Pencil in His Hand: A Mother's Journal of Poems, Thoughts, and Stories.

  Brightston: The Beginning. Author's note. This is a sequel story to "A Bright Tale." Here is the link, if you'd like to read it first.  A Bright Tale *** Grandpa Hiram’s gaze rested on each cheerful face before him. Here were Roda and Romi, Bennie-Bright, Linna, Sunny, Lacey-Dell, Dinnie, Holly-Ann, and Yoan. Yes, Yoan, who had once yearned for love and joy. His face now reflected that he was at home. Grandpa Hiram’s own ruddy cheeks grew brighter as he thought of the boy’s happiness. The group sat once more on the velvety hill where he’d previously warned the children of the dangers which lay beyond the kingdom. He’d felt anxious that day: deeply concerned for the well-being and safety of the young ones. Today, however, hope and happiness soared through his being. “Why did you bring us up here, Grandpa?” Roda asked. She and all of the children waited eagerly for his reply. Perhaps Grandpa Hiram wanted to hand out some treats from his bakery, Bennie Bright thought. ...

  The Conversation  Gavin was so absorbed in his book, that he barely noticed that the train had stopped at a station. "Mind if I sit here?" He looked up. A young woman with friendly freckles across her nose and wide brown eyes stood in the aisle. He nodded, then smiled faintly and she quickly stowed her large backpack. "I'm Sybil." The young woman offered. "Thanks." "No problem. Travelling to Barton?"  "Nope. It's Dunmore I'm headed for. You?" "Same." Gavin was cautious. He wasn't sure he felt like a chatty companion. He'd been looking forward to finishing his book. It had hooked him from the first chapter. But thankfully, Sybil didn't bubble on. She just smiled before taking her own book out.  Gavin went back to his reading, not without noticing that it was a Bible that Sybil had opened. Unusual.   Sybil glanced towards him. She liked to study people, and would often strike up a conversation in the ho...