ongezellig maya

“No, but I figure now is as good an opportunity as any.” She sheathed her sword and stepped back, pressing her palms together. She began gathering her mana, but it was slow to react, like a creature awakening from hibernation. “Zodiac: Avagath.” A large silver magic circle appeared on the ground, showing the ten constellation runes open to her, and through them, she could feel the power of the cosmos beginning to flow into her. It was a feeling she had missed. Whenever she activated her magic, she could see the stars with her mind’s eye, the flickering light in the darkness, especially when she used Avagath, which expanded her sensory abilities.

The school year was coming to an end and I was busying myself with spring sports. I was doing track and field, distance events like the 1,500-meter run. I also tried my hand at pole vaulting, which did not go well. I had to quit vaulting before I really hurt myself. One particularly grueling Friday at practice, I noticed Mrs. B. in the bleachers watching. Faculty often wandered out to watch teams practice or play, but Mrs. B was rarely among them. She lingered when the practice was over, so I went over to say hi. She seemed genuinely happy to see me, even though she had been quite aloof in class or in the hallway.

“You can't be serious!” she gasped, as Daddy slipped himself out from behind her and pushed her down to the bed.“Why not?” I asked. “It's not like it tastes bad, or anything! I've tried it loads of times. It's different than Daddy's is, for sure, but it isn't bad.”