Lemme See That #4

 Sneak peek into a dark fiction series

Part 4 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

Read part 3 here

4. Excitement: the thrill of discovering something early

A preview makes people feel like they’re getting access others don’t have yet.

Take a peek into the "What If?" series

Intriguing, bone-chilling, heartwarming, and thought-provoking short stories by various genre authors.

https://books2read.com/u/b5wDEA

Lost in the Woods by Erika M Szabo

A young police officer enters the woods to find a missing woman, but it takes all her mental strength to deal with what she finds.

She Waits by Lorraine Carey

During a class field trip to a historical site in the Caribbean, a curious student encounters a lonely ghost who does not want her to leave.

The Treasures of Grandma’s Attic by Erika M Szabo

Sixteenth birthdays are special, but something they find in Grandma’s attic will make sure they’ll never forget this party.

Church of the Sentient System Ascendant by R.A, “Doc” Correa

A civil servant who is deeply devoted to his faith. By accident, he learns the truth about his religion, and the malevolent A.I. behind it.

Genie in the Sporran by Erika M Szabo

A device cloaked as an everyday item makes all your wishes come true. But Blair and Rhona find out the hard way that everything has a price.

I Scarecrow by Alan Zacher

A troubled man is cursed by a gypsy woman, and the scarecrow he built makes his wishes come true. All is good, but he might get more than he bargained for.

Don’t Look Out the Window by S.S. Bazinet

Growing up in a house with a cursed window, Hank has to find the courage to look out its glass panes, even if it kills him.

The Spirit of The Rattlesnake by S. M. Revolinski

In the spring of 1889, civilization with railroads and cattle ranches moved into Wyoming. However, the Indian Spirit was not finished. Into this, Alice Potter begins her trek.

Will You Wait for Me? By Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey

Fate gave her one year of happy marriage, but although losing her husband and unborn child devastated Gladys, she'd find a way to live a full life. Will they meet again?

 

https://books2read.com/u/mv9Pxj

Mysteries of the Wetland by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey

Join Ava Jenson on vacation in her grandmother’s old country when all mysterious events are connected to an ancient legend about a cursed church bell.

The Zanna by David W. Thompson

A potential stepmother and stepdaughter seek common ground at the family's rustic retreat. Will the past return to haunt them? Only Zanna knows...

Forbidden Love by Erika M Szabo

They knew their love was forbidden, but they couldn't help the way they felt. Their love for each other was too strong to ignore.

A Well-kept Home by Toi Thomas

Everyone knows how special the Fields Family Farm is. Some say it’s haunted. Some say it’s enchanted. But only those who dare to stay the night really know.

Don’t Whistle Back by Erika M Szabo

Milena visits her grandfather in Mexico and wonders why he has a rope with seven knots tied to the door. She finds out soon enough!

J.A.C.K.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa.

What is a human? According to the cybernetically enhanced officers of the U. S. Army’s Joint Advanced Combat Knowledge System program, they are the only real humans.

She Decided to Be a Vampire by Erika M Szabo

Every kid in town knew that old Mrs. Robbins was a vampire. What they didn’t know and are about to find out, will change their lives forever.

T’is Was The Night by Alan Zacher

This Christmas tale is about a family coming to “terms” with the alleged existence of Mo-Mo, aka, “The Missouri Monster”; aka, their own Bigfoot.

W.I.DG.E.T.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa

The U. S. Army pursues the technologies “improving” Soldier-Machine Interface for Future Combat Systems. What are the consequences for humans?

The Unlucky Number Four by Erika M Szabo

In China, the number four sounds like the word death, making the number highly unlucky. Hua is the fourth child in her family.

Push by David W. Thompson

Leona is a missing mother and Sergeant James is on the hunt. When family secrets are revealed, he must find her, or it will be the cadaver dog's turn.

Bravery Has a Price by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey

After boasting to her twin brothers that she is braver than they are, Emma immediately regrets it. Is proving her courage worth the price she must pay?

https://books2read.com/u/m27NQd

What if you think the known world isn’t strange enough? Embark on a journey that pushes the boundaries, challenges your perception, and questions reason, logic, and established beliefs.

Midnight Murder by Erika M Szabo

Emma’s trust in her psychic abilities solidified and she learned an important lesson about blind trust – even in those who she thought were closest to her.

Unexpected Trip by Lorraine Carey

A teacher faints at an Egyptian exhibit and has a vivid dream in Pompeii during the volcanic eruption. Was it a dream or did she travel through time?

Thy Sister’s Blood by David W. Thompson

Friends on a haunted creek uncover ancient relations. Magic and mystery drive this journey of self-discovery with the enduring power of family.

The Ominous Sound of Stiletto Heels by Erika M Szabo

The sound of Madame Chloe’s red stiletto heels in the hallways would quiet the students and teachers. When she walked by, an icy chill filled the air.

The Way to a Man’s Heart by Shebat Legion

A Siren demonstrates her full vocal range, much to the dismay of a man caught in a trap of his own design.

Shadowman by Erika M Szabo

Their ultimate goal is a brighter future for all humanity. A world free of destruction and chaos.

Careful What You Wish For by David W. Thompson

At last, Victor finds his dream girl! But is it a match made in heaven or a far darker place? Love conquers all... or the dream becomes a nightmare.

Happily Ever After, and After by Shebat Legion

A woman revisits memories that are all too real, or are they? What makes a memory real?

I Love You Forever by Martha Perez

Can their love endure? Nicole, battling cancer, finds hope with Noah. Will they overcome life's challenges and keep their vow to love forever?

Jimmy’s Clown by David W. Thompson

Brothers stick together, and childhood pranks are soon forgotten. But old grudges can fade slowly or swell with age like the nose of a clown.

Eye of the Jaguar by Robert Allen Lupton

An explorer falls onto an altar stone. He wakes to an ancient nightmare of Mayan jaguar worship. Can he save his humanity and return to modern times?

Unsung Heroes y Erika M Szabo

If people knew what the biker gang did and were not expecting any reward or recognition, these unsung heroes would be celebrated by many.

The Prodigal Daughter by R.A. “Doc” Correa

Cassandra Lynn Anderson, a haunted young woman, learns the terrifying truth of her origin.

https://books2read.com/u/mq5qNO

Burdens of Immortality by Erika M Szabo

She didn’t want to live for centuries. All she wanted was one happy life.

The Guest of Honor by E.V. Emmons

A tale of two families: One family’s halcyon life is tragically disrupted, while another plans the perfect Halloween party. Evil is a point of view.

Bitten by R.A. “Doc” Correa

In the days of the Roman Empire, a French peasant and thief learns the true horror of what it means to be bitten.

The Doll That Had It All by Lorraine Carey

A woman finds a spell to restore her youth but awakens a dark force. She must pay the price for meddling with magic. What is she willing to sacrifice?

Demon Child by Erika M Szabo

Lucas couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. His sister’s once gentle and curious nature had been replaced with outbursts of rage and violence.

Area Code 666 by James Harper

Steve Hyatt’s job, chauffeuring mentally challenged clients to voting booths to swing elections, gets complicated when he receives phone calls from somewhere that should not exist.

Haunting Memories by Erika M Szabo

Spraining his ankle on a stormy night when an oddly familiar stranger helps him home, John’s mind is flooded with long-forgotten memories.

He Watches by David W. Thompson

An ancient creature and an ancient love meet newlyweds John and Evelyn Barrow. Can their love survive Halloween’s heartbreak and a promised destiny?

The Last Resort by Shebat Legion

A grieving woman meets a mysterious stranger and learns a valuable lesson.

An Elder Race by Karen Over

In the mists and moonlight of Halloween, be careful who you mess with. That kid you called a liar just might be telling the truth.

Organs for Sale by Erika M Szabo

After discovering that the Witch’s One Stop Shop is selling organs, a group of kids are struck with fear. In response, Jack decides to become a vegetarian.

Fallen Angel by Martha Perez

Isabella is a fallen angel, paying for her mistakes in hell under the watchful eye of Satan enduring constant torment from creatures and critters. Will she survive?

The Pumpkin’s Curse by Martha Perez

A spine-chilling, suspenseful thriller. Scarlett and Mom have nowhere to hide from the pumpkin’s curse; they’re desperate to stay alive.

Master Brahm’s Studio by Shebat Legion

A master seeks to teach his students valuable lessons, but in the end, who will be the master?

Broomsticks and Chocolate by Robert Allen Lupton

Trick-or-treating, a Halloween tradition, works because its unspoken rules are rigorously observed. If those rules are violated, who’s better to defend Halloween traditions than real witches?

Late Delivery by Erika M Szabo

It’s All Hollow’s Eve, but an inconsiderate last-minute pizza order must be delivered, and Memy Yagen’s legend becomes a chilling reality.

Headless by Karen Over

When it's Halloween along Foxfire Creek, you'd best not roll your eyes about the local haunt. Especially when you're messing with one of Miz Flora's girls.

Fall Market by Victoria Adams

Elenore lives a life in the shadows, hiding from a haunting past. Then one sunny fall day she is seen. 

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Is it "monkey see monkey do" Behavior or Something Else?

 Do they mock me because I speak with an accent?

English is my second language, and I speak with an accent and often wonder why people slow down, over‑enunciate, or change vocabulary when talking to someone with an accent.

I looked into it, and now I have a better understanding of this behavior.

People often talk louder when they hear an accent because their brain interprets the situation as a potential comprehension challenge, and they instinctively try to “fix” it by increasing volume, even though volume isn’t the issue.

It’s usually not that the listener thinks the accented speaker is hard of hearing. Instead, the listener’s brain is trying to reduce its own processing difficulty by altering the communication environment—incorrectly assuming that louder speech will help. It’s similar to how people sometimes talk louder to someone on a bad phone connection. The instinct is to “fix” the communication problem with volume, even when the real issue is clarity, not loudness.

People have learned from media, school, travel, etc. that you’re supposed to slow down or simplify when talking to someone who might not share your native language.

So even without thinking, they fall into that pattern:

Sometimes it’s well‑intentioned.

Sometimes it’s awkward.

Sometimes it’s patronizing.

But it’s almost always automatic.

But why do they try to imitate my accent?

This is fascinating: when people start imitating someone else’s accent, it’s usually not mockery. It’s something much more human and much more automatic.

Why do people sometimes slip into the accent they’re hearing?

This behavior comes from a deep, built‑in social mechanism.

1. The brain is wired for “speech mirroring”

Humans naturally mirror each other’s body language, facial expressions, and even breathing rhythms.

Speech is part of that system.

When you hear someone speak with a different rhythm, melody, or vowel shape, your brain starts subtly adjusting your own speech patterns to match. It’s an unconscious attempt to sync up.

This is called phonetic convergence.

2. Mirroring builds social connection

Matching someone’s speech style is a way of signaling:

“I’m friendly.”

“I’m engaged.”

“We’re on the same team.”

It’s the same instinct that makes people adopt each other’s slang or laugh in the same cadence.

The accent shift is just a more noticeable version of that.

3. Your brain tries to reduce conversational friction

If your brain senses even a small challenge in understanding someone, it may try to “meet them halfway” by adjusting your own speech patterns.

It’s not logical — but it’s instinctive.

4. Accents are contagious

Accents have rhythm, melody, and muscle patterns.

When you hear them, your brain activates the motor areas involved in producing those sounds.

It’s similar to how:

You start tapping your foot when you hear music

You yawn when someone else yawns

You mimic someone’s posture without noticing

Accents trigger the same kind of mimicry.

5. When it goes wrong, it feels embarrassing

Because it’s unconscious, people often don’t realize they’re doing it until it’s already happened.

Then they panic, thinking it looks like mockery even though the intention was connection, not insult.

A simple way to think about it

Your brain is constantly trying to sync with the people around you.

Accents are just another thing it tries to sync with.

I hope you find this interesting, let me know what you think.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #3

 Sneak peek into a children's book

Part 3 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

3. Trust:

It feels like the author is opening the door

Letting someone read a chapter feels personal.

Readers sense transparency and generosity, which builds trust in both the author and the blog hosting the preview.

https://books2read.com/Look-I-Can-Talk-With-My-Fingers

In Spanish

https://books2read.com/u/3neQ2K

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #2

 Sneak peek into a supernatural medical mystery

Part 2 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

2. Connection:

Meeting characters before committing

A sneak peek lets readers “test‑drive” the world, voice, and characters.

If they feel even a small spark of connection, they’re far more likely to keep going.

https://books2read.com/u/3nk6V6

Chapter Three

Enjoying the fresh air and her ability to breathe freely again without feeling the suffocating tightness in her chest, Remi strolled through the garden. The full moon hung like a glowing orb in the sky, illuminating the sloping hillside in the distance with a soft, silver glow, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The distant murmur of her aunt’s voice through the open window in the kitchen provided a soothing soundtrack to her walk, but she couldn't quite make out her words. It was like a radio playing in the background, just loud enough to be heard but too muffled to understand. She kicked off her slippers and with each step, the cool grass tickled her bare feet, sending pleasant shivers up her legs. She gazed up at the endless expanse of stars above dreamily, wondering what secrets they held.

Out of nowhere, a searing pain shot through Remi's head, causing her to stumble forward in disorientation. Her vision blurred and distorted as she attempted to shake off the sudden assault.

But then, just as quickly as it had come, the pain vanished, and Remi's senses sharpened to an almost superhuman level. She could hear every word her aunt was saying with astonishing clarity, despite being more than fifty yards away.

Her heart raced as she listened to her aunt's voice talking to her mother on the phone. "Yes, she's fine," Emily said. "She's taking a stroll in the garden. I can see her from the window. Yes, I got rid of the cat. And tonight, we'll be staying in the guesthouse."

Remi couldn't help but smile at her aunt's determined tone. As the conversation continued, Remi stood there in awe, still processing the fact that she could hear Emily’s voice so clearly from such a distance.

But when she heard her mother’s reply on the phone, she froze. “Okay, just keep a close eye on her and make sure she takes her medications.”

How could this be happening? I can hear Mom’s voice as if she was standing next to me!

The sound of crickets chirping, nightbirds singing their sharp, short tunes, and owls hooting with deafening clarity amplified Remi’s panic as she cried out in confusion and fear, “What is happening to me?”

She shook her head, trying to make it stop, and clamped her hands to her ears, unable to comprehend what was happening. “I’m losing it! I’m totally losing my mind,” she cried out. “I’m schizophrenic! Yes, that’s it. I’m hearing voices.” The realization filled her with sheer panic. Her legs felt weak, she had to sit down. But wait! She thought. I’m only sixteen. I read in Mom’s medical books that schizophrenia usually shows the first symptoms much later. Then what is it? “What a...” Remi jumped when she heard a new voice. “Dad, why didn’t I change? Dr Schwarz said it would happen, but I still feel as lousy as always.”

“I’m hallucinating!” Remi cried out and turned around frantically searching. “I hear the boy’s voice I met in the ER. I’m a nutcase, that’s for sure.” Scared out of her mind, Remi started running toward the house and stopped in her tracks when she spotted a man pushing a wheelchair on the footpath that separated her aunt’s land from the neighbor’s property. She heard the man’s voice. “I don’t know, son. I spoke to Dr. Schwartz, he said to wait until the morning and call him if there are still no changes.”

“Let’s go back, Dad. I don’t feel good.”

“Sorry, son. Let’s get you in bed and the doctor will figure out in the morning what went wrong.”

Remi stood motionless watching them as the man turned the wheelchair around with the boy. I can hear them! That’s Konrad and his father, and they’re far away. Why can I hear their conversation so clearly? She rubbed her forehead. This is madness! “Okay, calm down!” she said out loud and took a couple of deep breaths. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for all this. I'll go inside.”

She felt the rush of air hitting her face and suddenly, she was standing by the door, as if she had been teleported there. Her heart raced with fear and confusion as she cried out, "What is happening? How did I get here?" She turned back to where she had been just a moment before, estimating the distance to be about two hundred yards. "I was just over there...now I'm here." She stood by the door in disbelief, trying to make sense of what had just occurred when she spotted the man and the boy in a wheelchair. “They didn't seem to have moved an inch!” she cried out and frantic thoughts ran through her mind. Why can I see them so clearly? I can see Konrad’s oxygen tube in his nose and hear his oxygen generator humming. It’s impossible! I need to think this over before I completely lose my mind. She decided and opened the door.

Emily stood by the sink washing dishes. “How was your...” She stopped, alarmed by Remi’s bewildered expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked wiping her hands on her apron.

“Nothing!” Remi replied quickly, trying to force a smile. “I was running all the way back, and I’m not even out of breath," she lied. "I’m feeling fine, don’t worry. I think I’m going to read for a while.” She said and started walking toward the door before Emily could question her further. But then, in her mind, she heard her aunt’s voice. Something is wrong! I know it. The way she looked at me, it was as if... as if... I can’t put my finger on it, but she’s acting strange.

Remi turned back and opened her mouth to speak when she noticed with alarm that Emily was staring at her with great concern. Despite her mouth being closed, Remi heard her aunt’s voice in her mind. I guess it’s because of all that medication they gave her. Poor little angel! Why do kids have to suffer from diseases? Her worried expression changed to a loving smile as Emily spoke, “You didn’t eat any dessert after dinner. Cathy brought over homemade pudding. Would you like to eat some?”

“No, thanks. Dinner was delicious, and I’m still full. I’m going to read for a while. Good night, Authy Em.”

“Good night, dear. “I’m going to bed in a minute too. I only took a short nap today, and I’m exhausted.”

Remi hurried to her room, thinking. I heard her talking, with my ears and I saw her mouth moving. But now, she just stared at me with her mouth closed but I heard her voice in my mind... It’s insanity! Could it be that... nah, it’s impossible! How could I hear someone’s thoughts?

With a heavy sigh, she closed the door to her bedroom and settled onto her bed. Her fingers trembled as she opened her laptop, the bright screen casting a soft glow in the dark room. “Okay, calm down!” she urged herself, trying to push away the panic rising within her.

Her thoughts raced as she typed “mind-reading” into the search bar and clicked on the first result. Her eyes scanned the definition: “Mind-reading can be based on scientific techniques, such as interpreting body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. It's a skill that can be learned and honed.”

But that wasn't it. She hadn't seen their body language or expressions when she heard their voices. Could it be telepathy instead?

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, typing out the word and hitting enter. A new definition appeared: “Telepathy refers to direct communication between minds without using the usual sensory channels (like speech or writing). It's often called mental communication. Telepathy is considered supernatural because it lacks a scientific or logical explanation. It's associated with extrasensory perception.”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she read. Lack of science and logic was definitely one way to describe what she was experiencing.

In Hungarian

https://books2read.com/u/mYeLVp

Harmadik fejezet

Remi élvezve a friss levegőt és azt, hogy újra szabadon lélegezhetett anélkül, hogy érezte volna a fojtogató szorítást a mellkasában. Ráérősen sétált a kerten. A telihold izzó gömbként ragyogott a felhőtlen égen, ezüstös fénnyel világította meg a távoli lejtős domboldalt, békés és nyugodt légkört teremtve.

Nagynénje mormolása a konyha nyitott ablakán keresztül nyugtatóan hatott, de Remi nem tudta pontosan kivenni a szavait. Olyan volt, mint egy rádió hangja a háttérben, éppen elég hangos ahhoz, hogy hallható legyen, de túl halk ahhoz, hogy megértse a szavakat. Remi lerúgta a papucsát, élvezte a hűvös fű csiklandozó érzését mezítelen talpán. Álmodozva bámult fel a ragyogó csillagokra, és azon tűnődött, milyen titkokat rejtenek.

Hirtelen éles, perzselő fájdalom hasított Remi fejébe, amitől zavartan előre botorkált. Látása elhomályosodott és eltorzult. Felnyögött a fájdalomtól és ijedten masszírozta a homlokát, majd megrázta a fejét. De aztán ugyanolyan gyorsan, ahogy jött, a fájdalom eltűnt, és Remi érzékei szinte emberfeletti szintre éleződtek. Elképesztő tisztasággal hallotta a nagynénje minden szavát, annak ellenére, hogy több mint ötven méterre volt a kis háztól.

A szíve hangosan dübörgött mellkasában, ahogy zaklatottan hallgatta nagynénje hangját, amint az anyjával beszél telefonon. – Igen, jól van – mondta Emily. – Sétál a kertben. Ne aggódj, látom őt az ablakból. Igen, megszabadultam a macskától. Ma este pedig a vendégházban alszunk amig a házat alaposan kitakarítják. –

Remi nem tudta megállni, hogy el ne mosolyodjon nagynénje határozott hangját hallgatva. Ahogy a beszélgetés folytatódott, Remi megrendülve állt a hűvös fűben, és próbált magyarázatot találni arra, hogy ilyen tisztán hallotta Emily hangját ilyen messziről.

De, amikor meghallotta édesanyja válaszát a telefonban, megdermedt. – Kérlek tartsd rajta a szemed, és figyelmeztesd, hogy bevegye a gyógyszereit. –

Remi megrázta a fejét, és a füléhez szorította a kezét, nem tudta felfogni, mi történik. – Megbolondultam! Teljesen elvesztettem az eszem – suttogta. – Skizofrén vagyok! Igen, ez az. Hangokat hallok és hallucinálok. –  A felismerés pánikba kergette. A lábai elgyengültek, le kellett ülnie. De várjunk csak! – gondolta. Még csak tizenhat éves vagyok. Anya orvosi könyveiben olvastam, hogy a skizofrénia általában sokkal később jelentkezik az első tünetekkel. Akkor mi ez? – Remi felugrott, amikor új hangot hallott.

– Apa, mi lehet az oka annak, hogy a kezelés után szinte semmi változás nem történt? Dr. Schwarz azt mondta, hogy várjunk ma estig, de még mindig ugyanolyan pocsékul érzem magam, mint mindig. –

– Semmi kétség. Hallucinálok! – motyogta a feldúlt lány, és kétségbeesetten megfordult. – Hallom a fiú hangját, akivel a sürgősségi osztályon találkoztam. Őrült vagyok, az már biztos. – Rémülten futni kezdett a ház felé, és megállt, amikor megpillantott egy magas férfit, aki egy tolókocsiban ülő fiút tolt a gyalogúton, amely elválasztotta nagynénje kertjét a szomszédétól. Most meghallotta a férfi hangját. – Nem tudom, fiam. Beszéltem Dr. Schwartzcal, azt mondta, hogy várjunk reggelig, és hívjam fel, ha még mindig nincs változás. –

– Menjünk vissza a házba, apa. Nem érzem jól magam. –

– Végtelenül sajnálom, fiam. Legjobb lesz, ha pihensz, és reggel majd beszélünk az orvossal. –

Remi mozdulatlanul állt, és figyelte őket, ahogy a férfi megfordította a kerekesszéket a fiúval. Tiszta őrület. Hallom őket! Ez Konrád és az apja, és messze vannak. Miért hallom ilyen tisztán a beszélgetésüket? Megdörzsölte a homlokát. – Oké, nyugi, nyugi! – mondta hangosan, és vett néhány mély lélegzetet. – Biztos vagyok benne, hogy van ésszerű magyarázat mindenre. Bemegyek. –

Szélfúvást érzett az arcán, és hirtelen az ajtó mellett állt, mintha oda teleportálták volna. Szíve a félelemtől és zavartól gyorsan dobogott, majd hirtelen felkiáltott: – Mi történik? Hogyan kerültem ide? –  Visszafordult oda, ahol egy pillanattal korábban állt, és körülbelül kétszáz méterre becsülte a távolságot. – Éppen ott voltam... most itt vagyok. –  Hitetlenkedve állt az ajtó előtt, és próbálta megérteni, mi történt, amikor meglátta a férfit és a fiút kerekesszékben. – Ők egy centit sem mozdultak! – mormogta, és eszeveszett gondolatok futottak át az agyán. Miért látom őket ilyen tisztán? Látom Konrád oxigéncsövét az orrában, és hallom az oxigéngenerátor zümmögését. Ez lehetetlen! Át kell gondolnom ezt, mielőtt teljesen elvesztem az eszem. – Mélyeket lélegzett, és kinyitotta az ajtót.

Emily a mosogató mellett állt, és megfordult egy tányérral a kezében, amikor meghallotta Remi lépteit. – Milyen volt... – Megállt, megriadva Remi zavarodott arckifejezésétől. – Mi a baj? – kérdezte, miközben megtörölte a kezét a kötényében.

– Semmit! – Remi gyorsan válaszolt, és kényszeredetten elmosolyodott. – Egész úton futottam, és még csak nem is vagyok kifulladva – hazudta. – Jól érzem magam, ne aggódj. Azt hiszem, olvasni fogok amig elálmosodom. – mondta, és elindult az ajtó felé, mielőtt Emily tovább kérdezhette volna. De aztán gondolatban meghallotta nagynénje hangját. Valami nincs rendben! Tudom. Ahogy rám nézett, olyan volt, mint... mintha... Nem tudom, de furcsán viselkedik.

Remi visszafordult, és kinyitotta a száját, hogy beszéljen, amikor riadtan vette észre, hogy Emily aggodalommal mered rá. Annak ellenére, hogy a szája csukva volt, Remi tisztán hallotta a nagynénje hangját az elméjében.  Azt hiszem, ez a sok gyógyszer miatt van, amit adtak neki. Szegény kis angyal! Miért kell a gyerekeknek betegségekben szenvedniük? Aggódó arckifejezése szeretetteljes mosolyra változott, amikor megkérdezte: – Vacsora után nem ettél desszertet. Cathy házi pudingot hozott. Szeretnél enni egy kicsit? –

– Nem, köszönöm. A vacsora finom volt, és még mindig tele vagyok. Olvasok egy darabig. Jó éjszakát, Emi néni. –

– Jó éjszakát, drágám. Pár perc múlva én is lefekszem. Ma csak egy rövidet szunyókáltam, és fáradt vagyok. –

Remi elgondolkodva sietett a szobájába. Hallottam, ahogy beszél, a fülemmel, és láttam, hogy mozog a szája. De most csak csukott szájjal nézett rám, de hallottam a hangját a fejemben... Ez őrület! Lehet, hogy... Nem, ez lehetetlen! Hogyan hallhatnám valakinek a gondolatait? Nagyot sóhajtott, becsukta a hálószobája ajtaját, és letelepedett az ágyára. Ujjai remegtek, amikor kinyitotta a laptopját, a fényes képernyő lágy fényt vetett a sötét szobára. – Oké, nyugodj meg! – sürgette magát, és megpróbálta elnyomni a benne feltámadó pánikot.

Gondolatai sebesen száguldoztak, amikor beírta a – gondolatolvasás – szót a keresősávba, és rákattintott az első találatra. Szeme a definíciót pásztázta: – A gondolatolvasás tudományos technikákon alapulhat, mint például a testbeszéd, az arckifejezések és a hangszín értelmezése. Ez egy olyan készség, amelyet el lehet sajátítani és gyakorlattal finomítani.

De nem ez volt az. Amikor nagynénje, anyja, Konrád, és az apja hangját hallotta, nem látta őket. Lehet, hogy inkább telepátia?

Ujjai cikáztak a billentyűzeten, begépelte a szót, és megnyomta az mehet billentyűt. Megjelent egy új definíció: – A telepátia az elmék közötti közvetlen kommunikációra utal a szokásos érzékszervi csatornák (például beszéd vagy írás) használata nélkül. Gyakran mentális kommunikációnak nevezik. A telepátiát természetfelettinek tekintik, mert nincs tudományos vagy logikai magyarázata. Ez az extraszenzoros észleléshez kapcsolódik.

Keserű nevetés hagyta el az ajkát, miközben olvasott. A tudomány és a logika hiánya határozottan az egyik módja annak, hogy körülírja azt, ami velem történik.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #1

 A sneak peek into a supernatural thriller

The emotional impact of a sneak peek

1. Curiosity:

The “I need to know what happens next.”

A preview activates the brain’s natural desire for closure.

Readers get just enough to be intrigued, but not enough to be satisfied.

That tension keeps them thinking about the story long after they stop reading.

Let me know if you'd like to read this book after reading a small part of it.

https://books2read.com/MESSENGER-by-Erika-M-Szabo

Chapter 4

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t come earlier.” Luke apologized and bent down to kiss her forehead.

“What happened?” Lauren managed to whisper, trying hard to hide the dreadful feeling her premonition triggered. The raw emotion was more painful than her physical injuries.

“A client called. He was arrested and I was with him trying to figure out his defense.” He sighed, sitting down on the bed facing Lauren. “Nothing for you to be worried about, though. How are you feeling?”

“Everything hurts, but I’ll be okay. More importantly, the baby is fine.” She baited him for an answer she didn’t get the day before.

“Yes, I’m so glad there’s no lasting damage. I spoke to the doctor on my way out last night, and she assured me of your full recovery.”

Lauren noticed the lack of emotions in his eyes when she mentioned the baby. It made her wonder if her husband even cared. Luke smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, which made Lauren even more suspicious.

She tried hard to hush the bitter feeling. “I don’t understand why the person who broke into the office beat me so brutally. I don’t even know if it was a man or a woman. Without saying a single word just knocked me unconscious as if wanting to kill me. The detective said the person might have been looking for drugs, but nothing is missing.”

“Maybe someone disturbed him, and he got away,” Luke speculated.

“But if someone else was there too, why didn’t they call for help? I was on the floor, bleeding until Marcia found me.”

“I don’t know, darling, and we may never find out,” Luke announced reaching for his phone, which was ringing in his pocket. He looked at the screen. “It’s the office. I must take this call.” He looked at his wife for approval.

“Sure, no problem.” Lauren nodded and reached for the orange juice on her table to take a sip. She listened to Luke talking to someone in a hushed voice. “Do you have to go?” She asked when Luke ended the call.

“Unfortunately, yes. There’s another crisis at the office.” He scratched his chin nervously. “I’ll stay if you want. To Hell with the office and clients, you’re more important.”

“No, there’s not much you can do here but sit with me. The nurses keep an eye on me, and things could be a lot worse. I’m alive, and I’ll recover in time.”

Nodding, Luke glanced at his phone. “It’s ten o’clock, I hope I can be back in the afternoon to stay with you.”

“Sounds good. Go get your work done. We both know what you’re like if you’ve got something still to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Go.”

Lauren felt exhausted, every part of her body and mind cried for rest and sleep. Luke won’t be back for a while; I must rest and think. She rang for Tammy and with her help, she got to her bed. Tucked in and feeling relatively comfortable, she closed her eyes and sunk into a dreamless sleep.

Her phone woke her an hour later. “I’ll be in later than I thought.” She heard Kathy’s voice. “The police put a seal on the office door, I can’t get in to pick up the candles and book. We don’t really need the book because we know the spell, but I don’t have all the herbs and candles we need. I’ll have to stop at the magic shop in Brooklyn, so it will take a while.”

“Don’t worry. Be careful. The traffic is brutal this time of day.” Lauren mumbled.

On the verge of falling asleep but too tired to open her eyes, she felt the nurse checking her vitals and then walking over to the IV pole changing the IV bag. Later she heard Marcia’s muffled voice talking to the nurse outside the door, and then she tiptoed into the room and sat down on the chair beside her bed.

Lauren recognized the tune of her phone, but before she contemplated opening her eyes, Marcia answered it on the first ring. “She’s asleep,” She whispered. “No, she’s fine. She needs as much rest as she could get. When are you going to get here?” She was quiet for a few seconds and said before disconnecting the call, “I have to go home but I’ll try to come back later.”   

 Lauren was oblivious to the world for a few hours when a loud noise woke her. Her eyes popped open and saw the Raven on the windowsill. The black bird stared at her with its black pearl eyes and made a loud “kraa”. Not again! Please, what do you want now? She begged silently, a dreadful feeling flooding her.

Suddenly, Luke’s sinister, sneering face swam into her mind as a powerful vision, his eyes glowing with anger and hate. Behind him lurked in a haze, a longhaired figure. Lauren strained to make out the features of the blurry figure, but the vision disappeared within seconds. Lauren had no way of being certain if she was dreaming, or if it was a premonition her grandmother warned her about to pay close attention to. Eyes closed yet wide awake and her nerves on edge, she tried to make sense of her terrifying vision.

A nurse entered her room. Lauren watched her through half-closed eyes, uncertain why that specific nurse gave her a bad feeling. Nurses came and went all the time, but there was something telling her to be wary—most likely her strong intuition. With a syringe in her gloved hand, the nurse made her way over to Lauren’s bed, grabbed the IV tube and injected something into it. Lauren watched her eyes open just enough to see under the protection of her eyelashes. A nurse would never inject anything into the line before wiping it with alcohol. She’s not a nurse. Thoughts were popping in her mind sending her nerves on edge. If she finds out that I’m awake, who knows what she would do before I can call for help. I can’t defend myself, not with broken ribs.

With eyes still half-closed, Lauren slowly reached over to her left arm under the blanket where the IV needle was taped to her hand, trying to make her movements seem as natural as she could. Ever so slowly she pulled the tape off and pulled the IV needle out and pinched the tubing, not wanting whatever had just been injected into the IV to go into her body or to drip on the bed. Fortunately, the possibly pretend nurse didn’t seem to notice.

After a few seconds of a heart-pounding wait, the nurse walked away, not checking to make sure the IV was still attached. I wish I could see her face. She moved her head slowly and managed to look at the woman’s back before she reached the door. Lauren observed the surgical cap on her head and the ribbon of her mask tied over it. I’ve never seen a nurse without a stethoscope and she’s wearing low heel pumps. Nurses wear sneakers or clogs. Now I’m sure she came to kill me! Lauren screamed in her mind and took a deep breath to calm herself. Thanks to her messenger, she knew she had to be suspicious of everything and everyone. She heard the door open and sighed in relief when she saw Marcia walking in.

“What’s wrong?” Marcia asked and rushed to her bed.

“Thank God! I’m so glad you’re here!” Lauren cried out. “I have to get out of here, now!” She tried to sit up but the sharp pain in her side made her fall back to the pillow.

“Wait! Let me help you. What do you mean you have to get out of here? You’re in no condition to go anywhere!”

“I have to. I have a strong feeling that someone is trying to have me killed and it might be Luke.”

“What? Why?” Marcia cried out.

“I just had a premonition and I have a strong feeling that it’s Luke.”

“Luke? I never trusted the guy, but to kill you? A premonition? What did you see? Tell me! You’re scaring me.”

 “I don’t know for sure but… he’s been distant and cold. He’s changed since… I don’t… we’ve been married for so long. I don’t know what’s really happening and why. I just know I’m in danger and I must get out of here and away from him. A woman dressed as a nurse had injected something into my IV line just now. I’m unsure and confused. I’m scared! I must get away.”

“Should we call security or the police?”

“And tell them what? What could they do to protect me based on my suspicion and feeling without any proof? If I’d tell them about my vision, they’d most likely admit me to the psych ward. No, I must leave and go to a safe place. You can help me.”

“You might be right. I’ll do anything, but how are we going to get you out of here?”

“Find Tammy. I trust her. She’ll help us. I’m still not convinced it’s Luke, but premonitions never lied to me before. All I know is that I’m not safe here and there’s only one place Luke doesn’t know about. Now I’m glad I never told him about the summerhouse I inherited from Grandma. It’s not too far from here, about a two-hour drive up to the Catskill mountains.”

“Right, I’ll go find Tammy!” Marcia turned and hurried out the door.

Kathy! She didn’t call. Lauren grabbed her phone and dialed. After a few rings, the call went to voicemail. Lauren didn’t bother leaving a message, disconnected and sent her a text. Kathy, where are you? Are you okay?

Marcia came back trailed by Tammy. Lauren told her everything she knew.

Tammy looked at her wide-eyed, terrified. “You’re right. You’re in danger here! I’ll do anything I can.”

Lauren remembered. “I closed the IV line to save what she’d injected in it. Would you put it into an evidence bag and about half an hour after we leave, call this detective.” She handed the card to Tammy. “I want to know what she injected into the tube.”

Tammy sprang into action right away. “Of course, I’ll do as you asked. To get you out of here is easy. I’ll get a wheelchair and when you’re ready, I’ll create a little commotion on the other end of the hall and Marcia can push you to the elevator.”

Marcia agreed. “Great! My car is in the ER parking lot. Nobody will pay attention to us if I wear scrubs and Lauren changes her clothes.”

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.