Pauline was having trouble sleeping. It was still dark outside, but she was wide awake. She slid into the garden, letting out a huge sigh as she sat down on the bench. She had until sunrise. Until then, she wouldn’t have to put a brave face on for anyone. She wouldn’t have to do anything.... Continue Reading →

They sat in silence. Yenn wondered how many hits the family could take. She examined Pauline’s face. It was filled with pain. And suddenly, it wasn’t. “The kids will be home soon,” Pauline said with a numb expression. “I’ll fix them up a snack,” Leo stood up. “I’ll go water the plants before they get... Continue Reading →

Hallie dragged her feet through the doorway. It all seemed like a dream, but not a good one. Her parents, her home, Windenburg… all of it seemed to have disappeared in an instant. She was in a strange house in a strange town, with relatives she barely knew. “You’re with family, sweetie. We’ll take good... Continue Reading →

“Today’s story is going to be a little bit different,” Leo told the kids. “Since you may recognise some of it from real life.” “You mean, it’s like aunt Yenn’s stories about the criminals that lived in this house or ghosts?” Carly asked. “Oooh, I hope it’s about ghosts,” Vito jumped up. Leo wrote stories... Continue Reading →

The ceremony was short and sweet – both Peyton and Grady liked to get to the point. But the guests may have still been a little bit misty nonetheless. Hard to say whether it was due to the gorgeous surroundings, or the way the bride and groom were perfect for each other. Pauline hugged her... Continue Reading →

“It’s a princess palace!” “It’s a wizard’s castle!” “It’s a haunted mansion!” “All of you are right in a way,” Pauline told her children, amused. “The Von Haunt Chateau did have a noble lady and gentleman living here, kind of like a prince and a princess,” she nodded to Seraphina. “But there’s definitely a certain... Continue Reading →

Of all places in Newcrest, scratch that, all places in the world, Yenn had never thought she would end up living here. But it made sense. With three kids now running around, Pauline and Leo needed a large family home. And it just happened to be the case this particular one was the largest house... Continue Reading →

“Tabitha! I haven’t seen you in ages! What’s new?” Leo waved at his sister eagerly when he saw her walk past on his way from the diner. “Oh hey… I didn’t see you there,” Tabitha deflated. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong… everything’s great, really…” Leo arched his eyebrows. “Ok fine… I may have gotten a little... Continue Reading →

Little Seraphina was showered with attention growing up. Leo took all of his family leave and extra days off to spend time with his little princess. And Pauline’s job was flexible enough to allow her to spend a lot of time with Seraphina anyway. Still, that didn’t mean she neglected her music; she’d play to... Continue Reading →