EPISODE 1 – BIOGRAPHICAL MYSTERYJourney with an avid reader, in a infatuation-led search for an enigmatic author.
Journey with an avid reader, in a infatuation-led search for an enigmatic author.
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A Romance with Words
TENDRILS of steam from a ceramic cup of hot cocoa, wind through the home library, upon which an overcast sunrise bathes amber illumination. Stacks of paperback books, too numerous for the shelves, create a literary labyrinth beneath the coffee table. Roger settles into his plush leather recliner, gently wiping his reading glasses that separate him from the captivating world within the pages of his favorite author, Michelle Damsel—a pseudonym.
With no photo on the back cover and her website devoid of any visual trace, Michelle remains an enigma. Roger, however, weaves his own vision of her—a woman with ethereal beauty, inspired by her prosaic descriptions of romance.
In the current tale, an exhausted blonde heroine races through the forest to intercept her departing true love. She catches up with him just before he mounts his horse and presses her moist bosom to his chest, sealing their reunion with a passionate kiss. Without a word, he lifts her into the saddle, and together, they ride off into the sunset.
A Quest for Love
Roger believes this heroine is a reflection of Michelle. Armed with the sleuthing skills acquired from his extensive library, he begins piecing together the puzzle of her identity. Michelle seems to leave intentional breadcrumbs for him to follow, as if she shares the same desire to unite.
The backdrop for Michelle’s stories is rural farmland, and the heroine’s willingness to follow her love hints at a potential move to the city. Wyoming is frequently mentioned, suggesting a connection to Michelle's past or present. Likely, she lives on an equestrian farm. Her emphasis on long sparkling blonde hair narrows the possibilities.
Roger posts inquiries about the author on online forums, hoping to gather more clues from her fans. He even submits a contact form on Michelle’s website, seeking her location, but his questions go unanswered. In a more subtle inquiry, he requests a vivid description of life from her perspective in Wyoming. The terse reply instructs him to find such descriptions in their latest book.
Roger takes up the challenge, scrutinizing all 620 pages, as if preparing for an exam. On the wall of his library, he creates a collage of newspaper clippings and website printouts, meticulously narrowing down a geographic region.
Next, he describes the details of the picturesque views he seeks from a realtor who can refine his search further.
Extensive notes in hand, he embarks on a vacation from books, traveling to Wyoming to align the picturesque landscapes with Michelle’s vivid descriptions. In the rural coffee shops, he gleans information from locals, who offer valuable nuggets through their gossip.
His quest takes him to bookstores and general stores, anticipating prominent book displays for the elusive Michelle Damsel.
After three weeks of fact-finding, Roger believes he has uncovered the home of his soulmate. Now comes the surveillance. A beautiful blonde woman tends to her stallion every morning before riding. He estimates her age in the mid-thirties—a perfect complement to his forties.
He waves from a distance, yet she doesn’t run toward him as in her book. Roger wonders how to initiate a conversation or where to take a farm girl on a date. When he finally gathers the courage to ask, she recognizes him from earlier in the week and suspects him of stalking.
An Awkward Encounter
“Do ya need directions somewhere?” she asks, maintaining a degree of cordiality.
“Yes, Michelle, I need directions to your heart.”
His cheesy pickup line earns him directions to the town sheriff as if it were a romantic rendezvous. When he realizes her trick, he returns with a sincere explanation for his visit.
“Can we start over? I’m an avid reader of your literary work. It’s an honor to meet you, and I was hoping we could grab a cup of coffee or a malt and chat a bit.”
“As sweet as that may sound in your mind, I’m not the writer in my family. It’s my mom.”
“Really? Your mom is Michelle Damsel?”
“I don’t know how ya found her since that’s not her real name.”
“Can I ask what it is?”
“Hang on. I’ll see if she wants to answer herself.”
This unexpected twist throws Roger off balance. With a natural attraction to the blonde, he is on pins and needles anticipating how this chapter plays out. After fifteen minutes, the young lady emerges, assisting a gray-haired widow to her rocking chair on the front porch.
The blonde then shouts, “She said to fetch ya. I’ll kettle up some coffee while ya express yer fandom.”
Continued…
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 2600 total words. Cinematic materials are available with ClinicalNovellas Cinematic membership. Story includes one or more generative AI images to help readers visualize scenes.
