The first thing Maya noticed about Millbrook wasn't the quaint Main Street or the way corn fields stretched endlessly in every direction. It was the weather app on her phone, which had been stuck on the same forecast for three days straight: Conditions variable. Check local atmospheric readings. "What kind of forecast is that?" she … Continue reading The Barometer of Hearts
Small Town
Harvest Cycles
1924 The first time Ellis Hargrove laid eyes on Millfield's fertile valley, he knew he'd finally found home. Standing at the edge of his newly purchased forty acres, the morning sun warming his back, he watched his young wife Mary cradling their infant daughter as she twirled slowly among the wild grasses. "Just think, Ellis," … Continue reading Harvest Cycles
The Sorrow of Samantha Simms
The alarm blared, jolting Samantha Simms awake from another melancholy dream. With a sigh, she slapped the snooze button and pulled the covers back over her head, wishing she could escape back into that bittersweet reverie. But it was 6:30am on another dreary Monday morning, and Fairview High beckoned. Dragging herself out of bed, Samantha … Continue reading The Sorrow of Samantha Simms
Go Home Again
The bus pulled into the station at exactly 7:03. The sun was long gone and the tiny town was lit by street lights and blinking traffic lights. Kathryn stepped off the Greyhound and closed up her jacket. She had forgotten how cold this place got on a January evening. She walked over to the side … Continue reading Go Home Again
Why I Love My Town
Kids, I live in a little town called Blacksburg. At times, it doesn't seem that little. That's mostly because it's home to Virginia Tech, which is our state's largest university. Except that it's not... actually... #alternativefacts Anyway, when the students aren't around, Blacksburg definitely has a small town feel. But, really, it doesn't matter if … Continue reading Why I Love My Town
The Confusing Middle 