment of the Candy Cane Express and Cordele Holiday Train. Cordele is a small city located in southern Georgia, known for its charming holiday train rides that bring joy and excitement to families and children.The Candy Cane Express is a delightful train ride that takes you on a magical journey through the beautiful countryside of Cordele. As you board the train, you'll be greeted by cheerful staff dressed as Santa's helpers, creating a festive atmosphere. The train is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, adding to the enchantment. During the ride, you can enjoy the scenic views while sipping on hot cocoa and indulging in delicious candy canes. The Candy Cane Express also offers fun activities for children, such as face painting and visits with Santa Claus himself.If you're looking for a unique holiday experience, the Cordele Holiday Train is the perfect choice. This train ride takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole, where you can meet Santa Claus and his elves. The train is decked out in holiday lights and decorations, creating a festive ambiance. As you sit back and enjoy the ride, you can listen to cheerful holiday music and take in the breathtaking views of the winter landscape.Both the Candy Cane Express and Cordele Holiday Train provide an unforgettable experience for families and children. These train rides offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and embrace the holiday spirit. So, hop aboard and let the magic of Cordele, Georgia, transport you to a world of enchantment and joy.Chattanooga, Tennessee Train RidesChattanooga, Tennessee offers a variety of enchanting train rides that are sure to captivate both young and old alike. Here are three incredible train rides in Chattanooga that you won't want to miss:North Pole Limited Christmas Train: Step aboard the North Pole Limited Christmas Train and experience the magic of the holiday season. As the train chugs through the scenic countryside, you'll be transported to the North Pole, complete with Santa Claus himself. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, and even a visit from Santa as you make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.Holiday Christmas Lights Train: Get into the holiday spirit with the Holiday Christmas Lights Train. This magical journey takes you through a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. As you soak in the dazzling displays, you'll be filled with joy and wonder. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your family.Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train: Embark on a journey to the North Pole aboard Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train. As the train winds through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. This immersive experience is filled with holiday cheer, making it a must-do for families and train enthusiasts alike.Whether you're looking for a festive adventure or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Tennessee countryside, Chattanooga's train rides are sure to delight. Hop on board and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.Delano, Tennessee Train RideAs we continue our exploration of enchanting train rides in the Tennessee area, let's now venture to Delano, where a delightful train ride awaits. The Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train offers a magical experience for families and children, filled with joy and holiday spirit. Hop aboard this scenic train ride and be transported to a winter wonderland.InformationDetailsLocationDelano, TennesseeDuration1 hourScheduleWeekends in DecemberHighlightsSanta Claus, holiday decorations, festive atmosphereThe Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train takes you on a one-hour journey through the picturesque Hiwassee River Gorge. As you travel along the tracks, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The train is beautifully decorated with holiday lights and ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere that will leave you feeling merry and bright.One of the highlights of this train ride is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself. Santa will make his way through the train, spreading holiday cheer and listening to children's Christmas wishes. It's a magical moment that will create lasting memories for the whole family.The Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train operates on weekends in December, allowing families to enjoy this enchanting experience during the holiday season. Tickets for the train ride can be purchased in advance, ensuring that you secure a spot on this popular attraction. So gather your loved ones and embark on a journey filled with holiday joy and wonder. The Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train in Delano, Tennessee is waiting to transport you to a world of festive enchantment.Stone Mountain, Georgia Train RideAre you ready to embark on a thrilling train ride through the scenic wonders of Stone Mountain, Georgia? Get ready to experience the Sing-Along Scenic Railroad, where adventure and music come together for an unforgettable journey. Here are three reasons why this train ride is a must-do:Interactive Entertainment: As you board the train, get ready to be entertained by live performances and sing-along sessions. Talented performers will keep you engaged with their energetic songs and interactive activities. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you'll find yourself tapping your feet and singing along to the lively tunes. It's a unique experience that will bring joy and laughter to the whole family.Breathtaking Scenery: As the train chugs along its route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the beautiful Stone Mountain. Marvel at the majestic mountain peaks, lush greenery, and serene landscapes that surround you. The train ride takes you through tunnels, over bridges, and past picturesque scenes that showcase the natural beauty of the area. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments.Festive Atmosphere: The Sing-Along Scenic Railroad is known for its festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. Decorated with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, the train creates a magical ambiance that will get you in the holiday spirit. Sing along to your favorite Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the company of loved ones as you make lasting memories.Villa Rica, Georgia Train RideEmbarking on another enchanting train ride, our next stop takes us to Villa Rica, Georgia, where a magical Winter Wonderland Train Ride awaits. This delightful experience is perfect for families and individuals seeking a festive adventure during the holiday season. The Winter Wonderland Train Ride offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the spirit of the holidays while enjoying the picturesque scenery of Villa Rica.To provide you with a quick overview of what to expect, take a look at the table below, which highlights the key details of the Winter Wonderland Train Ride:LocationVilla Rica, GeorgiaDurationApproximately 1 hourDeparture TimesVarious times throughout the dayActivitiesSinging holiday carols, meeting Santa Claus, and enjoying hot cocoaTicketsAvailable for purchase online or at the stationDuring the one-hour journey, passengers will have the chance to sing beloved holiday carols, creating a festive atmosphere that will warm the hearts of all on board. And what would a winter train ride be without a visit from Santa Claus himself? Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to meet Santa and share their holiday wishes with him.To add to the enchantment, hot cocoa will be served on board, allowing passengers to sip on this comforting drink as they take in the winter wonderland scenery. The combination of the festive activities, the scenic views, and the warm atmosphere of the train creates a truly magical experience.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Are the Ticket Prices for the Holiday Express Train in Blue Ridge, Georgia?The ticket prices for the Holiday Express train in Blue Ridge, Georgia vary depending on the type of ticket and age group. Prices range from $39 to $79 per person.The Holiday Express offers a magical train ride experience with festive decorations, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.It's a perfect holiday activity for the whole family to enjoy. So hop aboard and get ready for a memorable journey filled with holiday cheer!Can You Bring Your Own Snacks and Beverages on Board the Polar Express Train in Bryson City, North Carolina?Yes, you can bring your own snacks and beverages on board the Polar Express train in Bryson City, North Carolina. It's a wonderful way to enhance your journey and create a personalized experience.Whether you prefer to indulge in your favorite treats or sip on a warm beverage, bringing your own snacks and beverages allows you the freedom to enjoy the ride exactly as you like.Are There Any Special Activities or Events Included With the Ticket for the Candy Cane Express Train in Cordele, Georgia?There aren't any special activities or events included with the ticket for the Candy Cane Express train in Cordele, Georgia. However, you can still enjoy a festive and exciting train ride through the beautiful holiday scenery.The train is decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones and create cherished memories.Don't forget to bring your own snacks and beverages to make the experience even more enjoyable!How Long Is the Journey on the North Pole Limited Christmas Train in Chattanooga, Tennessee?The journey on the North Pole Limited Christmas Train in Chattanooga, Tennessee is a magical experience. It lasts for a delightful amount of time, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.As you travel through the scenic landscapes, you'll be enchanted by the festive decorations and twinkling lights. The train ride offers a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and create lasting memories.Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Ride the Winter Wonderland Train Ride in Villa Rica, Georgia?There is no minimum age requirement for children to ride the Winter Wonderland Train Ride in Villa Rica, Georgia. It's a delightful experience for families and children of all ages.The train ride takes you through a winter wonderland filled with festive decorations and holiday cheer. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself.ConclusionAs the holiday season approaches, let these enchanting train rides transport you to a winter wonderland.From the picturesque town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, to the scenic Bryson City, North Carolina, there are train rides near Atlanta that will fill your heart with holiday magic.Immerse yourself in the festive lights, indulge in delicious snacks, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.Don't miss out on these incredible experiences that will make your winter season truly special.

(Photo taken of one of the many Hallett cattle drives, circa 1881)
July 1, 1876
I dreamt of Nathaniel Hallett’s murder the night before it came to pass. In a vision it came to me how he would leave this world. I was striding atop a crimson steed, though it’s mane was not natural; it was in fact the blood of hundreds of Idaha warriors which stained the horse’s hide. My clothes were pure white though, my hair jet black and a sword made of the purest steel was within my hands. I saw a valley, stretching out for what felt like eternity and Hallett was in the middle of his cattle commanding his workers to fire cannons upon the enemy. The warriors stood their ground, the forest seemingly protecting them from harm.
Then it was that I found myself standing with the Idaha, words that were not mine leaving my lips. A curse I spoke upon Hallett and his kin.
whatsoever land you deem to belong to you will forever be haunted by our blood
the one thing you trust will be your undoing! Look now they shall turn on you in your finest hour!
As the words finished being uttered I saw a storm begin to form and the cattle became spooked. Nathaniel fell from his horse, only soon to find himself being trampled upon.
It was the sound of his skull being crushed by the strong hoofbeats that woke me from the sleep.
I confided in Thomas my premonition and he sent word to the frontlines of the mountain.
For weeks now Hallett and his crews have tirelessly pushed through the forest, cutting down the woodland, killing the natives. The warriors have held their ground, warning a coming day of judgment. Though I am not one to give way to superstitious behavior, I believed the explicit details of my dream would come to pass.
I insisted that I needed to ensure the message was sent to him by my own mouth. I felt certain if I gave the warning personally and he saw the fear and trepidation in my eyes, he would see the errors of the actions he had taken and leave the mountain.
But that did not come to pass.
Nathaniel did not listen to the warning, and charged against the warriors. He was adamant that the forest belonged to him. I rode there as fast as possible and witnessed him atop his horse riding to the Chieftess and my heart skipped a beat. This woman had the same garments on that I had worn myself in the dream. I knew immediately this had to be the same woman that had written me the warning of war that would come. She looked at me as she cut off Nathaniel’s head, her eyes fierce but also pitying me.
“I still seek an intermediate, there is a chance for this land to be saved. For your town to be saved. Send this message back to your patriarchs and become my mediator. A future forged free of bloodshed can only be seen if this man is the last to die on this field.”
I was the one to carry Nathaniel’s head back to his widow. It was terrible to bury it without his body, but the Idaha had taken it into the woods; muttering something of a ritual to their devils. How a body with no soul could be of use to them was beyond my comprehension.
July 10, 1876
Deborah wept for another week, even during the Independence Day festivities. Then she revealed another reason for her grief, she was pregnant with a child. And there were men that were all too eager to make sure the Hallett name was eradicated alongside his kinfolk.
We made a pact she and I, to hide the child and have her wed one of Thomas’ cousins. He was a drinker, an abuser, but such were the things that women had to do in order to preserve a name and a legacy.
The child will one day inherit more than that though if the Chieftess is to be believed. And there are those scheming for a different way to make the mountain theirs.
I overheard Thomas speaking with a railroad magnate named Ancaster who said that they could carve a tunnel to the northern edge of the mountain without even the Idaha being aware.
“But first,” he declared, “We will need to create a River.”

"Kufufu~! Sensei, I've come to play~!" Mutsuki barges in through the door into your Schale office, a wide grin on her face. It's been a while since you've seen your loveable little gremlin swing by the Schale office without the rest of Problem Solver 69- er, 68, in tow. Unfortunately for her, you've had a really rough week. Dealing with the aftermath of the Eden treaty has made you absolutely wiped, coordinating messages between all the major schools. Even so, you can't leave your surprise visitor on her own, so you turn your attention to her. All right Mutsuki, what would you like to play? She smiles and pulls out a bag of Jelly Belly Bean Boozled jelly beans, the ones with the prank flavors. You grimace a bit as you anticipate the rancid flavors that are sure to fill your mouth, but it's a small price to pay for her enjoyment. You two take turns spinning the wheel and eating the tainted candies. Juicy pear for Mutsuki, booger for you. Berry blue for Mutsuki, toothpaste for you. By your 5th bean you're feeling queasy, and Mutsuki picks up on it of course, but she also notices that even without the beans, you're feeling a little less energetic than usual. She starts by jokingly prodding you, "what's wrong sensei? can't eat any more? kufufu~ what a weak sensei~". In a show of bravado, you roll up your sleeves and smugly assert, "of course I can keep going! I'm your sensei after all". But then Mutsuki frowns. Her face turns a little more serious, and she stops teasing you for a second. Her voice becomes soft and gentle, as she asks you, "Really sensei what's wrong? Did something bad happen?" and at this point you can't hold it back any longer. Uuu... nothing happened but I just started crying, you respond. She worriedly embraces you, ruffling your hair. "I see~~ It's ok... I'll keep doing this until you calm down". Any semblance of a prim and proper sensei has disappeared by this point as the stress from the previous weeks washes over your body. You think to yourself that it's a good thing the rest of Problem Solver didn't show up today. Uuu... Muchuki... please don't tell anyone about this... you groan into her chest, where you can feel her warmth and hear the soft beating of her heart. You feel so close to her in this moment. "It's ok..." she responds, "this can be our little secret." You've heard her say that line before, but it doesn't have the usual teasing connotation behind it. Instead, you feel a strong reassurance that this student, although small and feeble, just has your best interests at heart no matter how she usually acts. As you lie there head down in her lap, you're not sure if minutes or hours have passed, but you do know one thing: you wish this moment could last forever.
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