iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

God had to kneecap me, otherwise I'd be too powerful

A screenshot of Cade saying "I am so full of hubris, it's insane I haven't been struck down"

The second person says "Looks at your RA" Yeah it's insane, lol"

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Yes, I'm bringing up the "rice and beans" comment, because fuck that guy. #WipSnips #writing

Breakfast had been beans soaked overnight, as well as some rice he’d heated up. He remembered the scandal before the world had died where a politician had said poor people could just eat beans and rice and survive off of that. While that was technically true, Noah felt nasty if he had just that a few days in a row. He never felt like he was getting enough strength, never felt like he was able to focus as much. Sure, it was technically healthy, but it lacked so many other important vitamins. Living off rice and beans alone wasn’t feasible.

Alas, sometimes it was all he could manage to make.

Living out of cans was fine, but Noah craved meat. Walking to and from the river on a diet that didn’t give him enough strength to walk for a long time was difficult. He sometimes managed to shoot a rabbit or two, but just the legs alone weren’t enough meat. Larger game was harder to come by when he couldn’t stay awake in the heat long enough to spot a deer. Canned foods like stews were a no-go, since his onion allergy kept him from eating them.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#WipSnips #writing Alice has... thoughts about Owen's house.

Owen’s house was small, settled in a neighborhood that would have benefitted from an HOA. Alice couldn’t believe she was thinking that, but the sight of a car with no wheels, rusted from likely decades of rain parked on an overgrown lawn brought the thought to her. Owen stopped in front of a one story house, windows shuttered, and a bike by the front door.

“Welp,” he pulled some keys out and unlocked the door. “Home sweet home.”

Owen’s place was small. It looked different than what Alice would think of as a bachelor pad; the walls were a soft creamy yellow, accented by brown crosses. Family photos hung along the wall, along with an old bouquet of roses above a rocking chair. The small couch was a soft white, the cushions covered with a crocheted rainbow blanket. In a soft, woven basket, were knitting needles, crochet hooks, and different colored yarn.

“I like this place,” Alice said as she glanced around. “It’s nice. Simple.”

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Noah talks about his rise to stardom, and the terms of his contract before the world ended. #WipSnips #writing

“Yes, way,” Noah hunched, an embarrassed smile on his lips as he covered his mouth. “A whole fucking week of nothing but hot dogs. I fucking hate hot dogs.”

“Was this before, or after you had to eat them?” Alice asked. She realized she’d never seen him eat one, even when there were hot dogs in a shot.

“Yes. I had a ‘no hotdogs’ clause in my contract.”

“Drama, drama,” Owen teased. “Kinda like The Rock’s ‘I can’t lose’ clause.”

“Way different,” Noah gently pushed Owen’s shoulder. As Owen laughed, Alice wondered what it would be like to kiss both of them. They were both funny, and she liked funny men.

“Also, Dwayne Johnson did not have a ‘no lose’ clause,” Noah pointed out. “That’s an internet lie.”

“Wow,” Alice shook her head with a grin. “People lying on the internet. Who knew?”

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Noah doesn't like seafood... but it's either that, or starve. ##WipSnips #writing

Dinner had gone fine.

Owen carried the conversation, with Alice joining in occasionally. He regaled his epic battle of reeling in the smallest fish in the bunch, which he’d proudly eaten on his own. It made Noah chuckle, especially when Alice added on to his story.

“You should have been there,” Owen grinned. “I almost fell in.”

“Oh, yeah?” Noah chuckled. He picked at his food. Alice had gone through the trouble of seasoning it well, but he didn’t like seafood. She’d prepared the rabbit separately, and he’d eaten that with gusto. It wasn’t much meat, barely enough to even dent his hunger, but it was good. Gamey, but better than pickled fish.

Alice had insisted that Noah have her rabbit, but Noah had waved her off. She blew out a breath, and Noah wondered if he’d irritated her. She’d asked him three times, nearly begging him. Owen, however, was a little less concerned.

“You good?” He asked.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

This scene may be cut later, so here's a peek in case it does get cut. I have Guard! #WipSnips #writing

She felt like there had been a test, and she hadn’t passed. Alice began running through the interaction from the beginning. Everything had seemed fine until she’d made that stupid comment about Owen living as his authentic self. That was probably too much. Fuck, she’d messed it up!

“So,” she pressed her lips together in a tight smile, hunching her shoulders as she glanced around. “Why don’t you tell us how you’ve been surviving out here by yourself?”

“Honestly?” Owen chuckled. “I just keep my windows and doors locked all night. I’ve been trying to get the dog nosing around here to come inside, but she’s skittish. I figure she’d be a good guard dog. How long have you two been together?”

“Oh, we’re not together,” Noah said with an abruptness that offended Alice. He looked sheepish, then shrugged lightly. “We’ve only just found each other. I think a week?” He looked at Alice, who nodded.

“Maybe a little less, yeah. I’ve been trying to get a garden started in his huge back yard, but there’s not really any shade.”

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I have nosy! Alice isn't the most savvy when it comes to trans stuff. #WipSnips #writing

“Trans” Alice asked. Had she heard that right? The look on both Owen and Noah’s face told her she had. “What do you mean?” She asked. “Are you a woman?”

“No,” Owen said carefully. “Wrong way.”

“‘Wrong way’ what?”

“Not a trans woman, a trans man.”

“Oh.” Alice had never thought about it going the other way. Most of the trans people she’d seen were women. “So, did you get a dick?”

“And, that’s a nosy question,” Owen chuckled. Alice giggled drunkenly.

“Sorry. I didn’t know that was a thing. Oh, fuck!” She slapped her forehead. “That’s why you looked at me weird when I made the ‘authentic self’ comment!”

“Yeah, I thought you’d figured it out somehow.” he shrugged.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Got stream!! Noah reflects on his time as an A list celebrity in the middle of a very crucial moment in time. #Writing #wipsnips

“I think the real turning point was when you started live streaming. I was competing against thousands of others confessing their love, but you once read mine out, and said thank you.” She hunched her shoulders, an embarrassed smile on her face. “So, I went on every one you had, no matter when it was. You remembered my username. I knew we had a connection then.”

Noah couldn’t remember this particular part of his career. He’d been pushed to live stream nearly every moment he wasn’t actively working. He didn’t have a choice in this. He’d been made to connect with fans in his own home. He’d been forced to sing, do dances, do thirst traps… if he didn’t have a contract, or wasn’t afraid of his mother, he would have quit. It was the most exhausting part of his life.

It wasn’t as if he didn’t enjoy some of it, but it took a lot out of him. He liked seeing people react to his jokes, even though they felt forced to him. He did like that adoration. Everyone wanted to be loved, and he was no exception. He knew it was hollow, though. None of them knew what he was really like, none of them knew him on a deeper level. It was all shallow, even the ‘secret’ confessions. He’d never liked parasocial relationships, but his mom made him do it. If it were up to him, he’d act, and that was it.

“I know you like no one else does,” Alice sighed. She looked at Owen as the munchkin knocked on the door.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

No signal, but I had gesture! I have been missing WIPSnips somehow, so I haven't been able to post anything for it til today. But! Alice isn't good at hiding her crushes. #WipSnips #writing

“Yeah,” Alice sighed. She chewed on her bottom lip, peeling a little skin with her teeth. “I don’t think it would hurt so much if I didn’t have a huge crush on him.”

“What?” Owen turned, his eyes wide. He put his left hand on his heart. “You? Have a crush on him? No way.”

“Okay, okay,” she laughed. “Is it really that obvious?”

“Yes. I called it right away.”

“Oh, wow,” Alice sighed. “I’m guessing he’s figured it out.”

“Meh,” Owen waved his hand in a ‘so-so’ gesture. “I’m not really one to gossip, so I’ve never mentioned it. I think he’s caught on to some of your comments.”

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

SOUND ON PLEASE My animatic I made for my book #booksky #writing #indieauthor

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

One of the losers for my book cover art!! I challenged myself to make something I never had before, and it came out great, but it's not what I want.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

We're almost there! The workplace anthology only needs a few more entries! Deadline has been extended to September 30th! We're so close! #writing #horrorauthors forms.gle/9eXBwSrTA6VP...

A silhouette of a creature with malformed legs and arm hunched over at the entrance of a gas station. The words "Hazard Pay, Submissions open" are emblazoned on the picture

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

2nd and Charles employee really doing me a solid. This is so cool omg. Also, my cover looks so different from the others. It's pretty unique, which I thought was going to hinder the sales. But I've gotten positive feedback on it!

A cropped text exchange. On the left, labeled "Madre,", it says "At 2nd and Charles and they have your book right up front next to Stephen King books. A woman was looking at it and I told her it was really good."

On the right, the response is "The sounds I made was inhuman. That's so cool!"

Pictured here are various titles of horror books. Stephen King is in the center, with "The Rattle of Bones by Cade Garza" sitting to the right of them."

The same text exchange. "Madre" says "They're marked $19.99. She was in line with it in her arms when we left"

Right's response is a line of exclamation points.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

For my horror book about shapeshifters! I did the cover myself

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

A very astute comment from my beta reader

Ugh this is worse then the mimics hunting people in rattle because at least they lured you out. These little freaks just heavy breathe like the creep in seat next to you trying to read your text messages

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

@raccoonbat.bsky.social version with the alt text!! So sorry about that!! Ironically it’s black and grey so Ez can read better LOL

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced unless for a book review, unless given written permission by the copyright owner. Written. As in, if I say, “Hey it’s cool man if you make a movie about this,” but it’s not in writing, then don’t. Also if this gets uploaded onto one of those pirating websites, could you at least make a donation to my kofi or something? Like, help me out here man. Buy a sticker or something. Or email me at cadegarzaauthor@gmail.com to tell me you liked it. Idk.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Gonna be cheeky here because my last book was uploaded into a pirating website like ten seconds after it was made available(hyperbole, I just know it was a couple days because I searched to see if it came up in google). #WIPSnips #writing

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Don't miss your chance to submit to Hazard Pay, a workplace anthology based around supernatural workplace horror! Deadline is September 1st! #writers #writingcommunity #authors #indieauthors forms.gle/zYsi3qW5S1yt...

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Attention authors! This is an open submission call for YOUR workplace horror stories! Need a home for your corporate horror? Maybe a retail nightmare? How about a truck driving spooky story? Send it in! We're dying to read them! #Writing #writingcommunity forms.gle/ABwQCBhVb9UE...

A shadowy figure in front of gas station doors. Blood is on the ground and doors, caution tape is on the sides. the words "Hazard Pay" and "Submissions open" are in text overlaying everything.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

My beta reader has started his journey of reading my first draft

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

First three buyers of the my physical copy of my book wins this sticker, and maybe an extra! #booksky #horror #horrorart #skulls Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0GGX7XZ1M Non-Amazon ebook(and cheaper!) ko-fi.com/s/5dda2362b6 Physical copy: ko-fi.com/s/49b76447e3

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Gonna add in my own book cover. Drew a skull silhouette(using IbisPaint, a free program, you can get it on your phone), found some silhouettes online, found a free font website that allows commercial use. Slapped a texture on it, and called it a day. This is my most popular book, and my first one.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Noah ruminates on if a past fling would have been easier to date had he not skyrocketed to fame at a young age. #WipSnips #writing

After Owen fixed his tire, he used both of his hands to wheel the bikes to the library. Noah was content to walk in silence, and it seemed like Owen was as well. Noah couldn’t help but think how nice this was, just existing in silence. If Noah hadn’t been a movie star, would he and Owen have been together? Would they have been able to make it work?

It was a question that Noah had thought about before. His relationships with women had been fruitless and… ‘upsetting’ was the only word he could think of right then. There had been no romantic love, no sexual inclinations. He’d tried, god knows he tried. He’d managed to sleep with a few, though it had taken copious amounts of alcohol, to the point of being nearly blackout drunk. He’d woken up with a killer hangover and a woman he didn’t love complaining he was inattentive in bed.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

SEIZURE WARNING- for those who don't want to click on YouTube. Please put the sound on! Promotion for my book. #writing #booksky #horrorbook #horror #animation

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Reeeeeaching with "applesauce" but in the apocalypse, it might as well be nectar. #WipSnips #writing

“Oh, thanks!” She smiled at Noah. “I would like that.”

“Yeah, we-”

There was a flicker of movement outside of the patio door. It wasn’t enough for Noah to feel alarmed, but it caught his attention. His hazel eyes tried to track whatever it was, but he didn’t see it again. When he glanced back at the pair, Alice looked concerned, following his gaze. Owen’s brow was raised, and Noah cleared his throat.

“Sorry. Yeah, we figured, well, Owen figured, that if all three of us get bikes, it would be easier for us to get around.”

“Yeah, makes sense.” Alice glanced back at the window. The darkness was still, but Noah could feel it looming, pressing against the glass, as if it wanted in. He cleared his throat again, then stood.

“I’m gonna close the windows,” he said as he crossed the room. “Probably a bad idea to have them open.” He closed the curtains, peering out to see if there was any more movement. There was none. He was back to his seat in time for Alice to take a bite of the applesauce.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Owen and Noah have an almost heart to heart. Noah is hesitant, but Owen understands. #WipSnips #writing

“Unfortunately, yeah.” Owen sighed, shaking his head. “Fucking brutal.”

“Yeah, it’s… it’s one thing, seeing people in makeup with fake blood on them. Special effects, stuff like that. But actually seeing someone become something…” Noah ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. Nevermind.”

“Dude, it’s fine, really. I understand. You can talk to me.”

“And say what? We all saw the same thing. I wouldn’t be saying anything new.”

“Noah,” Owen stopped, placing a hand on Noah’s shoulder. He was several inches shorter than Noah, but held his gaze steadily. “I’m going to be nice when I say this. Drop whatever toxic masculinity bullshit you’re holding on to. You can talk to me.”

Noah sighed, half rolling his eyes. Should he tell Owen?

“I… not yet. I’m not ready.”

“Okay.” Owen shrugged. “Whenever you are, I’m here. I’m not gonna push. But just remember, I’m a great listener.”

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

When I feel that stiffness in my hands after a great day-

A picture of Steve Carrel whispering "Don't" softly

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

I think the most fun I have with self publishing is doing my own covers. I draw them myself. I have several wips of both of these covers, and they're so funny LOL one of them does not fit at ALL #writing #art #digitalart

A book cover that says "The Rattle of Bones by Cade Gatza" in all caps. There is a skull next to a walkie talkie. The walkie talkie screen says "help." in the background is a sunset.

A book cover that says "Revenant by Cade Garza." There is a black skull on a red textured background, with silhouettes in the eyes and nose holes.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Noah and Owen meet up after the apocalypse comes about by pure chance. Owen is a little concerned about Alice, Noah is reassuring. #writing #WipSnips

“I don’t know, I hope not. What don’t you like about her?”

“I didn’t say I don’t like her, just the… ‘authentic self’ comment was weird. Do you think she clocked me?”

“I don’t think she did. I didn’t even clock you at first.” Noah had been surprised by Owen, but not unpleasantly so. Sleeping with Owen had taught Noah something about himself he didn’t realize he needed to know.

“Well, that’s good.” Owen cocked his head, a small smile spreading across his lips. “So, where am I sleeping? In here?” he waggled his brows. Noah laughed.

“No, not yet.” The thought wasn’t unwelcome, but Noah didn’t want to jump to anything too soon. He’d missed companionship, but things were different. Noah might have been lonely while he had his career, but something told him to take things slow. “Well, I say ‘not yet,’ but-”

“I’m teasing you, don’t worry. No rush. I don’t plan on going anywhere now that I’ve actually found people that aren’t, what’d you call them, munchkins?”

“Yeah,” Noah coughed a laugh. “Alice came up with it. I kinda like it. Kinda macabre.”

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Did this art for a friend's book! I can't remember her name to tag her on here

A piece taking place at sunset with a young man leaning against a stone wall. He is in a school uniform, with trees and bushes in the background. The words "Hey Ama! Getting into trouble without me?" are in speech bubbles.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Just picked this up today!! Excited to read it, but it’ll be a bit. I don’t like reading when working on a manuscript #horrorbooks #booksky

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Noah contemplates the consequences of his biggest fan finding him after the world has died. Terrance is of no help. #WipSnips #writing

Noah sat on his bed facing the figurines. He let out a breath, his eyes running over each one on the light oak dresser. The quiet of the room enveloped him, and he sucked in his lower lip, running his tongue over it. He threw up his hands.

“Okay!” He slapped his hands on his knees. “So, I was found by some chick today. She’s a fucking fan. And I can’t decide if that’s awesome, or the worst thing to ever happen to me. And I’ve had a lot of shitty things happen to me.” He leaned his head back. “And Terrance,” he pointed at the crab. “I don’t wanna hear you say shit about me being lonely. I’ve been just fine this whole time.”

Noah was met with silence, as he always was. The figurines never spoke back to him, only watched with glassy, dead eyes. Noah heaved a sigh, looking away from his ceramic friends. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, having someone else here. Sure, Alice had seen enough of his movies to recognize him, but maybe she wasn’t going to be a freak about it. Maybe she was totally normal.

He blew out another breath, flopping back onto his bed. He closed his eyes, thinking about the possibilities of seeing her again. How would he even find her? She hadn’t said where she was staying specifically. Maybe if he went to the supermarket again, he’d find her. He sat up, beginning to unlace his shoes when he’d heard a faint noise. He paused, waiting to hear it again. He frowned, his blue eyes darting around his room.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Alice is fighting for her life while Noah and Owen are having a perfectly fine time at the library LOL

A soft, wheezing breath, quiet enough that she would have missed it, came from behind one of the tall aisles. Alice’s heart thudded in her chest, and she could hear the blood pumping through her ears. She slowly reached for her gun, trying to carefully spot the culprit. Her headlamp found it; ashen fingers curled between the metal slats of the aisle. Large, sunken black eyes, a little girl, face framed with once blonde curls. The wheezing breath came from a mouth that hung slightly open, rows of sharp teeth protruding from behind the lips, hissing softly.

Alice’s hand gripped the gun. She kept her eyes on the munchkin, watched it track her movements with its bulbous, nearly insect-like eyes. She pressed her lips into a thin line as her hand shook, holding her breath as she slowly began to pull the gun from its holster.

The munchkin’s face changed from neutral curiosity to rage as Alice stepped on the bony hand of a corpse. It scaled the aisle, reaching the top faster than Alice could turn and run. It landed hard on her, knocking her to the ground and her gun from her hand. Pain erupted in her nose, and her eyes watered as she felt her braid being pulled upwards, angling her neck backwards unnaturally.

She screamed.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Tabitha, Farrah, and Miguel take a rest, though dangers still lurk outside. Digital copy: ko-fi.com/s/5dda2362b6 Physical copy: ko-fi.com/s/49b76447e3 Amazon: ko-fi.com/s/49b76447e3

Moonlight washes over a redheaded woman and a dark haired man. The woman is holding a gun to her chest as the man lays in her lap. The pair is wearing camo jackets, a dog lays under a sleeping bag in the bottom right corner with the man. A backpack is on the left of the drawing, with a water bottle next to it. In the upper right corner is a paper towel dispenser.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

There was a hot second where I thought I'd lost everything in this draft, and I was on chapter eight. But I didn't!!! Did not have "hungry" but I had "starving!" Alice and Noah find out the store they were in was not, in fact, empty. #WipSnips #writing

“Ah,” Noah said. Alice glanced over at him with a smile. He’d trimmed his beard pretty nicely. It was more scruff than anything. She felt flattered he’d done that for her. He looked great, aside from the thinness his beard had hidden. His neck was thinner, and she hadn’t noticed how veiny his arms had been. He’d always had nice hands, but he had obviously been starving. How had he lasted this long?

“Don’t worry,” she assured. “I’ll show you everything you need to know.” She grabbed a few more seeds from the shelves. “Every once in a while, we’ll have to rotate crops, so the soil isn’t-”

“Shh.”

Alice paused.

Silence. She waited, quieting her breaths. Silence was deceptive, even during the day. When nothing happened after a few moments, she took a deep breath to question him. Noah put a hand over her mouth, his eyes above them. Alice looked up.

In the darkness waited a silhouette. It was small; childlike. It pressed itself against the ceiling, large, blank eyes absent of any reflective light. Its limp mouth hung slightly open, and small, raspy breaths escaped its lips. It was swallowed by its tattered clothes; baggy pants, a striped shirt, and grey tennis shoes.

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Cade Garza @decayde.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Currently trying to find out if I have rheumatoid arthritis and BUDDY IT IS ROUGH I can't open my mouth all the way. Have a picture of my most favorite wildflower, Prairie Fire!!

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