Monsters of Our Own Making

Darby-on-the-Sea has all the usual features of a small village: market days, a churning rumor mill, a few local celebrities, a monster-haunted rock out in the bay. What it doesn't have is much use for outsiders. Then Minna stumbles into town, groping toward the possibility of a friendly voice and shelter. Blindfolded, road-filthy, and still hiding from the misfortune that drove her from her home, Minna has no choice but to throw herself on their mercy.

Pinewood arrives just in time to save Minna from the help and grasping hands of the local cheat. Regarded as a hero, Pinewood has the villagers' awe, room to spare in their cottage, and origins more shrouded in mystery than Minna's own. Minna cannot resist Pinewood's kindness, but with a secret like hers, a hero may be the last thing Minna needs.

MONSTERS OF OUR OWN MAKING is a One Afternoon Adventure, running about 10,000 words.