We've all been there - a crazy deadline with critical deliverables to complete in an impossibly short amount of time; time that only continues to dwindle. Then you hit the pressure release valve with Noah's blissful ride across the lake. Pure freedom, and for Noah, this freedom is figurative, literal, and spiritual. What a twist at the end. Good stuff, CB!
I love that you set this in the world of your work. Some spectacular and detailed world building here and the sad tension and release in this story is quite poignant. Super cool!
Thanks, Jon! It's been fun expanding the world of the FORGED Series. Have you checked out Claudia Befu of Story Voyager? I want to be her when I grow up...😉
Superb storytelling, CB. The setting felt normal, even though it contained unusual elements, e.g. neural enhancements. Terrific action sequence that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was a perfect fit for the Twilight Zone.
At this point: "With slight shifts of his shoulders right and left, his proFoil carve gentle swerves in the water. Spreading his arms wide and dropping his head back, Noah felt like he was flying. Peace flowed through his veins, and an indescribable warmth radiated from his center. If only he could bottle this sensation and have its sustaining comfort all the time."
Craaazy story. I want whatever surfboard thing that is - idk what you picture but I had a whole image and it was very cool. Also fantastic ending there.
Triggered. 😅 Great story! It's cool you connected it to your other stories as well. I love when writers have their own little shared universe. I do the same myself.
If you like that, then check out my character and location profiles! (I’ve had lots of time to keep adding to the backstories and world-building as I await my publisher to get to my manuscript, Shattered…⏳)
Damn. The way Noah's stuck there, staring at that blank screen, feeling like a total failure just because he can't write some perfect essay... I've been there. Maybe not with the whole neural enhancement stuff, but that feeling of being crushed under everyone's expectations? That's real.
Great story. I can't wait to see the rest of this world.
We've all been there - a crazy deadline with critical deliverables to complete in an impossibly short amount of time; time that only continues to dwindle. Then you hit the pressure release valve with Noah's blissful ride across the lake. Pure freedom, and for Noah, this freedom is figurative, literal, and spiritual. What a twist at the end. Good stuff, CB!
Thanks, Shane! I always loved the TZ episodes that made wonder what was real and what was imagined. I hope I captured that sense in this story.
I love that you set this in the world of your work. Some spectacular and detailed world building here and the sad tension and release in this story is quite poignant. Super cool!
Thanks, Jon! It's been fun expanding the world of the FORGED Series. Have you checked out Claudia Befu of Story Voyager? I want to be her when I grow up...😉
Doh yes i have actually. Cool
I have not. Lemme look
A cool story with great action writing!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. (And welcome to my publication!)
Wow, CB! Incredible story. I've got goosebumps. GOOSEBUMPS. Love!
Thanks, Michele!
Superb storytelling, CB. The setting felt normal, even though it contained unusual elements, e.g. neural enhancements. Terrific action sequence that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was a perfect fit for the Twilight Zone.
Thanks, K.C. When do you think Noah died???
At this point: "With slight shifts of his shoulders right and left, his proFoil carve gentle swerves in the water. Spreading his arms wide and dropping his head back, Noah felt like he was flying. Peace flowed through his veins, and an indescribable warmth radiated from his center. If only he could bottle this sensation and have its sustaining comfort all the time."
Lake Boise! An excellent, thought provoking story.
Nothing quite like flooding one’s hometown!
"Yet, in letting go, he forgot to hold on to the reality of life and those around him." Awesome. Great story!
It’s like walking a tightrope!
Craaazy story. I want whatever surfboard thing that is - idk what you picture but I had a whole image and it was very cool. Also fantastic ending there.
And thanks!
They exist now. Look for eFoil surfboard! Super cool!!!
Triggered. 😅 Great story! It's cool you connected it to your other stories as well. I love when writers have their own little shared universe. I do the same myself.
If you like that, then check out my character and location profiles! (I’ve had lots of time to keep adding to the backstories and world-building as I await my publisher to get to my manuscript, Shattered…⏳)
Damn. The way Noah's stuck there, staring at that blank screen, feeling like a total failure just because he can't write some perfect essay... I've been there. Maybe not with the whole neural enhancement stuff, but that feeling of being crushed under everyone's expectations? That's real.
I figured a writer or two there might understand that crippling weight and could relate! Thanks for being the first to point it out!
Wonderful! The hide and seek with the drones was exciting!
I need some of those pills.
Just make sure you alternate where you place them! 🫣