Erika M Szabo: Author, Artist, Publisher
  • HOME
    • ART
    • PUBLISHING
    • NATURAL HEALING >
      • ASTHMA
      • BIZARRE SYMPTOMS
      • Natural Skin Care
      • Healing crystals
      • Aromatherapy
      • Pets and Fleas
      • Detox Your Body Naturally
      • HIGH CHOLESTEROL
      • Természetgyógyászat
    • Photos
    • Privacy policy
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT ME
  • BLOG
    • My Thinking Board
    • JUST FOR FUN
    • Magyar Könyvek
  • CHILDREN'S BOOKS
    • Be Careful What You Wish For
    • Pico, the Pesky Parrot
    • The Chunky, Dumpy, Spunky Monkey
    • Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers
    • A Basketful of Kittens
    • Who Stole Terry's Music Box?
    • Terry and the Number Fairy
    • My Book-My Stories
    • Me Too
    • Creepy Hollow Adventures
    • Mira, ¡puedo hablar con los dedos!
  • FICTION NOVELS
    • 7 COZY SHORTS
    • Evil Will Out
    • The Ancestors' Secrets
    • Restless Heart
    • The Ghost of Prince Akhmose
    • Messenger
    • The Potion
    • Bittersweet Memories
    • The Worthless Painting
    • Alone
    • Unbroken Curse
    • Fake It
    • OMEN
    • Rainbows and Couds
    • The Curse
  • Libros ​españoles
  • MAGAZINES
    • VIDEOS-POSTS
  • AUDIOBOOKS
  • MAGYAR OLDAL
  • STORYTIME
Picture

Alone - #6 in the Seven Cozy Shorts collection
​A romantic, futuristic lovestory

I was sitting on a bench in the cemetery when a sudden gust of wind showered me with magnolia petals. My muse whispered in my ear: what if... And a story was born.
Picture
Picture
buying links
​Caleb lost his soulmate, Valerie. Could it be possible to find her in a parallel universe? If his father succeeds to open the portal, will he find the same person in the alternate universe or a stranger? How far is he willing to go in finding the happiness he lost?
Will he find his soulmate, Valerie?

Included in The Seven Cozy Shorts collection

Picture
buying links
Picture

A short teaser

Tears in the Wind
The bright Spring sun bathed the budding trees with warm sunshine and tickled the grassroots to life. Petals fallen from the magnolia tree covered the ground, but the slight breeze sent chills through Valerie. The young, slender woman with long, brown hair wrapped herself inside a warm sweater.

When she reached her destination in the secluded corner of the cemetery, tears welled up in her eyes as she ran her fingers over the name, Caleb Winston, carved into the marble gravestone. Everyone keeps telling me I should be over the mourning period by now. She thought, sighing deeply. As she sat down on the bench by the side of the grave, she let the tears fall for the first time in a week.

She allowed herself to cry only when she’d made her weekly walk to the cemetery. She hid her sadness and tears from her family and friends. They kept telling her she was only eighteen and had her whole life ahead of her, so there was no reason for her to hold on to the boy she once loved.

They aren’t the ones who lost the only person they could ever imagine loving. Such was her thought as she ran her tongue over her upper lip, tasting the salty tears. She fished a handful of tissues from her purse, wiped her face and blew her nose, whispering under her breath, “None of them believe in soulmates, Cal, and I can’t get them to listen to me when I try to tell them what it was like between us. Not even my sisters understand. Mom and Dad keep telling me there’s someone else out there for me, and I know they’re saying it in the belief it should help, but it doesn’t. It just makes me think of you more, and of the future, we planned together before it all fell apart.”

***
Valerie closed her eyes and remembered standing by Caleb’s hospital bed four years ago. Most cystic fibrosis patients could live close to their forties or even longer with good medical care, but there were always those who were not going to make it. Those who, like Caleb, would develop fatal complications after an infection their body just couldn’t fight, even with the best medicine and care. He’d been in the hospital for over a month and on the lung transplant list for years, but because of his rare blood type, his chances to find a suitable donor were slim.

Her best friend and soulmate was dying. The pain Valerie felt was unbearable, but she put on a brave face and hid her agony from everyone. All she could do was be there, holding his hand and hoping that he’d get better as he did before. She could tell he was tired. Deep down she knew his body was losing the battle before a donor could be found, but she refused to let that thought surface and desperately held onto hope. A tear trickled down her cheek, and she couldn’t stop it before it dripped down onto his hand. His eyes slowly opened, and he looked up at her. The emotion in his eyes was almost too much to bear.
“I’m sorry.” She squeezed his hand. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. I wasn’t sleeping. I was resting because I don’t really seem to sleep now. Not for a long time. Every time I feel I’m drifting into sleep; I’m scared I won’t wake up.” He sighed. “I… Val, I don’t think I can hold on too much longer…”
There were so many things she could have said, but Valerie nodded. “I know, I don’t want to accept it, but I feel it…” She blinked away more tears that were threatening to fall. “I love you, Cal, and I can’t imagine my life without you, but this is too much for you to bare.” With her free hand, she swept away a strand of hair matted with sweat from his forehead. “You don’t need to fight anymore; it’s hurting you too much.”

“I must fight. For us, for our future.”

Unable to stop the tears, she rested her forehead on his. “Maybe we need to accept that our time together is up, and our future is not going to happen.” She swallowed the lump of emotion that constricted her throat. “I hate this. I hate seeing you suffer and struggle for each breath you take. And, I hate knowing that you’re fighting to stay with me. Please, I know you’re tired… nothing I say seems like it’s going to be right, but I want you to know I’m going to love you no matter what happens.”
“No matter… Where I am… I’m going to... Love you too.” He rested his hand on hers, struggling with every word. “You’re my life. You’re my soulmate. Forever.”

***
As she opened her eyes again, Valerie sobbed, and there was nothing she could do to stop her flowing tears. Caleb had died that night, as though her words had been what he needed for him to be able to move on.

“We were so happy, Cal!” She sobbed. “We’d spent almost every waking moment together since we were toddlers. I remember Mom telling Grandma how lucky we were to be born a month apart and live next door to each other because Helga, your nanny, was happy to babysit me. Then you got sick and spent a lot of time in the hospital… but when you felt better, we did everything together. I will never forget our first and only romantic kiss… when we were thirteen. It was so beautiful and felt so natural… That’s when we knew we were soulmates. Then you got sick, and a series of infections made you weaker with every passing day. I wish you were still here, healthy and happy.” She couldn’t continue her monologue. The deep, powerful sob overwhelmed her and erupted from her chest.

After she cried herself out Valerie whispered, “I miss you, more than I can put into words.” Wrapping her arms around herself, she leaned back on the bench, feeling the hardwood pressing against her upper back. “I didn’t want to, but I had to let you go. I couldn’t be selfish. I couldn’t ask you to fight when I knew how much you were hurting. I just… sometimes I wish something could have happened to me too, so we could be together. I don’t know how I’m meant to live this life without you, Cal. I keep on doing what I’m supposed to be doing, but my world is empty and colorless without you.”
​
A sudden gust of wind blew her hair and showered her with pink petals from the nearby magnolia tree. “Cal?” She whispered, but then shook her head. “It can’t be. I wish, but it’s just the wind.”

A poet friend made this chapter very special

She wrote this beautiful poem when she read the story before I published it.
​Visit Cindy'd blog: https://cindysvoices.blogspot.com/

TEARS IN THE WIND
 
He's gone
The world is so much colder
His name etched upon the granite
So final, so impersonal
Tears I've been holding back now free
They fall in rivers down my cheek
A soft breeze begins to blow
Magnolia petals float by
My tears join them in a dance
A dance of loss
A dance of remembrance
Listening, I hear his voice
Floating on the wind

~Cindy J. Smith

Amazon reviews

Thank you for reviewing this book!

People at Slate R. Raven
5.0 out of 5 stars A outstanding read! Get it today!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
I found this tale riveting, I nearly burned out the right side of my Kindle turning the pages! Couldn’t, nor wouldn’t put it down! This is a must read if you like to sink deep inside well written characters. Get enveloped inside rich background and storylines. Don’t miss out on her other fabulous works!! Erika M. Szabo is a very talented author, follow her here and on Facebook!

Eva Pasco
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart of the Matter
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2019Fascinated by the subject of the afterlife, I gravitated toward the short story, ‘Alone,’ which delves into “parallel universes” (multiverses) - alternate realities. Categorized as Science Fiction Romance—the logic and plausibility forthcoming from a scientific breakthrough, paved the way for me to appreciate the romance aspect. For me, romance is the “heart of the matter”.
The author peels back layers of raw emotions for the reader to feel Caleb’s and Valerie’s anguish over each other’s loss, and the ramifications of togetherness in an alternate reality.
I highly recommend this short story which opens the door to speculation.


Tanyawriter
5.0 out of 5 stars Searching
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020He has lost his soul mate and he will go anywhere to find her. His father is trying to open a portal and he hopes to go through to find her on another place of plane. What will he do to find her? Will he find her? What if he does not? See if he will find her
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


Elizabeth McDaniel
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2019This story was an interesting take on merging two parallel worlds. Where doing that to get to one love, others aren’t meant to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Heather Wamboldt rated it it was amazing
I found ALONE to be a very interesting read. The idea of parallel universes where the portal could bring you back to a person you thought you had lost is both frightening and exhilarating. This was a short but sweet romance story.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.

 like · Unlike  · 1 comment · see review

Elizabeth McDaniel rated it really liked it
This story was an interesting take on merging two parallel worlds. Where doing that to get to one love, others aren’t meant to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

People at Slate R. Raven
5.0 out of 5 stars A outstanding read! Get it today!!
I found this tale riveting, I nearly burned out the right side of my Kindle turning the pages! Couldn’t, nor wouldn’t put it down! This is a must read if you like to sink deep inside well written characters. Get enveloped inside rich background and storylines. Don’t miss out on her other fabulous works!! Erika M. Szabo is a very talented author, follow her here and on Facebook!

Eva Pasco
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart of the Matter
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2019Fascinated by the subject of the afterlife, I gravitated toward the short story, ‘Alone,’ which delves into “parallel universes” (multiverses) - alternate realities. Categorized as Science Fiction Romance—the logic and plausibility forthcoming from a scientific breakthrough, paved the way for me to appreciate the romance aspect. For me, romance is the “heart of the matter”.
The author peels back layers of raw emotions for the reader to feel Caleb’s and Valerie’s anguish over each other’s loss, and the ramifications of togetherness in an alternate reality.
I highly recommend this short story which opens the door to speculation.

Tanyawriter
5.0 out of 5 stars Searching
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2020He has lost his soul mate and he will go anywhere to find her. His father is trying to open a portal and he hopes to go through to find her on another place of plane. What will he do to find her? Will he find her? What if he does not? See if he will find her

Carrie Wimmer rated it liked it
Shelves: auditioned-for-narration
I love the cover of this book! That alone makes it a beautiful book. A young girl and her soul mate defy everyone around them and find a way to be together--even after one of them dies. A touching story that ends way too fast. I really wanted to see more of their life together, rather than such a quick wrap up.

Goodreads reviews

Heather W rated it it was amazing
I found ALONE to be a very interesting read. The idea of parallel universes where the portal could bring you back to a person you thought you had lost is both frightening and exhilarating. This was a short but sweet romance story.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.

flag1 like · Unlike  · 1 comment · see review

Mar 26, 2021Terri Deans rated it it was amazing
i have an audiobook copy of this book
What a beautiful short story - love will win In The end!
I truly enjoyed listening to this.
I ideas in this story are fantastic and written in a great way.
I loved the narrator also, beautiful voice!

flag1 like · Like  · 1 comment · see review

Sep 05, 2019Elizabeth McDaniel rated it really liked it
This story was an interesting take on merging two parallel worlds. Where doing that to get to one love, others aren’t meant to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

flag1 like · Unlike  · 1 comment · see review

Jan 24, 2020Tanya rated it it was amazing
He has lost his soul mate and he will go anywhere to find her. His father is trying to open a portal and he hopes to go through to find her on another place of plane. What will he do to find her? Will he find her? What if he does not? See if he will find her
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Audiobook reviews

5 out of 5 stars
  • Sandy C
  • 03-18-21

Gimpse of an Alternate History following loss
​Although loss is an inevitable part of the 'circle of life there are particular losses that are distinctly disorienting. The path to the light from these losses is often more twisted and complex and elusive and there is a sense of being isolated from all our life's meaning and even others in our life for far longer. Caleb and Valerie find themselves on such a journey, Caleb's sense of acute loss mirrors his Dad's loss and the way is opened to potentially find Valerie in an alternate reality timeline
The contemplation that both men go through mirrors the uniqueness of the grief journey for each of us. There is no one way or one solution for this pain. Each of us must find our own way. In addition, Valerie's own decisions, contemplations and preferences add to the kaleidoscope of broken light and ultimately to the personal recovery and redemption that all three find.
I highly recommend this short story which opens the door to wonder and contemplation while reminding us to love well in this short life: Just when we have given up on life ever again fulfilling our hopes and dreams, surprises, if you like, small and unexpected opportunities can miraculously open up our reality. Holding onto that hope will ultimately lead us home.
Really enjoyed Carrie Wimmer's narration of this novella though I was left wanting more of both the story and this narrator. I am looking forward to getting a hold of more of Erika's writings soon. They are always a beautiful surprise.


5 out of 5 stars
  • Maly C
  • 02-04-22

Great
Great short story! The author and the narrator did an amazing job. Even though short the author was able to tell the whole story in that time.
The narrator was able to capture my attention fairly quickly and keep it.
    
5 out of 5 stars
  • Anonymous
  • 01-26-22

Makes you think
A quick and intriguing listen. The narrators tone was soothing and gentle. The story keeps your interest and leaves you wanting more. Thanks for a pleasant listen. I hope to hear more from the author and narrator in the future.
    
5 out of 5 stars
  • People at Slate R. Raven
  • 03-20-21

Another Great novella by Erika M. Szabo
As usual she pulls you in quickly and keeps you glued to every word. Carrie Wilmer did a wonderful job narrating this is going into a favorites folder!
GET YOUR COPY TODAY!


Copyright author Erika M Szabo, 2012 Read the privacy policy and disclaimer HERE If you find a picture and you recognize it as your own and not a public domain photo, please let us know ​CONTACT
  • HOME
    • ART
    • PUBLISHING
    • NATURAL HEALING >
      • ASTHMA
      • BIZARRE SYMPTOMS
      • Natural Skin Care
      • Healing crystals
      • Aromatherapy
      • Pets and Fleas
      • Detox Your Body Naturally
      • HIGH CHOLESTEROL
      • Természetgyógyászat
    • Photos
    • Privacy policy
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT ME
  • BLOG
    • My Thinking Board
    • JUST FOR FUN
    • Magyar Könyvek
  • CHILDREN'S BOOKS
    • Be Careful What You Wish For
    • Pico, the Pesky Parrot
    • The Chunky, Dumpy, Spunky Monkey
    • Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers
    • A Basketful of Kittens
    • Who Stole Terry's Music Box?
    • Terry and the Number Fairy
    • My Book-My Stories
    • Me Too
    • Creepy Hollow Adventures
    • Mira, ¡puedo hablar con los dedos!
  • FICTION NOVELS
    • 7 COZY SHORTS
    • Evil Will Out
    • The Ancestors' Secrets
    • Restless Heart
    • The Ghost of Prince Akhmose
    • Messenger
    • The Potion
    • Bittersweet Memories
    • The Worthless Painting
    • Alone
    • Unbroken Curse
    • Fake It
    • OMEN
    • Rainbows and Couds
    • The Curse
  • Libros ​españoles
  • MAGAZINES
    • VIDEOS-POSTS
  • AUDIOBOOKS
  • MAGYAR OLDAL
  • STORYTIME