Map: Part I
She swept her hair from her eyes and squinted at the paper in her hands. Aaron stood and watched her, knowing not to say a word.
Finally, she looked up, her brown eyes piercing. “Ok, tell me what it is,” she said.
“It’s a map,” he replied nonchalantly, looking away and staring at the rows and rows of books behind her. It was so like her, to find her in the library.
Rosie rolled her eyes and pushed the paper back at him. When he didn’t take it she dropped it and let it flutter to the ground. Without saying another word, she leaned forward and began studying the book spines.
Aaron sighed and picked up the map. “You don’t want to know where it leads?” he asked, following her down the row as she trailed a finger along the books.
She stopped. “Last time I helped you with a project,” she began, emphasizing ‘project’ with finger quotes, “we ended up in the rain outside the sushi place looking at a dead cat.” She raised a brow and folded her arms, as if she’d won the argument.
Aaron stared blankly at her, pretended to recall that day. Really he was just staring at her. She shifted on her feet and abruptly turned back to the books.
“There was no way for me to know that cat was going to be dead,” he muttered.
Rosie was very good at ignoring him.
“I’ll be at the park at eleven tomorrow morning. With the map.”
Still, she said nothing and instead swiftly picked up a book and flipped to the front summary.
“Rosie,” he said, stepping closer and taking the book from her hands, “You should come and have a real adventure.”
She pushed her hair out of her eyes again, which had narrowed significantly at him. He always thought it was silly that she didn’t tie her hair back. It was always in her face.
“Shut up and give me the book back.”
“I’m checking it out,” Aaron said, glancing at the cover. The Deadly Princess. Yikes. “I’ll bring it to the park. Eleven. Sharp.”
She swiped at him for the book, but he easily raised the book higher into the air than she could reach. Her face was very close and very irritated.
Aaron smiled at her and left. But not before checking out the book.
Read part II: https://theprose.com/post/244351/map-part-ii
Looking Back
I will be one-hundred soon.
All those I knew and loved are gone. Just me and my memories, my fears, and my misgivings. Most of all, a love I still hold intact for those I have loved all my life.
I was married fifty-two years. Four boys, two girls, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, but I like to believe they are all in a better place now.
I worked for the same newspaper for fifty years before I took on retirement. Thought I’d enjoy that. Ended up hating it. I needed to stay busy.
Then there was Phillip. He came along in my eleventh year of marriage. He showed me a side of me I never knew existed, or, subconsciously refused to admit that I was, and am, a gay male.
I was shocked and surprised with both him and myself. It didn’t last long, just one month. But in that month, I had doubts about being a good husband and father. I wouldn’t hug any male members of the family and refused to shake another man’s hand. I was afraid to become what Phillip brought out of me on a fulltime basis. I was afraid it would destroy my marriage and ruin everything I’ve ever worked for. I was afraid the family would find out about my indiscretion.
They never did.
In the thirty-second year of my marriage, it happened again. Somehow, this time seemed to be more right than wrong. It was as if I had matured enough to understand I can be bi-sexual, and still have a marriage, a family, a job, and still be able to contribute to the community.
But I still had that knowing fear. I couldn’t shake it no matter how hard I tried.
Paul became my most ardent close friend, my support beam, and lover. We had stolen moments to be sure, but they were the best moments to recognize who I was and am. It was society as well as my family, who weren’t ready for me to announce what I finally knew what I am: a bi-sexual human being.
Paul died, six years after my wife did. That was 1972. The last of my great-greats passed on in 2009.
There was only person who knew about my other life. When we could, Paul and I wanted our privacy.
Betty never said a word to anyone, except to tell me that second chances for happiness is rare.
I had a good life. An up and down life.
I guess what I’m saying is that when something special comes along in your life and it feels near-perfect, hold onto it. Betty had known most of the latter half of our marriage. My wife was a good woman. I had to tell her the truth. Our marriage was based on truth.
Without truth, there is no honor. Without honor—okay, I’ve rambled on long enough.
Time to call it a night.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
Everyone loves a surprising and interesting fun fact to make you question the world around you, to challenge your assumptions and long-held beliefs and ultimately proving that there’s never a time in your life when you stop learning. But you know what everyone loves even more than a fun fact? Well, a fun fact so surprising and interesting that you stop dead in your tracks to say, "Holy smokes! Really?"
Here are 15 interesting and fun facts to ponder (or not).
Showers Spark Creativity Showers aren’t just good for your hygiene—they’re good for your creativity, too. A recent study out of Drexel University found that over seven out of 10 people have reported experiencing an insight or breakthrough while in the shower. Other solitary activities, like taking a walk and daydreaming, show similar opportunities for inspiration.
Kids Ask 300 Questions a Day A recent British study observed young children and recorded the questions they asked the adults around them. Perhaps not surprisingly, the children usually turned to their mothers for answers, and these moms could end up answering an average of nearly 300 questions per day, or one question every two-and-a-half minutes. The moms reported that the hardest questions they were asked included “Why water wet?” and “What are shadows made of?”
The Total Weight of Ants Equals the Total Weight of People You’ve probably heard that the number of bugs on the planet exceeds the number of people many times over, but it can be hard to comprehend what that really looks like. Entomologists have estimated that there at least one million trillion insects, and only 1 percent of that number is ants.
If you took all those ants (about ten thousand trillion) and put them on one side of a giant scale, you’d have to put all the humans on earth (7.4 billion) on the other side to balance it out. Yes, the total weight of all the ants on earth equals the weight of all the people.
You Have a Nail in Your Body Or, at least, the components of one. Iron is an important nutrient that the human body needs. It helps your red blood cells carry oxygen, which is necessary for producing energy, throughout the body, so an iron deficiency can present with a feeling of exhaustion. Amazingly, a healthy adult has enough iron in their body that, if it were pulled out and melted down, it could form a nail up to three inches long.
Our European Ancestors Were Cannibals In 16th and 17th century Europe, cannibalism was actually a fairly common practice, and it was all for medical purposes. The practice seems to have started because Egyptian mummies were thought to have magical curative properties and so were ground up and put in many remedies.
As the idea evolved, human bone, blood, and fat were all used in medical concoctions. Got a headache? Crush a skull and make it into tea! While medical cannibalism has, thankfully, fallen out of favor, modern medicine still sometimes uses one human body to heal another in the form of blood donations, organ transplants, and skin grafts.
Pringles Aren’t Technically Potato Chips The next time you see a can of Pringles, take a closer look—you won’t see the word “chip” anywhere on the packaging. That’s because Pringles aren’t made of thinly-sliced potatoes, but instead dehydrated potato flakes pressed into their signature parabolic shape. That’s what makes them less greasy, but when other potato chip manufacturers complained, the FDA ruled that Pringles couldn’t be marketed as chips. The company eventually settled on “potato crisp.”
Pro Baseball Once Had Women Players While there are currently no female players in Major League Baseball, there have been plenty of women in professional men’s leagues. The first was Lizzy Arlington, who in 1898 pitched the ninth inning for the Reading Coal Heavers and won her team the game.
A little over 30 years later, an African-American woman, Jackie Mitchell, pitched against the Yankees during an exhibition game, striking out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. What’s more impressive: Mitchell was 17 years old at the time.
Rolls-Royce Makes the Most Expensive (New) Car in the World Currently, the most expensive car in the world is a Rolls-Royce Sweptail that sold for $13 million. However, even if you have that kind of dough lying around, you won’t be able to buy it—only one was made, and it was custom-built from the ground up according to the buyer’s specifications. Apparently, though, brand new custom cars have nothing on used classics; the recent sale of a 1963 Ferrari GTO for $70 million is supposedly the highest price ever paid for a car.
Chinese Police Use Geese Squads You’ve heard of police dogs, but police geese? As of 2013, twelve police stations in a rural area of China have begun to use geese as sentries. They are alert animals and, as you probably know, can create a lot of noise and commotion, and creative Chinese law enforcement officers are taking advantage of that fact. While this trend has yet to spread throughout China, Dongwan police claim that the geese have already stopped at least one theft.
The First iPhone Wasn’t Made by Apple The first mobile device to be called an “iPhone” was made by Cisco, not Apple. It allowed the user to use the voice functions of Skype without a computer. Apple announced its own product just 22 days later, and Cisco sued for trademark infringement. The lawsuit was ultimately settled out of court and both companies were allowed to keep using the name. However, it’s safe to bet that you’ve never heard of the Cisco iPhone.
Harriet Tubman Was Basically an Action Hero You probably know that Harriet Tubman was a former slave who became a political activist for the abolition movement. You may not know, however, that Tubman routinely fought for the cause. In addition to smuggling escaped slaves through the Underground Railroad, during the Civil War she was the first woman to lead an armed assault. She planned and executed a number of raids and was known to carry a revolver for personal protection.
Napoleon Was Once Attacked by Thousands of Rabbits Napoleon Bonaparte was once one of the most powerful men in Europe, but he suffered an ignominious defeat at the hands (or paws) of rabbits. After a military victory, Napoleon’s chief of staff organized a rabbit hunt to celebrate. Thousands of rabbits were brought in to be set loose, but instead of hopping away when the cages were opened, they turned to attack, swarming the partygoers. After trying and failing to shoo them away, the great Emperor Napoleon ran for the safety of his carriage.
Apple Pie Isn’t Actually American Apples originally come from Asia. The first pies were baked in Medieval Europe. Even the concept of putting apples in pie traces back to a recipe from England in 1381. Nevertheless, the phrase “as American as apple pie” turned up by 1924 and became a common saying during the years of the Second World War.
Sharks Can Live for Five Centuries Greenland Sharks are known to be some of the oldest living animals in our world. Researchers did carbon dating on a Greenland Shark that was caught four years ago and found it to be around 392 years old. Further testing revealed that our fishy friends could be up to 512 years old. Yes, that would mean that our geriatric friends would have been alive when Leonardo Da Vinci painted the “Mona Lisa.” Still, they aren’t as friendly as they look as they are apex predators, or top predators, within their ecosystem.
A 70-Year-Old Woman Completed Seven Marathons in Seven Days Across all Seven Continents Chau Smith was always an avid runner, and, in 2017, decided that for her 70th birthday, she would complete seven marathons in one week across all of the continents (yes, that includes Antarctica). Traveling made it challenging, as Smith made the race in Egypt just minutes before the start, because her plane to Cairo was delayed. Despite the obstacles, she went into full “beast mode” and completed her goal.
You’re Pronouncing Dr. Seuss’ Name Wrong Dr. Seuss, the popular children’s book author who is known for his rhyming skills, was born with the name Theodor Seuss Geisel. Seuss is his mother’s maiden name, and their family pronounces it as “soice” (rhyming with voice).
Another Night
Another night like so many. Dark, foreboding, merciless in its eerie silence. Inside my office, I hear noises, noises I do not make. They come from within the walls or from under the floor. I thought at first, rats were are running around, playing some sort of morbid game of tag. But the sounds made are much louder than rats. I think perhaps ... no that wouldn’t be right. That some sort of human, maybe creature of unknown origin is running under my floor or through my walls? Impossible.
But every night it has always been the same. It never changes. There has even been a thud-thud-thud, like knocking on a door, but never a voice, never any image to see. I really don’t know what to make of it except for the last five minutes.
In those last minutes, like sandpaper going across wood, I hear a moaning, almost groaning utterance that always makes me sit up and see if I can understand what might be possibly said, but I never can.
If this place is haunted, there was never any record of it, but I think it is some sort of spirit that feels trapped here, but what can I do. I told my Realtor about it after this first started, and all she did was smile and tell me the house is only three years old and only lived in once by a much older couple than I.
But he or she is about to leave me for the night, this much I know. For when the clock strikes midnight, the quiet will settle in and I will be in an even deeper silence.
Funny perhaps, but now, I wait for the return each night in hopes I may see this image that parades around my home.
But for now, sleep.
______________
Written: 11/9/2018
Time: 6:29 p.m. - 6:34 p.m.
Would I
bleed for you?
die for you?
All those things,
those needed emotions,
beating a steady rhythm,
surrounding,
encircling a heart
steadfast and true.
You are purity,
that angel,
heaven sent me,
to open my eyes.
You came to me,
of all people.
Would I bleed for you?
Would I die for you?
Yes.
_____________
Written:
11/4/2018
Time:
10:50 - 10:58 p.m.
Smile for Me, Honey.
Fear burned my throat as I tried to squash down the urge to run. I had never been so close to these creatures before. The monsters who move through their world of fantasy and mischief. I know to be careful, I was always warned away, but I hadn’t turn back around. I couldn’t. Not tonight. When their power is so intoxicating. It is all a mirage; a simple image used to confuse us and hide the torment they wish to bring. Their talons have been sharpened on the bones of those before me. Their ears have become pointed with the screams of those who came before me. I want to run. I try to run. It isn’t enough. How do I fight them? My fists would land no blows and it would only cause more of the bloodthirsty creatures to spring forth. My screams would not bring aid, but only seal my fate as the next body, hopefully this body they would find. The last one brought back was so unrecognizable, the skin hanging from the bones as though the life had been sucked away. He sunken eyes rolled back to reveal the burst blood vessels. Oh, how he must have screamed. My eyes flicker far too quickly for them to cause me harm, but curiosity burns even as I know what consequence it would bring. What color are their eyes? Are their fangs covered in the remnants of past meals? Is their hair nothing more than a thin rag over peeling and frigid skin? I wish to know. My heart pounds and my brain begin to cry out, but my eyes done listen. I stop their constant motion Without thought or intent. I look at the creature who has been following me, attaching itself to my side in determination and anticipation. Her eyes are brown, not red. Her teeth are flat and pearly white, with pink glossy lips curled in an adorable pout. My heart isn’t pounding anymore. My eyes are content to rest on her face forever. My brain is still crying. I can feel the tears run down my face. I angrily push aside the red liquid. How dare it distract me, no obstruction of her face will be tolerated. Let my brain cry. Who needs red tears anyway? I smile as wide as I can. Let them take me. These creatures mean me no harm. Their claws fit so nicely in my hand. She whispers sweet threats in my ear, if only I could hear them. If only my brain would stop crying.
People Who Don’t Matter
I'm all for pop culture. I take time to appease my inner nerd. I even have celebrity crushes (Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks respectively). However, my life decisions are never based on the musings of my favorite celebrities. So, when did the opinions of celebrities become so important?
Glancing at the news on the internet I see stories such as, "Gwyneth Paltro Discusses Her Views on Parenting" Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but what so special about Gwyneth's? Did she study child psychology? Has she done quantitative research on the styles of child rearing and their outcomes? I'm guessing no. On top of that, this is the woman who expoused the practice of women shoving rocks up their mommy parts as a means to regulate hormones and menstrual cycle. Do you really want .parenting advice from someone who treats her vagina like a rock tumbler? Probably not. So why, does she deserve any kind of article in the "News" section of my internet browser?
Oh, and it doesn't stop there! We are drawn to the vapidness of the Kardashian clan like retarded mosquitos to a bug zapper. I am still dumbfounded by the image that made the news of a Kardashian (not sure which one, all idiots look alike to me) in the oval office. Take away the fact that our "President" has made the Executive Branch look like freak show, we are now giving one of these stellar examples of feminine virtue time to discuss policy with the president? Why would any world leader (even President Cheeto Faced Sleaze Ball) find it advantageous to speak with her? What could she possibly offer? Was she there to discuss the spread of sexually transmitted diseases? Granted she is probably the closest thing to a walking, talking petri dish culture of every known strain of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea and chlamydia known to man. Still, I am not sure she has much to offer in the way of advice. World hunger? Increased tensions with Russia? Our nation's substandard education system? Na, cancel my meeting with the UN. I want to talk to one of those girls who have had more NBA players inside them than the Staples Center.
There you have it, my two cents. It all boils down to this. You can watch their movies and get their autographs. Hell, you can even buy their brand of perfume, but don’t make their opinions matter more to you than those who actually know what the fuck they’re talking about. Now if you will excuse me, I must read this article discussing Snoop Dogg’s feelings about the crisis in North Korea and how it relates to the global economy.
Hi Everyone!
If we haven’t met before, I’m Kat, aka justaperson. I’m a sophomore in high school in Virginia and I love to write.
I like poetry, sci-fi/fantasy/action/adventure movies, tv shows, and books, field hockey, dance, music (like Panic! At the Disco, Imagine Dragons, and Coldplay), volleyball, baseball, and anime.
Eh, I really don’t know what to say. I’m a Girl Scout, I’ve played field hockey for 7 years, 4 as a goalkeeper, and I’ve been taking dance lessons for, er, 12 years? I’m not sure when I started.
Oh! I also like to travel and I’ve been to 7 countries. The ones I’ve been to is Canada, Mexico, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Costa Rica. This summer I’m going to Scotland and Ireland. I’m stoked for the trip!
My favorite things (in a nutshell)
Fave color: green and the color of the day sky
Fave book: Warcross by Marie Lu,The Da Vinci Code series by Dan Brown, and Carve the Mark and The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth
Fave TV Shows: Does anime count? Because if so, it’s definitely Haikyuu!!, Soul Eater, My Hero Academia, or Yuri!!! On Ice. Also Sherlock, Doctor Who, Supergirl, and Voltron: Legendary Defenders
Fave Movies: Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Guardians of the Galaxy (both of them), and Deapool (again, both of them)
Fave food: cheesecake, crepes, and macarons
Fave sport: Field hockey, volleyball, or ice skating
Fave video game: Overwatch or Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Fave Animals: THE RAINBOW MANTIS SHRIMP, and cats and dogs
I really don’t know what else to tell y’all about myself. You can ask me questions in the comments down below if you have any.
I’m glad to have met all of those I have and look forward to meeting more of you guys!
justaperson here, signing out *finger guns*