Sibling rivalry is a powerful thing. Sixteen years of his twin sister receiving obviously superior presents sends a boy into an unusual battle of wills with his father. How far is he willing to go to prove a point? (This one runs a little longer than the challenge guidelines wanted.)

My hot tears streamed down my chilled cheeks. Not even the late fall cold could cool the burning hurt within that spilled out from me.

Silence is Golden

Patricia Marie Allen's Story

I’ve heard others say that being transgendered is a gift. This is the story of how my gift worked out in my life.

While researching Cindy and Bobbie’s adventures, I found a reference to a little event that occurred during their Christmas break when they were in high school. Some of the details weren’t available, but I think you can probably fill in what happened.

Tales of the Eerie Saloon -- The Toy Soldier
An Eerie Christmas
By Ellie Dauber and Christopher Leeson

We often ask of the world, ‘What has life given me?’ This is my answer. It isn’t especially poetic and it isn’t particularly dramatic. It’s just life. My life.

I know I keep you amused, but I feel I’m being used. All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding hand. I couldn’t have tried anymore. You stole my heart.

One Last Game

Melanie Ezell

What is love? Sometimes it's giving up everything you want for the sake of someone else's happiness -- even if just for one last game.

For the BCTS November story challenge

“Look, children, let us focus on what ta do now. Until I sleep, dis change can be undone, but only by you, Charlie. I give ta you de power over de fate o' your friends.”

“Switch de dolls' clothin' ta make things as dey were. You have 'til I get home an' lay me head down. Good day, children.”

Please enjoy my submission for the November Story Challenge 2009 - The Gift, It Wasn't in the Cards.

- EKitty

Clarence Bariss needs to find clemency, for acts he did, and didn't do.