Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of an original story by Ann Benson, titled “Writing Amanda Stone.”

Margo stepped outside into the crisp autumn air leaves crunching beneath her feet. The chatter of children surrounded her as they sang songs and played games. There was only one problem in this normal world. Well… it was summer and in a graveyard.

“You can stop right there Kendra. I have heard enough.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to hear the rest? It’s…”

“I don’t want to hear anymore of it Miss. Stone…”

“You don’t like it.. I get it…”

“Miss Stone. If you would have let me finished. I actually love it. You have got the job.”

“What? Really? “

“Yes. I loved the way you drew me in on the first line. And the reason why I don’t want you to finish reading it is because, I love your book so much that, I want to publish it and be your editor.”

Kendra’s mouth drops open.

“Oh my goodness thank you Mr. Miles!! You don’t know how much this means to me (Kendras face goes neutral as she realizes something.) But I really think you should know that…!“

“I don’t wanna hear it anymore!! I want to read it myself when it becomes a bestseller! Now I want you to gather up your things and go home and write the first chapter are we clear?”

“Yes but… “

“Have a nice evening Miss Stone.“ Mr. Miles gets up grabs his suitcase and leaves. Leaving Kendra there in his office.

“I wish I could have finished. I can’t take credit for this story. It would be so wrong. That’s not my story. It’s my little sister’s. She is seven and has lung cancer. One of the things that was on her bucket list was to write a book with Mr. Steven Miles. Her role model as a reader and writer. I have no clue how I am going to break it to Mr. Miles or my little sister, Amanda.” Kendra packs up the suitcase she has and stands up. Shutting the lights off and closing the door.