Journalism

Journal Entry #107: One hundred and seven lives so far. That’s how long I’ve been resetting to this same, shitty point in time. I’ve died in every way imaginable, burned, stabbed, crushed, betrayed. Each time, I come back, the clock resets, and humanity hurtles toward extinction all over again. The Xa’tarii don’t need to destroy us. We’re perfectly capable of tearing ourselves apart. I’ve tried to stop it. A hundred times, I’ve failed. But time doesn’t stop for me. I wish it would. I wish I could die for good. Yet, despite everything, I still have hope. So all I can do is keep going. And try again. -- end of transmission -- For centuries, humanity has fought a losing war against the alien Xa’tarii. Every attempt to unite has ended in failure, every plan foiled by betrayal, greed, or fear. Talon Graves is one man trapped in an endless cycle, reliving the fight over and over in a desperate attempt to find the path that will save humanity. This is his story, from the first life where he was just a kid. To the hundredth and beyond, trapped in an endless cycle. Each step, each decision, brings him closer to breaking the cycle or losing himself entirely. Perhaps even both. Will Talon’s hope be enough to defy fate, or will humanity fall to its own flaws once more? -- Hello everyone! If you’ve made it this far into the summary, and I still haven’t convinced you to click on that first chapter, let me share a little more about what you can expect from this book. This story offers a unique power system, one inspired by cultivation but with my own twist to make it truly distinct. It’s a universe where intergalactic warfare takes center stage, featuring everything from the awe-inspiring World Enders who can destroy planets with a thought, to the smallest soldiers fighting tooth and nail for survival. Every individual matters, and every battle leaves its mark. In this universe, it’s all about scale. Even a world-ending Super is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. When wars span entire galaxies and civilizations vie for dominance across universal borders, the impact of a single Super, no matter how powerful, is often a morale boost or the elimination of key high-profile targets, including enemy World Enders themselves. Victory here isn’t determined by raw strength alone but by strategy, sacrifice, and the countless individuals who shape the tide of war. So, if you’re looking for a story that combines relentless action, intricate power systems, and the weight of interstellar stakes, then this might just be the book for you. I hope you’ll give it a chance, click that first chapter, and let’s dive in together. P.S. I’ll be writing this for the long haul, so if you’re expecting a gritty, determined, and powerful individual right from the start, this isn’t that kind of story. Instead, you’ll follow a journey of growth, struggle, and transformation as Talon learns to navigate a brutal universe and carve his place in it. Enjoy! Updates: 1.5k - 2k words a day (or 1 - 2 chaps)

Ghosts and spirits have always been a mystery to people. Some are curious about it and some are scared of it. But what if we give people a fiction which mixes the reality of these things? It is journal of a psychic medium for all those who are curious of the unknown. (please take it as a fiction)

Check out my other novels - |Arpious of the Planes| |My Ares System| |Warlock of Wisdom: My Odin System| -- Same Universe - |Arpious of the Planes| ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3/21/25, in other words, it was March the 21st, 2025. Humanities technology advanced exponentially throughout the years. The only thing that they hadn't focused on for a while was space. The endless abyss that they call space was still unknown to them. Once they colonized their solar system, they thought it wasn't enough. They sent a search party out of their solar system but soon lost contact. Not long after, Earth lost contact with all of the other planets. Then a huge earthquake shook the earth itself and then portals opened up around the world. Soon monsters came out ravaging and flattening cities. Only a brave group of humans entered the portals which they then found multiple discoveries on the other side. They found stones that gave them different abilities and monsters a different world with a boss that lets them exit the portal, which was soon called dungeons. Those 6 friends were then later on called the 6 Primordial Braves. With the news of this, countries all over the world sent in people to retrieve stones, and then they would crush them, granting them abilities. They would then go back in to retrieve more and hand them out to the public. 500 years passed... This isn't the story of a hero. It's the story of a weak girl who was ridiculed and bullied every day because of her low status. And due to her cowardly nature, she was unable to fight back, making more people pick on her. While she was laying in an alleyway, with bruises and cuts all over her body, she saw a green, semi-see-through panel that appeared in front of her. It was like a notification you would see in the VR games from 400 years back. The green panel had a black text that said... [Would you like to become an Ancient Being?] ------------------------------------------------------------------- !Spoiler Below! . . . At the beginning of the novel, there will be a lot of going back and forth between the MC's personality. Plus, most of the problems, in the beginning, will be centered around herself. Also, at the beginning of the novel, there is an act of short and sweet revenge that lingers just a bit longer through the story, but this novel is not revenge-based. The Yuri aspect won't be as heavily used compared to my first novel. The girlfriend is mainly used to help the MC get through the mental box and distorted feelings that the MC has to suffer through at the beginning of the novel. You might dislike the characters that I made Lucy's friends, but I promise you'll change your mind later on. I think... Okay, that should be it! Phew... that was tiring. Time to drink my fourth cup of coffee today... ------------------------------------------------------------------- 500 Power Stones by the weekend = 1 extra chapter 750 Power Stones by the weekend = 2 extra chapters -- Twitter - @equuipwebnovel Discord - equuip#6686 -- paypal.me/AuthorEquuip Any money you send will help me hire people to create new covers for my novels. -- Cover is not mine. If the owner wants it removed, plz contact me through discord (Rarely check twitter). Source- https://www.deviantart.com/aoiogataartist/journal/Aoi-Ogata-PAYPAL-Commission-OPEN-828543085

When Nathaniel Delacroix’s brother mysteriously vanishes, he returns to his family’s crumbling estate, only to discover that his family’s past is woven with dark secrets and an ancient curse. As Nathaniel searches for answers, he uncovers cryptic journals, hidden symbols, and the eerie remnants of occult rituals that hint at his family’s pact with supernatural forces. With each discovery, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold, and Nathaniel realizes that his bloodline is bound to something otherworldly—a curse that awakens with his presence. As he’s pulled deeper into a world of shadows and nightmares, Nathaniel must confront the haunted legacy that links him to his brother’s fate. But as the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, he finds himself racing against time to end the curse before it consumes him completely, bringing ancient horrors into the world once more. A tale of psychological horror, supernatural mystery, and family betrayal, The Delacroix Curse is a story of survival against forces beyond comprehension—and the dangerous lengths one must go to escape fate.

"She Strikes Back" is a gripping tale of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Sophia Reeves, a young woman trapped in a controlling relationship with powerful billionaire Marcus Blackwood, finds her world shattered when he unexpectedly proposes to end their five-year relationship. Devastated and lost, Sophia must confront the harsh reality of her diminished sense of self-worth and the years she spent molding herself to fit Marcus's expectations. As she struggles to rebuild her life, Sophia rediscovers her passion for journalism and her own latent talents. With the support of her loyal friend Zoe and a chance encounter with her old mentor, James Chen, Sophia begins to uncover a web of corruption surrounding Marcus's business empire. Determined to expose the truth and reclaim her identity, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that puts her directly in Marcus's crosshairs. Along the way, Sophia faces numerous obstacles, including Marcus's attempts to discredit and intimidate her. She also navigates complex emotions as she encounters Ethan Ryder, an FBI agent investigating Marcus, who becomes both an ally and a potential love interest. As Sophia delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own past mistakes and the temptation to seek revenge. The story culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Sophia's newfound strength and intelligence are put to the ultimate test. She must choose between vengeance and taking the high road, all while exposing the truth and securing her own future. "She Strikes Back" is a powerful narrative about breaking free from toxic relationships, facing one's fears, and emerging stronger on the other side. It explores themes of personal growth, the courage to stand up against powerful adversaries, and the transformative power of self-belief. Sophia's journey from a controlled "accessory" to a confident, successful woman serves as an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to rise from the ashes of one's past.

this is the journal entry of a young woman going through the motions and growing as a person.

Dr. Evelyn Rourke leads an expedition to the Arctic, investigating mysterious whale beachings tied to eerie, rhythmic sounds. The team uncovers a submerged city beneath the sea, where ancient architecture pulses with life and dark secrets. As they explore, each crew member begins to experience haunting hallucinations reflecting their worst fears. Evelyn’s discovery of her father’s journal reveals that he didn’t die during a past expedition—he became part of Thal’Azar, an ancient, god-like entity tied to the city. The deeper Evelyn delves into the city, the stronger her connection to Thal’Azar grows, and she uncovers her family’s involvement in a secret cult tasked with containing the entity. As Naomi, a fellow researcher, succumbs to the entity’s whispers, the crew fractures, and Evelyn faces a harrowing choice: perform a ritual to seal Thal’Azar forever, requiring a blood sacrifice from her bloodline, or risk unleashing its ancient power. As the city crumbles around her, Evelyn completes the ritual—but the cost is unimaginable. Instead of destroying Thal’Azar, the ritual binds the entity’s consciousness to Evelyn, leaving her haunted by whispers that now echo in her mind. The Abyss Within is a psychological thriller blending horror and mystery. Evelyn’s journey forces her to confront her darkest fears, unravel family secrets, and face the terrifying power lurking beneath the surface.

Shubbhulakshmi is a character radiating timeless elegance and quiet resilience, beautifully capturing the essence of a young woman in 1920s South India. Growing up in the quaint, fictional village of Pollamipallai, near Madurai, she has lived with her elderly grandparents since she was orphaned at a young age. Now 17, she is known for her grace, soft-spoken nature, and the dreamy look in her eyes—always appearing lost in thoughts that often take her beyond her village's dusty paths to the far-off land where her childhood love, Madhvan Nair, currently resides. Shubbhulakshmi is no ordinary village girl. In a time when expressions of love were bound by society's norms, she dared to keep her feelings alive, albeit in secret. Every night, after her family is fast asleep, she lights a small oil lamp, sits by her wooden window, and pours her heart into a journal she addresses as *Madhvan*. Her journal entries are like letters never sent, chronicling every detail of her day, from her daily chores to quiet musings on the beauty of nature around her, and, of course, her most intimate dreams of Madhvan’s return. Writing to him has become her solace and ritual, as if her words are carried across the miles to London. As her 18th birthday approaches, whispers spread through Pollamipallai: Madhvan Nair is coming back. The entire village buzzes with excitement, but none more than Shubbhulakshmi. Yet, she’s also haunted by a subtle fear—has the Madhvan she knew and loved changed? London is a far cry from their small, conservative village, and the education and worldliness he must have absorbed could have altered him in ways she might not recognize. Will he remember the shy girl he once played with under the village banyan tree? And more importantly, will he still feel the same for her? Shubbhulakshmi’s life is about to shift dramatically with his return. Caught between the innocent love letters in her journal and the reality of the man Madhvan has become, her journey is one of quiet courage, unspoken devotion, and the hope that, perhaps, love can transcend both time and transformation.

Just more old journal entries of mine, but this time things are a bit more...weighty? Complicated? These journals were written 12 years after those of Volume 1! Let us cringe a little more. Maybe a little less? Looking back now, I wasn't that naive...was I? *Names will be omitted and replaced with "XXXXX" in order to keep some semblance of privacy.*

In a world where unspoken truths can weigh heavier than mountains, no one ever warned me about the danger of words left unsaid. I always thought I could handle it—breaking my heart seemed easier than breaking my mind, after all. But it turns out, the mind is a far more dangerous place than the heart. It doesn’t heal quickly, and it doesn’t forget. What happens when you leave words hanging in the air is that they start to fill every empty space, crowding out anything else, leaving only the residue of missed opportunities and what-ifs. My journal sat in front of me now, filled with everything I’d never said. All the words that could have changed something, anything. It was strange, how it felt so much easier to discard an entire journey than it did to let go of a single glance from yesterday. The words I left behind felt heavier than the pages I wrote them on. I didn’t even know why I kept writing anymore—maybe because it was the only place where I could finally speak, even if no one would ever read it. The reality of not saying things, of keeping my feelings buried, left a deeper scar than any conversation I never had. But what could I do? It’s not like the words would ever come, not now. What was left were the possibilities—the ones that never had a chance to come to life. A life where we could have made different choices, said the things we were too scared to say. But the past is a cruel thing to hang onto. It taunts you with the “what could have been” but never gives you any answers. And so, I sat there, sighing as I thought about how this was all I could do—curse the world, blame myself, and wonder if maybe there was something I could have changed. Maybe I could’ve found a way to let him know how I felt. Maybe I could’ve found the courage to stop pretending. But now, I was just left to face the weight of silence, and it felt as heavy as the words I could never speak. I thought I could be fine, that time would wash it all away—just move on, I told myself. But the more I tried, the more I found myself tangled in a web of thoughts that didn’t make sense. The days and nights we spent together were now just memories—snippets of laughter, quiet moments, little glances exchanged in the middle of the chaos, all trapped in the space between the confusion and the comfort of what used to be. I looked back, trying to make sense of it all, but it was like trying to hold water in my hands. The harder I tried, the more it slipped through my fingers. I regard all of us, how we all fall into this trap—how we’re all just people, trying to navigate this world with the hope that someone might catch us, that someone might finally understand what we didn’t say. Maybe we all end up here, stuck in the mess of things we wanted to say, but never did. And at the end of the day, there’s no one to blame but ourselves. We’re the ones who held back, who kept our truths hidden, all for the sake of protection, or pride, or fear. It’s easy to blame the world for the things that go wrong, but in the end, we’re the ones who let it go unspoken. And maybe that’s the hardest part—learning that we were the ones who stood in our own way.

The daughter of a noble, Aurelia, unexpectedly enrolls in the most prestigious Academy in the Empire of Fiore. With boredom following the young maiden, Aurelia decides to create a small club and keep a journal to record her upcoming adventures during her time in the Academy.

After a car accident leaves Elise Martin with half of her memories erased, she discovers a journal that might help her piece her life back together. But as she reads through the pages, she uncovers unsettling details—entries that reveal a darker side of herself she doesn’t recognize. Strange, forgotten memories surface, hinting at a version of Elise she never knew existed. As she follows the journal’s trail, Elise realizes that the woman she thought she was may only be half the story—and the other half could still be hiding in the shadows, controlling her life. "A Secret Twist" is a gripping psychological thriller about identity, memory, and the secrets we hide from ourselves.

In the heart of the Eldergloom, a cursed forest where whispers of ancient evils and forgotten gods linger, Reiner, an orphaned warrior bearing the mysterious Shadowmark, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth of his lineage and the power that threatens to consume him. Haunted by visions of a fallen king, spectral guardians, and an artifact pulsing with dark energy, he must navigate realms where reality bends to malevolent forces and death itself is but a fleeting notion. Guided by fragments of an ancient journal and pursued by vengeful spirits, Reiner faces spectral knights, treacherous allies, and riddles woven through time. Each step deeper into the Eldergloom unearths revelations that entwine his fate with the legacy of King Vareth—a monarch who once wielded god-like power and fell to madness. As the shards of past and present collide, Reiner must confront the truth that blood calls to blood, and destiny is forged not by choice but by sacrifice.

Humans? It's just another form of life. Who cares if one or two die? That's what they wanted to do to me after all, they sent me to my death. They taught us nothing, no swordsmanship, no magic, barely any armor. Why should I care for humans after what they did, killing a pig and slaughtering a human brings the same feeling of relief, but one's easier to access. So why can't I kill them all? Tyler Greenheart is a man who was cursed in his previous life by the Reaper of Death. His life force constantly gets sucked out from him, shortening his life span and causing pain. When he reaches the age of 15 he is sent out to war against the Elven Tribes as a meat shield due to his lack of talent and lack of spirit, when out on the front lines he kills someone in self defense and feels a sense of comfort and pain relief. He absorbed some of the person's life span and the rest was offered to the Reaper to take, and was absorbed instead of his own. After feeling relief for the first time he decides to turn to the life of a murderer and slowly gets crueler and crueler to appease the curse. Cover is temporary.

In a land where ancient magic and myths exists, a young man named Richard stumbles upon a long forgotten journal that speaks of a darkness so great, it threatens to destroy and enslave the entire world. But with the help of an old friend, Richard embarks on a dangerous quest to find the Dragon's Tooth, a powerful sword that was created by his grandfather. As they traveled through the land and battle dangerous enemies, Richard begins to realize the true extent of his destiny. The fate of world was in his hands, and the young man is the only one who can save it. But the journey is filled with dangers, and Richard must confront his own doubts and fears in order to be victorious before it's too late. Meanwhile, the ruthless Queen Helen will stop at nothing to claim the Dragon's Tooth for herself, and enslave the world with her dark magic and legion of knights. Her power is strong, and she has been undefeated for years. The blood moon is fast approaching, and that will be the time when the queen will absorb its power, the power of immortality. She will become unstoppable. But only the blade of the DRAGON'S TOOTH can end her rein.

In the fast-paced world of journalism, Emma Parker has finally landed her dream job at Sterling Media, a prestigious company known for its innovative approach and cutting-edge stories. Nervous yet determined, Emma enters her interview with enigmatic CEO Liam Sterling, where their unexpected chemistry ignites a powerful connection. As their conversation shifts from professional to personal, Liam’s bold question about love leaves Emma both thrilled and terrified. When Liam invites Emma to dinner, she must navigate the complexities of workplace romance while grappling with her own insecurities and aspirations. As they embark on a journey filled with passion, witty banter, and emotional revelations, Emma discovers that love can be both exhilarating and daunting, much like the rollercoaster of her burgeoning career. But as their relationship deepens, Emma is faced with choices that could alter the trajectory of her life—will she embrace the thrill of the ride, or will fear hold her back? In this captivating tale of ambition, self-discovery, and romance, Emma learns that sometimes, the most significant stories are the ones we write for ourselves.

Journey of a betrayed soldier in a apocalyptic fantasy world. No string attached, he will decide his own fate prevail or perish. Not every fantasy world is a good place. Sometimes, it's worse than where we came from.

When a sudden quarantine leaves them stranded on an isolated campus, seven brilliant, parentless students of the prestigious Hisar Institute must make an uneasy peace with their situation. Arlt, a Renaissance philology student and gifted linguist, narrates their tale—a story shrouded in secrets as ancient as the campus itself. United by their orphaned pasts and exceptional linguistic abilities, they linger in Suare Kairos, a grim four-story dormitory overshadowed by the silent gaze of the Aeternolis statue. Life in quarantine is quiet until they stumble upon a hidden tunnel beneath the library, a passage rumored to have sheltered professors fleeing the horrific Great Genocide Era. What begins as a curious exploration soon reveals a legacy of betrayal, forbidden knowledge, and concealed atrocities that refuse to remain buried. Inside the tunnel, the students find relics of a forgotten resistance—ancient texts, obscure manuscripts, and encrypted journals that point to a grim legacy the Institute sought to erase. As they decode the cryptic writings, the students are pulled into a web of secrets that threatens to unravel not only the history of their institution but also their very identities. Each discovery comes at a cost, forcing them to confront questions about loyalty, survival, and the fine line between knowledge and power. Bound by a shared past yet divided by dark ambitions, they must decide: how far will they go to preserve the truths they’ve unearthed? And, when knowledge becomes dangerous, is it worth dying—or even killing—for? A tale of mystery, academic rivalry, and haunting secrets, The Scholars of Aeternolis explores the weight of history on those who seek to uncover it and the cost of pursuing forbidden knowledge.

The title pretty much says it all. This is the journal of Jane Brown. Each journal entry may be very short or very long. Entries may be close together or far apart. It depends on when and if Jane decides to or remembers to update her journal. If ever. Just like most of the non-diary or journal writer keepers out there - or uninspired authors. Yep. Warning: VERY SLOOOW updates. This is a story written on a whim. Let's see how long the inspiration will last for. This style of writing is somewhat experimental. Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION and is not based on any one person. Any portrayal of real people or real events (excluding some major world events) is entirely accidental and coincidental. It is in not in any way, shape of form meant to be a commentary on anyone or anything, even less on current issues in society. This is literally meant to be boring (hence the ordinary title) without being too boring. It is just about the average slow paced life and interests of an average person. (Not meant for and not interested in contracting.)

When two young boys explore a cave one discovered something that would change his life forever. A journal, so old it's amazing it hasn't turned to dust. Inside it tells a story, the story of a dead man. (Hey all this is Dead writing, I haven't had a lot of time to edit the chapters so be wary of the quality. non the less I hope you enjoy this novel)

“Is Pride truly a deadly sin? Surely, living without it is much more torture than living with it. I mean, after everything I’ve been through and everything I’ve done, I have to accept my pride. I am proud to have run away. I am proud to have fallen in love. I am proud to have lied. To have killed. I am proud to have survived, at least in a way… And I am proud of writing my story to you.” Although thought to have died, Etsuko Nokori wakes up in a hospital months after his drug overdose in a world filled with monsters. He finds a journal in the hospital, where he learns of the world’s new residents: Carmuts. The world would’ve ended already if it hadn’t been for humanity’s resilience, thanks to a serum, but even humans became monsters themselves. Etsuko, who hated his previous life’s people, fell in love with his current ones. He now desires nothing more than for everyone in his current life to live and stay with him.

When twelve-year-old Lily finds her parents have left her with only a goodbye note, she is heartbroken and lost. Mrs. Thompson, a kind neighbor, takes Lily in, providing warmth and stability. Though adjusting is hard, Lily finds comfort in Mrs. Thompson’s care and new friendships at school. Over time, she discovers strength through journaling, baking, and simple acts of kindness, learning to rebuild her life. As she grows, Lily is inspired by Mrs. Thompson to help others. She volunteers to support kids who feel alone, spreading the kindness that helped her heal. Lily’s journey transforms her pain into a source of light for others.

After waking up in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar world, and with no recollection of his past memories. The next thing he knew, he is now a new participant in an unknown world of Insinia called, the Avatrax - an individual that possesses special abilities. With his past memories missing, the protagonist is now only pushed by his desire to get back home... ---------------------------------------------------------- Note from the Author: This is my very first story to be published now, with an old concept from my junior high self - it is basically a fictional story inspired by my everyday life. Think of it as my diary or journal in a novel form. :)

When Mara Elwood wakes up to an apocalyptic nightmare, she's not entirely unprepared. With a mysterious journal that holds cryptic warnings of future events, she knows survival won’t be easy—but she’s determined to beat the odds. Zombies have overrun the world, and each day is a fight for her life. Crossing paths with Caleb Rowe, a former military officer and hardened survivor, Mara joins his band of misfit allies. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the virus and, possibly, a way to stop it. But as the group battles both flesh-eating hordes and treacherous human threats, Mara learns that the apocalypse might not be what it seems. With her hidden immunity putting a target on her back, Mara’s survival skills are pushed to their limits. Caleb becomes her reluctant protector, though his trust in her is tested at every turn. In a world where trust is rare and betrayal can mean death, Mara must confront her past and embrace her role as the key to humanity’s future—if she can survive long enough to unlock it.

To those that find this journal know this. Secrets are hidden within these pages both of this world and beyond. This world will reach into you and tear you apart should you let it. So long as you know your self you shall see why living in this world is worth it. {Will be posting this story to other sights such as RoyalRoads, ScribbleHub, and Wattapad.} {Link ~ https://www.royalroad.com/profile/233652 }

[Warning: This novel features Mature Content 18+] Separating from her mother after 11 years brought out a lot of change in Ayana. Her cheerful self was gone, she was quieter and reversed. When she thought everything would change for the better, she was betrothed to a vampire. It was a political marriage. If that was not the worst, that man hated humans. The rumors said he killed humans just for pleasure. Just when Ayana thought she was ready, life gives her another surprise, her husband is a handsome swindler that likes to aggravate her with his sweet talk. He is an expert actor who likes to pretend his love for her. Can she resist her husband's charm and walk out of the marriage with an intact heart? Excerpt: “I will go first. I, Luca Winter, would assist and help Ayana Winter on her revenge plan and would never harm and hurt her. In return, I will ask for something Ayana Winter possesses and she had to give it to me willingly as the payment of my help.” Luca said casually. Ayana frowned as she looked at Luca. “Is it my father's journal?" Ayana said as she looked at the man, voicing her suspicion. Ayana noticed as the man's smile freeze for a millisecond. The man tried to act casual, but Ayana has got her answer. Ayana smiled as she finally got the response. The man was after her father’s mysterious journal. “I will give it to you if it is on my hand,” Ayana said still with a smile on her face, "and if not, you would have to ask for another thing with a similar value, take it or leave it." In her heart, Ayana promised to herself that she would never claim the book as hers, therefore Luca would never have a chance to claim it as his. She cannot believe the man, but she knew she needed his help if she wanted to make evident progress in her plan.

A great person once said that in the world of humans, it is impossible to achieve eternal life...and I took that personally... . This is not a fantasy book. This is...something akin to a journal for me, and a means to keep writing even when time is too short to write my fanfictions. Have a good day, and remember...one must imagine Sisyphus happy...

*A true story based, provided to be a healing space. No one in this world is completely perfect, no matter how nice they appear. As a daughter of a hotheaded yet loving father, I, Agnes Xie Dubois, present you my very treasured journal. Let's dive in into my remarkable past! About? ✓ A family which started as a 'not ideal' type, but they try their best building a comfy home ✓ Focused on father-daughter relationship, where each of the family members begin to understand each other. ✓ Poetry, motivation, and psychology ✓ New, out of the box, yet catchy writing style ✓ Written with both good and bad memories ✓ Female oriented, but readers are not restricted to genders ✓ No politics, nor offensive or sensitive thing ✓ Comedy scenes ✓ Teen fiction, yet open for adults Important Promise: • All chapters in this novel will be free to read until the competition ends

Literally just a bunch of old journal entries of mine. Cringe along with me as I relive these days. It's been at least 15 years...some of these are as old as 20! How bad could it be? *Names will be omitted and replaced with "XXXXX" in order to keep some semblance of privacy.*

...something felt off. Despite the warmth of the celebration and the thoughtfulness of my friends, a strange unease settled over me. The journal in my hands, while beautiful and personal, felt like a key to something deeper. A weighty reminder that even with all the laughter and joy, there were layers beneath my ordinary life that I had yet to uncover. I opened the journal and flipped through the blank pages, wondering what I could possibly fill it with. As I reached the last page, a folded piece of paper slipped out. It was crisp and unfamiliar, not something I would have expected in a brand-new journal. Curiosity piqued, I unfolded it carefully. The note was handwritten in neat, flowing script: _"Your life is about to change. The key is within you, but you must remember who you are first. Happy birthday, Eli. You are more important than you think."_ A chill ran down my spine as I stared at the words. Who could have written this? How did they know I’d get this journal? The sense of unease that had been gnawing at me all day surged forward, wrapping around my chest like a vice. Suddenly, the classroom door creaked open, and I looked up, startled. Standing in the doorway was a figure I didn't recognize—small and frail, with long, dark hair cascading down her back. Her eyes, large and sorrowful, locked onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. For a moment, the world seemed to still. The air around me grew heavy, and the soft light filtering through the windows dimmed as though a shadow had fallen over the room. Her presence was haunting, almost otherworldly, as if she didn’t belong here—or maybe, as if she belonged more than anyone else. She took a step forward, her lips parting as if to speak. And when she finally did, her voice was barely more than a whisper, but it echoed in my mind with the force of a revelation: _"I'm sorry."_ With that, the room seemed to warp, reality blurring at the edges. Darkness crept in from the corners of my vision, swallowing the confetti, the balloons, the remnants of the party—until all that was left was the girl, the journal, and the strange, foreboding feeling that my ordinary life was about to be shattered forever. And then, everything went black. --- This is how it began: on what should have been a simple, forgettable birthday, I found myself thrust into a mystery far greater than anything I could have imagined. The note in the journal was just the first clue—a breadcrumb leading me toward something I could never have expected. Whatever this was, whoever this girl was, one thing was certain: my world had shifted, and there was no turning back. I was Eli, and my story was just beginning.