A well-lit bedroom with white curtains gently moving in the breeze. A feeble hand, covered in age spots, extended her knotty fingers towards an older man. "My time has come. I can feel it", a shaky female voice whispered.The woman speaking was lying on a comfortable bed with clean sheets. It was obvious that her wresting place was handled with a lot of care. Her family, two adult children and loving husband of 30 years, stood above her in tears. He still could not believe how quickly her illness aged her. And so suddenly. He clenched his teeth, putting her hand to his face. She spoke quietly, looking at him with milky eyes. "Before I go, I need you to promise me one thing." "Don't say that!" he cried."I need you to make sure my last rights are read before I'm buried.""You can't die yet...""Promise me that!" she let out a raspy yell. Holding back emotions, the man could only nod.Relieved, the woman laid down her tired head and closed her eyes. Her youngest called out her name as s

"I remember that day as if it was yesterday," Tiff narrated over the picturesque ceiling and arches of a famous European city. There a group of American students were visiting for their first school trip abroad. It was the 60s and the world was a much different place."As you can see, this basilica is an architecture of the Renaissance era. Just look at that dome…" an enthusiastic tour guide told a group of teens. Her face was covered with thick jar-like glasses as she waved her arms and pointed, talking about the history of the majestic place of worship. Her audience were senior students from a prestigious American high school. Four girls stood in the back looking around, disinterested. One was obnoxiously chewing a bubble gum. She had a heavy layer of mascara and bright eye shadow that made her look older."How long is this going to take?" the girl, called Regina, whispered to her friends."Why? Are you in a hurry?" another girl, Jenifer, with high-waist jeans and a colorful sweater

"Okay, who do you..." she yelled quickly opening the door. The hallway was empty.Confused, the lonely girl took a step out into the hallway. A sudden pain in her foot made her flinch. It was a thin nail, no larger than a needle. Cursing, the girl picked it up and placed it in the jacket on the coat hanger. "Probably fell from one of the fixtures. I should put it away so others don't get hurt," she thought, returning to bed. She checked one more time if there was someone there. Not a chuckle, not a single sound could be heard. She closed the door angry, double-checking if it was locked.The next morning, a line of sleepy high schoolers slouched next to a bus drowsy. Tiffany walked past their yawning friends, cool and refreshed."So did you accomplish your master plan?" she smirked watching them leaned their heavy heads on each other's shoulders. "Oh buzz off!" Regina blurted.With a superior smile, Tiff turned to Tina. "What happened?""The boys got some cheap wine," she said, grabbi

With the 70s rolling around and the end of the State's involvement in overseas war, a sense of change was in the air. Still, the now university student had other things in mind.Standing in a dark corner, she observed a row of lit candles. Her hair is covered with a familiar, costly scarf which mysteriously appeared four years ago. Ever since that day, Tiffany could not shake the feeling that something supernatural was involved. She took every opportunity she had to visit different places of worship and learn as much as she could. Sadly, none of her efforts were rewarded.She stood, somewhat awkwardly next to a table with wooden icons, similar to those seen in early Christianity history books. Their composed faces seem to watch her as she moved through the secluded hallway. Tiffany put some coins in the donation box and murmured a few words. On her way out, a priest in black greeted her. "Did you find what you were looking for?" The girl smiled politely. "Yes, thank you. It will be

Cassandra's tail swung ferociously behind her. She held in her anger. "Thanks, but I'm good," she said serious.Biff did not seem pleased. "You seem to not understand what a big deal I'm around here. Being kind to me means being kind to everyone here. Now, if you would kindly get on your knee-""Pass. I'm much more afraid of Tamara than I am of you," she blurted.The man gripped the bars as if ready to rip them apart. He pressed her lips with an angry twinkle in his eye. "Suit yourself," he said moving away. Stomping towards the exit, he muttered something only audible to him. The door slammed shut with a loud bang. Once left alone, Jane clapped slowly. "Bravo. Bravo. You just made the worst mistake of your hellish existence," she said."Yeah, three cheers for the new girl. She won't be here for long," Sara added.Cassandra let out an irritated grunt. Moving into the dark corner, she closed her eyes and ears, not wanting to listen to their mocking cackles. The passing of time was tort