Alice
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The beginning.
Shortly thereafter…
As the final word writes itself onto the manuscript between my fingers, I smile and let the full stack of pages flutter until I am staring at a, truly, obnoxious title.
Falling in Love with My Unseelie Kidnapper, huh?
“It’s giving…paid by the word, Camilla.”
Casting a look toward my library of enchanted tomes, I snort and pluck Camilla’s free from beside Citrus’s retired journal. I open the heavy leatherbound up to our last correspondence and find a single, judging word.
Rude.
A further statement etches itself into existence.
Clearly, it’s intentionally a Fall Out Boy title.
Uh-huh.
My eyes roll, but I’m smiling. “Did Frank tell you that one?”
Maaaybe.
For those who don’t know, Frank is Camilla’s cover artist. She is a saint who manages to fit all these many words legibly upon a cover. And she is also the author of exceptional roasts.
Relaxing in the back of my bookshop upon a couch surrounded by projects and possibilities, I cross my ankles and tilt my head against the cushions, staring at the pages before me. “What’s next, now that this is over?”
Who knows?
You?
I shift my attention toward the bookshelves in my library. Ideas. Unfinished concepts. Endless opportunities to explore. I repeat the sentiment in stride, “Who knows.”
Anything could be next…anything at all.
Because everything is a story just waiting to happen.
And if you’re reading this one, may it have brought you peace, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Let this truth shine. Take it with you into every adventure.
You are enough, beloved.
Even with your character flaws.
Even with your messy plot.
I promise.
This world is full of stories, and you’re writing yours just fine.
Until we meet again,
Alice