Tales From The Writer’s Desk: Invisible Invasion

I hum as I finish off the last bit of a short story. I smile as I click ‘print’. I still have to proofread, edit, and revise the story, but I’m pleased with what I’ve done so far. I’ve always heard that it’s best to step away from a story for a while before going over it to edit and proofread, and I’ve found that to be good advice. I stretch as I stand up before walking over to the printer and pulling out the newly printed sheets. After stapling them and laying them on my desk, I step into the book room. I should probably work on organizing some of these stories, and the interviews, better. Or maybe I should just re-organize the whole room.

The first thing I notice when I step into the room is that there’s an open book simply floating in the air. I stop in my tracks. The second thing I notice is that the pages are flipping slowly, like someone’s reading them. Yes, very creepy. The third thing I notice is that the window is open. I sigh and put my hands on hips. “Iris!”

The book starts to fall to the floor, but I manage to leap out and catch it before it hits the ground. I close it and put it back on the shelf. “What are you doing here, Iris? You know this space is supposed to be off-limits unless I say otherwise.”

A teenage girl with wavy dark brown hair appears in front of me, a sheepish look on her face. “Sorry. I was just kind of bored and needed something interesting to read.” Iris pauses, then smiles. “I knew the perfect place to find good stories.”

I smirk. “Ha-ha. You know flattery doesn’t work with me. And, although I thank you for your compliment, you should probably leave.” She looks like she’s about to protest, but I hold up my hand. “Come back later and ask for permission. Right now, I’m going to be cleaning out and organizing, so I need the room empty. Unless you would like to help…” I suggest.

Iris mumbles something about needing to get back to the group for a meeting and disappears out the door. I smile to myself as I begin moving stacks of books. The oldest trick in the book.