https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire St. Petersburg College Fall 2022 en-us 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC 2022-12-14 15:25:59 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f3d5.png sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877248 Sandifer.Emily@spcollege.edu 

Include your full name, student ID number, phone number, and email. You must be currently enrolled as a student at SPC.]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877248 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877250 All St. Petersburg College students enrolled in Fall 2022 classes]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877250 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877252 One per student!]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877252 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877253 Two sentences only! 

Remember a sentence must have a complete thought, subject, and verb.

How simple or complex your sentences are is up to you!]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877253 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877254 Yes! All submissions must be original. 

Having difficulty coming up with ideas? Check out our campfire story generator!]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877254 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877257 Please contact Emily Sandifer with questions at sandifer.emily@spcollege.edu or (727) 341-3501]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877257 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877259 SPC Clearwater Campus Learning Resources]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877259 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877262 Come back regularly as new entries are posted! ]]> 2022-07-29 19:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251877262 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251879465 Use this as inspiration or a jumping off point. Remember, your story needs to be exactly two sentences!]]> 2022-07-29 19:50:07 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2251879465 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576223 2022-08-19 15:12:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576223 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576384 2022-08-19 15:12:33 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576384 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576598 2022-08-19 15:12:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576598 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576765 2022-08-19 15:12:58 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265576765 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265577105 2022-08-19 15:13:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265577105 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265577288 2022-08-19 15:13:28 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265577288 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265577422 2022-08-19 15:13:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265577422 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591155 1. All participants must be currently enrolled St. Petersburg College students. ]]> 2022-08-19 15:28:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591155 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591536 2. All entries must be submitted by October 31, 2022.]]> 2022-08-19 15:28:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591536 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591758 3. Voting will take place through November 7, 2022.]]> 2022-08-19 15:28:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591758 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591982 4. The winner will be announced on November 8, 2022.]]> 2022-08-19 15:28:51 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265591982 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265592084 5. Stories that do not follow the 2-sentence rule will be disqualified. ]]> 2022-08-19 15:28:58 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2265592084 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2279435215 I wake up ready to do my math homework. 

Find out, it was due an hour ago today…]]> 2022-09-01 15:02:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2279435215 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2347043780 After hearing him maniacally running closer behind, I hop into my car and drive as far away as possible until I feel safe again.

I wake up to a hot whisper behind my ear, "leaving so soon?"]]> 2022-10-19 13:42:06 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2347043780 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2350669674 The thick anticipation weighted heavily on my chest, making it hard to breathe. 

Suddenly, my phone chimed loudly in the silence to notify me of the new exam grade that had posted.]]> 2022-10-21 13:03:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2350669674 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2350800430 As I neared the cave entrance, I took notice of the ache in the pit of my stomach, the crunch of the pebbles beneath my feet, and the crisp yet musky air which seeped from the mouth of those rocky walls that lay just steps away. 

I entered, I saw what I saw, and what I saw will never leave me as I fall to my knees, no longer did my worry linger in the linings of my insides but it now has become engulfed in mouth of those rocky walls.]]> 2022-10-21 14:26:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2350800430 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2350824022 I was the last person out the door for the evening, and the wind began to blow as soon as I started walking to my car. 

Before my eyes, I saw papers pouring out of my briefcase and suddenly they formed into the shape of a pumpkin and engulfed in flames chasing me away from the building.]]> 2022-10-21 14:42:16 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2350824022 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2351138013 Alone in my room, I sneezed.

"Bless You" Someone said.]]> 2022-10-21 18:48:28 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2351138013 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353607340 Don't get me wrong, I love camping even in the snow. 

I just wish nuclear winter wasn't so cold.]]> 2022-10-24 13:37:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353607340 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353631850 I rushed to the bathroom to splash myself with cold water after that nightmare, my skin slick with sweat and my heart racing. 

With shaky hands I turn the faucet off and stare blankly at my reflection, horrified to see the corners of my lips turn up into a sinister smirk.]]> 2022-10-24 13:49:29 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353631850 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353634048 Your daughter is crying throughout the night. 

You visit her grave to beg her to stop.]]> 2022-10-24 13:50:32 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353634048 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353635588 As the girl stood by my bathtub, all she did was stare through the window at the flowers hundreds of feet below- as though they were an escape. 

"Sir? the only issue with the house is the tub... what's the red stain from?" Said the real estate agent, with a morbid look upon her face.]]> 2022-10-24 13:51:17 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353635588 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353636989 I used to love when my mother sang. 

Now, as the wind whistles through her bones, I don't know how I ever loved any other sound]]> 2022-10-24 13:51:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353636989 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353765609 I hear a commotion behind me while I'm walking down an alley in the city after work. 

I notice the ghastly, demonic apparition quickly approaching me as I look over my shoulder.]]> 2022-10-24 14:53:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353765609 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353772061 "I'm sorry for your loss," he said. 
 
"Loss of what?" I replied, with realization dawning over my disappearing eyes. ]]> 2022-10-24 14:56:45 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353772061 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353773157 I thought I was alone while using the bathroom at the rest stop. 

Then I noticed an eye peering at me through a hole in the restroom stall.]]> 2022-10-24 14:57:22 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353773157 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353773929 My backpack and emotions were heavy that day when I was walking home from school and saw my mother waving to me, smiling a large grin.
 
Shocked, I checked my backpack to ensure her chopped-up dead body was still there, ignoring the truck that was about to hit me.]]> 2022-10-24 14:57:49 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353773929 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353774713 I am close to the withering, crumbling edge, looking down at oblivion. 

At the bottom of the chasm I've found, I swear I see hints of ghosts, pale and white, looking back up at me as if asking for help.]]> 2022-10-24 14:58:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353774713 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353775715 I climbed to the top of the two hundred foot tall bridge. 

I turned and fell into the arms of an unfamiliar hero.]]> 2022-10-24 14:58:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353775715 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353776938 I lie on the soft-dewy grass in an open field, peering up at the glistening night sky—stars dance across it. 

I look away from the shimmering night sky, as crimson-red flames flood my vision—crackling and echoing throughout the night. ]]> 2022-10-24 14:59:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353776938 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353777637 Her heart on the ground, her leg in his mouth, ravaged and digested.

A ravenous beast in his human skin, a perfect match to his beautiful human prey.]]> 2022-10-24 14:59:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353777637 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353784025 walking in the snow i hear a faint baby crying, I hear the snow crunch crunch, the crying has stop. 

I look down as my footing is off and i see baby shoes but no baby. ]]> 2022-10-24 15:03:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353784025 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353787470 I was hiking through the woods, alone, when my back started to scream in pain. 
 
 I take my backpack off and look inside to see what I can get rid of, only to find a decaying head staring up at me.]]> 2022-10-24 15:05:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353787470 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353788520 They built the city walls to keep the monsters out. 

No one stopped to think about what they had kept in too. ]]> 2022-10-24 15:05:35 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353788520 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353789113 I attempt to scream to alert the doctor that I am awake and feel everything. 

I watch them chuckle at me attempting to force sound out of my body, as they begin to make the first incision into my chest. ]]> 2022-10-24 15:05:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353789113 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353789891 "These Vegan 'Burgers' are delicious - what is it made of?!?"
 
"We hand-pick only the most athletic supply right outside a plant-based restaurant in Portland!"]]> 2022-10-24 15:06:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353789891 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353790710 Walking alone on a cold, darkened mountain road, I hear the quick paced crunch of the gravel behind me. 

As I fearfully turn to defend myself, all I see is the pale, dripping silhouette of the old woman running at me. ]]> 2022-10-24 15:06:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353790710 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353792415 As I’m home alone watching a movie, I hear my dog limping behind me as he goes to get some water.
 
A loud bark outside the door startles me, then to my horror I realize that I never let my dog back inside, and my dog doesn’t limp. ]]> 2022-10-24 15:07:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353792415 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353793624 As we looked up, it rained from above. 

The stars rays shined over us as we sat next to the campfire.]]> 2022-10-24 15:08:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353793624 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353794483 I hugged my husband tightly, happy he was back home where he belonged.

The smell, though, of the long since dead, was something I'd have to get over as time passed.]]> 2022-10-24 15:08:49 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353794483 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353825684 The crackle and pop of the leaves beneath my feet echoed through the umbra of my backyard, but were only a dampened muffle among the loud natter in my head.

The millions of thoughts whispering through my ears blended into one seamless cacophony; I was running from my own mind.]]> 2022-10-24 15:25:40 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353825684 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353826444 Endless water from the monsoon breeched the walls, rapidly filling my jail cell.
 
With the power out and the electric cell doors completely fried, I took one last breath as the water touched the roof and consumed me.]]> 2022-10-24 15:26:03 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353826444 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353827189 Don't leave the light of your campfire.

They like it when you can't see.]]> 2022-10-24 15:26:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353827189 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353827841 I rip open the wrapping of my minty fresh gum, crackling all of the plastic and eventually getting a piece in my mouth. 
 
Then I hear, "Can I have a piece?"]]> 2022-10-24 15:26:49 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353827841 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353829632 A mysterious being from beyond whispers quietly in my ear,
so softly, so gently, telling me not to fear,
for the savior of the whole world is finally here,
yet still on my face does horror continue to appear.
 
For I see it's distorted form is covered in my wife's brains,
and my son's face is a mask on it's head and breathing in ragged pains,
as it's sick fluids flow through it using my daughter's stolen veins,
and I realize this savior is an amalgamation of my family's remains.]]> 2022-10-24 15:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353829632 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353831251 The walk by the woods was a daily occurrence for her on the path to school, and every time she went past, she always whispered hello to the trees as her mom used to tell her stories of the spirits which lived in them.

Yet today the energy was different, the air being almost static, it was a strangely cloudy day for being the end of summer, and before she could whisper her greeting, it seemed to whisper first, saying “Come in, come in”.]]> 2022-10-24 15:28:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353831251 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353834514 The wind roared in my ears, after jumping out of the plane the blinding blue sky engulfed me as I fell, though soon I realized the ground was growing ever near and my parachute failed to properly deploy as I struggled to open it.
 
I wasn't slowing down enough, I scrambled to do something, anything to slow my eventual collision with the earth, but it was too late, and then I woke up to my alarm clock.]]> 2022-10-24 15:30:09 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353834514 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353928469 A tender kiss on my cheek aroused me from the sleep that engulfed me while waiting for him to come home. 

With bleary eyes I check the time on my phone to notice a text had just come through; "Leaving work now, I can't wait to see you."]]> 2022-10-24 16:20:29 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2353928469 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354030350 "But we've been doing good..."

He said, "have we really?"]]> 2022-10-24 17:19:00 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354030350 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354363958 Once upon a time, a little girl dreamed of working hard. 

She worked hard, and her dreams came true. ]]> 2022-10-24 21:17:39 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354363958 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354365789 The humans watch as the firelight dances across their skin, the pretty, intricate designs perfectly complimenting their delicious aroma. 

The humans haven't noticed me yet, but that will not be the case for long.]]> 2022-10-24 21:19:41 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354365789 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354366573 Watching the bright yellow and red lights dance over his face and the sound of the heat crackling over the charred pieces of wood I pondered how I found myself in the woods with this mystery man I barely know. 

As he rises to his feet stalking closer to me, I see a reflection of the fire on a sharp silver object in his hand and realize that my youthful life might end.]]> 2022-10-24 21:20:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354366573 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354366940 I remember it like it was yesterday. 

The day when the scientist divided by zero..]]> 2022-10-24 21:21:03 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2354366940 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357598121 I hear crying from my daughter's room and groan as I roll over, touch my husband's arm and tell him it's his turn to get up. 

His arm feels cold and I suddenly remember that I lost them both 6 months ago.]]> 2022-10-26 16:20:52 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357598121 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357621099 The last thing I saw was my alarm clock flashing 12:07 before she pushed her long, rotting nails through my chest, her other hand muffling my screams.

I sat bolt upright, relieved it was only a dream, but as I saw my alarm clock read 12:06, I heard my closet door start to creak open.]]> 2022-10-26 16:35:01 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357621099 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357621964 As I hid under the bed, I could see him pace back and forth, the blade of the knife shimmering in the hall light.  

Waiting for silence and the right time to escape, I feel the sudden pull at my ankles and am staring him straight in the face.]]> 2022-10-26 16:35:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357621964 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357622577 Do you trust me?

Don't look behind you. ]]> 2022-10-26 16:35:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357622577 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357623362 The butcher chopped up the man's head.

He'd never seen lettuce shredded so fine.]]> 2022-10-26 16:36:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357623362 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357623998 I plunge my knife deep into a soon to be Jack-o-Lantern. 

The blade comes out red.]]> 2022-10-26 16:36:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357623998 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357624641 Messing with a machine that can loop time can be pretty fun.

Just don't let it break, I learned that the hard way.]]> 2022-10-26 16:37:11 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357624641 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357625176 You hear your mom calling you into the kitchen. 

As you are heading down the stairs you hear a whisper from the closet saying "Don't go down there honey, I heard it too." ]]> 2022-10-26 16:37:33 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357625176 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357626057 Even when the creatures of the night stood before me I knew that there was still one thing scarier than all of them combined.

Realizing you uploaded an assignment but forgot to click submit]]> 2022-10-26 16:38:04 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357626057 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357626864 "What's your favorite food?" 

"Breakfast"]]> 2022-10-26 16:38:31 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357626864 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357628058 I have been hearing footsteps outside my room for three nights now.

Don’t worry, said a reassuring voice behind me, it can’t see you either.]]> 2022-10-26 16:39:15 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357628058 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357628990 I place my hand on the mirror, feeling the cool glass beneath my palm as the wide-eyed girl stares back at me
 
I move to pull my hand away, but her fingers close around mine]]> 2022-10-26 16:39:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357628990 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357630269 The body lays in a crumpled heap, barely letting me lift it while I search for exploitable wares; some would say I'm insensitive, while I'd argue I'm "honoring" the dead by not letting their supplies go to waste. 

Just the thought of someone arguing against my actions makes me crack up, then I imagine the reaction of a bystander watching me laugh maniacally over a bloody body, so I hush up and continue to pat him down, to kill a foe and not acquire their provisions is more ridiculous than shoving my hands into a rotting man's pockets.  ]]> 2022-10-26 16:40:35 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357630269 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357631328 We've all heard the legends and tales of the ghosts and the ghouls, but not many speak of The Walker- not many remember, or even live to tell the tale. 

But I've heard the tale of the man who wanders, who's lost with no way to be found, who's only seen once, and if you do he utters barely a word...]]> 2022-10-26 16:41:16 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357631328 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357634507 The heavy fibrous breathes I had grown accustomed to drawing soon turned into short, staggered, fiery puffs.

He had completed turning me into a Jack-O-Latern.]]> 2022-10-26 16:43:11 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357634507 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357906846 Her hair looked soft when it spread graciously around her. 

She looked so beautiful as I dumped the rest of her body in the lake.]]> 2022-10-26 19:42:00 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357906846 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357908147 In the woods, I fervently try to gather sticks to light a campfire in hopes that the search party will be able to spot me. 

Once again, my hands go through the sticks and the hikers on the trail don't seem to notice me no matter how many times I yell "Hello"; I hope they can still find me.]]> 2022-10-26 19:43:11 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2357908147 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359128056 Maxwell seemed a lot quieter than usual, given the hoodie that practically secluded his face and the lack of words that he said, and grew an increasingly worrisome feeling that something was wrong. 

I heard my phone buzz..and upon checking it, I received a text message; "Hey! I thought we were gonna meet up before going to the campsite!", with the recipient being...Maxwell.]]> 2022-10-27 14:05:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359128056 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359129845 My life. 

Living in Island Club Apartments.]]> 2022-10-27 14:07:00 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359129845 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359130511 My mother told me to lock my windows before I went to sleep, but the crisp autumn air filled my room and comforted me under my thick blanket, so I didn't listen.

To this day my 'Missing Person' flyer hangs on lampposts statewide. ]]> 2022-10-27 14:07:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359130511 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359131020 I swipe up on her story and compliment her everyday 

her dad owns a yacht ]]> 2022-10-27 14:07:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359131020 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359132096 Albert and Gracy laughed uneasily in the parlor of the renovated apartment, with darting glances from party guests to the lampshade, and velvet fabric to the distracted waiter. 

The log in the fire began to wilt at the edges of brown, falling into heaps of tiny gray ghosts on the iron grate, which seemed to screech quietly often to Gracy, during moments when Albert was preoccupied with Mrs. Breux Flanche. ]]> 2022-10-27 14:08:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359132096 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359134474 IMAGINE YOU ARE LOCKED IN A BODY THAT BELIES YOUR BRAIN. 

THIS IS AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE KNOWN AS AUTISM. ]]> 2022-10-27 14:09:49 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359134474 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359135649 The mountain air was not quite frigid, but close, and offered a place for my breath to catch, visible against the night sky; the cold crept up my hands as my path crept ever higher; my campsite still hours ahead, as a figure suddenly loomed before me. 

I at first perceived it as a bear, but as it's maw unhinges and reveals rows and rows of jagged bloody teeth, I'm afraid I was mistaken.]]> 2022-10-27 14:10:32 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359135649 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359136280 As I sit near the barnyard fire darkness stares back at me like an owl perched on a tree, the freshness of air dissipates along with the sounds of nature, something's amiss!   

As the fire rages, figures tower over the stacked barrels of hay, "shhhhh, quiet I go," but the howling of the wind and the cawing of crows drowns out the sound of anything lurking beyond the doors. ]]> 2022-10-27 14:10:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359136280 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359136830 I brush my hair every morning using the mirror in my bathroom as a guide, although this morning I could not find my brush.

Looking in the mirror to analyze my disheveled hair, I notice my reflection peering back at me, brush in hand with a sinister grin.]]> 2022-10-27 14:11:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359136830 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359309162 It's said that love hurts, but that's not true, losing someone, rejection, or loneliness hurts, love is misconstrued.

In reality, love is the only thing that covers all the pain and makes you feel whole again.]]> 2022-10-27 15:50:58 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359309162 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359309721 The man awoke from his nightmare, thankful it was only a dream, until he looked over to his side...

There his wife lay dying, and the gun was in his own hand.]]> 2022-10-27 15:51:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359309721 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359310242 The amber glow of the fire crackled as the warmth wrapped around us, shielding us from the damp autumn evening air. 

The light from the fire illuminated our senses as all we sat encircled around our final farewell to summer.]]> 2022-10-27 15:51:41 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359310242 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359721063 I love you so much, I remember our story so dearly, holding onto it like a dead man onto life. 

If only at the time I knew, how much you would truly hurt.]]> 2022-10-27 21:45:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359721063 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359721401 With one final breath, I abandoned my parachute in the hot air balloon and jumped.

I've drank countless redbulls but my wings were still nowhere to be seen.]]> 2022-10-27 21:45:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359721401 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359721794 On a dark and dreary night, where the moon was low and the mist hovered in the dells, a lone figure shrouded in a cape as black as night came and warmed his bony white hands near the living flames of a campfire.

"Where ya headed," I dared to ask,"to take a man's greatest gift," he hissed. ]]> 2022-10-27 21:46:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2359721794 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360680810 It's pitch black. 

You are likely to be eaten by a grue.]]> 2022-10-28 14:12:08 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360680810 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360681475 Then it hit me, the fog lifts and it became clear. 

You'll never change anything, by doing nothing my dear.]]> 2022-10-28 14:12:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360681475 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360682046 How do you like your eggs?

"Deviled" said the evil man!]]> 2022-10-28 14:12:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360682046 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360682463 The night was still as death, quiet as a ghost, and there was a chill in the air. 

Suddenly, the tree knocks could be heard and no-one would get out alive.]]> 2022-10-28 14:13:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360682463 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360683189 As I was painting the nails of my client, she winced.

I am a mortuary cosmetologist.]]> 2022-10-28 14:13:41 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2360683189 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363314201 Today, I took my last nursing school exam.
 
Little did I know, It would not be my last exam.]]> 2022-10-31 13:40:09 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363314201 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363315197 I opened the fridge; a refreshing chill breeze passed as I quietly indulged in its contents.

Slowly, as I scour through, I realize:
The homeowner doesn't have any ketchup.]]> 2022-10-31 13:40:40 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363315197 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363316251 Just got home on a dark rainy day, putting your bike away in the garage, the house to yourself.

As a bolt of lightning kills the lights, two yellow eyes blink open as a sweet, tinged voice lilts from the opposite corner, "Can we play now?"]]> 2022-10-31 13:41:16 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363316251 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363317113 You have to use the bathroom after a night of burritos, beer and and late night partying, it's urgent. 

you are stuck in public after finding out bathrooms have been banned due to misusage of the public.]]> 2022-10-31 13:41:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363317113 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363317808 I thought I saw my missing brother below the water while I was fishing, so I dove in. 

But what I found wasn't him.]]> 2022-10-31 13:42:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363317808 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363318628 I was watching a movie in my room when I heard the backdoor creak open.

Little do they know I left it unlocked on purpose.]]> 2022-10-31 13:42:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363318628 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363319247 It had been 50 years since she last saw tears fall from those big eyes and roll onto the cheeks that her lips loved to touch. 

Now, she was struggling to keep her eyes focused as the room became darker and the loud beeping noise became distant. ]]> 2022-10-31 13:42:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363319247 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363320076 He died so soon... 

Yet he sits right in front of me ]]> 2022-10-31 13:43:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363320076 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363321202 It was a cold, dark night with the wind rushing aggressively through the corridor that connected the old hospital with the new hospital as I trembled with a shocking kind of face-whitening fear when reviewing camera footage to see that no one was there in the corridor except myself. 

Minutes earlier, as I was rushing through this corridor to go save a patient on the brink of flatlining, a man approached me in a panic spastically asking for directions out of this strangely-confining corridor that he was trapped in; I arrived to the patient's room and behold, the man on the bed who died before I could get there to revive his depleting state was the same exact intrepid man in the corridor trying to escape his unknown demise.]]> 2022-10-31 13:43:46 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363321202 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363322362 Embers crackle while the shadows dance across branches of trees, just as the whispering winds carry off the light through ebony woods. 

All could fade and turn to ash, or the forest could be alight, for the shadows to dance, not along the ground, but amidst the stars.]]> 2022-10-31 13:44:22 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363322362 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363323499 Waking up to a beautiful morning to the sun rising through my windows. 

Only to see a crowd of weird walking individuals making their way in my direction. ]]> 2022-10-31 13:44:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363323499 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363324047 He asked me why I keep hiding from him and peeking at him from around the corners.

I wasn't.]]> 2022-10-31 13:45:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363324047 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363782510 Entry #82

You have to use the bathroom after a night of burritos, beer and and late night partying, it's urgent. 

you are stuck in public after finding out bathrooms have been banned due to misusage of the public.

Winner: Alexander C. ]]> 2022-10-31 18:15:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363782510 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363785459 Entry #1 

I wake up ready to do my math homework. 

Find out, it was due an hour ago today…

Winner: Milena K.]]> 2022-10-31 18:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363785459 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363786254 Entry #52

I have been hearing footsteps outside my room for three nights now.

Don’t worry, said a reassuring voice behind me, it can’t see you either.

Winner: Rhys C.]]> 2022-10-31 18:18:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2363786254 sandiferemily https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2373485881 A smiling face stared at me in the darkness outside my bedroom window. 

I live on the 14th floor.

]]> 2022-11-07 17:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sandiferemily/virtualcampfire/wish/2373485881