Reads By The River Novels & Stories

She croaked and began to wail. “Come on, baby. She’s okay. She’ll be okay, I promise.” He retorted. ___________ River happened to stumble in a bar when she became thirsty. She had been walking around taking pictures of wooden sculptures of creatures and human figures for a good hour and a half. She had already fallen in love with the small town and the breeze that flowed at night. Even during the day, it didn’t feel as hot and humid as in Texas. It was the opposite.

With that, he turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving River and Thane to navigate the fragile bond forming between them. River guided the wheelchair beneath the sprawling canopy of an ancient almond tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral. The warm sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground, and the sweet scent of blooming almonds wafted through the air. She settled onto one of the tree's massive roots, the rough bark pressing against her skin as she faced Thane. From her bag, River retrieved a worn leather-bound book, its pages yellowed with age. As she opened it, the musty smell of old paper mingled with the alm

With love, Calla Loren River – POV When I held her book in my hands for the first time, something strange happened. I didn’t feel old. I didn’t feel replaced. I felt home. Because her voice didn’t cancel mine—it continued it. And that’s what stories do when they’re loved well. They echo. James – POV “Do you think Rachel would be proud?” I asked River as we walked home that night. River looked up at the stars. “I don’t know,” they said softly. “But I think she’d be quiet.” “Why?” “Because sometimes pride is too big for words.”

"Fine. I will burn them. Let Eli go." Father staggered to his feet and walked toward the fire pit. His hand shook violently as he placed the urn into the flames. I kicked and fought wildly, but Mother covered my mouth until I nearly fainted. When she saw Father obey, Mother finally nodded in satisfaction and turned back inside to fuss over Adrian. Father knelt before the ashes through the entire night, grief carved across his face. By dawn, his eyes were red from weeping.

River asks “You just have to imagine a wall or something solid to stop your thoughts from being heard” Realm tells her. River tries to think of a wall and imagines the one that surrounds her house. “Okay done!” she says. She hears something that sounds very close to a laugh from Realm. “Solid! The one you imagined is half a wall and half iron railing” Realm tells her. “Ah,yes, got it solid, as in Fort Knocks” River answers imagining a thick wall with huge iron locks securing it.

Never, ever again. Stretching my whole body to get the blood pumping, I find Laura. The river chiseled large caves through which a person can stroll at ease without even bending. She’s inside such a cavern, reading on a rock with her feet into the stream. It takes me a while to realize I'm holding my breath. I exhale heavily and go to the river to wash my face and cool myself off. After I take out my shirt to not get it wet, I splash the chilly mountain spring water over my face and chest. Then I go into the sun to let it all evaporate.

The moment the plane touched down, I made my way through the terminal, suitcase in tow. Suddenly, I caught the sound of my uncle's voice, booming as he waved a sign above the crowd. I spun around, a smile breaking across my face, to see my uncle and my aging grandmother approaching me. My uncle looked much the same as I remembered, and my grandmother's eyes still shone with that same tender love. "Jim, let me get a good look at you!" My grandma stroked my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "My dear boy, you've had it rough out there. However, you're home with us now, and nobody's going to hurt you again."

Lord Draven would never be able to track them down after that. Exhaustion finally caught up with River. She sat by the window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard. The breeze carrying the scent of baking bread rustled the curtains, sending a thrill through her. It’s been a while since she had peacefully say by the window at night and gazed at the moon with satisfaction in her heart. Suddenly, a gust of wind slammed the window close and then opened again simultaneously, its hinges groaning in protest. Startled, River lurched up to close it.

“Bye Daddy. See you soon. Hope you have fun in the faw away land!” “He’s not leaving yet. Not until he’s stronger.” I explained, but River was already running out of the room. I smiled awkwardly at Oliver, “call me if you want them to visit, and I’ll see what I can do.” To Rose Oliver felt like a stranger. And River is such a social butterfly that she just likes anyone and everyone. I’ve often joked that River would be the perfect girl to be kidnapped because she talks to every person she meets. I have warned her about strangers and not accepting anything or going with them, but I’m not sure it’s getting through to her.

I held her even tighter before I smiled at her. River never really cried but his eyes were looking so red now. He was just looking at our daughter. “I already like you, Ms. Fluvius Camillia Savellano… ” River seems like he was still mesmerized by her daughter. “Can I hug you?” I never heard River's voice tremble. Even at big events where only investors are there, he never feels nervous but he seems nervous now.