SPEED2SLOW

Step into worlds where gods walk among mortals, and ordinary individuals discover extraordinary powers within themselves. Unearth the secrets of forgotten civilizations buried deep within the sands of time and witness the clash of cosmic forces in epic celestial battles.

Within these pages, paranormal mysteries unravel and unexplained phenomena come to light, revealing the uncharted territories of the human mind and the unfathomable depths of the unknown. From haunted mansions to far-flung galaxies, prepare to encounter enigmatic creatures and ancient curses that stir the very core of your being.

Explore the vast expanse of the open seas, where ghostly pirate ships roam and mythical sea creatures rise from the depths, guarding secrets and treasures beyond imagination. Feel the salty breeze on your skin as you sail alongside intrepid adventurers, chasing dreams and charting their destinies on the restless ocean waves.

As you journey through Tales be prepared to confront the darkest corners of human nature, where the line between good and evil blurs, and moral dilemmas challenge the characters to their core. Witness the power of love and the strength of hope as they defy all odds and transcend time and space.

Each tale in this anthology is a wellspring of emotions, woven with expert craftsmanship, and designed to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. From heart-pounding action sequences to tender moments of introspection, these stories will take you on an emotional rollercoaster like no other.

Dive into this rich tapestry of storytelling where each chapter's unique world adds a vibrant hue to the collection, creating a symphony of narratives that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. 
Tales is not just a book; it's a gateway to infinite worlds and a testament to the boundless power of human imagination.

TALES
A COLLECTION

Mary had spent her entire life on the drop-ships. This was only her second rainstorm, and it was as terrifying and wonderful as the first has been. So much water, and so loud. She had seen them on the vids, of course, and she and Ronald had even sometimes stood in the shower and pretended to see and feel the rain, letting the water run on and on (a near criminal act on the dropships), but it hadn't been the same.


The others in the room hardly seemed to notice, even when another bolt of thunder sounded, sending tremors through her body. But then again, they hardly seemed to notice anything, the air, the way the surface constantly changed between your feet, the sunlight. They had sun equivalent light on the dropships, but that, too, hadn't been the same.


She darted out the door, quickly, before anyone noticed, before anyone could stop her, or do anything other than start to stand up. She pulled off her jacket as she did so, dropping it on the ground, letting the water hit her skin. Cold. Wet. She giggled. She opened her arms wide and tilted her head back and spun, the way the people had done in the old videos, dancing in the rain. She imagined someone kissing her in the rain, their hair wet, water pouring down their faces, and laughed again.


The wind had picked up by then, forcing the rain into small pellets that pierced her skin. It hurt, but she laughed, and began to run into the wind and the rain, arms extended.


By the time she returned, half crawling, half limping, she could not even scream. The bones of her fingers pounded against the diamond window, and shattered, as the acid of the water slowly worked through skin and muscle and bone.


The others came to the window, and watched, as Mary's skin melted into the rain, as her bones made a final slow spin against the wind, and shattered across the ground.


"You didn't tell her," said a woman. Not a question.


Her father's voice was soft against the thunder. "I wanted her to believe the Earth was a beautiful place."


RAIN