#Hoffman’s Cafeteria

[johnnyutah]

do you think lynn and lawrence would go for lunch together in the hospital cafeteria sometimes… like lawrence would say he forgot to bring one and lynn, feeling sympathy for this man going through a divorce after facing very public trauma, would pretend she hadn’t packed herself one… do you think she’d steal his fries? do you think they’d critique the bland hospital food together, rating angel of mercy’s kitchen staff on their variations of chicken tenders as though the pair were judges on a cooking tv show? do you think they had inside jokes together? do you think lynn ever suspected that her coworker, poor doctor gordon with the sad story, was taking sick inspiration from her life? do you think when lynn lost dylan and her work started to slip, lawrence was almost excited to kill two birds with one stone; he had the perfect solution to present john. two broken lives in need of repair, jigsaw-style: one person capable of the surgery john needed, one person with a tragedy to mirror john’s own loss. do you think lawrence ever considered how lynn would serve as a foil for john’s wife? do you think lawrence knew that the surgery would be too risky for him— a surgeon specializing in tumours— to attempt? how much of a chance did lawrence really think lynn would have had? he would have known her husband from the stories she shared over watered down sodas and flavourless chicken. he would have known he was signing away her life— and her husband’s and their remaining child’s. do you think he brought her file to john with excitement at the perfect solution— like when hoffman suggested rigg— or do you think he didn’t feel anything at all? when did his laughter at lynn’s terrible jokes stop being honest?

[milkbath69]

i dreamed about mark hoffman and his massive tits last night

a lot of saw characters were there like just eating in a school cafeteria and the only topic of conversation between me and them were his massive fucking tits

[commissarpiglet]

Hey, look what I found...

First news source, dated 2012 describes that years Israeli politicians fundraising for their campaign from foreign sources, primarily from the US.

[Image id: Money Comes From The U.S. reads as:

For this new report, each member of the Knesset was asked to give a list of campaign donors and the amounts received. Officials at the state comptroller's office told NPR they are currently in the process of checking and verifying the list, although a quick glance at the figures shows a clear trend.

The report says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised more than 90 percent of his campaign money in the United States. Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon, also from Netanyahu's conservative Likud bloc, raised 100 percent of his campaign contributions overseas - mostly in the US. end image id]

[Image id: Titled Many Americans Prepared To Give reads as:

Wilf didn't choose to fundraise in the U.S. herself; her campaign money came entirely from her own personal fortune. But she says she understands Israeli politicians who accept help from often eager American donors.

"Americans are trained to give money to politicians. It is in the system," Wilf says. "They know this is how politics work. So when a politician tells them, 'I'm running,' it makes sense to them to give money. I've had many American Jews offer to help me. And I tell them, 'I don't need it, I'm fine.' But that's their way of saying, 'We want to help you. We want to support you. We like the work that you are doing.' "

Back in the Knesset cafeteria, politicians speculate about the upcoming elections and what surprises may be in store.

Hoffman says that Israelis have shown time and again they don't really care where or how their elected officials raise money.

"Israelis don't care where their politicians get their money from," Hoffman says. "There are politicians that have been convicted of illegal fundraising that are making political comebacks right now, and people don't have any problem with it whatsoever."

What's more important to Israelis, he says, is that their elected officials have the elbows to get the job done. end image id]

Source:

If anybody wants to jump in this rabbit hole with me, or already has, I'd love to get a break down of just how much the US (and others if it's relevant) are funding Israeli politicians. So far it seems like sources outside of Israel can only fund primaries, but I'd bet that's enough for US interests to be involved in Israeli elections.

[mattnben-bennmatt]

Ben Affleck on his and Matt Damon's approach to acting in the early days

From the SmartLess podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett (3 April 2023)

-

BEN: I would periodically go off and do a little Voyage of the Mimi. So Matt was a little threatened by that. And when I got to the high school, he kind of pulled me aside. He said, "Listen, man! All right? This is the theater. It's not about your looks, okay? It's about the work." And I took that very seriously. I thought that I was hearing something real, like the words of wisdom from a guy who understood it. I didn't know until that time he felt I'd been entirely bogarting my way through life on like charm and looks, of which there were very few. [...] I think maybe he was a little insecure. The other thing he said to me was, "You know the thing about Hoffman in [Death of a] Salesman? It's you can see the wheels turning. But... he wants you to see the wheels turning. Matt Damon, 15 years old. [...] That's why he's brilliant! Because that guy has been absolutely convinced that— and has paid attention to like very little else in his free time—other than acting. Since he was a little kid, doing Wheelock Community College theater when he was 11 years old, with absolute conviction that this is what he was gonna do.

-

[Full transcript under the cut.]

-

BEN: I've established that we were very nerdy and a little weird. We used to have "business lunches", in what was called the Media Cafeteria, which at the time there was a big ESL portion of our public high school—it was like 2,600 kids—and that was where the ESL kids— I don't know why that was where we— We liked to be surrounded by people who spoke other languages. I'm not sure what it was. Maybe we didn't want them to actually hear our business lunch, because no business was conducted. But we plotted things. We planned our careers.

JASON: But look at you now! Look at the business you guys are in now. Artists Equity, yes?

BEN: Yeah. It is bizarre to have gone this far. And definitely a lot of— I don't think I would be sane—or as sane to the extent that I am—had I not had somebody who was from where I grew up, and who was my best friend, and who was going through the same thing. So you could— Because I'm sure you guys all know: there are these moments in this business where you look around and go like, "Is this completely insane? I feel as though I'm coming unglued." And having that, someone share that perspective— and then so, as we went on and on, so finally got to a place where—like with Last Duel—it was like, "Why haven't we just—? We had so much fun! Every day on that set was so much fun! Let's just do this: let's just do movies together and with people we like."

SEAN: Yeah, but going back to the first thing that kind of launched it, was it Dazed and Confused or was it something before that? [...]

BEN: I had done a couple of— I was the more experienced. I don't wanna make Matt feel insecure. I had some early experience with professional acting.

JASON: Selling burgers. [In reference to a Burger King commercial]

BEN: Not only did I sell burgers, but I don't know if you know your public television history. I was on a show: Voyager the Mimi? Science. It was also shown to 6th graders for the science class I think because it was so gripping. A young boy and his grandpa, renting out a boat to scientists for experiments. And so I would periodically go off and do a little Voyage of the Mimi. So Matt was a little threatened by that. And when I got to the high school, he kind of pulled me aside. He said, "Listen, man! All right? This is the theater. It's not about your looks, okay? It's about the work." And I took that very seriously. I thought that I was hearing something real, like the words of wisdom from a guy who understood it. I didn't know until that time he felt I'd been entirely bogarting my way through life on like charm and looks, of which there were very few.

JASON: Well, but no. It sounds like actually you came roaring into high school, just killing it.

WILL: Yeah, you were crushing it and Matt—I mean, by the way, again, no insult to Matt—but it sounds like he felt threatened by you Ben.

BEN: I think maybe. I think maybe he was a little insecure. The other thing he said to me was, "You know the thing about Hoffman in [Death of a] Salesman? It's you can see the wheels turning. But... he wants you to see the wheels turning. Matt Damon, 15 years old.

SEAN: No way! That's hysterical!

BEN: That's a true story.

WILL: That's fucking amazing!

BEN: That's why he's brilliant! Because that guy has been absolutely convinced that— and has paid attention to like very little else in his free time—other than acting. Since he was a little kid, doing Wheelock Community College theater when he was 11 years old, with absolute conviction that this is what he was gonna do. And he was a lot smarter about it than me. He understood a lot earlier on. He was like, "It's just all about the director. I'm just gonna focus on the direct." He was like passing on parts when we were broke. "What are you passing on? You can't pay the gas bill! How is this not good enough for you?"

JASON: Because he didn't like the director?

BEN: Yeah, he'd just feel he didn't have anything to offer. I was like, "I'm doing after-school specials about steroid abuse, and you're passing on movies."

[newfeeling77]

they have this fucking crossword game show playing on one of the tvs in the cafeteria every morning when i get here n today it was dustin hoffman themed

everything on earth is about me.

[morffyne]

@miamistadium
Warsaw Ballroom @ 1450 Collins Ave Miami Beach. Fever Crew flashbacks right here. Iconic facade and spot for sure, OG’s know. There’s a saying, “If these walls could talk, they’d scream.” Facts. Built in 1940 by Henry Hohauser, this art deco gem began its life as Hoffman’s Cafeteria, an old school Jewish joint. By the mid 70s it became Warsaw Ballroom, a dance hall for senior citizens. WB closed by ‘81 but reopened in ‘86 as “Ovo at the Warsaw Ballroom.” The following year it became The China Club but by '89 it went back to Warsaw Ballroom ushering in its most historic, infamous time as one of the premier party spots in Sobe history. If you didn’t party here in the 90s then you didn’t party. By 2000 it became Jerry’s Famous Deli which had a solid run 'till 2014. Since 2015 it has been Señor Frogs. Ain’t too many spots in the world that evolved from a deli to dance hall to gay club to rave club to a place where even Gianni Versace threw parties. Hands down one of the coolest most historic structures in 305 which always takes me back to mid 90s Fever Crew days. Respect 🙏 (📷: Uncredited) 
#miamistadium #fevercrew #warsawballroom #sobe #miamibeach #deco

[sourstrawberriezz]

Hi!!! I normally don't send requests (don't even know if I'm at the right place lol). Anyways, I'm wondering, could you right something about the reader being good friends with Emily and also a guitar player? Like an enemies to lovers thing with Hunter 'cause she caught his attention?!

Bye!!

Of course I can! I absolutely love this idea- (Thank you so much for the request btw!)

After your fifth period class was over, you headed to the cafeteria to have lunch with your childhood best friend, Emily. You took your seat across from her and started up a conversation. “Then I was all like ‘give me my favorite guitar pick back!’ and he wouldn’t! Moral of the story, Skip Hoffman absolutely sucks.” You finished with a sigh.

“Wait hold on just a moment-! Did you get the pick back? I know you treasure that one since you got it at that Metallica concert a few years ago.” Emily replied with concern about your favorite little piece of plastic. “Oh! Yeah, that Clay Moss kid from Molley Coddle got it back for me.” You smiled taking the pick from your pocket and showing it off to Emily.

“Enough about me, what is going on with you? Anything interesting happening?” You asked with enthusiasm. “Wellll.. I got a boyfriend! Or, at least I think we’re dating.” Emily answered with a light blush on her face. You, on the other hand were left jaw dropped. “What!? Why didn’t you tell me sooner!?” You quietly shouted while whipping your head around looking for your best friend’s mystery boyfriend.

“Oh my goodness (Y/n)! Stop trying to look for him!” Emily’s scottish accent really showed when she got flustered. Then your eyes locked with a pair of bluish green eyes partially covered by long brown hair. ‘This isn’t weird right? No! It’s not weird because he was staring first!.. I think.’ You thought to yourself as he broke the stare and quickly turned back around.

After school, you went to one of the music practicing rooms to play your electric guitar. You kept your door cracked open a bit so that you could have playing competitions with Emily. Down the hallway you could hear the cello through Emily’s barely open door, so you played a riff that you’ve been working on for a while. What you didn’t know was that your audience wasn’t just Emily, but also Hunter Sylvester. He had drove to the school to pick up Kevin since he drove him there. On his way to find Kevin, he found your passionate guitar playing instead. He peeked through the window of the door and saw your head thrown back while absolutely shredding that guitar.

He was mesmerized. He’s never seen such love, hard work, and commitment put into an instrument before except whenever he plays. “Metal..” He mumbled before you finally finished. Hunter snapped himself out of his trance and continued down the hallway to retrieve his best friend.

*The next day*

“Hunter please! You have no idea how much she shreds! Just give her a chance.” Kevin practically begged Hunter to give Emily a chance to be Skull Fucker’s bass player. “Oh my fucking god fine Kevin.” Hunter gave in rubbing his temples. Kevin texted Emily and she said she could go to Hunter’s, but today was also the day you and Kevin would meet. Kevin told Emily to just bring you along, and that she did.

Here you were, in the Sylvester house’s basement, accompanied by Emily, Kevin, and Hunter. You were beyond shocked as you heard Hunter tell Emily that she can’t be in the band just because she plays cello. Hearing him degrade your friend pissed you off badly. “Y’know what Sylvester, Emily doesn’t need this band if you won’t accept her for the damn instrument she plays! So you two will see us at the battle of the bands next Friday cracking skulls.” You confidently stated as the room went quiet. All eyes were now on you, but you didn’t budge on your decision. “Kevin it was nice to meet you, can’t say the same for your friend though. Let’s go Emily.” You said as you grabbed the horrified girl’s hand and left.

You and Emily came up with the name Bloody Locket, and for the next week you spent all of your time practicing with Emily, arguing with Hunter at school, and making sure everything was perfect for the battle of the bands. It was happening in two days, so your brain was going haywire. Emily assured you that everything would go great, but you couldn’t help but overthink.

‘What if I play the wrong chord? What if a string snaps? Oh my god, what if I forget the whole song!?’ You thought to yourself. Emily noticed your change in mood the past week, and was getting really worried. She also noticed how much more serious you were about this than she was. Emily was taking this seriously and was going to try her best, but she wasn’t stressing out like you had been the past few days.

*Two days later*

Here you were getting antsy backstage at the battle of the bands. Emily had filled you in yesterday about how Hunter was sent to rehab, which equally surprised you. It also opened your eyes a bit. Hunter dealt with his own struggles and issues, so why were you even being rude to him in the first place? Well it’s because he was shitty to your best friend.. but he apologized. Okay, it’s because uhm, uhhh.. you don’t actually know. He just returned the mean behavior every day so you just went with it. In reality, there’s really nothing to be mad at him for anymore.

After finishing arguing with yourself in your head, you walked over to Hunter who was also backstage, and decided to apologize. “Hey Hunter?” “Huh? Oh uh hey (Y/n).” He replied awkwardly not knowing why you’re talking to him in a calm manner. “I just wanted to say-” “Actually I have something important to tell you. (Y/n), you are so metal, it’s fucking insane. The first time I saw you play, something happened to me because of how much passion you put into that guitar. At first I had no clue what it was, but- I- I thought it was that I hated you I guess? I later found out it wasn’t that I hate you, but actually the opposite. Look, I just want to tell you that I’m sorry for how I acted and that I really like you.” Hunter finally finished. “That.. was pretty much what I was going to say, but you already spoke for the both of us so..” You heard Molley Coddle getting cheered for indicating they were done with their song, so you and Emily were up now. (I’m sorry I don’t know what to put here-)

*1 week later*

A lot of things can change in a week ya know? You and Hunter were now together, you had merged your bands after the battle of the bands, and now you’re in his basement practicing songs with your favorite people. Things couldn’t be better.

(Hey guys! I’m so sorry this took so long to get out, but I finally finished it! I hope you liked it!)

[artdecodude]

1450 Collins Ave• #MiamiBeach . Originally Hoffman's Cafeteria, it has been Warsaw (a Gay Nightclub), Wolfies, Jerry's Famous Deli, & Señor Frogs. It's been shuttered for awhile now, which is sad. Photos from my 2018 & 2006 visits.

[silastheanon]

Chapter Four Is Up!!!

I have no idea how long I can keep this daily posting up but we’ll see lmao @professionallydeadinside

You can read it on AO3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/34833532/chapters/86954926

or, you can read it below!

It turned out, Karl and Ethan were extremely fun to be around. The entire class period was filled with quips and jokes, Karl always starting them and then play off Ethan. The teacher couldn’t even get mad at them, he was always laughing too hard to. 

Eventually the class ended, Ethan forcing a path through the other students for Josef and Karl, who’s sledge hammer had disappeared in math and returned in the hallways, whatever black magic that was. 

When Ethan had brought them to the Hallway, Josef was surprised to discover he had been swept up into a rib-crushing hug by none other than Diedre. So, he was becoming her friend. Cool. (“cool” was no where near the word he wanted to use; in fact, he hadn’t wanted to use any words at all-- simply jump around and shout. Again, Josef had never really had friends before). 

“Hi, Diedre!” Josef managed to squeak out, dimly aware of the cackling laughter he was certain was coming from Zoe. 

“Josef!” her rumbly voice boomed, “you have your next period with all of us, get your lunch, come on!” She set him down and began ushering him towards his locker. 

“Jesus almighty, De, give the kid a damned minute,” Zoe said, placing a hand on Diedre’s broad shoulder, “squirt, we’ve got lunch next, and so do you. De here is the biggest worrywart and mother hen you’ll ever meet--” 

“Aside from Lucas!” Donna shouted. 

“--Aside from Lucas,” Zoe agreed with a nod of her head. 

“Amen to that,” Ethan joined in, “Once, I got slightly sick while staying at their house, and he wouldn’t let me out of bed for three days. Claimed it was so I wouldn’t get germs all over his house.” While they were sharing stories about the apparent mother hen that Lucas was, Josef had chucked his math books in his locker and took out a little envelope that held his lunch money inside it. He had just closed his locker when he was set on Diedre’s shoulders. 

The hallways were more crowded than before, with students pushing and shoving to get to the cafeteria for disgusting food that was somehow edible, but food nonetheless. The tables were all either round or long, the round ones having plastic stools that were connected to the tables, while the long ones had benches. 

Diedre, Zoe, Ethan, and Karl got into the lunch line with him, Donna having brought her own food. It didn’t take long for Clancy, Lucas, Hoffman, and Giles to join them. 

“Ah, if it isn’t the bane of my fucking existance!” Lucas called as he got into line, wrapping an arm around Zoe’s neck. 

“Get your dumb ass off me!” Zoe shoved him off her, hard enough that he fell on his ass. Lucas kicked out one of his legs at hers, managing to knock her off balance. She, however, was able to stay standing, while Lucas had to have Clancy pull him up. Josef was was sure that was more for melodramatics than actual need, though. 

Giles seemed to be bullying Hoffman about something or other. He wasn’t able to get far in that before Lucas smacked his head. Giles hissed, actually fucking hissed at Lucas, but relented nonetheless. 

The lunch line moved fast, Josef being fairly ignored as the others traded jokes and jabs between them, Diedre being the only one looking after him and making sure he wasn’t getting caught in any “cross fire.” 

At one point, Karl had bitten Giles’s hand when he attempted to shove Ethan, to which Ethan had declared Karl his savior and pressed a kiss to the gremlins cheek. When Josef corrected Ethan on her term, hoping that he actually was seen as a friend and that he didn’t over step, Ethan had laughed while Karl squawked, completely ignoring the fact he couldn’t smother a smile. 

“Eh, rather be a gremlin than a savior. Less responsibility, more bullshit!” Karl aquisted eventually, bumping Josef’s shoulder with his own. 

They got out of the line, a small glob forming as they each waited for the others, Giles being last. They began walking to a table, Josef following, confused at how they all seemed to be in silent agreeance and all have knowledge on where they were going, until he realised that a table had already been claimed while they were in line. 

Donna, Miles, Dwight, Sal, Mia, and Alcina were all seated at one of the long tables with benches. Diedre immediately claimed a spot next to Donna, Zoe taking her spot next to Miles and across from Donna. 

Josef hesitated, unsure where he should sit until Diedre patted the spot next to her, motioning him over. He slipped in next to her, a feeling of safety and protection washing over him from her mere presence. Karl sat next to Josef, Ethan taking his spot between him and Mia, with Alcina taking up the rest of the bench. On the other side of Donna, the bench was empty. 

Lucas was across from Diedre and next to Zoe, Clancy next to him, and Hoffman after him. Giles was on the end, though there was still more bench after him. On the other end, Dwight was at the end, with no more empty space after him, and Sal between him and Miles. 

Immediately, controlled chaos broke out in the table, jokes and old memories being tossed around like a basketball. Somehow, Josef was being included in them, too, with old stories becoming new stories he simply had to know. 

It was nice. This was nice. This year was going to be hell, but a nice hell.

[oosteven-universe]

Section 12 Declassified #2

Section 12 Declassified #2 Lenovations Press 2020 Written by Len Mihalovich Illustrated by Dominic Racho Flashback by Michael Kelleher Paintings on Page 4 by Jason Whittley, Shawn Vermett    Mike Hoffman & Delfinral BarColoured by Nestor Redulla Jr., Len Mihalovich & Lawrence Guerrero     He Likes to Paint     A cafeteria worker wakes up after being in a coma for over 20 years. He doesn't say much but he sure likes to paint. Most of his paintings contain a very familiar logo that attracts the attention of a mysterious caseworker.    I don’t remember how I came about this book, it could’ve been part of a kickstarter reward set or I picked it up at a convention, now that they are back.  I was preparing for a convention this weekend when I found that I had this and thought okay let's see what it’s about.  I was/am pleasantly surprised by this as well.  I don’t know why I don’t have issue one but what this one does is make wish I had it, I found myself intrigued by what I was seeing and reading and it was instilling within me the desire to know and see more.  Plus with the events that unfold it really takes things up to another level when comes to the intrigue department.      I am enjoying the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how they act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter.  I like seeing how the baseline personalities are being established here and it gives us a solid base to watch as the characters grow and evolve.  The pacing is superb  and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story the more we want to see and know.    How we see this being structured and how the layers within the story emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen are incredibly well rendered.  What I like about the layers is you feel like all the characters we meet have their own hidden agendas.  The avenues that are opening up through the layers add some great depth, dimension and complexity to the story.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is rendered exceptionally well.    I’m pretty darn impressed with the interiors here.  The linework we see is clean, crisp and sharp and how we see the varying weights and techniques are being utilised to bring about the detail work that we see is superb work.  I’m really impressed with whoever put the pages together to showcase those paintings because how that’s done really expands and enhances that perfectly.  The page layout where we see the face overlaid on the page is phenomenal; it leaves such a major impact on the reader.  The composition within the panels brings out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story is extremely well rendered.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a good solid understanding of how colour works.   ​    I’m not entirely sure what this is about but based on what I see within these pages I have a pretty good idea what is going on.  This of course makes me want to see and explore more because if my suspicions are correct then it's going to be something extraordinary.  It has all the makings of this secret organisation that guards it’s occult ties and nefarious activities from the prying eyes of man.   Of course it could totally be something completely different and innocent that is half the fun here.  With some solid writing and interesting characterisation wrapped up in these incredibly solid interiors makes for some interesting reading.  All of these factors also contribute to why I keep saying you should be on the lookout for small/indie/self published books to read.

[alywats]

January 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

Here are all the books I read in January, a month of getting back into my routine after the holiday break and trying to make time for reading. Reading is my favorite hobby, but it is really hard to make time and space for it when I use all my focus and strain my eyes at the computer during the working hours of the day. So audiobooks have really been my saving grace this month. I only read a few of these books with my eyes, and the rest of them were listened to while I was cooking or driving or doing my laundry or taking a walk around the lake, and that is something that has been really valuable to me. Even though I only had “time” to sit down and read three or four books this month, I was able to read 12 with the help of audiobooks! Woohoo! Now on to my reviews for these books!

1. The Big Sleep  -Raymond Chandler (231 pgs) 3

A classic "hard-boiled detective" novel which I enjoyed because of its significance in the genre. What I did not enjoy was the homophobia which, it being a product of its time, was extreme and hard to read through. First book of 2021 and we are not off to a great start!

2. Get A Life, Chloe Brown -Talia Hibbert (373pgs) 3.5

Mostly cute. There were like two or three things that made me suuuuuuper annoyed but I think they are more my issues than the book's, so I'll let it slide. Probably won't continue this series!

3. The Year of Less -Cait Flanders (189 pgs) 1.5

Okay this is the whiniest book ever, and I don't say that lightly. Ugh, I just wanted to read more about simple living and this book was 200 pages of complaining, Flanders not really consuming less, and no actual info about simple living or being a sustainable consumer.

4. The Invention of Sound -Chuck Palahniuk (240 pgs) 3

The first half was so good... and then I got kinda lost. At this point the real question is how many Palahniuk books will I read and think are mediocre before I finally read Fight Club...

5. Writers & Lovers -Lily King (320 pgs) 4

This book is really good for a lot of writer-y things and a lot of lover-y things. But my fav part? When there is a math band in the cafeteria called "The Cosines".

6. Wild -Cheryl Strayed (315 pgs) 4

I loved A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, so it's no surprise that I was into this book too. It is a bit cliche to be inspired by this book, but it's cliche for a reason, this journey is inspiring, the personal growth and discovery is inspiring. I also just loved the descriptions of Ashland, Crater Lake, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia from Strayed's perspective. These are places and landmarks that I have grown up with, and to be reminded of how special Oregon is was definitely something I enjoyed.

7. Brave New World -Aldous Huxley (288 pgs) 3

Honestly, I don’t have a lot to say about this. There were some things that worked and some things that were not great, but mostly I was indifferent. I could not find any investment in this story or the characters, but I also didn’t ~hate~ what I was reading, so it was really a neutral reading experience for me.

8. The Man Who Loved Only Numbers -Paul Hoffman (303 pgs) 3.5

This was a biography of Erdős, notorious Hungarian mathematician, as well as a general history of some of his contemporaries and their mathematical highlights. Overall I found this book to be engaging, well-researched, and at the right level of detail, but what made this one hard for me was my immediate and intense dislike of Erdős. As a baby mathematician, I have been told that Erdős was an amazing and prolific mathematician who changed the course of mathematics, and we (mathematicians) should be aspiring to be like him. And he *was* amazing and prolific as a mathematician, but outside of mathematics, Erdős was annoying and demanding and full of entitlement, something that surprised me. The reason this bothered me, if I’m being honest, is that I feel this attitude of superiority in the mathematics community way too much. You are not of superior intelligence if you do math, you should not forget to be a well-adjusted human because you are too focused on math, and this should not be what mathematicians are striving for (I think many mathematicians would disagree with me, and that is my point). Erdős’s attitude and ethos were unhealthy at best, as they are for many ‘great’ mathematicians, and it’s hard for me to get behind the romanticized nature of “The Man Who Loved Only Numbers”, as if abandoning all other parts of life is the best/truest way to be a mathematician. It’s hard for me to care about Erdős numbers (think 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon but for math) when the idea of mathematical name-dropping is just another way to feel superior, and I leave this book feeling disconnected by the communal obsession with Erdős among mathematicians.

9. The Shining -Stephen King (659 pgs) 5

I don't think it's revolutionary to say that this is King's best work, but in case you need me to tell you, The Shining is probably Stephen King's best work. Jack Torrance freaks me out like no other, the Overlook hotel is written in such a unique and ~creepy~ way, and the supernatural elements are woven in with character study and plot development in a way that makes them feel entirely real but not the central motivation for the story.

I think a problem with a lot of sci-fi/fantasy tropes like mind-reading is that 1. it is the *only* plot device the author uses to continue the narrative so it completely overshadows characterization and the plot arc, or 2. it isn't fleshed out enough so the reader doesn't get to feel totally immersed in or believe in the supernatural world that the story is taking place in.

The Shining is the balance of these two issues, King writes the characters and the plot in a way that is simply enhanced by the supernatural elements, and he writes the supernatural elements in a way that is enhanced by Danny's character and his circumstances.

This was my second time reading The Shining, since the first time I read it I was in 7th grade. There were definitely things I picked up on the second time around, and I am really glad I read it again.

10. Ancillary Justice -Ann Leckie (416 pgs) 3

One thing I really appreciate about this book is that it is a woman's voice and commentary on gender in the sci-fi world, which is rare and valuable. Sci-fi space opera has been a genre ruled by the white man for a long time, and that means that the stories are often very reflective of that. So yeah, I am happy to have read a book in this space written by a woman.

My criticism is simply that I was bored through parts of it, and I think that's because it's not a plot or characters that resonated with me. And that's just my personal taste coming through.

11. The Bass Rock -Evie Wyld (368 pgs) 4

The Bass Rock is the interweaving tale through different periods of time in Scotland, and the way society controlled and abused these women. They accused smart women of being witches, then they lobotomized women with opinions, and on and on. This book is a commentary on violence, and oppression as violence against women, which makes it somewhat difficult to read, but the way the stories of the women overlap both in plot and in theme is so beautifully done.

12. Hamnet -Maggie O'Farrell (372 pgs) 5

Shakespeare, that mysterious bard, had a son named Hamnet who died. Is it a coincidence then, that his most emo play is of the same name? (Hamnet = Hamlet in 1590s England I guess). This novel mostly shoves William off-stage, focusing more on his wife Agnes and her experience being a daughter, a mother, a wife, and a mourner. It is a glimpse into life in the 1590s, where plague was ravaging the cities, and although 1590s life often feels very different to our 2021 life, there are a few striking similarities to be found here: grief, lockdown, the closing of theaters. This was beautifully written, and in the spirit of being dramatic, I'll say the ending took my breath away.

And I'll end with this thought: Shakespeare wrote during a time where the Black Death could not be ignored, he (probably) lost his son to it, but the plague is at most an undertone in his body of work. Instead he wrote about corruption, the failure of rulers, deception, grief, and the lust for power. Take a look into 2020s USA, and I think you'll find that Shakespeare just got a little bit more relatable.

[thewritehag]

How about 4 and 15?

4. do you like your name?  is there another name you think would fit you better?

I’m gonna go backwards here. When I was in elementary school, I wanted my name to be Jasmine so people would call me Jazzy. My school had a thing where students worked in the cafeteria on a rotation, so I wrote Jazzy on my paper hat. 

Now, I love my name. I think it fits, for one and, if I ever manage to get published, Holly [Middle name] [Last name] will sound like a nom de plume. The best thing about it is that all my siblings have biblical names and mine is the only pagan in the bunch. That’s 1/8 and I’m into it.

15. five most influential books over your lifetime.

This is tricky, but here goes:

1) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. It was the novel I read just because I wanted to. My other books won’t have a story, but it was like fate that I would find Jane Eyre. I was probably 11 or 12 and was flipping through the channels and stopped on a black and white movie already half way through, and ended up captivated by it. It was, of course, the 1943 Jane Eyre starring Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles. Probably a week later, I was with my folks at Walmart and I always went to look at the books while they were at check out. That’s where I found their short-lived “classics” section and my first copy of Jane Eyre.  

2) A green faux leather bound edition of Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe. A friend got it for me in middle school and I loved it so much, I took it with me to girl’s camp. There’s a story there, too, but not as interesting and kinda sad.

3) Dracula by Bram Stoker. Vampires have been my “special interest” for almost my whole life. I just saw a book on them one day and my brain honed in. I read Dracula on my own, then again in college and grad school, when I wrote a paper on vampires and the folklore concept of liminality. It was fun. Anyway, Dracula is a book that inspires both passionate love and hatred in me. I’ve wanted to throw the book against the wall, time travel to just after Bram Stoker wrote/published it (I’ll let him have that) and kill him, and I’m awed by how pervasive the thing is. I think about it everyday. 

4) The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. This is obviously very recent for me, but true nonetheless. I love these books.

5) The Outside by Ada Hoffman. I was in the middle of this book when we found out that my brother was sick and when he passed away. It was, is the most bizarre thing and I can go into just how confusing death is, but I don’t want to be boring or maudlin. The reason the book matters at this time (it’s a good book, otherwise) is because it touches on how time is a lie and that’s a comfort after losing a loved one, especially one that I hadn’t seen in about 5 or so years. Lots of sci-fi books do this, but I was reading this one and I like it better. 

[phillippessar]

Art Deco Former Hoffmans Cafeteria 1940 by Phillip Pessar

[strangerstuffandthingsimagines]

Small Doses (Billy Hargrove x Reader)

(GIF BELONGS TO ME PLEASE CREDIT ME IF YOU USE THANK YOU)

Summary: “Billy was like a drug.You were determined to steer clear of his advances at first but you always came back for more. He was like unchartered waters that you found yourself diving into far too quickly. You became addicted to his rough touches against your soft skin, to the explosive eruption of unfamiliar feelings whenever you were around him.”

Warnings: Panic attack, sexual themes mentioned (not smut, I don’t write smut lol), swear words, I think that’s It lol

A/N: Hey guys! I hope you like this, I’m not sure if you will because I have zero confidence in myself :) Sorry for all the Billy fics, I didn’t realize that I had already posted so many aha. Also, I gave Tommy the last name Hoffman because he’s just listed as Tommy H, and I needed a full name for the story.

October

You had been dragged to Tina’s party by Nancy, she figured it would be good for you and Jonathan. She was set on the idea that you were perfect for each other, little to your knowledge, this was an attempt at pushing Jonathan away so Nancy couldn’t give into her feelings.

Alcohol and nicotine polluted the air of Tina’s living room, bodies against bodies as the music radiated from the speakers. This wasn’t an ideal night for you, especially with the stress of upcoming early entrance exams for universities and colleges weighing down on you.

The rhythmic pulse of the music left a ringing in your ears, the cool October breeze cooling your skin as you made your way outside. Nancy was completely shit faced, Jonathan, coming to her rescue. Steve was nowhere in sight and you were left at a house party you hadn’t wanted to go, to begin with.

The best bet you had at getting home was finding a telephone, this, of course, became more and more difficult to accomplish.

You had searched the house for a phone, desperately trying to get ahold of your mother but with no success.

Panic began to set in.

The motion around you moved faster than you could process, your head spinning and your legs losing their ability to carry your weight. It was like drowning, the water consuming your entire being. The surface was just out of your reach as the anxiety pulled you further and further down.

Struck by the sudden impact of a strangers chest, you were forced back into a state of reality.

“Watch it.” The voice snapped, you eyes trailing up to meet his. They were cold and brooding, his stare was intimidating and made you feel worse.

“I can’t breathe” Your mouth moved without control, it felt like your entire body was losing feeling as you began to shake. “I-I can’t breathe.”

Hot tears raced down your cheeks, your hand gripped onto his forearm tightly, not realizing your actions as you entered a frantic state.

“You got asthma or something?” He enquired, his hands stabilizing you as they held onto your shoulders. Genuine concern softened the features of his face.

Billy guided you outside, his arm wrapped firmly around your shoulders, scared that you would collapse without his help.

You cried with a loud and uncontrollable force, deep inhales broke apart in your lungs as your fingers squeezed into the palm of your hand. The thought of breaking down in front of a stranger terrified you, the fear of judgement had begun to eat away at your insides.

“I’m so embarrassed.” You gasped, sucking in air as you cried. “I’m so embarrassed.”

You couldn’t stop, you couldn’t breathe and you couldn’t escape.

Your rapid breaths ceased, his lips firmly pressed against yours. You pulled away from him, face frozen in a bewildered expression.

“Why did you do that?” you asked with wide eyes, your hands raised in an awkward curled position.

Billy licked his lips, his eyebrows raised matching your own expression.

“Huh?” he asked as if he hadn’t heard you, leaning in with his ear toward you.

“You just kissed me…?” your eyes rolling up and down as you took in who he was.

“That was CPR,” he said with confidence.

The shocked expression on your face fell as you erupted into a fit of laughter, unable to tell if he was making a bad joke or genuinely believing the words that flowed so carelessly from his mouth.

“What?” He asked as smirk lifted the corner of his mouth. “What’s funny?”

Billy was like a drug.

You were determined to steer clear of his advances at first but you always came back for more. He was like unchartered waters that you found yourself diving into far too quickly. You became addicted to his rough touches against your soft skin, to the explosive eruption of unfamiliar feelings whenever you were around him.

November

It started at lunch, like any other day you had been coaxed into sitting with Billy and his friends. You hated sitting with Tommy, Carol and whichever goon had latched onto Billy for the day. Your movements were small and nervous as you slowly poked the prongs of your fork into the sweet honeydew on your plate, hesitantly lifting it to your mouth.

The table abruptly jerked as Tommy theatrically made a crude joke, nearly tipping the table. You sighed in annoyance at the rowdy behaviour that always seemed to happen whenever you were around. In his eyes, you were just another Nancy Wheeler, latching onto Bily the way she had done to Steve.

Tommy’s beady eyes locked onto you, his stare making you feel small, insecure even. You glanced over at Billy to see if he noticed Tommy’s leer, but your boyfriend was engrossed in a conversation with one of the other guys, deep in discussion over who had a better layup in gym class.

You slid your hand under the table, softly caressing Billy's knuckles that rested on his thigh. Despite the warm smile that Billy gave you, it wasn’t enough to ease your discomfort.

“Hey, Billy, can I just say your an inspiration, to not only me but for mankind.” Tommy declared with malevolence.

Billy’s eyebrows furrowed, the corner of his mouth turning inward with confusion.

“The fuck are you on about?” He asked turning his attention to Tommy, taking a chug from his Pepsi can.

“Come on!” Tommy exclaimed palms pressed firmly on the table as he stood up. “You're a legend. I mean, how many girls have you nailed since you got here? You probably can’t even count on your fingers how many you chicks you’ve banged. I can only bet the list goes on in California”

Your stomach tightened as Tommy continued to make comments about Billy’s past. It wasn't something you ever discussed but you weren't stupid, you knew he had been a bit of a player.

“Shut the fuck up, Hoffman,” Billy growled, his jaw set in a tight line. Clearly mad now that Tommy’s words led you to retract your hand from his.

“Y/N,” Tommy said, forcing you to be part of this uncomfortable conversation. “What’s your body count? Oh, right I forgot, Billy’s your first boyfriend, isn’t he?”

Your ears began to heat up from embarrassment, the apples of your cheeks deepening in colour. Tommy was trying to make you insecure about your inexperience though there was absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. Your nails dug into the palms of your hand, nearly tearing into the flesh.

Carol raised an eyebrow at her boyfriend, even she was shocked by his words. Although her brow raised as a smirk played on her lips now, amused by the effect he had on you.

“One more word out of your mouth and you're fucking dead.” Billy seethed, his grip on your waist tightened as he pulled you into his side protectively.

Tommy threw his hands up in surrender, a weasel-like grin on his face. Your hands peeled back Billy’s fingers from your side, slipping out of his grip. You felt a slew of emotions, you were angry at yourself for continuously putting yourself in a position that would make you uncomfortable. You were embarrassed by Tommy’s comments, which left you feeling insecure.

“No, she’s totally banged, Billy. The quiet ones are always freaks in the sheets.” Carol quipped. “I bet they’ve done it in the back of his Camaro.”

You practically ran out of the cafeteria, your backpack clutched tightly in your hand. Your left hand digging around for your house keys as you were ready to sprint home if it meant you could escape the situation.

“Babe, wait,” Billy called, hot on your trail.

“Leave me alone.” You choked, feverishly searching through the contents of your bag. “Please, just go away.”

His hand took your backpack from your hands and hid it behind his back.

“Y/N, relax for a minute. I’ll fucking kill him.” Billy moved side to side as you tried to reach around him for your bag.

“Why does he do that?” You snapped, angry tears pooling in your eyes. “And why do you let him?”

“What do you mean let him?” he asked defensively. “Have they said shit like that before to you?”

Your eyes rolled up to the ceiling, the pressure behind them becoming unbearable to hold back.

“Did you tell them?” You asked, slowly lowering your gaze to meet his.

“What? Tell them what?” He snapped, now becoming irritated by your doubt in him.

“That we...”You peered around to check if anyone was coming down the hallway or listening in. “that we slept together.”

He was silent for a moment, his brooding eyes moving around your face, studying your expression.

“No, because you told me not to.” He said cooly, your arms folded tightly against your chest avoiding his gaze. “Babe, please don’t cry. You know I hate it when you cry.”

He dropped your bag to his feet, his firm hands cupping your cheeks as his thumbs softly wiped away your tears.

“I don’t want to sit with them anymore.” Your voice cracked as your evaded his gaze.

“What can I do to make this better?” He pleaded with penitent eyes.

Billy was the first person you had ever been with, part of you felt ashamed as you worried he would leave you after he got what he wanted from you. You were far more than just a hookup to Billy. He loved you. He really, truly loved you.

There was something almost angelic about you, you were kind and gentle. You were the salvation of his sin, he needed you.

“Beat him up.” a small smile pulling at the corner of your lips, quickly breaking the tension.

“Really?” he asked seriously, cocking an eyebrow at your request.

“No, I’m just joking.” you grinned, Billy pressed his lips to yours.

“There's that smile,” he whispered against your lips.

You may not have been Billy’s first, but he was convinced you were his last.

January

One moment you were screaming at each other, the windows fogging from the heat that radiated from your rage.

“I’m not doing this.” You breathed, hand already reaching for the door handle. “Talk to me when you're not wasted.”

With that, you slammed the car door leaving Billy to simmer down in the driver's seat.

He promised he wouldn’t drink, he swore he’d stay by your side the entire party and behave, But he didn't. Billy had to prove himself to the people he didn’t like, to impress the classmates who didn’t matter in the long run, that he could down the keg faster than Tommy. The party was just down the street, you were so upset with him you found yourself walking home. The brisk January air cutting through your thin cardigan as you forgot your jacket in his car.

Around 2:30 in the morning Billy had sobered up, got in his car, and drove. Like muscle memory, his arms turned the wheel in the familiar pattern until be found himself in front of your small home.

Sheets of freezing rain pelted down on the windshield,

Blood cacked under his nostrils, his left eye beginning to swell as he stood outside your bedroom window. You found yourself crawling out of bed and unlocking your window, taken aback by his appearance.

“Billy!” you whispered, careful not to wake your mother in the next room over. “Oh god, what happened?”

Your hands reaching into the cold night and pulling him into your window, he weakly climbed in, nearly collapsing into your arms.

“I’m so sorry.” He murmured into your hair, you struggled to support his weight.

“Hey, hey, It’s okay.” You cooed, your heart racing. “Billy we have to get you out of those wet clothes.”

He barely moved as your hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, then working at his coat and pants. You placed them on the small radiator that sat against your wall.

“Billy your freezing.” You commented, his skin almost sickly to the touch.

You guided him toward your bed, helping him under the covers. You climbed in next to him, pressing your body as close as humanly possible trying to warm him up. The quiet chatter of his teeth rattled in your ear, his arms wrapped around you tightly, desperate for the warmth of your touch.

Taking your thumb, you tenderly rubbed away the dry blood that had collected above his lip.

“Tommy said something,” Billy mumbled. “Something really fucked up.” He continued, his teeth clenching together.

You raised your head from his chest and watched his face as he spoke.

“What did he say?” your hand rubbing circles on his chest, trying to warm him up.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” He said, almost sadly.

You didn’t press the matter any further, partially relieved as you weren't positive that you wanted to know. You tugged at the comforter, pulling it up higher around you too.

Neither of you fell asleep, completely wired from the night.

“He said that I broke you in, that I should let the basketball team have a go with you since you must be easy after sleeping with me.” His voice was hoarse as if he was fighting back tears, “You don’t deserve the shit that people say about you. It’s my fucking fault, I’m bad for you. I’m a bad guy, Y/N.”

“Billy, your not bad...you’ve just had bad things happen to you.” You comforted, slowly sitting up, reclining on your right arm.

Billy had felt guilty about being with you, he felt as if he had tainted you and your image. He was undeserving of your affection. Unworthy of your soft touches against his rough skin.

“I ruined you, didn’t I?” his voice fragile.

“What? Billy, no why would you think that?” You asked grazing his swollen brow. “hmm?”

His tongue ran across his busted lip, the taste of blood filling his mouth.

“I just-” he shook his head as he tried to suppress the tears that desperately tried to escape. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the fear of losing you but he couldn’t stop himself. “I’m selfish because I know I don’t deserve you but I can’t bring myself to let you go.”

Your hand slid from his brow and down to his side, collapsing into him, pulling him into a tight embrace. No one hated Billy more than he hated himself, you knew this too well. He was self-destructive, he forced a toxic facade and broke everything he touched, but he wasn't bad.

“I’ll beat him up for you” you offered, attempting to get a smile out of Billy.

He remained silent, processing what you said, almost as if he were considering it.

“No, your too much of a sweetheart,” he whispered into your soft hair. “You’ve got so much good in you, do you know that?”

“I can give some to you if you want.” you smiled. “I think I have too much.”

He shifted onto his side, tucking a hand under his cheek as he grinned at you.

“Yeah?” He sleepily asked, smiling back at you. “you’d do that?”

“I’m a giver,” you pursed your lips playfully. “I’ll give you all of it if you want.”

“Well, I’ve already given you all of mine, so, it’s only fair.” his voice husky as he inched closer, his lips finding yours.

“Are you staying to watch me play, or are you hanging out with Wheeler?” Billy asked, playing with a pen you asked him to hold while you fill your bag with books.

“Sorry Billy, I’ve got plans with my mom, actually.” You apologised, plucking the pen from his hand. “Score a goal for me, okay?”

Disappointment washed over his face as he realized you wouldn’t be staying.

“Alright, could I come over later? Maybe take you out to the movies or something?” He asked, his fingers rubbing your elbow lovingly.

“I’d like that.” leaning on your toes you pressed your lips to his cheek. “is 8′o clock okay?”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then, get home safe okay?” Billy said after he kissed your lips.

You nodded, urging him to get going otherwise he’d be late for his practice. You watched as he went, waiting until he was out of sight before unsheathing the secret you had been hiding in your bag.

While Billy and the team played basketball you exacted your revenge on Tommy H.  With the pocket knife you had been given by Billy (he was certain you needed it for protection), you sliced into all four tires of Tommy’s car.

[vultania]

WARNING. POSSIBLE TRIGGERS FOR ABUSE.

Sylvie ran to the phone. "Hello, who is this?" she answered pleasantly as it was about to ring out. That ringtone was specifically for her, a gift from her husband, Jeremy, also known as Mr Black-n-White, so her friends wouldn't realise that he was the most hated villain in the country.

"Is this Sylvie Lawless?"

"Speaking."

"My name is Kiki Hoffman. There was an incident at school involving Stephanie Lucky. She is on her way to the hospital in the back of an ambulance."

Sylvie's hand flew to her mouth. She quickly gathered herself and asked, "Why are you telling me?"

"Because yours is the only number she has requested we call. She pulled her parents' numbers off herself."

"We'll be right there."

Sylvie hung up.

"Jeremy!"

"What!?"

"I need you to take me to the hospital!"

"Coming!"

Jeremy slid into the room and asked what was wrong. Seeing the tears on her face, he gathered her into his arms. "Can you tell me what the matter is?"

"No, not until we get there. One of my loved ones appears to be very close to death. She's in the hospital right now."

"Say no more."

And he whisked her into his Aston Martin DB 11 and they were at the hospital in 2 minutes, having used the underground tunnel he'd had built decades ago for this very purpose, but not for the intended party.

He parked at the end of the road and Sylvie scrambled out and up the stairs, leaving Jeremy to scramble up after her.

Sylvie bounded to reception. "I'm here to see Stephanie Lucky. Has she been brought in yet?"

The receptionist typed the name into his computer and he said, "She's only just arrived in A&E. She's going to be prepped for surgery, so you might not be able to see her just yet. Although if you're fast, you might just make it."

"Which way?"

The receptionist gave her detailed instructions and she and Jeremy followed them to the letter.

When they finally arrived, Stephanie had already been wheeled away to surgery. Sylvie found one of the nurses and asked how long the surgery would be, where they could wait, and where she would go from there.

"Ma'am, I cannot tell you anything if you're not related," the nurse said brusquely, returning to his cleaning.

"I'm her emergency contact. Her only emergency contact."

The nurse looked at Sylvie as if she was joking. Seeing no humour in her face, he sighed and straightened. "Stephanie has multiple stab wounds to her abdomen, limbs and face. There are some bruises to her thorax and back, but the knife wasn't sharp enough to penetrate her Kevlar vest." There was a question in his voice at the last. "The surgery will probably be a few hours, at least. From there she'll be taken to the Children's ICU. There is a waiting area outside the operating room, but I would recommend getting something to eat first," he added kindly.

"Which operating room is she in?" asked Jeremy.

"A&E OR 1. You can ask reception for directions, just say you're the emergency contact."

"Thank you."

Sylvie was lost for words.

"She'll be okay," the nurse said, seeing Sylvie's rapidly paling face. "The knife didn't hit any of her vital organs, but she has lost a lot of blood. The ICU is just to help her recover."

Sylvie nodded and Jeremy thanked the nurse and led her numb form to the cafeteria, where he ordered her a spiced pumpkin soup with croutons and a buttered bread roll on the side, just the way he knew she liked it.

Sylvie barely touched the soup, even though it was her favourite and her stomach was growling so loudly that some of the other people in the cafeteria turned to look at her.

Something then clicked in her mind. She wanted to be there when Stephanie woke up. But that could only happen if she ate her food. So she wolfed it down.

From there, Jeremy took her to the surgery waiting room. He knelt before her and asked if she was alright. Sylvie shook her head vehemently as a 'no.' "Will you be alright?"

"It depends," Sylvie mumbled, "on whether Stephanie makes it out of surgery."

"Who is she?"

"Just a girl I met at volunteering."

Jeremy placed a gentle hand on her knee. "I know there's more to this than you're letting on, Sylvie. You don't have to tell me any more than what you have already. I'll stay with you as long as you need."

Sylvie locked puffy, bloodshot green eyes with Jeremy's mesmerising, deep black eyes. She loved looking into his eyes – they made her feel safe, especially when the light hit them just so, as it did now, when they became like the starry night sky. She felt safe now.

Renewed tears found their way to her cheeks. Jeremy sat in the chair next to her and gathered her into his arms. She didn't sob, but the tears still came.

Around two hours later, the operating theatre doors opened and Stephanie was wheeled out on a stretcher. Sylvie let the entourage of doctors and nurses pass before she accosted the nurse at the back of the group. "Please tell me, will she be okay?"

The nurse continued walking, but indicated with a tilt of her head for Sylvie and Jeremy to follow. "Stephanie Lucky lives up to her name," she answered once the pair had fallen into step beside her. "She really is lucky to be alive right now. The surgery was a success, but she lost a lot of blood before she got here. The doctors closed over twenty stab wounds. Do you know how she might have gotten them?"

Sylvie shook her head. "No, I don't know. I'm only her emergency contact, and I know precious little about her."

"Yet she trusts you with her life."

Sylvie was silent.

Sensing she was going to remain silent on the matter, the nurse placed a hand on Sylvie's shoulder as they walked. "We'll be at the children's ICU soon. You'll be able to sit with her soon enough."

"Thank you."

Within a few more minutes, they arrived and transferred Stephanie over to the ICU staff As soon as the entourage had briefed the ICU staff on Stephanie and her condition, they left and Sylvie made her way straight to Stephanie's side. She held her hand tight. It was limp, and she couldn't feel a pulse in her wrist, but the machines' steady–if slow–beep gave her hope.

Jeremy stood just inside the curtain. His face was soon red with anger. "Sylvie, dear, you didn't mention that your loved one was my most hated enemy."

"I knew you wouldn't take me to her if you knew who she was."

"How long has this been going on?"

"How long has what been going on?"

"This! You being the confidante of my archnemisis! And her emergency contact!"

"Ever since you first kidnapped her and held her for ransom. I told her she could meet me anywhere she wanted and I would patch her up after each and every fight with you."

There was silence for a while as Jeremy processed this new information – well, silence as much as the soft beeping would allow. He was not impressed. But he loved his wife. And Queen Grey–Stephanie… Lucky, he reminded himself–looked so powerless and vulnerable with all those tubes sticking into her arms and nose. How was this the same girl he had fought in hand-to-hand combat so many times over the last few years? Who had put a stop to so many of his best-laid plans? Whose wearisome presence he had come to rely upon?

A new person came in and cleared her throat, startling Jeremy and Sylvie so they turned around to her. "Mrs Lawless, my name is Miss Joanne Burnett. In a social worker with the Government. May I have a word?"

Sylvie turned to Jeremy as if to warn him not to hurt Stephanie, then, giving Stephanie's hand a last squeeze, stood and followed Miss Burnett to the hallway. Miss Burnett wasted no time in mincing words. "Mrs Lawless, I understand you are a close friend of Stephanie's, yes?"

Sylvie was taken slightly aback. "We're not that close, Miss Burnett. I would argue that I barely know her."

"And yet you were her sole emergency contact. How can that be, if you 'barely know her'?"

"She comes to me for advice every now and then. Advice, tea and biscuits, and bandages. She gets into a lot of fights at school," she explained quickly.

"Right… anyway, the reason I wanted to talk to you is because, among her stab wounds, the doctors found evidence of broken bones that had been healed. And they struggled to find the veins in her arms because they were so bruised. Mrs Lawless, these injuries are consistent with physical abuse. Would you happen to know anything about these?"

Sylvie's eyes were wide. "Physical… abuse?" she whispered, horrified. "No, I had no idea…"

"Would that be the reason Stephanie removed her parents' numbers from her emergency contact list and added yours instead?"

"I would have to imagine so… Tell me, Miss Burnett, if she's being abused by them, would it be possible for us to adopt her?"

"You would be able to, but only when she wakes up." Miss Burnett pulled out a business card and gave it to Sylvie. "Just give me a call and I'll be able to finalise the paperwork with you."

"Thank you very much."

Miss Burnett left and Sylvie went back into the ICU.

She found Jeremy with his hand cupping Stephanie's tenderly. At least, she thought it was tenderly, until she heard him mutter, "You idiot. You absolute idiot. I told you to get out of a fight if ever your opponent brought out a knife. But did you listen to me? No! Of course you bloody didn't!" he shouted. "You got enough Kevlar to cover your vitals and you went into that fight anyway! How stupid can you be!" He let out a sudden sob. "You'd better wake up bloody soon, you idiot. You hear me? And you're going to listen to me from now on, understand? You're a hand-to-hand fighter, not a weapons fighter. You'd better stay alive so I can kill you later. Twitch your cheek if you can understand me."

Sylvie sat down next to him and pulled his hand into her own. "I didn't know you cared so much for her, Jeremy."

"Yeah, well, someone's gotta look out for the heroic little idiots like her around the place. And it seems like it's gotta be me."

"Don't you remember who keeps patching her up so she can go to school on time after your fights?"

"And you, too, Sylvie," he smiled affectionately. His features darkened as swiftly as a bolt of lightning flashes in a storm. "What I wanna know is who sent this idiot to fight me!? And how is she still in high school!?"

"Because I'm sixteen, you twat," croaked a weak voice.

Sylvie and Jeremy turned startled faces to Stephanie's no-longer-unconcious form. Sylvie's eyes brightened in her smile. She placed a hand on her cheek, while Jeremy placed his on Stephanie's, careful of the tubes sticking into her.

"Good to see you're finally awake, Stephanie," Sylvie said. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a pincushion that's been stabbed and lost stuffing and been sewn back together without being restuffed."

"Well, that is exactly what happened. Care to explain, young lady?" said Jeremy.

"What is he doing here?" Stephanie cried.

"He is my husband. But that's not important right now. What is important is that you tell us what happened to you."

Stephanie closed her eyes and covered them with the crook of her elbow. "Ugh, it's super embarrassing," she sighed. "One of the bullies at school, Zeke–he's in Year 10 and he's a dick–has powers. Telekinesis. And telepathy."

Sylvie crossed herself. Jeremy asked, "Are you sure? That's a strong combination."

Stephanie nodded. "I'm sure. Anyway, he was bullying this Year 7 kid, Ben, who's my best friend's sister's best friend's little brother, punching him and calling him names. I managed to break it up and I got Ben to stand behind me. Zeke stood a fair bit away from me, his eyes narrowed in concentration. I saw am opportunity to try and take him down, so I pulled out my knife and rushed him. Only I found that the knife that was still on my belt had lifted from it and was hurtling towards Ben. I ran back to him and jumped in front of him to take the knife in my own body. That's when I got stabbed the first time. Then the knife that was in my hand was also lifting towards me and stabbed me. Both knives stabbed me a total of twenty times and hit the Kevlar plating ten times each. I must've fallen unconscious at some point in the middle of it all."

There was silence for a few minutes.

"There's another thing I want to know, Stephanie," said Sylvie.

"Yeah?"

"A social worker came in and talked to me while you were still out about some signs that are consistent with physical abuse. Doctors said that you had multiple fractures that had healed awkwardly and they struggled to find your veins for the IV drips because your arms are so bruised. And then there's the fact that you removed your parents' names from your emergency contacts list and replaced theirs with mine. Why is that?"

"The doctors are right. My parents are physically abusive to me. That's why I decided to become Queen Grey. So I could have a legitimate reason to learn self-defence."

Another long silence in which Sylvie worked out how to say her next bit without using everyone.

"Would you like to live with us?"

"WHAT!?" both Jeremy and Stephanie cried, Stephanie removing her arm and opening her eyes.

"Think about it: you can practise self-defence in a safe environment and you'll be able to be patched up by me. You'll also still be going to school, of course, and we'll be able to figure out who's giving these kids super powers. I'll find the social worker so we can sort out the paperwork. Now, behave."

"Yes, Ma'am," they both answered.

Sylvie smiled and left the room.

Now came the most awkward silence yet. But it only lasted half a minute.

And it was Stephanie who broke it.

"So… how come you're in bioterrorism?"

"Anit-vaxxers killed our daughter. Skyla was such a sweet little girl, but her immune system needed help to work properly, so she had to have multiple syringes of the same vaccine. I was trying to make it more effective for her, so she could have just the one, but the anit-vaxxers kept destroying my work. She eventually died of measles."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," he said, waving away her concerns. "Now you tell me: what do you want to do when you leave school?"

"I want to become a doctor so I can help kids who have been abused like me. Documenting it properly is one of the best ways to get out of the situation. And I'll also treat them, for free, so that they can have a normal life and not have to live with the pain."

From then on, Stephanie and Jeremy became the best of friends, fighting each other and learning from each other. And Sylvie patched them both up after these fights and the ones Stephanie kept getting into at school. Stephanie also learnt how to resist the telekinesis. The telepathy was still a bit of a challenge, but she got there eventually.

And Zeke and the other bullies never bothered anyone ever again.

You’d known, intellectually, that your heroic nemesis was a teenager, but it didn’t really sink in until the day their school called because your number was the only one on their emergency contact list.

[multipleservicelisting]

What One District Did to Prevent Students From Failing

LUBBOCK, Texas — Madison Hermosillo started her sophomore year at Roosevelt High School alone in her room, bewildered and quickly falling behind.

Set among cotton fields and oil derricks outside Lubbock, Texas, her school was open for in-person classes. But coronavirus cases were rampant, and her mother decided to keep her home.

Madison, who is 16, muddled through remote assignments in geometry, chemistry and world geography. Soon, she was failing in every class but gym.

“My mom would tell me to go do it, and I would just go in my room and watch TikTok on my phone,” she said.

She was not the only one. By the end of the first grading period in September, 77 percent of the district’s remote high school students were failing at least one class. Those who opted to attend in person, by contrast, were mostly passing.

Similarly, about 30 percent of the youngest students, particularly in first and second grades, were not meeting grade-level expectations on a reading assessment administered at the start of the school year — roughly double the number from previous years, Delynn Wheeler, the elementary school principal, said.

To district officials, that was evidence that remote education last spring had set students back. And those who remained remote at the start of the fall semester struggled to catch up.

So the district took a drastic step: It ended its remote instructional option and required all of its 1,010 students — from prekindergarten to the 12th grade — to return to the classroom.

“This works for us in our little school district,” said Dallas Grimes, the superintendent. “It’s not going to work everywhere.”

The Roosevelt Independent School District resembles many others across Texas: small and rural, with a heavily Hispanic student population, including many living in poverty. Like others, the district struggled to provide remote instruction, despite creating mobile hot spots for students without internet and checking in frequently with those falling behind.

The results of mandating in-person instruction have been mixed. Dozens of teachers, staff and students have been infected, and many more have had to quarantine at home because of exposure. The absences have disrupted everything from classroom instruction to building maintenance.

But teachers and administrators said the best thing for their students was to be in school.

“When those kids were walking through that door, it was good,” said Theresa Hoffman, assistant principal in the district’s elementary school, recalling her emotion at watching students return. “The schools that didn’t do that — I just can’t imagine.”

The entire Roosevelt Independent School District sits on one campus, along a straight, flat country road. A fleet of yellow buses arrives each morning carrying the vast majority of students, many wearing the maroon school colors of the Eagles.

The students are 57 percent Latino and 37 percent white, with a small number of Black students and fewer of other races. More than three quarters qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Roosevelt was among the first districts in Texas to end remote learning, notifying parents on Sept. 22. All students had to return the following Monday. (A majority of Texas students attend school in person.)

Of about 140 students who were studying remotely, 15 withdrew from school because their families were worried about the health risks of in-person classes.

Seven others had already left the school district, located in a conservative and frequently Covid-skeptic part of West Texas, for the opposite reason: Their parents objected to a state mandate that all children 10 or older wear masks, Mr. Grimes said.

So far, the decision to bring everyone back into the classroom has improved performance, Mr. Grimes said. By the winter break, only 9 percent of high school students were failing at least one class.

But as performance has improved, the pandemic has intruded.

A large number of the district’s 170 teachers, administrators and other staff have tested positive for the coronavirus (52) or had to quarantine because of exposure (27), from the start of the school year through the beginning of January.

Absences have forced teachers to combine classes, serve lunch and even take out the garbage. Mr. Grimes, the superintendent, has had to drive a bus when the regular drivers tested positive or had to quarantine because of an exposure.

“We’re still recovering from Covid now,” said Tim Crane, the high school principal, who along with his wife, a special-education teacher, tested positive in early November. “My wife and I do everything we can, and yet we got it.”

As more schools across the country opened their doors in the fall, evidence has suggested that in-person learning has not necessarily led to widespread coronavirus transmission within schools — though the emergence of a new, possibly more infectious coronavirus variant has raised new concerns about reopening schools.

In Roosevelt, there is no regular coronavirus testing, but the district has imposed basic safety measures, including requiring masks, except when eating, and staggering arrivals and dismissals.

The greater risk has been infections outside of school. The surrounding community of Lubbock County had among the worst outbreaks in Texas during the fall, fueled by a mix of returning college revelers and local residents fed up with pandemic precautions.

No cases have been linked to contact at school, Mr. Grimes said. But contact tracing has been incomplete. Mr. Crane said neither he nor his wife heard from Lubbock County contact tracers after they fell ill.

And the community has not been immune from the pandemic’s toll: A bus driver, who tested positive at the end of a weeklong Thanksgiving break, died a few days later.

Cafeteria tables with seats for a dozen students are limited to three. Numbered lunch tables fill a school gym. Some students eat on the bleachers, at spots marked by blue tape.

The school does not have the space to maintain six-foot spacing in classrooms. And collaborative work, or a desire to gossip, draws students close.

“Guys, you’re going to have to sit down,” Kylie Martinez, an English teacher, told three students who were standing together in her freshman English class one morning last fall.

In the dim light of her second-floor classroom, students read quietly and answered questions on their laptops — a much larger part of life in the school this past year, and a way to keep students learning if they have to quarantine at home.

“As a mom, I was worried,” said Ms. Martinez, who has two young children attending the district’s elementary school. “I was concerned about them getting sick and us getting quarantined.”

So far, that hasn’t happened. But the pandemic has directly affected about one in three students: As of the second week in January, 53 had tested positive since the beginning of the school year, and another 282 have had to quarantine for two weeks because of an exposure.

“I’m in a big geometry class, and half of that class is in quarantine,” Madison Hermosillo, the sophomore who struggled with remote learning, said just before Thanksgiving break.

Madison has adjusted to the new routines of being back in school, from wearing a mask to sitting in an assigned lunch seat. After a few weeks back in school, her grades began to improve.

By the start of January, she was passing all her classes.

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