SOBERING NEWS AND A GAMBLE The second day of school was done. Liz let out a big sigh. The rest of the family came in sluggishly. It had been a long day. Andrew had prepared spaghetti and meatballs, one of the kids’ favorite dinners, and added wine for the parents. “Thank you for this, Andrew,”
SIX MONTHS IN, SCHOOL STARTS AND ANOTHER CRISIS Elizabeth shuffled down the hall. Her husband, moving slower, was behind her. “Shall I wake the kids?” James asked. “No, let’s wake up first. At this moment, I really wish we had retired.” She turned into the kitchen, smelling coffee. Grateful, she put the steaming liquid to
LET’S PARTY THEN BRING IN THE LAWYERS The Sheriff and Deputy Danny were in the hall next to the interrogation room when Elizabeth emerged. “That was quick,” Danny said. “Did you get anything?” John asked. “Yes. Cynthia said she hacked into the Mayones’s system because she doesn’t trust them. The heated language she heard about
FIRST CRISIS Olivia and Matt slept late. Launch Day happened yesterday, and everyone was exhausted. The prep was enough to freak anybody out, but having trouble breathing or moving finished you off. As she roused, Olivia thought about where they were in space. She should be scared, but strangely, she wasn’t. The Mom shuffled into the kitchen, “Kitchen,
1ST CHRISTMAS DAY IN MESALAND OF THE STARS This is after Chapter 4 (Day After Launch) Noah burst into their bedroom. “Mom, Dad, get up, get up. It’s Christmas!” Elizabeth didn’t want to move; it had been a few days preparing for the holiday. Doesn’t this ever go smoother? “A few more minutes,” she moaned. “Mom,