Manifest Page 4

  I stretched out my arms and looked at my bed. I had nothing else to do. It would be fun to get started on gluing gears and feathers onto top hats for the costumes. There was jewelry I wanted to make, too, fancy fob watches and bracelets, hip flasks full of mysterious substances as well as extra gears. I couldn't wait to see the look on Amelia's face when I gave them to her.

  But one more thing. I fished out a pen and crossed to my door, stepping outside. The nametag on my door still said Chris, and that wouldn't do. Nobody was watching. I told my heart to calm down and crossed it out. Underneath, there was just enough space to write my new name in my best cursive:

  Clara.

  Fin

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Alden Lila Reed is currently studying cognitive science and Japanese, which has lead to both a semester abroad in rural Japan and a project to unleash a new form of digital life upon the world. Alden likes to record nir life in various fantasy worlds for others to see and write poetry about neurons and space.

  When not studying, writing, or coding, Alden likes to take walks in the woods, play video games, and work on costumes, all fueled by copious quantities of tea. Ne hails from northern Delaware and will be rather surprised if you know where that is.