“If the world were to end tomorrow…” Sera thought. “If everything just ended, I’d be fine with that.”
She was on the bridge, in her usual spot, watching the sun set over the river. She was tired. She pushes herself to stay positive, but with everything that has happened, most recently the disaster with Seth. Sera leaned forward over the rail, staring down into the dark river below, a single tear dripping from her face, disappearing into the dark abyss below. Things had to get better, they just had to.




“You’ve been nothing but kind since we met.” Emily said, turning away from Adi. “Even when I was a drunken bitch, you still looked for the good in me.”
“Em…” Adi whispered,reaching out for her, fear in his voice.
“You don’t deserve this.“ She said, avoiding his touch. “You don’t deserve to have to deal with my bullshit every fucking day.”
“Em.. Don’t. Please?” Adi asked, tears starting to flow down his eyes into his beard.
“If the world were to end tomorrow, just know one thing. Em said, tears running down her face as well. “Just know that this time we’ve had since we met, these few months since you came into my life, have been the happiest I have ever been. It’s all because of you.”
“Emily, please, don’t do this.” Adi whispered, his voice cracking.
“I’m sorry Adi, I really am.” Emily said, slowly walking away from possibly the best thing in her life.

After hours of searching the city, Adi finally found Emily, sitting alone on a bench in the park at night.
“There you are.” Adi said, a little out of breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s not you.” Emily said, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s never you. You shouldn’t be here.”
“Talk to me, Em. Don’t shut down on me, please don’t.” He replied, sitting next to her, trying to put a caring arm over her shoulder which she shrugged off.
“Since I met you, you’ve been nothing but kind and caring. Loyal. You’re like a knight trying to rescue the princess.” Emily said staring at the ground, hateful bitterness in her voice. “Only it’s not a princess this time. It’s a fucking monster!”
“What are you talking about?” Adi replied, sounding confused. “What monster?”
“Me!” Emily snapped, turning her head towards him, locking her eyes with his. “I’m the fucking monster! I’m the goddamn fucking piece of shit monster!”
“You’re not a monster.” Adi said, trying to calm and reassure her.
“Yeah, I am.” She whispered, lowering her gaze to the ground. “I ruin everything. I can’t even have a fucking boyfriend without making a mess of things.”
“You didn’t ruin anything. You’re not a monster. Fucked up in the head maybe, but no monster.”
“Thanks.” Emily said sarcastically, moving to get up. “See ya.”
“Emily, wait!” Adi said, grabbing her by the wrist.
Emily turned to face him, a look of defeat on her face. For the first time since they’ve known each other, the light in her face is no longer there.
“You didn’t ruin anything.” He said. “Mom’s not mad at you. She’s sitting up at home waiting to hear from me, she’s worried sick about you. Adam’s pissed, but not at you. At me. And Alyssa, well, I won’t repeat what she said would happen if I didn’t bring you home safe.”
A look of confusion came over her face, she didn’t understand what he was telling her.
“My family fucking loves you, Emily!” Adi stated. “Yeah, making that joke about dad wasn’t the best thing you could have done, but it’s far from the worst.”
“They… love me?” Emily looking more befuddled than before.”
“Yes!” Adi exclaimed. “Mom’s been talking about how she hopes our kids look like their mother.”
“Our… kids?” Emily choked out. “We don’t have kids, do we?”
“Much to mom’s displeasure, no.” Adi stood up and took both of her hands in his. “I know this is a huge shock to you, but we’re here for you. I’M here for you. I love you, and I’m ALWAYS gonna be here for you, I promise.”
“You… love ME?” Emily said, struggling to stay on her feet, the weight of Adi’s words hitting her all at once.
“For fuck’s sake, Em. YES!”
“I’m so sorry Adi.” Emily whispered. “I am so goddamn sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Adi said, pulling her in for a hug. “We love you, we want you to feel loved.”
“I don’t know what that is.” She said, wide eyed with her head against his shoulder. “I’m scared, Adi.”
“I know, but it’ll be ok. I promise.”
Emily didn’t know how to process what she was feeling, it was a warm, full feeling, it felt like everything, even just for a moment, was right in the universe.

“If you listen carefully,” The old man at the end of the bar started. “You’ll hear the Charred Sawyer shouting, looking for survivors.”
“Huh?” Seth said, snapping out of his thoughts.
“The Charred Sawyer still searches for those trapped during the Great Mill Fire. You can still hear him shouting in German, trying to save the innocent.”
It was Phoenix Night, an annual festival the people of Millcreek Crossing hold every year in honor and remembrance of the great mill fire that destroyed the original saw mills across the river, the town being spared solely thanks to the Black River. The Sawdust Tavern, the oldest remaining establishment in town, was frequently abuzz with rumors and legends from the fire, especially around the time of the festival.
“What is he saying?” Seth asked curiously, he had always been intrigued by the legend of the mill.
“How the hell should I know? I don’t speak kraut!” The old man snapped before taking a long swig of his beer. “The society should know however,”
There are those who believe the myths that an immigrant from Germany, Otto Voss, was the Charred Sawyer, some even say he wasn’t looking for survivors, but instead trying to end a curse put on the mill by remaining members of a local Native American tribe over 130 years ago. These people call themselves “The Black River Mill Society”, believing that Voss’s sacrifice was part of a contract made with the supernatural in retribution for the felling of a spiritually significant tree, the Grandfather Pine. Despite assurances from Elias Hargrove, the mills owner, the pine was ordered to be cut down by the mills fireman, an ambitious, power hungry man. Seth had just earned his bachelor’s degree in history, working his way to a master’s, possibly a doctorate, and his focus had been mostly during the later 1800s and early 1900s, especially the lumber industry tied to Millcreek.
“Where can I find this society?” Seth asked.
“You don’t want to find them, boy.” The old man replied. “But if you don’t mind your business, they’ll find you.”

“You have to keep this a secret just between the two of us.” Emily said, a bit of panic in her voice.
She had been dating Adi for just over 3 months at this point, far longer than any of her past relationships, if that’s what you want to call them.
“Ok, sure. What’s up?” Adi replied.
“You need to swear on your life you don’t tell a soul.” She said, fear joining the panic.
“You have my word, Em.” Adi promised. “What’s wrong?”
“What I’m about to tell you..” Emily started, tears starting to stream down her face. “What I’m telling you, only my family and Vix knows. No one else. No one else can know.”
“Okay., go on.” Adi responded, concern in his voice growing.
“I’m rich.” Emily said in the same tone one would use if they killed a beloved pet. “My family is insanely rich.”
Adi stood there, eyes wide, mouth agape.
“I get it if you’re mad and don’t want to see me again.” Emily whispered, head hanging low.
Adi didn’t say a word. He calmly walked over to Emily, wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. At that moment, Emily broke down, sobbing, fearing the worst of the worst is about to happen.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He whispered, keeping her close, his hand gently resting on the back of her head.
“I was scared if you knew you’d think less of me.” Emily sobbed. “I was afraid you’d try to take advantage or something.”
“If your family is loaded, why do you living in this shit hole?” Adi asked softly.
Emily’s apartment is a tiny studio apartment, barely 25’ across in either direction, directly above a hair salon in downtown. The plaster is cracked and chipping, the ceiling is discolored from years of neglect and the windows leak in the cold Wisconsin air as if they were wide open.
“Because I wanted to prove to my family, to myself, that I could live on my own without relying on my family’s wealth.” Emily said, the sobbing slowly easing.
“Em…” Adi started and paused. “Emily, I don’t give a shit if your family is rich enough to own the damn moon. I care about you. You’re fucking amazing at everything you do. You’re fun, you’re beautiful, intelligent and witty. You’re full of so much joy and happiness. I don’t care about money. I care about you!”
Hearing these words, Emily broke down again, harder, her legs giving out with only Adi’s grip keeping her from falling to the floor.
“I’m sorry Adi!” She screamed. “I’m so fucking sorry!”
“Hush Em.” Adi whispered softly helping her to her bed. “Don’t be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“Stupid! I’m so goddamn fucking stupid!” She continued to scream, clutching at something invisible in the air.
“You’re not stupid, Em.” He whispered, trying to calm her down. “You’re not stupid.”
Emily continued to bawl, speaking incoherently. Adi continued to hold her close, comforting her. Hours passed as Emily continued to cry, sometimes gentle sobs, sometimes frantic wailing, Adi stayed through it all. Eventually Emily’s crying subsided to the point she could talk again.
“I’m so sorry Adi.” She whispered. “I’m so stupid to think you’d do something like that.”
“Emily Lynn Granite, “Adi said softly, but firmly. “You have nothing to apologize for and you’re not stupid. Stop. Please.”
“You’re the first person to ever care about me.” She whispered, wrapping her arms around him. “You don’t care about what I look like, what I do, you don’t care about money. Why?”
“I grew up piss poor Em.” Adi replied. “I grew up having to know who people are by how they behave. I look at you and I see a caring soul and a kind heart. You’re not perfect, no one is, but you try your best to be fair with everybody. That’s what drew me to you in the forums. Your kindness.”
“Thank you, Adi.” Emily whispered as she fell asleep against him.

“I want it your way.” Adi said, hesitation and fear in his voice.
“What’s that?” Emily said, not paying full attention. They’ve been together for over a year and she still hasn’t grown accustomed to sharing a bed with the same person on a regular basis.
“I want to try it your way.” Adi repeated, sounding more convincing.
“My way?”
“Yeah, all that kinky shit you’re into.” Adi explained, sitting on the edge of Emily’s bed.
“Why?” Emily asked, a strong hint of suspicion in her voice.
“We’ve been together nearly a year, I don’t plan on running off.” Adi said. “That means I want to show an interest in the things you like, be it your games, podcast, or even your weird, kinky depravities in the bedroom.”
“Fuck you.” She snapped, feeling like she’s being attacked.”
“I mean it.. I know it’s important to you, I want you to feel like you’re important to me.”
Emily stood at the end of the bed, staring at Adi. She didn’t know what to think. Was he truly being sincere, or was this just some kind of game for him to make her look bad? Emily had always been a party girl, hooking up with a different person nearly every night, the concept of monogamy was still unfamiliar to her, even after all the time they’ve been together. She liked Adi, he was the only person to show any interest in who she was, not what she was, a trust fund brat nymphomaniac with attachment issues. Growing up, the only affection she got was from her nannies, and even that was forced. She breezed through college with a 3.8, and that was with partying nearly every weekend. Does Adi really care? Is he sincerely interested in her? She was about to find out.
“You don’t know what you’re getting yourself in for.” Emily said, finally breaking the silence. “I’m into a lot of kinky fuckery. Bondage, asphyxiation, collaring, impact play, spanking. And that’s just the mild shit.”
“I know.” Adi replied. “I want to try it. I’ve seen the joy in your eyes when you talk about it. I know it makes you happy. I want to try it. For you.”
Emily closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
“What are your hard limits?” She said quite seriously. “What are the lines you refuse to cross?”
“Nothing that can cause lasting damage. No branding, no knife play, no pins or needles.” Adi said, looking directly at Emily. “No piss or shit play, that’s just disgusting, sorry. And no anal, that’s exit only.”
Emily giggled at the last one.
“Exit only?”
“Yes. The only thing going in there is the camera at my colonoscopy when I turn 40.” Adi smirked.
“Ok. If you’re consenting, then I’ll give you what you want.” Emily said, getting serious again. “Theres things that will cause you pain, if you can handle it say nothing. If get gets too much for you, say something immediately. Everything comes to a stop then.”
“Alright.” He replied, taking her hand in his. “I trust you.”
“Do you want to try tonight?” She asked, a few tears of happiness running down her cheeks.
“Yes, if you do.”
Emily nodded and pulled her hand back as she turned around and went towards her closet. Most people used rope or cuffs during bondage, but not Emily. Like most computer nerds, she never threw out a cord unless it was damaged, instead saving it in the unlikely event it becomes useful again. She just finds more uses than most. She pulled out a couple older CAT-5 cords and returned to Adi.
“I’m going to tie you to the bed.” She said with all seriousness. “I’ll go easy on you. You tell me when you’ve had enough and we’ll stop.”
“Don’t be gentle, please.”