Events – Rachael Ruth Holistic

For all events relating to my wellbeing and writing please see below

Book 2 release date 28th November…

Well done to the competition winners! Excellent writing.

I will be doing a young writers competition in my local area so check my social media for more information. I will also share links to interviews and upload video interviews with sneak previews and more about how this young adult series came about and what to expect next… See my page on the publishers site for reviews and events too: https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-adult/the-children-of-pisces/

Events for my Writing

Thursday 24th March – Cornerstone Arts Theatre – 4pm Meet the author https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/meet-author-r-e-lewin
Wednesday 23rd & 30th March – Woodcote Library for Langtree school
BOOK BLOG TOUR starts May 4th
Goring GAP Festival – Saturday 4th June
Fourbears bookshop Caversham – 18th June 3pm
Ilfracombe Academy – 15th June 9am
The Space Store, Didcot – TBD
Waterstones Didcot – TBD
More library talks TBD

May the Fourth be with you 🙂 official Star Wars celebration day and this just so happens to be the day the book blog tour starts for The Children of Pisces. Super excited. Can’t wait to listen. Tune in to see what they say.

Review Beyond the books @shazzierimme

“An immersive book!”

The Children Of Pisces is a book that caught my attention with the cover alone. The blurb then truly drew me in. I haven’t come across R E Lewin before so, wasn’t even sure if this book would really be for me. I just know that I am a reader who only needs a great story and I can fall in love with any book easily.
A book that’s aimed at 10 to 14 years old children, The Children of Pisces is a story that blends genres together. It is speculative story set in a dystopian world that has dashes of sci-fi throughout. Such a wondrous tale that I can see Children really becoming immersed in the stories of Tammy and Mikie, our two young main characters.
The plot slowly builds as the story unfolds and we follow both children in their adventures. Mikie is a boy who can read minds and also has the power to control them. Tammy has the power to connect and communicate with animals. This alone means animals trust her and will a fully follow her around. An adopted child, her new parents are more than amazed as they see it happening on their safari park.
These two characters are separate but their story arcs run alongside each other as they move on a path closer and closer to each other. Tammy and Mikie share something,it’s not physical and neither of them are just a run of the mill child. They are more than that and have possibilities to be weapons or assets. They each have a path to chose but which will it be?
This is not just a simple adventure book. This is heartwarming, interesting and its one that brings humanity into question. The humanity in Tammy and Mikie, will that be the saving of them, or will their instincts overpower the humanity they have inside?
The world building immersed me to the point that I didn’t want to leave these kids. I can really see a child adoring this world that transcends normal life. It is a book that can open their minds to things they wouldn’t normally think off.
From the start this is a well written, dramatic and well paces book that held me there until I had read the last page! I am looking forward to the next book and wondering what it will bring.

Review @mm_cheryl Cheryl m-m’s book blog

Going into the story the readers is given part of an origin story, which becomes important over a decade later. The characters move parallel in time, but at all times on a path towards each other.

Tammy, who has caught the interest of a couple after many years of waiting to be adopted, has an affinity for animals. It is more than just liking them – they see her and she sees them. A collective communication appears to take place, one that others aren’t privy to.

Then there is Mikie, a young boy who can read minds and control them. The two of them have something in common, something elemental that is full of possibilities. They are an enhanced version of those around them, which means they are valuable assets or they are a dangerous weapon, depending on the path they choose?

It’s an ambitious series with plenty of potential – a crossover and melding of genres. A futuristic, speculative tale, a dystopian world with elements of sci-fi. The author has drawn a tentative thread of humanity throughout, and only time will tell if they will be able to sustain it in themselves, each other – or whether it will be submerged by natural instincts.

I like the fact it is story that is suitable for younger readers too. What a way to experience creativity and expand horizons, and a multi-genre world. It will be interesting to see where the next part in the series takes the Children of Pisces.

https://mmcheryl.wordpress.com/2022/05/06/blogtour-the-children-of-pisces-the-two-pendants-by-r-e-lewin/

Review Kinkajousreadtoo @jamie61116

What’s it all about? A terrifying virus (not COVID 19) has been released onto Planet Earth in the future and wiped out vast swathes of the population of humans and animals. A few lucky animals survived thanks to the work of a few concerned people. One of which is an island zoo. Into this world come two children, Tammy and Mikie. They are both unusual and special with powers closely linked to magic crystals. Both are realising that having these powers might be fun and exciting to begin with, but come with great responsibility. They are surrounded by people who love them and want to care for them, but they want to expand and try out their powers without seeing the great risks they could be taking. Will they find out more about their family and their origins? Will they be able to help humans save the planet?

Why should I read it? A story which vaguely links to the pandemic, might not seem like the most relaxing read, but there is much more to this than that. The story arc slowly builds all the way through as you get to know the two children – Tammy and Mikie and follow their adventures. Mikie’s life seems harder to connect with, he’s almost like a trainee superhero. However, I really enjoyed finding out more about Tammy and her special ill of connecting with animals – she is able to communicate with all animals (apart from crocodiles) and they therefore trust her and follow her around, much to the amazement of her adoptive parents on their safari park. The love shown between the nuclear family is wonderful to read about and must relate to some readers out there. Sometimes, I found the speech a little clunky, but the description is lovely and I could really picture where the events were taking place and how each character was feeling. The start of the story is brilliant and really grabs you right from the get-go: it’s pacy, dramatic and startling! If you like books that set in the normal world, but with a slight twist (like Phillip Pullman’s Northern Lights trilogy), then this is the story for you. And there are more on the way! Thank you to @RandomTTours for the copy of the book and I hope the rest of the tour goes well!

https://kinkajousreadtoo.design.blog/2022/05/08/whats-your-super-power/

Review @all_books_great_and_small

The Children of Pisces is an action packed YA book about siblings Mikie and Tammy. Growing up in an orphanage the siblings haven’t had it easy. Mikie can read and control the minds and thinking of others and as a result ends up being home-schooled to keep him safe and avoid him meddling with others minds. Tammy has never had it easy and lives a troubled and unhappy life at the orphanage. I loved seeing her character development throughout this book and how much she grew into a force to be reckoned with! Her relationship with animals is amazing and I loved her bond with them.
The book travels around a bit which was fun and interesting. The author has done a fantastic job of setting out the backbone for a new fantasy adventure series for YA and I’m really excited to see where the next book will take us!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdK4v4bA_JL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

All books great and small IG –

Review E Bookwyrm’s blog cave @andyangel44

So, here we have a future where the world (possibly ours, possibly our world one step sideways) where Earth has been ravaged by a virus (COVID? Possibly, you decide) and very few remain. This virus was part of an alien invasion and now it is time for humans to fight back with some super powered children.

Ok, that may be over-simplified but you get the idea. What this book covers well, in my opinion, is change. Specifically, how children change as they are growing up, the way they think and act (the age range for this book is 10-14yrs) and Lewin does this well. I liked the way different children had different abilities and how they could work together with these.

Most of all though I liked the fact that here is a very good story in a well realised future. I am certainly looking forward to more from R E Lewin.

Review The page ladies @jaclcomik33

Book Review……The Children of Pisces by R E Lewin
This was a creative and interesting read! I really enjoyed the characters. Mikie is extremely kind and the mind reading was great. Tammy’s character is the one that was quite interesting especially with the animals being able to bond with them. The pace is pretty fast. The adventure begins and is nonstop for the whole book. And most if all it’s unique. Definitely a great read for the young readers in our lives!
Thank you Random Things Tours and R E Lewin for sharing this lovely adventure with me!
#TheChildrenofPisces #AuthorRELewin #randomthingstours #booktours #bookreviews #youngadultread #fantasybook #bookrec

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdVndfrNc6X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Events for my Wellbeing

Teen and Adult Meditations to help improve every aspect of your life. Teens ages 11-16 start promptly at 7, the meditation is under 15 minutes. Adults over 16 start at 7:30, the meditation is under 25 minutes with the option to stay for a second one like angels or lords prayer. Dates are: 11th, 25th May, 8th, 22nd June, 13th 27th July, 10th August, 14th, 28th September, 12th 26th October. Here is a short video explaining why I do ad-hoc meditation training for those new to this, optional just for those who want extra support, and why meditation can help to transform your life – when done right. Teens – enhance those brain cells and learn to focus and improve your exam results. I discuss gama wave and brain activity in the sessions.
There will be space afterwards to do some free healing taster sessions and if there is not enough time then you can use the automated booking button on my home page to book a taster in my Zen room instead – called Twin heart meditation healing taster. This is only open to those who attend the meditations. Donations welcome to cover hire costs. I look forward to seeing you there.

Why is meditation so important? Watch this short video to understand how meditation can help with GCSE, A-level and general life challenges. The Pandemic has encouraged more people than ever to select healthy life choices like meditation. I am, as requested, hosting short sessions on how to meditate to give those who require more support the tips and practice to learn how to really get in to meditation and calm the mind.

First session: Thursday April 28th – 6pm, my Zen room. Other sessions will be held ad hoc as requested.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Rachael is currently open for meet the author events and school visits.

My kids and I really want people to just enjoy these characters as much as we do. The school / library will also recieve a signed poster and free book and free bookmarks for any pupils who wish to order a book.

Most suitable for school years 6 (Primary) to 7-10 (secondary), Colleges, Universities and bookshops. As many may attend the event as you wish.

The event is fun and informative (timings can be
flexible, approx 1 hour) which includes:

Introduction to author

Fascinating insights into the publication process

Themes throughout the storyline

Writing tips and the importance of reading

Interactive quiz questions

Live reading from the book

Q&A with pupils

Competition Winners for The Two Pendants

I am so proud of the amazing submissions by these 4 young adults who have written with passion and depth and won the competiton receieving a hard copy signed book with bookmark and £20 in book vouchers. Well done! Same again for Book 2 release in December. Deadline will likely be end of November for competition entries. 
Harvey, aged 13, Crowmarsh Gifford:
Space Oddity
I guess I’d never really considered I might die floating above Mars. And of oxygen deprivation as well, what a terrible way to go out. And yet here I am, drifting slowly, aimlessly to my doom. I look down; the vast expanse of The Red Planet opening up around me. When I die, will I stay afloat in the sea of inky black – a piece of space-junk, a sick fable told to other astronauts about being careless? Or will I sink into the astronomical version of Davy Jones’ locker, buried among the rust-red sand and other debris, buried among my life’s work, as it were…

I used to love David Bowie. I was never one for music, really, but his stuff always hit the mark. My favourite of his tracks, no, my favourite track full stop, is probably Space Oddity. I listened to it all the time, I found it so interesting, and I loved how it was put together. Typical really, considering my circumstance. Still, I think as I begin to hum the chorus, I might as well go out to my favourite song.

Ground control to Major Tom…

From outside the tinted glass of my helmet, I can make out what feels like the whole solar system. I swivel round, flailing my arms like I’m swimming in a pool, until I can see Earth. It looks so alive in comparison to the other planets and celestial bodies that dot around the corners of my vision; a violent, wonderful mix of greens, blues, whites and pale yellows. All the tiny people, going about their days as if nothing is happening. I feel like a god, watching the world from afar, unbeknownst to everyone else. 

Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong…

I know I should be feeling helpless at this point; I am, after all, drifting through space with no way back to Earth. But there is also a sense of relief I feel, my brain somehow convincing me that in spite of everything, it will all be OK…

Behind my ear, I can hear my radio crackling – rudely interrupting my soft singing. A flicker of hope seemingly lights up before my eyes, and I turn my head to the left, like I’m about to cross a road. The capsule is a tiny white dot at this point, meandering out of my reach, like a piece of paper blowing in the wind. Back and forth, up and down; it taunted me. I try desperately to make towards it, throwing my arms around the abyss like I had done before. It is no use.

Can you hear me, Major Tom?

I keep going, channelling all my energy into reaching the pod.

Can you hear me, Major Tom?

I’m coughing now, great splutters that echo in my helmet. My vision starts to fade…

Can you hear me, Major Tom?

Everything is turning to black. I’ve never felt this tired before. I allow myself to drift off, falling into the sweet slumber of death as I fade away into the abyss…

Megan, aged 15, from Cholsey:
Diamond and the Illusion
Diamond sat on a rock, facing the moon. Below her was the river, the moon’s bright light casting a silvery reflection on the water. She had travelled alongside the river, as if it were guiding her back towards her friends. She couldn’t exactly say it was leading her home – she didn’t have one – but it was leading her back to the only family she had left. She wondered if another one of the Ones Who Sees’ based could be below the surface right under her paws. She was always curious, but definitely didn’t want to be dragged back under there any time soon again. The feeling of her lungs burning… the water flooding her insides as she opened her mouth to scream… Diamond shuddered as she recalled the feeling. That was something she wasn’t going to forget easily. 

Although her encounter with the underwater dwellers had its disadvantages, Diamond felt it also had many benefits. Seeing past the illusion horrified Diamond, but she felt drawn to it. This feeling was hard for the wolf to understand – she remembered how haunting seeing properly had felt but still she wanted to see more! She wanted to see every inch of the world in its true form, to discover everything. The thought of putting her eye up to the glass of her telescope again disgusted her, but she felt a smile creep onto her face. Why was she feeling this way? 

“Someone help me out!” Diamond cried out in complete confusion. “What’s wrong with me?” 

She knew that seeing properly was so wrong… but it was like a drug – Diamond wanted more! The thought of new discovery was constantly nagging in the back of her mind. Left unattended to, it grew stronger and seeked more of her attention. The only way to stop it was to…

“Remove.” Diamond whispered weakly, giving into her cravings. She put her eye right up to the telescope as it removed itself from her back upon command and gasped as she saw the real moon. It was completely black, yet still cast light. The red water had a black light on its surface, bones occasionally bobbing up to the surface like twigs, making their way along the water. The trees were all charred and black, their leaves surrounding them on the ground, almost completely swallowed up by the wild black grass. They were so fragile that one gust of wind could probably reduce them to a pile of ashes. Every single tree, bush and plant was on fire, and stayed that way even as it began to rain. Diamond watched as black raindrops hit the ground. All of this made her shudder in horror and she reluctantly moved away from the telescope lens. 

“Reattach.” she commanded and only then she became aware of the smile on her face. Quickly she stopped grinning madly and began to frown. Was she telling herself it was horrifying to hide the fact she secretly liked it? 

“No.” Diamond firmly told herself out loud. “If you were hiding something from yourself you wouldn’t be shuddering like that.” 

She still wondered though if she was trying to hide the fact that she liked the world’s true form because deep down she knew it was wrong. But her desire to discover this true world was too 

powerful. She tried to distract herself by forcing new words into her mind, desperately trying to silence the painful nagging feeling. She’d only just seen, yet her brain was telling her it wasn’t enough. She knew that really, she needed to live in this world. 

“This world… where I’d be a… a devil!” Diamond whispered softly. “Without the illusion, I’d look how they do and they’d be twice as bad. Am I… truly evil?” she asked herself. “If I was evil though, I wouldn’t be so determined to find my family.” She sighed as she turned her attention to the more serious problem (although now she’d made the whole illusion problem worse, she wasn’t sure which issue was more worrying) of where Crystal and the others were. 

“Focus… focus on Crystal!” Diamond demanded, begging herself to create a distraction. “Use Crystal to distract yourself!” She thought of Crystal as hard as she could but couldn’t use those powers she had had back with the strays. She asked herself what Crystal was doing right now – but she saw only darkness. “I said use Crystal to distract yourself.” Diamond gasped. “No – I just wasn’t thinking! I didn’t mean use her as in… she’s my sister!” she roared all of a sudden to no one in particular. “I love her, she’s so important to me…” She felt tears build up in the corners of her eyes and sank to the ground, ashamed of how messed up she felt right now. She felt like she was evil, that her heart wanted the devil life and for her to be able to share their dreams of how the world should be. “My sister,” she whispered as she closed her eyes, resting her head on the stone ball. “Crystal.” 

Although she felt so guilty about the way she was feeling, she couldn’t help but wonder about this way of life. “They’d worship me… they’d love me!” Diamond mumbled. “Imagine how they’d treat me if I told them that their dreams are reality. Their plans for our world have already been achieved many years ago, they just don’t realise it.” she sighed uncomfortably. “I wouldn’t do it, I was just thinking. Thinking about how easy it would make everything if I could just get them on my side!” she thought back to Crystal, probably in danger right at this moment. 

“I wouldn’t just be doing it for me, I’d be doing it for her and everyone else living in this forest. I’d be doing it to protect us all. The devil wolves are a dangerous species, and giving them power would be the simplest and safest option.” 

Diamond looked down at the stone ball as she thought about her choices. “I suppose it would be seen as cowardly, but then again…” she looked at the hole carved out for her gemstone. Her gemstone which could fit into the hole created for the Devil Clan leader. What if she’d been selected to lead the wrong clan all along, it was a possibility. “That’s just an opinion. I don’t see it as cowardly, I see it as a necessary thing to do.” 

She thought back to how it had felt to have her gemstone torn from her body in such a violent way, and how she’d felt watching it fit into its place in the stone ball. She’d felt an immense sense of power, and she realised that power was another of the many things that she was craving. 

If she craved too many things, it could become dangerous. “I will be able to control it.” She said aloud firmly, silencing her thoughts. “No matter how strong my desires for power and control get, I will always be able to control it. I have to!” she smiled softly at the scenes she was imagining in her head. Bloodied trees, loyal followers, devils everywhere… and in the background stood Crystal, her eyes full of sadness even though they were completely black. A hole where her gemstone should be was causing her to look pained, and black blood was oozing out and dripping steadily onto the floor. Diamond looked curiously at her sister in this form, how she would look when the illusion was removed. She did occasionally wonder what wolves around her looked like as devils, but she’d never considered her own sister in this way before…

“Don’t do this,” Crystal begged. “You don’t want to be one of them.” 

Diamond shuddered at the image of her sister in this way as if only just noticing the state she was in and snapped back to her senses. “This cannot be your dream!” she told herself firmly. “When will you realise that you can’t have these dreams? They are wrong!” 

She thought back to Crystal – in her normal form – and felt herself begin to cry. “You’ve got to focus on what you already have…and that’s all that should matter.” 

She pushed all of the thoughts of the life she desired to the back of her mind and thought about finding Crystal again. She shouldn’t worry about finding out what it would be like to live this way of life, she should worry about her sister – the devils didn’t care about her in the slightest, but Crystal did. And she always would, not matter what Diamond did, or what path she took. 

Or so she hoped. But that’s what she’d tell herself for now, and maybe she’d be able to convince herself that it was the truth. 

She knew that Crystal would never let her go down that dark path though, or else they’d end up losing each other more than they already had. 

Lost in a world which was all a big lie, a world which no one truly understood. 

“I know that feeling, not being understood.” Diamond commented. “I feel like who I am is a sort of illusion in some way, with the real me hidden in a heap of lies. The devil me.” she sighed again. I’ll find Crystal, then maybe when everything is fine again I can find out who the real me is.” she nodded happily. “I like the sound of that.”

Amalie, aged 10, Ipsden: 
A Pig’s Dream

This story starts in the front garden of a cottage in Ipsden. Two guinea pigs, Loki and Thor,were in their hutch sleeping. Loki was a black and white guinea pig and Thor sometimes called him badger…because he looked like one and was a naughty, mischievous piggy. Thor on the other hand,was a beautiful, majestic pig and was calm and sensible. His fur was the complete opposite. It went everywhere! He was ginger, black and white. Thor was the older brother.

It was on one particular Saturday night that something magical happened.

That night Loki found a tiny gap in their black fence (as usual.)

“Thor,guess what I found!”He whispered.

“Is it another hole in the fence?” Said Thor, yawning.

“Brilliant guess!…Yes.”

“Shhhhhh! Pipe down!”

Loki has gotten out of the area they are kept in many times. Thor normally follows since they’re brothers.

They have been under the neighbours fences, under the garden furniture, basically everywhere. Now another adventure was in store. But this time they might not come back…

“Loki I have a feeling that this isn’t going to be a good choice…”

“And I have a feeling it is going to be a brilliant one!!”

Thor had only just been woken up,so he wasn’t ready for what his brother was about to say.

“Come on lets go!” Loki squealed.

“Okay! Wait for me!!” Thor wheeked back. The two little piggies squeezed through the gap, waddled, across the garden onto the road (checking first) and into the woods.

“What fun we are going to have!”thought Loki. 

As they walked along the dirt path, Loki picked up a scent of something. Something strange. Something new. Something delicious! “Thor! Do you smell that!?”

“Yes I do! What is it!?” Thor replied. Suddenly a rustle could be heard by the two pigs and a small black nose came into view. Now a little mouth was visible and two black, glinting eyes were staring at the brothers.

“Follow me” the strange pig said and with that he disappeared back into the bush. The brothers followed and they all waddled towards the wonderful smell.

The guinea pig was a mixture of colours and he had the silkiest,shiniest fur Thor and Loki had ever seen. 

The new piggy wasn’t a big fan of being admired so chattered his teeth and ordered them to stop. No-one was talking so Thor blurted out “Oh! We don’t know your name!”

The piggy looked round his shoulder.

“Albert”.

“Well Albert, nice to meet you. My name is Thor and this is Loki.”

They came to a big wooden gate and inside they could see the biggest pumpkin ever.

“See that big pumpkin over there? That is the biggest pumpkin here!” The orange piggy said.

“Where are we?” Thor then questioned slightly confused but still mesmerised at the same time.

“Here?! Every guinea pig knows about this place! This place is the most sacred place to a guinea pig!!”Albert was very surprised that these piggies did not run wild.

“Oh!You must be some of those pigs that spend their lives in a cage sleeping and eating all day!So sad!”

Thor was a bit hurt by this but Loki had picked up the smell of the pumpkin again.

“This place is the allotment”Albert explained.

“There is also something I want to show you.”

He went to the massive pumpkin and jumped into a hole. Thor and Loki followed him.

They were about half way down the tunnel in the giant vegetable when they saw yet another pair of eyes staring at them.

“Bear, go back down.”Albert told the two eyes.

Thor was still confused and asked where the tunnel lead too and who the pair of eyes belonged to. Albert explained that it was only his friend Bear and that they were going to somewhere magical.

The friend complained that it was so dark,comfy and quiet apart from right now that he wanted to have a little snooze.

Albert sighed. “Well then, you stay here!”

As they walked through the tunnel it started to get much lighter and now it was clear enough to see Bear properly. He was a light brown piggy. Most of his fur was flat but on his forehead he had a fancy little hair cut where his fur stuck up into a swirl leaving a patch of skin in the middle. Finally they reached the end and the middle wasn’t that orange, slimy stuff you scoop out into a bowl when you carve a pumpkin for Halloween. No, it was a magical guinea pig paradise! Thor and Loki were just looking around, speechless, at the wonderland before them,when two more piggies waddled up to them. More and more followed, all squeaking and jumping around like corn popping. Thor and Loki couldn’t have been happier. The pumpkin was full of things the pigs loved! Tunnels, ramps, hideouts, and piles of every pigs favourite veg. But what caught Thor and Loki’s eye was the stack of pumpkin seeds in a far corner. They wondered what the seeds were for so they asked Albert.

“The seeds have their own special power. If you sow one in the allotment, you will be able to send your thoughts and dreams to anyone in the world”.

Thor then realised that their children across the road would be very upset in the morning to find out that their pigs are gone, and he knew what he had to do.

“Loki, there’s something we need to do.”And with that, he grabbed two seeds and ran up the tunnel. They woke Bear up as they clambered over him and he sleepily followed them out into the allotment. The brothers both dug a small hole in the ground, with help from Bear, and sowed their seed. Both piggies had a wonderful dream about the adventure they had been on and that they were happy and safe and sound.

In the morning,the two children had that very dream and then found out that their guinea pigs were gone. Even though they were a little worried about them, somehow they knew that if their dream said that they were okay, it must be true.

Charlotte, aged 14, Pangbourne:

Quietus Chapter 1 Skylar:

My nylon sticks flew through the air, electric blue shapes blurring before my eyes. The kick bounced against the bass drum, creating a steady percussive beat to compliment the faster ringing of the high-hat. 16/8 time. 

3 … 2 … 1 … 

I let the music flow out of me, let it leak out of every pore, I let all my frustration, all my worries translate into the fill. 

My hands move of their own accord while everything around me is fading away. I’m aware of the disappearance of the cityscape around me, my drums drowning out all other sounds, but that doesn’t matter anymore. “and nothing else matters” by metallica. That was Brynn’s favourite song. I wonder if she’s okay, it’s been a year already since she left. I haven’t heard anything bad, nor anything good. That probably isn’t a good sign. Usually when you don’t hear of a person, it’s because there isn’t anything to hear anymore. No! I can’t think like that.

Damn my thoughts going off on a tangent whenever and wherever is most inconvenient.

Come on brain focus. Brynn could be hurt, or worse. Nope don’t focus that much. Don’t go there. I don’t want to go there. It hurts. But it’s the most likely thing: Brynn must be dead.

I feel cold, freezing tendrils of darkness, my darkest thoughts, dragging me into a pool of despair with no bottom. Then: It’s gone. All of it, even the crushing pain of losing her.

No longer am I playing my kit on the side of a road in Reading. It’s gone.

No longer am I offended by the endless bombardment of sights, smells, noises and feelings. It’s gone, all of it.

Yet somehow, I can still hear the sound of the kit, it sounds like I’m still playing, and quite well too.

1… 2… 3… 4… que crash, right on time. 

My surroundings come into focus, tall skyscrapers. But not glass and metal like the ones at my busking spot, instead, they’re smaller and made of a deep purple brick. Wait…

Deep purple?

There’s no street in Reading with deep purple towers, nuh uh, otherwise I would be living there. 

So where the hell am I? 

What type of flowers are those? 

Amazing flowers line the frames of the blue glass windows, nestled in black window baskets, I don’t even recognize the colour of those flowers, like- Why in god’s name am I so fixated on those damn flowers? They do look nice though, I wonder what they taste like.

I’ll just have to find out, I guess, they’ll at least satisfy the hunger pangs. 

Huh. 

Haven’t felt a hunger pang in a while. Come to think about it, I haven’t blinked in ages. I can’t feel my hands or my usually freezing feet. I can’t even feel the wind that’s blowing blue leaves in tumbles across the cement like road, I can’t feel anything. Something is wrong. What’s wrong? 

I can feel something nagging in the corner of my mind. My stomach is clenching, all my muscles are tensing, trying to tell me something. But what?

But nothing is happening. Sh*t. SH*T! SH*T!!! Nothing is happening! I’m frozen!

I CAN’T BREATHE!!! 

PLEASE HELP! SOMEONE! ANYONE! HELP ME!!!!

Stop. Calm down. Freaking out will just make me run out of oxygen sooner. Hold up, I’ve already been here a good 3 minutes, if I was going to suffocate I would already be dead. It’s like, like I’m frozen, but the rest of the world… Ummm maybe not. The rest of this world, is definitely still moving, still spinning. It’s like I have a foot in two worlds, right on the border of each, but not fully in either. Trapped between my world and whatever this place is, I can hear my drum kit and faintly smell the horrible fume choked city, but all I can see is this place, a place I have never seen before nor even thought of before, filled with vibrant colours and wonderful nature. 

But still, I appear to be stuck here and that is certainly not okay, especially since I can’t move or breathe. At least I’m calmer now. 

I can hear my drumming still: panicked, erratic and horribly out of time, focus on that. That sound, the sound of the music. 

Woah. That’s weird. I do not like that. It feels like someone is pulling me away by a string that’s somehow attached to my body. 

There is definitely not a string attached to my body. I think I would’ve noticed by now. 

Owwwww, that hurts very much.

On the bright side at least I’m moving now. Although I can’t see anything, blinding white light is replacing the scenery around me, burning my corneas. Even after I closed my eyes in a half-hearted attempt to try and stop the pain, it simply forced its way through and continued attempting to purge my mind of the place I just saw.

All of existence is being consumed in that purging white light, licking the universe clean, spreading from place to place like fire across a forest.

The buildings are blurring into nothingness, changing into that incessant offensive glare that has no source.

I don’t want to go yet. I don’t want to leave. I want to stay. I want to stay in whatever weird and wonderful place this is, even though it is mental torture. 

Aw man, I never got to taste the flowers.

Ow, owie, wowie wowie. I indeed have incredible talent. Amazing skills such as falling backwards off of my drum stool and flicking one drumstick into someone’s eye and one at my nose simultaneously. No lunch for me since my money just up and walked away with scattered laughter. Damn, I even put out my fedora for a change.

Was that real? What was that light? Why was it trying to erase my memories of that place? 

Wait… What did I eat yesterday…?