Where The Crawdads Sing Novels & Stories

Pyrotechnic sparks cracked in the dark like fireflies on command. “Now,” I said into the mic with a sly smile, “a song from one of our oldest stories—The Huluppu Tree.” The first low thrum of the drums began, slow and steady, like a heartbeat. The cello moaned under it, the violins stretching long, tense notes. The piano’s chords fell like droplets into a deep pool. I let my voice rise above it, soft at first. “I planted a seed in my garden fair,

“Girl… I need something to aid my driving…. Ruth B ain’t working out well for me yunno” “Alright just after this part please” I say and Jim gives me the side eyes. “Cause I’m in a field of Dandelions, wishing on everyone that you’ll be mineeee…. Mineeee… and I see forever in your eyes. I feel okay when I see you smilleeeeeee…. Smileee….” I sing out loud and demonstrate, for Jim, my man. “Wishing on dandelions all of the time, I pray to God one day you’ll be mine… wishing on dandelions all of the time” Jim joins me to sing this part and we both smile after we end…

She has been watching them for a while now. “Why did it sounds so sad?” She says while sniffling. She wipes her tears as she listens to Tara singing softly while brushing his son’s hair. I have heard of this song many times, but Tara sang it beautifully, and I can understand why my cousin is moved by her voice. “What is she singing, by the way?” She asks, turning off her computer. “Wherever You Are,” I answer, wondering why she sounds so hurt while singing it. My eyes narrow as I try to remember the lines I used to believe in forever, but forever’s too good to be true... It was the saddest song I have ever heard.

So here I was, trying to enjoy the conversation while I still finding it hard to wrap the last chat with Kai around my head. “Earth to River.” Krys nudged me. The boos from the audience caught our attention. I started to have a headache since we sat at the bar an hour ago. “Yeah.” “You don’t wanna reply to Krew, then just suck it up.” Journey glared at me. “Leave your heartbreak at home. We are supposed to have fun tonight. Get drunk, honey.” One of the audience went upstage. The band started playing a song by Kurt Cobain, and the guy started singing. I listened for a while, trying to lose in the song, but it did not work.

“This is what they have planned for the whole planet.” Chaotic streams of light filtered in as the dawn took hold. Various holes in the roof and walls cast insane shadows around them. Motes of dust and swarms of insects danced in the light. Curtis wondered if the tiny creatures knew something malevolent lurked deeper in the shattered asylum. Jeannine cocked her head to one side—a motion Curtis saw out of the corner of his eye. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “Singing. Can you hear it?” “It’s Blue Sue,” said Easy. “Someone I knew when I was alive,” he added in response to the look on Curtis’s face.

Remy stands in the center, shirtless, the locket catching firelight, blackbird bead braided tight into my hair brushing his shoulder every time I move. He lifts his chin and starts the song. Not the one from two years ago. A new one. In Caddo first, then in English so I can follow. Remy (voice carrying over the crackle of flames): “She came from across the water, lightning braided in her hair, thunder laughing in her throat. The valley opened its arms. The coyotes opened their hearts. Blackbird flew ahead to guide her home.” Every shifter in the circle tilts their head back and howls (one long, perfect note that makes the stars feel closer).

“Hey everyone, it’s great to be back here with y’all tonight. We would like to kick start tonight by singing a song for y’all. This song is called ‘No Place Like You’ by Maddie and Tae. Here we go.” The band starts playing the intro to the song as I sing the opening line "California cherry cola, sandy skies in Arizona Smoky Mountain blowin' through Tennessee," the girls join in for the rest of the song. When the song ends the crowd applauds and we take our bow. As the girls walk off the stage, I stay on to perform my set.

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."

Their stink was very fresh, and still leading up the mountain. Was it possible they’d already made it inside? We were walking up on a bloodbath? Had we been too late? Please, God, no. ***** Soundtrack for the next chapter is “Pandora” by 2WEI and Edda Hayes.

As the evening wound down, Zuri and Ella surprised the family with a musical performance, a song they had written called "Home is a Flame." They sang: We are the ones who build with broken hands, We are the ones who dance before we land, Home is a flame we carry inside, A love that won't break, a fire that won't hide. Cassie wept openly. Damon closed his eyes and listened like he was memorizing every note. When the song ended, there was no applause, only the sound of the wind moving through the trees, like the world itself was holding its breath. Later, as stars spilled across the velvet sky, Grace found Cassie sitting alone by the firepit.