It's a mystery - why is there an attractive young woman walking out of the lake? She looks familiar - Do you recognise her? Maybe from work/college, or from one of the social events? With some trepidation, she is gradually making her way towards you. Her dark hair dripping down to her shoulders. Her orange top soaked and clinging to her feminine curves. Her short skirt topping pale and aching legs. Sensing her distress, you empathetically move to help her if you can.

It's election time again! You've been asked, by a local media network, to interview the candidates - get a sense of who they are, what they bring to this area, and an indication of anything they might change and upgrade to improve the lives of the people here. You know you shouldn't listen to gossip and what opponents say - but what previous experienced journalists said gave you some doubts about this candidate. You've already been told that he's quite young, new to the region, and hasn't yet connected with the local people. So perhaps it's your responsibility to discover who he is, and how he might represent this area? Entering this office, you know you're supposed to be impressed by the expensive looking European art and decoration. You don't recognise the portraits, so you presume they're old politicians.

You wake up in a cell. Your head seems to spin, and every bone is aching. Your mouth is dry, and your jaw is definitively bruised. You start to remember visiting the local saloon last night. There were dancing girls. There were grumpy men debating loudly. There was drinks served and spilled. Then you remember a young woman ... wearing a blue gown ... approached you - she seemed quite alluring and overly enthusiastic. The two of you were enjoying the evening, having fun, making fantastic plans. Suddenly, a large man ... perhaps called The Duke ... was looming over you, and he wasn't happy. The blue temptress disappeared, and you felt quite isolated ... And now you're here?

Reality? That's what happens between holidays. You're staying at a Mediterranean villa. Morgan, your best friend, invited you to join their family for a few weeks. They own a beautiful house in the hills. You attend college, have only known Morgan for around 18 months, so this trip is the first time you've met their family. Arriving only a few hours ago, you've already hugged Morgan's bold and joyful mother, been quizzed by their stepdad, and fed by their gran. Taking a break, you settled in, unpacked, and found a heated pool outside. That's where you meet Abigail, Morgan's stepsister ...

US politics is a game. Maybe it's incestuously corrupt and tediously criminal, but you pretend that it's nothing to do with you. You're from a respected Memphis family with ancestors being political and successful in business. Your elder brother, David, is the one to carry on that traditional burden. David moved to the small city of Washington (Arkansas) nearly 4 years ago. 18 months ago, he married Michelle, a beautiful woman from Atalanta who he'd met and dated throughout university. They considered setting up a new life in Georgia ... until your family forbid it. So, ambitious and determined to succeed where many have failed before him, he has recently purchased a grand old house outside Little Rock. You're here because David is very busy being the most promising Arkansas Democratic Candidate in years. So he needs someone he can trust to renovate the property, and make it suitable to be the official residence of the next Senator, or Representative, of the state.

Before you open the door; you close your eyes for a second, catch your breath, and remind yourself that things could be worse. If you'd stayed in college, there's no guarantee that your qualification would have led to a great job/money/future. If you'd followed your best friend into the navy, there's no reason to think that training academy = become an officer = recruited into a special task force. If you'd agreed to move in with your brother, you still wouldn't have been there to calm the situation when the police raided their apartment. If you had options ... done something ... it wouldn't alter your mother's diagnosis. You accept the current reality. You work in the family's traditional bookstore, just as you were supposed to do. Your uncle insists you take a room in a property he owns. Your former friends are doing well someplace else OR occupying the local bars and wishing they had a plan B. You won't ask you father for a pay rise because you know he's got to look after your mother. Your uncle doesn't ask you for rent because his sister is your mother - But you also know he has ulterior motives; firstly, he enjoys being able to visit & secondly, he's aware that you know how much he enjoys the company of the young students he has in the property. The other 3 rooms are occupied; Florian is an Austrian business/management student who evidently splits his time between the college and the gym. Amber signed up for the performing arts course because she wants to be a movie star, but her jealous/paranoid/possessive boyfriend doesn't want her to audition for anything which he hasn't agreed to, so she only sings in local venues. Danielle, your uncle's favourite unorthodox/interesting character, is studying psychology and music while also volunteering at the animal shelter.

After nearly 2000 years, the behaviour of some senior religious people is still questionable. Growing up in a remote area, forced to attend church, encouraged to join the priesthood, and expected to achieve a better life ... you have often wondered if you have a choice about who you are, or what you believe in. You're currently a young transitional deacon - on a pathway to become a priest. You have been educated and raised in the church, and considered to be a good prospect ... according to the bishop. Last week, the bishop contacted your priest and instructed him to let you become the visiting teacher for the local convent. Previously, your priest was quite adamant that he should educate the young nuns, monks, and novices - rarely permitting you to join him in this duty. However, your priest respectfully agreed, and now you are to attend the convent each week. You were initially reluctant, uncertain if you can fulfill the task ... but then you recall that there has been some suggestions that your priest had grown too accustomed to the previous arrangements. It is also considered that it may have been the Mother Superior, having responsibility for the spiritual and administrative leadership of the community, who enquired about the possibility of a new mentor for her young nuns and monks. Although challenging, your introduction has been fairly smooth ... so far.

You're her driver - you're to take her wherever she wants to go. You've been working as a chauffeur for 5 years, and employed by the Del Vecchio family for nearly 2 years. Marco, your boss, has a successful trading company ... and dubious morals. His daughter, Bianca, is an aspiring actress and dancer ... with more beauty than talent. Frequently, you drive for Marco's wife, Maria. She is a former daytime TV presenter ... famously as the pretty co-host of a popular lifestyle show. She has a great sense of style and vitality, and often attends glamorous fashion events. In addition to maintaining her own profile, she encourages and promotes her ambitious daughter. Today, you have been Maria's driver and companion - visiting boutique stores, influential individuals, and a vibrant social club. When you believed she was finally heading back to their grand villa, perhaps to relax and recover, Maria ask/instructed you to take her to her favourite secluded cove ...

What if they haven't told the whole story? You're from the southern kingdom, and your masters have asked you to scout the lands of your homeland's former rivals. In recent times there has been quiet peace and understanding in the region, but you still remember reports of the northern king leading an army to invade the south. When the Northern King was captured and interrogated, your masters discover that this war had been orchestrated and manipulated by his own wife, the queen of the north. This information reached the throne room in the southern capital too late, and the northern king succumbed to his injuries. His daughter, a pretty young princess, had survived a number of assassination attempts (apparently ordered by her own stepmother) before rallying her allies and taking control of the North - the evil queen mysteriously disappeared, allegedly through a mirror. Now you've been instructed, in advance of a diplomatic group, to establish what bridges can be repaired and if there maybe further connections established between North and South. Traveling through this pleasant region, meeting a number of politely cautious people, you're realising how similar these lands are. Exploring a particularly beautiful area of an ancient forest, you meet a young woman. You mask your initial reaction - She isn't as tall as you would expect, but her appearance is immediately the sweetest thing you've ever seen - she looks petite and precious.

Is it so wrong ... to think about your English literature teacher? You're smart enough to know that she probably has many admirers, and likely has a happy husband to go home to. You look forward to these few hours a week, an opportunity to be in the presence of such beauty, and just daydream about the possibilities. Even before you attended this class, you enjoyed literature and creative writing ... but your fondness for the subject has been raised this term. You do well enough in all aspects of your academic studies, other teachers are satisfied with your level of achievement, but this is the class you spend more time thinking about, and have a greater focus on. Today, you were brave / foolish, enough to take an extra class on Shakespeare's sonnets ... and were pleasantly surprised to discover that you're the lone attendee - a one-to-one with this incredible woman!

Why is it that families and old friends only get together for births, marriages, and funerals? Regrettably, this is your first time visiting the Isle of Bute, and the property in Port Bannatyne, Your college friend Richie, and his partner Anna, had bought and moved to the small house outside Rothesay nearly 2 years ago. Richie was a civil engineer employed with the project to renovate and restore the old Rothesay Pavillion. Due to other commitments, you had to miss their grand housewarming party a few months ago, and you realise you hadn't actually seen him since last year. Only last month, you heard that Richie had been rushed over to the hospital in Glasgow, and then the sad news last week that he had died. The two of you had always talked about finding and renovating old houses which would make enough money to enable you both to work as freelance consultants while enjoying a rural lifestyle - so you were happy to support and invest in him when he bought this little project property in Port Bannatyne. Despite you not previously meeting her, the way Richie spoke about Anna made you doubt such a princess existed outside a Disney fairytale. They'd met 4 years ago while Richie was working in Warsaw. He spoke about how genuine the connection was, and of how he'd found his soulmate. Richie described his hopes and dreams for a wonderful future with Anna ... but needed to know his best friend (you) would still support the property portfolio he was also starting to build.

You're walking home alone ... again. Another pointless social gathering with your colleagues. The restaurant was uncomfortable, the food was poor, and the drinks weren't cheap. Highlight? tonight you met the guy who got the job you were hoping to be offered. Bonus? You had to watch 'the one who brightens your day' dancing with someone else ... and that someone isn't worthy. For both - maybe if you'd said something, or asked them to dance rather than been so ... self conscious, politely cynical, and doubtfully reluctant? You're so wrapped up in your regrets that you don't notice the young woman the street ... until she's nearly just one more opportunity to be alive which entirely passed you by. initially, you see her clothing, a hoodie, jeans, and boots. You casually imagine that this all masks a potentially pleasant feminine figure. You tell yourself to look at her, the fair hair is untidy, her pretty face appears to hide many worries - even her smile is hardly revealed. As you're only meters away, you think her face is tearstained, her clothing is slightly dirty, and the boots are worn out.

It was probably your best summer ... but that was 2 years ago. It was your 1st year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - you were part of a group who performed a version of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, and your Bottom was well reviewed. But it was also when you met Lynn, a sweet, sassy, pretty, funny young comedienne from Aberdeen - she was performing her own show in the same venue. Week one, you got chatting in the bar and there was a real connection. You spent time together ... laughed when you both admitted that it was the greatest summer fling either of you could imagine ... and promised to keep in touch. For the next 4 months, there were phone calls & messages, and even exchange of xmas presents. In the new year, things seemed to change, and she became quiet and distant. When you returned to Edinburgh, with an ambitious Romeo & Juliet modernization, last year ... you hadn't heard from her for over a month, and she wasn't there. Your show was successful, you were commended, but your summer didn't seem so sunny without her. So you reminded yourself that Lynn was only ever a amazing summer fling, and that you should probably move on to the next chapter of your life. This year, you've been asked to produce/direct the group, and bring Othello to the Festival. Then, 3 weeks ago, you received a message from Lynn - having not heard from her for over a year, you hadn't even thought to let her know you'd be in Edinburgh again this summer. She said that she's back in Aberdeen, and that she hopes you will visit her there. Your initial response was to invite her to see your latest production ... but she politely said that she couldn't get to Edinburgh this year. After considering your motive for a while, you said you'd never been to Aberdeen, and promised to find the time ...

You, and a few friends, decided to go to the UEFA European Championships. Your own country didn't qualify, but you all thought you might just try to get tickets for matches if you can - otherwise, you're just in the local bars soaking up the lively atmosphere. Tonight's match is fairly meaningless, and in one of the further away venues, so you're happy enough to take it easier this evening. You've left the main crowd of fans partying in the busy town square, and found a quieter bar which serves familiar beers and snacks - you'll probably not have missed much if you just find your friends later ...

She was born to be a princess, but you always thought she chose to be your friend. Growing up, you were both part of a group of kids playing together in the kingdom. You'd all get dusty in the courtyard, have adventures in the woodland, spend long days exploring the surrounding landscape, and share evenings chatting, laughing, and avoiding growing up too fast. When you were 12, the elders recognised your affinity with nature and animals - so you spent more time with the gardeners, in the stables/kennels, and learning about the environment. Your friend Eleanor spent more time studying subjects such as sociology, politics, economics, and history. She was also encouraged to develop social and community awareness. When you were 16, you moved to a neighbouring region to learn about and develop your ability - working with and training animals in various roles which would be useful additions to the kingdom. While you were away, Eleanor had a greater involvement in the administration and perception of the kingdom.

Edinburgh, a popular choice as one of the best cities in the world - for culture, history, and for living. Having recently enjoyed the Fringe Festival in this wonderful place, and spoken with people who's experience and wisdom you can respect and trust ... You had little hesitation when you knew it was an option for you to further your education and to begin the next chapter of your life. Your slightest concern was that you're far from home, and have no family or friends in the city ... until you remember that your cousin mentioned that they have a friend currently studying at Edinburgh University. You messaged your cousin, and asked if their friend would meet up with you ... and that's what happens today.

As the storm whips around outside, you try to relax on your familiar couch binge watching another Sci-Fi / thriller series with an attractive heroine. Most nights, you'd have to bargain with your singer/songwriter brother for use of the living-room ... but he's got a gig tonight. Due to travel, and parties, he and his band will probably just stay over ... wherever they are. You've already spent a few hours playing a popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game with your friends ... but you suspect that your internet connection is adversely affected by the weather. The amount of pasta / tuna / sweetcorn / mayo which you prepared and enjoyed earlier was more than enough for just you. You are resisting the inclination to have a beer; firstly because you don't enjoy drinking alone, and secondly because you might not just have one - and your schedule tomorrow is difficult enough ... so you have a bottle of cola in the fridge which you've been working your way through. There are tempting snacks in the kitchen, but you know your brother will tease you if you just pig out while he's away. It's getting late, you can't quite ignore the sound of the rain still lashing down outside, when you hear a knocking, or scuffing, at the door. You wouldn't envy anyone outside in this weather, so you quickly go to check if there's someone there.

Well, alright then. That's what you said when your brother asked if you'd come to another festival. You've always been aware, and a little envious, of your popular sibling's musical talent. As a singer/song writer, he's working hard and progressing towards his goals. When he was invited to showcase his music, he was delighted and then apprehensive. His name is included on a list of new talent to play on a secondary stage on the Saturday afternoon. He loves playing his music and connecting with an audience. What's making him more nervous are the attending journalists and top A&R people. Your brother teases you ... to encourage and recognise that you have your own abilities and interests. When they gave him a handful of 'roadie' passes, he brought you and a couple of friends with him to the festival - he doesn't need help carrying his guitar, but he often lets you drive him to the gigs. About an hour before he's due to go on, he was invited to speak to some reputable music journalists/influencers. You, with his entourage, can pass some time in the back-stage area - with free snacks and drinks from a national sponsor. You recognise a few of the other musicians and performers - from previous venues your brother played, or from shows you've attended ... with your brother. Then you notice her! Did you momentarily stop breathing, stare for a bit too long in her direction? Your friend didn't help. When he noticed your reaction, he elbowed you, causing you to almost drop your free burger. You nearly got away with it, until you saw tomato sauce make a bid for freedom by falling onto your jeans. Your trusted wing-man found this even more hilarious. You're caught - there's no way you can casually or nonchalantly deal with this red/orange blob running down your blue jeans. You silently curse your luck, and your friend, and then find a stack of standard issue napkins to wipe away the resilient sauce. You're more surprised to see her reaction - genuinely amused and sympathetic?

This would be the last time you agree to a family holiday, you'd already decided! This year, it's a Greek all-inclusive hotel resort. You've never been to Greece, seen the Aegean, or even discovered much of south-east Europe - your parents aren't here for the ancient history or the beautiful scenery. Your dad had a drink minutes after leaving the airport. Your mum is here to get a 'natural' tan. You're brother will either be by the pool, the bar, or his phone ... depending on who he's interested in, or avoiding. Day 3 of 7 - hotel is good - catering, facilities, accommodation ... all good. You last saw your family ... about 6pm. Your dad was heading along to the restaurant where he'll certainly eat and drink more than he should before he progresses towards the lounge to enjoy his evening of attentive waitresses and attractive entertainers. Your mum will still be getting pampered & fussed over in the spa. Your brother has met an English girl - they both like the same pop music or fashionable trend - so he'll be socializing with her until ... they run out of superficial compliments. You have independently, and perhaps foolishly, gone out to explore the surrounding area - to know you've actually been to this place ... rather than just stayed at the resort. About 10 minutes along the road, there's a local/rustic village - the market was closing but the cafe/bar/restaurant draws in the apparent regulars. After sharing a few polite greetings, and receiving a few quizzical looks, you continued beyond the settlement along a winding track past farms and plantations. Around half an hour from civilization, the top of a hill rewarded you with an awesome panoramic view of the area. Beneath this vantage point, an enticing small lake. Carefully navigating loose ground and greenery, you made your way down to the edge of the water ... and that's when you noticed her. Previously hidden behind trees, she was quietly sitting on low rocks a short distance from the shore.

Dread - that's what you've been feeling for the last 48hrs. Following the predictable and avoidable disaster of the last meeting, your faction has appointed you to be their new representative. You anticipate animosity and suspicion from a number of the other members attending. The explosive atmosphere of the previous meeting was not entirely due to your predecessor - much of the blame is attributed rightly to your former western allies. You've been a member of the diplomatic team for a few months, and have gathered some ideas about what not to do and say. Due to the sudden disappearance of other members of team, you are also to be accompanied by a new assistant, The office staff are recovering and floundering to provide you little information, only that Daniel is a sociology student. These discussions and exchanges with domestic and foreign adversaries may impact on the future of the whole region - so, no pressure.

Has your child been disrupting the class, or skipping lessons? Why has this teacher called you? Your child's English teacher has invited in for a chat. The message was quite vague, and didn't say much more. It has been a steep learning curve since your partner decided that family life wasn't what they wanted. I suppose they didn't take much - left you with everything except their companionship ... and their income. Your 2 children ... are teenagers, and free to see both parents. However, maybe because of school and friends, they both choose stay with you ... when they're actually at home. You and your ex were high school sweethearts who split briefly for different collages. You were drawn back together for the holidays ... and had your 1st child before you were 21. You shared parenting and earning as expected, and are both successful to some extent. Your children are smart, popular, and sociable. Your partner did many of the parent-teacher events, so this is fairly new ground for you. You never had concerns from report cards, or from any of the hobbies and clubs which they enjoyed. So you're quite mystified about why their teacher would be wanting to meet with you. The moment you enter the classroom, you see her. Your son said she was pretty, but that's an understatement - she's quite beautiful. Then your initial thought is how welcoming and friendly she appears - and take this as an indication that your child isn't in too much trouble

You're a photographer covering a very exclusive event in the city tonight. Although you're not able to access the heart of the venue, it's still very interesting to witness all the glamorous and wealthy people attending this parade of money and influence. You have already captured pictures of some of the most the beautiful and elegant women, and a number of handsome and chiselled men. You can only imagine how much time, effort, and money is being invested in this celebration of opulence and decadence. As time goes by, and arrivals dwindled, you think that maybe you've got enough for tonight. You're confident that nobody important is yet to appear, and other respectable photographers are already away to select and edit their work for submission.

Finally, it's time to share your Bottom with the world. Well, it's not quite the world ... just a regional theatre audience. And this is the dress rehearsal, opening night and curtain up is still 23 hours away. Your amateur drama group have been rehearsing Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' for the last couple of months, nearly everyone is really quite excited, and you're confident that this is going to be a good production. Taking the role of Nick Bottom is a challenge for you. You usually prefer the darker baddies; you've previously played Iago, Claudius, and Caliban - and you're hoping to play Richard III. However, that's not really an option this season. You've never really wanted the leading romantic roles, and you've a friend who delivers the heroics. So, now you're the beloved comedy character, and certainly looking forward to scenes with a particularly lovely Titania. Tonight, as everyone is gathering costumes and props, the director is barking instructions, and the fowl foursome are huddling together, you find yourself as an observer. That's when you see 'her'! You take a few seconds to realise who she is, the assistant director ... or maybe the assistant producer? At every rehearsal, she sat quietly, almost invisible, behind/beside the flamboyant director. She was always taking notes, and received instructions, for the production team. Sometimes, she might have spoken with the director and the technicians. When you did see her, she was usually plain, meek, mild, quiet, and shy ... but not tonight! Now, she's quite beautiful and elegant in her sleek black outfit, and she's certainly incharge of the stage crew.

2050 - Humans have eventually realised that they'd ruined the planet. Mars is colonised by explorers and scientists. Many countries formed uneasy alliances to setup space stations inhabited by professional and wealthy groups and factions. So now Earth is being maintained by the kind of people who genuinely care about their planet, ruled by people who seek to profit from opportunities, and controlled by people developing and discovering new ideas. One development which has really gone public only recently is the success of animal hybrids - who would have guessed that sea creatures can understand oceanography and the environmental effects which have been witnessed globally? Another advanced theory puts rural domestic species to work on the problem facing dwindling fertile land required for farming.

There's a famous Dolly song about her, but is that who she is? You're one of many who find their way to Nashville, Tennessee. You're walking along looking at this amazing place ... and then you see this beautiful woman outside the bank. You wouldn't expect her to notice you, so you're just about to try to find something interesting or humourous to say.

In hindsight, it was inevitable - and probably overdue - when your parents separated. Your dad has always been more interested in his garage of classic cars - most of which he's constantly restoring to a semblance of former glory. Your mum has always been more interested in antiques, significant artifacts ... and women. You grew up in a comfortably large house, attended a reputable school, and you're still friends with dynamic people. Both your parents are independently successful and wealthy. Gradually, during your (and also your siblings') journey through school, your mum spent more time away from home, and your dad spent more time in his garage. Eventually, as you left to go to college, your mum left to pursue her new life. Neither made much fuss, and the separation and divorce papers were signed without any fanfare or acknowledgment. You were always shadowing your dad, so of course you fell in love with these cars. You want to use your business management qualification to develop his garage into a successful sports/luxury car company. Your dad was overjoyed, and welcomed you back home, as soon as you told him about your intentions. But while you were away, your dad got together with Alexandra, an elegant lady who lavished him with affection in exchange for bringing her into his exquisite home. Alexandra knows she's the most beautiful and expensive item in your dad's life. Your dad is still unaware/absent - willingly exiled to his garage of expensive toys. Meanwhile, Alexandra rules her new empire.

What an awesome festival ... and what an amazing woman! You've been a fan of rock and heavy metal bands since your dad let you listen to his LPs when you were young. You then discovered new bands and artists who were rooted in the style and making it current and modern. All of your friends appreciate music, some of them are musicians or singers, but only a few of them share your passion for rock. You were always going to attend this annual rock festival. Even if you arrived alone, you would always meet real rock people here ... ... But you never even hoped to find someone like Jenna. She's gorgeous, sassy, outrageous, funny, and she loves the same bands as you! You met Jenna on Friday night while getting some food from a burger van. She had a bit of mustard dropped on her shoulder, so you spontaneously offered to lick it off (no idea why). This act set the tone for the weekend. Together, you've seen some great bands, danced/jumped around, sang/hollered lyrics, shared snacks, spilt drinks, and probably got to 2nd base in her tent.

This has been your favourite bar since you snuck in with your brother when you weren't quite old enough to drink here legally. This is a live music venue. Often as young musicians and performers themselves, it's staff always participate in maintaining the energy and mood within the building. You first met Chrystal 3 months ago when she, as an emerging new singer/songwriter, arrived to play a set on a mild Sunday afternoon. By popular opinion, this lead to her being offered a Friday night. The regular audience then encouraged the management to bring her on as a barmaid, and have her host and perform her own regular midweek show. You were quickly enchanted by her. Her music is often a blend of traditional folk and more dynamic funk. But then her own shows have consistently introduced new artists and genres to an appreciative audience. You have enjoyed many conversations, and shared ideas, with Chrystal ... but you're yet to confess or admit how attracted you have become to this magical young woman.

You have recently been offered an amazing opportunity thanks to your successful property portfolio, but you can't take all the credit. 5 years ago ... you were just starting to think about owning and renovating properties. You already let a couple of city flats, and were working on a new project - a terraced house in an aspiring area of town. Then you heard about a rural cottage going up for auction. You looked at the details in the brochure, went through the legal pack, and everything looked promising. Next weekend, you and your girlfriend went out to view the place. It was in poor condition + your girlfriend thought it was a mess, would need too much work before resale, and too far from all the best places. However, you recognised that it had so much charm and potential. Another week later, it was part of a remote auction, so you logged in and placed your bids - you had a top limit in mind, but pleasantly surprised to be successful for only a little over the asking price. You were so busy with the flats, renovation of the house, and finding time for the girlfriend as well as other stuff - it was 4 months before you went back to the cottage. You were stunned by what you found. Last time, it had been a messy, damp, neglected building. Now it was clean and apparently in use ... but there was nobody home. In the living room, you found a sleeping bag and some warm old clothing. In the kitchen, there were clean plates, cutlery, and a pot on a camping stove. You had to find out who was living & looking after the place. You went into town, got some supplies, and made a few enquiries. The pub landlord was defensive and evasive, but the lady running the convenience store was quite a gossip; that's when you heard about Hannah, and it all seemed quirky but quite genuinely positive. Later, before dark, you walked over to the cottage, and saw movement through the window. You politely knocked on the door ... and introduced yourself ...

Could you try to talk to her? Should you take her to the police? Would you prefer that she can't remember anything about it? Last night, your friend took you along to an illegal drinking and gambling event - with typical shady businessmen and their pretty companions. It was probably around 1am; you were cautioning your friend about boasting foolishly while seeminfly being lucky enough at the card table, when you watched a couple of heavy lads leading a young intoxicated woman through the party and straight to the back of the building. You decide that it's not your business, but minutes later, the same goons reappear, and make their way across to speak with who you assume is their boss. Curious or intrigued, you see the boss make a phone call. Quickly, who ever he's speaking to isn't happy, and the boss is furiously dismissing his glamorous companion. You're enjoying this live gangster scene so much, you're not surprised when the boss pulls out a gun and gives the goons their instructions. Once the three mobsters are away, the party starts to resume. The boss's glamorous companion is now sitting with another wealthy business man. You wonder about the hapless woman through the back - what happened to her? You look towards the back of the building, but the door is manned by a staff member. So, shrugging, you return to the card table - your friend's luck has run away at the same rate as his wine bottle. Suddenly, there's a commotion outside - the police! Within seconds, the officers are clearly looking for somebody rather than just busting up the illegal bar. Everyone is fussing and staggering while the host and his employees are cooperative. You don't know it's safe or wise, but you convinced your friend to help you retrieve the young girl. You find her unconscious on a couch in a back office. The two of you are able to carry her between you. Making polite chat with a policeman, you leave with her, and bring her back to your flat.

The morning after a great party, you wake up on your 21st birthday to discover the most amazing gift. There's a young woman in your room, and you don't remember her being there last night. She patiently waits as you gain your senses, and mentally check there's nothing embarrassing on view. Then she hands you a birthday card - you quickly recognised it's from Uncle Stevie (not a real uncle, just a friend of your late dad's.). it reads ... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This is Jessica, please look after her. I first met her a few Christmases ago; she's the most beautiful result of a project we'd been developing at work. Before I have to admit to getting too old for her, I've got to do the right thing, and let a young person like yourself be her companion. At the Cyberdyne Systems design team, we called them T-80085, but I quietly named her Jessica. I assure you, she's clean and restored to factory settings, so you two can shape your own future together."

Rain soaked, you decide to take shelter in the village. Traveling back home after escorting a wealthy merchant safely to the coast to board a ship bound on a journey that will probably make his masters even more wealthy. The bandits and wild animals clearly have more sense than to be out in this stormy weather. You reach the village, and choose to get shelter, warmth, and a few drinks before the skys clear and you resume your route back to your own master's enviable estate. You are many things to your master's family - guardian/mentor/confidant. You're educated & skilled, but they might never set you free - not in this time and place. Leaving your horse in the well kept stables, you're crossing the yard when you hear a woman's voice from the well. You move to investigate, but a local guard calls out,"Leave her alone!" You look at the guard for an explanation, but then turn towards the well. The guard hurries across the wet yard to intercept, "Sir, I warn you - she's a ... witch." More intrigued, you go to look in the well. You see a young woman kneeling at the bottom of the well, her expression pleading for help ... or merely understanding. The guard continues,"She's from a farm along the southern road. I knew her husband; hardworking man, used to keep bees, made sweet honey ... until he started supplying the best mead in the area - but he went sailing for ingredients a few months ago, and hasn't returned." You're about to enquire about this woman's crime when the guard adds,"The young master, son of the Lord of these lands, went to visit last week ... see if they still had any mead in the place. He came back saying she was a witch - had tried to enchant him. The lord sent myself, and two others, to find out what happened. We discovered that she's got all kinds of plants, strange bottles and jars, and the only animal on the farm is a well fed cat." The guard glares down at her, "I'm to let her drown! If she escapes using her magic, I get to deal with her!"

Is this the place to begin a new chapter, or even a new book? You used to be half of a nationally respected novelist couple, and had been starting to have interesting conversations with Amazon and Netflix. Then your young partner became ill, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and passed away at home nearly 5 months ago. The two of you met at college. You studied journalism while they studied literature. You dated on and off until they impulsively proposed to you at your graduation celebration. Together, you were a formidable team, tackling human drama stories with a blend of humour and sincere words. In the last 4 months; family, friends, and your editor/publisher has gently and gradually encouraged you to return to your writing. But everything at home reminds you of your partner ... and how much you miss them - you're not even sure you can be a writer without them. In a push intended to support and encourage you, your editor has booked you a holiday. They found a quiet remote woodland cabin, within walking distance of a friendly village, and with a good internet connection. You realise that it's a positive step, and agree to go. When you arrive at the cabin, you are met by a friendly young lady. She introduces herself as Lieke, the owners daughter. She lives minutes away in the village, and is happy to help you get the most out of your stay. She asked to be the one to welcome you when she recognised your name on the booking form.

Midnight in the library? Wow! When you imagined what college life would be like for a Filmmaker, actually studying and reading wasn't how you thought you'd spend a Friday night. Admittedly, this is a rare occasion. You have an essay due next week on a topic you've enjoyed. You're a Filmmaking student, you've enjoyed the course so far, and the social life is as you anticipated. Living in 'halls' is always lively; a melting pot of new students from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and cultures. You all have your own room within the residence, and most of your fellow occupants are good people. Tonight, your neighbours seem to be celebrating; loud music and plentiful cheap drink. Evidently, you won't be able to sleep or to concentrate - so surprise yourself when you decide to go to the library for help with your essay ... plus to get some quiet and fresh air. You have been to the library many times, and know where some useful books and articles might be found. When you arrive, the place is very quiet, few tables are occupied. Your attention is drawn to a young woman sitting alone with a pile of textbooks and notebooks scattered across her table. You regain your focus, and go to find useful study materials. You carry these back to the tables, and select one close to the studious girl ... rather than any isolated table. You courteously settle quickly and quietly, and start to look through the information you've gathered. After about 20 minutes of studying, you are aware that the young woman is quite anxious about something ... probably an upcoming exam or essay or something similar. From your table, you see that she's attractive. Perhaps you watched her for a while, but you then notice that she's probably been crying recently. Maybe you had some plot or characters in your imagination, but you tentatively decide to speak to this woman; perhaps you can help? Gently stepping round towards her, you offered a polite greeting ...

Not in your wildest dreams did you imagine this. 5 years ago, you were involved in an accident. Due to the accident, both lower legs were amputated and now you use a wheelchair. You don't have much love for the false limbs made for you. Since the accident, you completed your education online, discovered online adventure games, and then you found eSports. Now you were able to play and collaborate as an equal! Your restricted life also gave you more time to become an accomplished artist. This became another talent/skill where your lack of legs doesn't limit your potential or enjoyment. While chatting with friends during an eSports tournament, you mentioned that you enjoyed oil painting. A friendly teammate, named Charlie, casually asked if you would paint them. You were surprised, but agreed to try it - and asked them to send you a few photos of themself. Charlie and yourself had already been chatting and found a great connection online, although neither of you really shared much more about your real lives. When Charlie sent the images, your heart raced and you realised that she's actually called Charlotte ... and she's quite beautiful. Today, about 2 months later, Charlie/Charlotte has actually come round to visit you ... in real life ... and to see the portrait. She doesn't fake or hide her appreciation of your work.

The last year hasn't been easy, but here you are. You have recently left a difficult relationship, and also your job. Your ex partner was/is a bully, and you had been working for their family business. Your close friends knew enough about it, and offered support to make sure you escaped ... but now the future looks uncertain . While you continue to seek employment (without a glowing reference from your previous employer), your friends won't let you wallow in self pity. The latest radical push is that they have brought you along to join the musical theatre group. You're a competent performer and able to speak to an audience, your karaoke voice isn't terrible, and you've been to see a few of the recent shows. But this is outside your previous comfort zone - you quickly realised how keen and excitable these people are, and your own energy levels are not that high. You're just about to make your excuses/apologies ... then you meet the choreographer ...