BREAKING NEWS! Military officials at Fort Gnome are confirming that seismic activity under Sunset Valley is being blamed for the collapse of an underground research facility.   Trauma teams were dispatched to the base early this morning, where numerous soldiers were treated in triage tents and transported to Sacred Spleen. Sources from within Fort Gnome indicate that a number of scientists from Landgraab Labs were also found among the dead and injured. David Barimen of Summerhill, a world-renowned surgeon, treated many of the injured. It is a fine bit of irony, as Dr. Barimen was rescued by Fort Gnome personnel … Continue reading Chapter 3.7 – Shrapnel

Mark’s birthday approaches faster than either David or Ciara want it to.   David’s job at the hospital was beginning to pull him away from his family. But the incident involving Mark, Deirdre, and Claire has given him a new perspective. David has taken Ciara’s advice and is spending more time with Mark. He is the kind of kid who needs constant channeling and redirection to keep him grounded. Looking back, David sees how Bebe had done the same thing with him, and he feels terrible for failing his son in this way.   As it turns out, the situation … Continue reading Chapter 3.6 – Clique

David arrives with Charlotte to find that Ali and his friends had already cleared out. The brawl had been scattered by an elderly couple who where in the park nearby, and heard the commotion. Mark and Ali had stopped fighting, but not before exchanging mutual threats.   Deirdre and Claire are unharmed, but shaken by the intensity of Mark’s fury in reaction to them being pushed around by Ali’s friends. Mark had surprised even himself. He hadn’t done any real harm aside from torn clothes and some nasty bruises. Had he been older or stronger, however, the outcome could have … Continue reading Chapter 3.5 – Burdens

A quiet air of solemness settles over the Barimen household in the days following Bebe’s passing.   Bebe’s remains are placed next to Julian’s at the family cemetery below the house. David had a small mausoleum built on the site where he and future generations can come to reflect. David spends much of his time at the cemetery over the next few days. The loss has been difficult for everybody. But the way in which Bebe prepared each of them by planting tiny seeds from her own wisdom, leads David to believe that his mother knew her time was near. … Continue reading Chapter 3.4 – Brawl