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CHAPTER 1
Celeste
I've seen my fair share of towns in my years as part of a traveling circus, but there's something uniquely enchanting about Screaming Woods.
Every corner I turn brings me to something new, like the bakery with sweet-smelling pastries and cookies. The heavenly fragrance of vanilla and cinnamon makes me drool.
Right beside the bakery is a flower shop boasting an explosion of vibrant and exotic blooms, making my heart sing. And don't get me started on the bookstore!
If only time would slow down and my wallet could magically refill itself, I'd gladly lose track of hours in there, exploring shelves upon shelves of new books.
My phone beeps. It’s a text from my brother.
Brody:What’s the town like?
Me:So far, so good.
The town of Screaming Woods is booming. Everywhere I look, there are new constructions and establishments. Every store and eatery is bustling with activity. On the surface, this location is the ideal spot to begin my new life.
Although I’ve heard rumors about the creatures living in Screaming Woods, I haven’t seen any. The estate where I live is full of regular people, but this is my first day exploring the town.
I've been saving for a while. Not a large amount, but my brother and I inherited money from an insurance payout when our parents died in a car crash last year. Brody spent his money on a specialty motor cross bike and equipment, but I wanted a home.
While working at the circus, I met a salesman who told me about an affordable housing development in a town I'd never heard of. He offered me a sign-on bonus, no down payment, extremely low-interest rates, and no tax for the first few years, making it an offer I couldn't refuse.
Brody:Have you seen any monsters yet?
Me:Do you still believe in fairy tales, baby brother?
I send him a laughing emoji. If there's one thing I’ve learned in my twenty-six years on this earth, it's that fairy tales are for children. I shrug and laugh it off. Maybe the town is built on an old nuclear waste site, and the authorities are keeping it quiet.
Perhaps my overactive imagination isconjuring up stories again. Regardless, the townhome I bought is all I can afford. Now I need a job to help me pay the mortgage.
Me:I need to dash. I have a job interview soon. It's going to rain, and I need to buy an umbrella.
Brody:I bet you look great. Don't mess up your outfit.
Me:My feet are killing me. I've been walking around checking out my new town for what feels like hours.
I’m not used to wearing tight-fitting office clothes and high-heels. The unforgiving asphalt is making my feet throb in protest.
Brody:I’m surprised you could wedge your flippers into shoes.
He adds a gif of clown shoes, so I send him another laughter emoji.
Growing up in the circus, I hardly ever wore shoes, and I'm not used to squeezing myself into snug outfits and fancy pumps.
Me:The clown act was more your thing than mine.How’s Milly?
Milly was one of the circus ponies I used to care for.
Brody:She's great, but she misses you.
Me:I miss her too.
A moment later, a photo of Milly appears on my screen, and a rush of emotion washes over me. My heart swells with joy and melancholy as I gaze at the image of the pony who holds a special place in my heart.
Brody:Hey, what will you do if a monster chases you down the street?
