EPILOGUE—SEASONS CHANGE

  The next morning I awoke feeling somewhat rested. I should, I slept for fourteen hours. Of course, I didn’t really sleep the night before, so I still was kind of tired. At least now, I felt like I could function.

  I glanced at my calendar. Oh crap. I had a scholarship application that needed to be postmarked by today. I immediately knew which one it was. It was one that I kept procrastinating on. I can’t put it off any longer. I needed to get it done. Now.

  I sat at my desk, turned on my computer and pulled out the application.

  Describe a significant event in your life and how it changed you (Minimum: 750 words).

  A wave of warmth washed over me. I smiled. Two months ago, this prompt seemed impossible to answer. And a 750 word minimum was a Herculean task. Now, it was easy.

  The event? It seemed innocuous enough, changing seats in class—physics class. But it saved my life. How did it change me? I was no longer alone. I know now that friendship, love and hope are possible.

  I finished my essay and my phone rang. I printed out my paper.

  It was Patrick. “Hey, Liz! I wasn’t sure if you’d be up yet. Whatcha doing?”

  “Been up for a bit. I’m just printing out an essay for a scholarship.” I took the printed pages out of my printer and folded it together with the application.

  “Got any plans today?”

  “Just the post office. This has to be postmarked today.” I addressed and stuffed the envelope.

  “Great. I’ll pick you up. We can grab something to eat.” He offered. I could hear his keys jingling in the background.

  “Okay. How about Beach Burgers?” I suggested. I was craving one of their messy, juicy burgers and a chocolate shake.

  “Sounds great!” I could hear him grinning from ear to ear. “I’m on my way.”

  I got up from my chair. My side still hurt. I’m sure it would for awhile. I smiled, I was okay with that. I didn’t mind the pain anymore because I wasn’t a victim. That made it sting less.

  I looked at the calendar again. Wow, fall ended yesterday. What a difference a nine months makes. A lot can happen in that time. A baby could be born. You can complete a school year. Your life could completely change. Near the end of last school year, my ‘friends’ didn’t so much as notice that I wasn’t myself anymore and stopped hanging out with them. Now, my friends wouldn’t let me be alone and wanted to make sure that I’m okay. It is nice to have people who care.

  Today was the first day of winter and I was looking forward to it.

  Enjoyed this book?

  Also available:

  Books in the Bits and Pieces Series

  Falling

  Winter Solstice*

  Wintering*

  Springing*

  Summering**

  **TBD

  About the Author

  Shirley Miranda lives with her husband in San Diego as a high school math and computer science teacher. If she were an English teacher, you wouldn’t be surprised that she wrote a book.

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  Winter Solstice

  Book #2 in The Bits and Pieces Series

  By Shirley Miranda

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Shirley Miranda's Novels