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 ...