Sunlight sifted through the patches of leaves and made patterns here and there on the dark carpet of green that lay beneath. Somewhere overhead the day had begun, but the wood was still and quiet save for the creaking of the old trees and the whispers of wind that passed through on their way to somewhere beyond.

Sofia stood at the edge. She took a deep breath, squeezed her hands together, and left the warmth of the outside, stepping forward into the shadows.

One moment there stood Sofia; and then the dark wood had enveloped her, and she was gone.

The blood-filled capillaries in his eyes, and the surprised expression cemented on his face, indicated he was dead. Despite her third success, Rose was disappointed, and remained straddled over his limp torso analyzing the past two minutes. She took in the destruction around her while catching her breath, then released the pressure of the lamp cord off his bulging throat. She sat upright, slamming her hand frustratingly into his chest. Her process had improved, but to consider herself a professional, a higher caliber of efficiency was required. Rose grinned. Perhaps next time will be the perfect ending to her book.

There was no one else I hated more than the man in front of me.

As we were all stuck in our seats during a boring presentation, my bladder's desire to release grew more and more painful with every word this jerk said.

Sir. You are not funny. Your jokes suck. Finish your dumb presentation.

3 minutes felt like forever, but he finally finished. He got the small round of claps he basked in, and returned to his seat.

"Alright, read the last three scenes of Macbeth and-"

The bell rang, interrupting his homework decree as I SPRINTED to freedom.

The words echoed in his ears. He could still feel her kiss, still feel her arms around him. She had gone now, rushing off to her house, leaving him alone. It’s what you wanted, he told himself. She can never know. Still, a small part of him cried out for indulgence. She loved him, but she barely knew him, too. But he shook his head. “No,” He said aloud, “I don’t have the right to think about myself anymore. People died the last time I did: I have to protect her.” He sadly snapped his fingers, shutting the blue door.

"Gotta get shopping!" Stanley hollered, grabbing groceries at lighting fast speed. Before he could reach dairy, he suddenly found himself frozen in place.

"Hey there." Kalen said, holding up his hand that was glowing blue. "Sorry to stop you, but dude! You may have super speed, but is rushing this shopping trip truly necessary?"

"I am always in a hurry." Stanley said in a panic. "Then I gained this power to go faster. Honestly, now I feel even more rushed."

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Kalen quoted from 1 Peter 5:7. "Can I help?"