To avoid a page-long thread about who is or isn't, I will just assume that at least a couple of you will be interested in writing a group story for the fun of it.  Just a paragraph (or a few, if you like) at a time, with only having a good time in mind.  I did it once before, and it was pretty interesting.  I'll get it started and leave it open for anyone interested in playing.  :)

Guidelines to Help the Story Flow:

-         Read what's been posted before adding to the story.

-         Be aware of the details already given (character gender, time period, etc.) and keep them consistent, unless you give reason for the change (i.e. time-machine travel).

-         Keep the tense of the story consistent.  The first paragraph will dictate whether the story is written in first person or third person.

-         Keep it short.  (While everyone's definition of short differs, if you appear to be the "main writer," you're not keeping it short.)

-         Have fun making decisions that will likely stay with the story (geographical location, character names, etc.), but try not to dictate too much.  Others will want the chance to decide a few things.

I moved through my morning routine in an automated way, having trained my brain to do things in a certain order for so long, it wasn't necessary to think about what came next.  It was a typical weekday morning, and very little thought was required to have me walking out the door, looking polished and ready to take on the day.  What was out of the ordinary was the clouds-high feeling I felt throughout my being.  What had me in such an elated mood?  Nothing particularly exciting was on my schedule for the day, nor had anything noteworthy occurred the night before.  It was an inexplicable feeling that went beyond the content I normally felt. 

          The air seemed to shimmer in the early morning light, and everything I saw seemed somehow brighter, clearer, more three-dimensional, if possible. I heard the church bells chime in the distance, and for some reason my heart began to pound in anticipation. I sat in my car for a moment before beginning my commute. With all the windows down, I listened to the chatter of birds in the maple tree and inhaled the soft scent of the roses that lined the driveway. I decided to leave the radio and air conditioner turned off and to drive to work with the windows down. As I approached the stoplight where I normally turn right and head into the city, I stopped as yellow changed to red. Picking up my cell phone, I autodialed my boss.  "George," I said, in a squeaky voice punctuated by hacking coughs. "I can't come in to work today. I'm feeling absolutely terrible!"

          I hardly heard his answer as, smiling, I hung a left and headed out toward the lake.

    I began to feel a sense of relief. It wasn't like me to just call in like that. But the day began with a promise of something unknown.  What could that feeling be?  I was curious to find out.  I wasnt entirely sure that I would succeed in my quest, but I knew for sure that it wasnt going to happen sitting behind that desk.  As I drove toward the lake, I passed trucks pulling boats, RV's pulling jet-skies.  A feeling of joy overwhelmed me.  I was getting a feeling of certainty that I had not experienced before.  I kept the windows down, smelling the air from the lake.  With the radio off, I could hear the water crashing against the banks of the lake as boats passed causing the water to flow in.  I pulled in to the docking area and found a spot facing the lake. 

I sat in the car for a while, just enjoying the sounds and sights of the lake. The smell of water was as refreshing as a drink in a desert. Before long I started feeling antsy, like I had to move so I got out of the car. Something was drawing me to the shore. A feeling packed firmly in the recess of my mind. It nearly tingled sending waves of excitement outward. Something would happen. What that was I couldnt have guessed but it was coming. The dark water of the lake was calm, undisturbed yet by boaters and swimmers. Only a few of the people I had seen on my way had made it to the shore. The rest were preparing themselves for a day in the sun. I sat on the beach watching, waiting for it. What it was, I couldnt say yet but I knew it would be revealed soon if I would wait.

Just then the water began to ripple, sending small waves outward like an echo. Something was rising out of the water...

It was off a distance from the beach.  I couldnt tell what it was exactly.  I noticed that it has begun to catch the attention of some other beachcomers.  People were walking toward the edge of the water.  Looking at the object from where i was made it look so small.  Shivers were tingling the back of my neck. What was this thing in the water?  This is a big lake.  It could be almost anything.  There were boats unloading at the docks. A speed boat passed by not seeing it, and sent waves crashing up against it.  It starts to go under the water again.  Another boat passes by and sees it in the water.  The driver turns around to investigate.  I can see the boat, and the driver from where I am standing, but not very good.  Suddenly, the driver jumps back.  He sits down in the seat and speeds away toward the dock. What is it? What could be out there that was so shocking?  Then I hear the other people on the beach begin to yell.................................

A chubby little sunburned boy in a Bob the Builder swimsuit steps up next to me.  The water churns up ever bigger ripples.   A small dog yips from the back of a car, other bigger dogs quickly join in an increasingly excited chorus.  I reflexively wish for my Jeff to appear, I even begin to turn and reach for my ever so dependable man.  Yet that well worn image of his death quickly flashes in my mind, again crushes back my natural impulse to seek comfort and affection.  A new gun, my little Colt 45, and two years of counseling has brought back none of that old sense of security that Jeff provided merely by being near.  My hand gently falls back to my side.  

The churning water moves closer.  Yet I am surprised to realize, I am not at all afraid.   That sense of well-being asserted itself with a renewed vigor.  I smile to the boy, tussle his hair.  Something amazing is in the works.  I could feel it from the top of my head to the bottom of one my remaining leg.

Chilling it seems to have those memories come back at this moment.  That terrible night, that horrific storm.  It seems only yesterday, Jeff and I were sitting on this very shore, watching the sun set together.  I can feel the everlasting love we shared.  I close my eyes and feel his arm caress my shoulder.  A feeling of warmth ran through my body.  My eyes open abruptly to the sound of sirens in the distance.  Shaking my head as to wake myself up, I turn to see the police cruiser and ambulance plowing through the parking lot.  Maybe that feeling i had this morning of something to come wasnt such a  good thing.  I slowly stepped back to my blanket, and sat back down. 

It hits me on the back of the head from nowhere.  I am dazed but cognizant.  Can it be after all these years?  The feelings I have suppressed, swept under the carpet... while I lived the dream within this dream...