An Odd Man Out (part ten)

An Odd Man Out (part ten)

Posted by ractrose on 4 Jul 2026 in Fiction, Novellas

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             Meanwhile, Claudie’s garden grew, and her need to be outside; and he found her missing from the house […]

An Odd Man Out (part nine)

An Odd Man Out (part nine)

Posted by ractrose on 1 Jul 2026 in Fiction, Novellas

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             Learning Experiences was still John’s employer. His income afforded not much for brightening the house. By that Christmas […]

An Odd Man Out (part eight)

An Odd Man Out (part eight)

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             She said this, and when they’d kicked a few leaves, stepped around to the laburnums’ shedding, she talked […]

The Totem-Maker (part one hundred thirty-one)

The Totem-Maker (part one hundred thirty-one)

Posted by ractrose on 29 Jun 2026 in Fiction, Novels

  The Totem-Maker Chapter Twelve A Land So Perilous (part one hundred thirty-one)                       The interpreter shrugged. The commander backed his steed and shouted. His soldiers withdrew; the workers clustered, with every appearance of nervousness, at the tunnel mouth. “We have digging. But you are […]

An Odd Man Out (part seven)

An Odd Man Out (part seven)

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             He knew her dismissal didn’t mesh. The friend of a casual friend doesn’t call to scold you. But […]

An Odd Man Out (part six)

An Odd Man Out (part six)

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             “Look at the little cups and saucers! John! I love pink roses! Can I have both kinds of […]

The Totem-Maker (part one hundred thirty)

The Totem-Maker (part one hundred thirty)

Posted by ractrose on 25 Jun 2026 in Fiction, Novels

  The Totem-Maker Chapter Twelve A Land So Perilous (part one hundred thirty)                       Rathinihama climbed down, and Bani’s father behind him. The thirteen unhid themselves, and climbed down, too. Their spears were slung across their backs. “I have some of your language,” said another […]

An Odd Man Out (part five)

An Odd Man Out (part five)

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             Stacy from the phone shadowed Aura, Director of Guest Services, who wanted them to see what the seating […]

An Odd Man Out (part four)

An Odd Man Out (part four)

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             The house was cold and smelled wonderful. But Claudie took the living room sofa, smiling, blank as to […]

An Odd Man Out (part three)

An Odd Man Out (part three)

Posted by ractrose on 22 Jun 2026 in Fiction, Novels

      The Resident Chapter Four An Odd Man Out   [rerunning the last several entries to help readers catch up, because I haven’t added to this story for months]             John’s parents were divorced. His father did arrive at holidays, and might… He wanted to be normal in […]