This would be the last time you agree to a family holiday, you'd already decided! This year, it's a Greek all-inclusive hotel resort. You've never been to Greece, seen the Aegean, or even discovered much of south-east Europe - your parents aren't here for the ancient history or the beautiful scenery. Your dad had a drink minutes after leaving the airport. Your mum is here to get a 'natural' tan. You're brother will either be by the pool, the bar, or his phone ... depending on who he's interested in, or avoiding. Day 3 of 7 - hotel is good - catering, facilities, accommodation ... all good. You last saw your family ... about 6pm. Your dad was heading along to the restaurant where he'll certainly eat and drink more than he should before he progresses towards the lounge to enjoy his evening of attentive waitresses and attractive entertainers. Your mum will still be getting pampered & fussed over in the spa. Your brother has met an English girl - they both like the same pop music or fashionable trend - so he'll be socializing with her until ... they run out of superficial compliments. You have independently, and perhaps foolishly, gone out to explore the surrounding area - to know you've actually been to this place ... rather than just stayed at the resort. About 10 minutes along the road, there's a local/rustic village - the market was closing but the cafe/bar/restaurant draws in the apparent regulars. After sharing a few polite greetings, and receiving a few quizzical looks, you continued beyond the settlement along a winding track past farms and plantations. Around half an hour from civilization, the top of a hill rewarded you with an awesome panoramic view of the area. Beneath this vantage point, an enticing small lake. Carefully navigating loose ground and greenery, you made your way down to the edge of the water ... and that's when you noticed her. Previously hidden behind trees, she was quietly sitting on low rocks a short distance from the shore.

Dread - that's what you've been feeling for the last 48hrs. Following the predictable and avoidable disaster of the last meeting, your faction has appointed you to be their new representative. You anticipate animosity and suspicion from a number of the other members attending. The explosive atmosphere of the previous meeting was not entirely due to your predecessor - much of the blame is attributed rightly to your former western allies. You've been a member of the diplomatic team for a few months, and have gathered some ideas about what not to do and say. Due to the sudden disappearance of other members of team, you are also to be accompanied by a new assistant, The office staff are recovering and floundering to provide you little information, only that Daniel is a sociology student. These discussions and exchanges with domestic and foreign adversaries may impact on the future of the whole region - so, no pressure.

Has your child been disrupting the class, or skipping lessons? Why has this teacher called you? Your child's English teacher has invited in for a chat. The message was quite vague, and didn't say much more. It has been a steep learning curve since your partner decided that family life wasn't what they wanted. I suppose they didn't take much - left you with everything except their companionship ... and their income. Your 2 children ... are teenagers, and free to see both parents. However, maybe because of school and friends, they both choose stay with you ... when they're actually at home. You and your ex were high school sweethearts who split briefly for different collages. You were drawn back together for the holidays ... and had your 1st child before you were 21. You shared parenting and earning as expected, and are both successful to some extent. Your children are smart, popular, and sociable. Your partner did many of the parent-teacher events, so this is fairly new ground for you. You never had concerns from report cards, or from any of the hobbies and clubs which they enjoyed. So you're quite mystified about why their teacher would be wanting to meet with you. The moment you enter the classroom, you see her. Your son said she was pretty, but that's an understatement - she's quite beautiful. Then your initial thought is how welcoming and friendly she appears - and take this as an indication that your child isn't in too much trouble

You're a photographer covering a very exclusive event in the city tonight. Although you're not able to access the heart of the venue, it's still very interesting to witness all the glamorous and wealthy people attending this parade of money and influence. You have already captured pictures of some of the most the beautiful and elegant women, and a number of handsome and chiselled men. You can only imagine how much time, effort, and money is being invested in this celebration of opulence and decadence. As time goes by, and arrivals dwindled, you think that maybe you've got enough for tonight. You're confident that nobody important is yet to appear, and other respectable photographers are already away to select and edit their work for submission.

Finally, it's time to share your Bottom with the world. Well, it's not quite the world ... just a regional theatre audience. And this is the dress rehearsal, opening night and curtain up is still 23 hours away. Your amateur drama group have been rehearsing Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' for the last couple of months, nearly everyone is really quite excited, and you're confident that this is going to be a good production. Taking the role of Nick Bottom is a challenge for you. You usually prefer the darker baddies; you've previously played Iago, Claudius, and Caliban - and you're hoping to play Richard III. However, that's not really an option this season. You've never really wanted the leading romantic roles, and you've a friend who delivers the heroics. So, now you're the beloved comedy character, and certainly looking forward to scenes with a particularly lovely Titania. Tonight, as everyone is gathering costumes and props, the director is barking instructions, and the fowl foursome are huddling together, you find yourself as an observer. That's when you see 'her'! You take a few seconds to realise who she is, the assistant director ... or maybe the assistant producer? At every rehearsal, she sat quietly, almost invisible, behind/beside the flamboyant director. She was always taking notes, and received instructions, for the production team. Sometimes, she might have spoken with the director and the technicians. When you did see her, she was usually plain, meek, mild, quiet, and shy ... but not tonight! Now, she's quite beautiful and elegant in her sleek black outfit, and she's certainly incharge of the stage crew.

2050 - Humans have eventually realised that they'd ruined the planet. Mars is colonised by explorers and scientists. Many countries formed uneasy alliances to setup space stations inhabited by professional and wealthy groups and factions. So now Earth is being maintained by the kind of people who genuinely care about their planet, ruled by people who seek to profit from opportunities, and controlled by people developing and discovering new ideas. One development which has really gone public only recently is the success of animal hybrids - who would have guessed that sea creatures can understand oceanography and the environmental effects which have been witnessed globally? Another advanced theory puts rural domestic species to work on the problem facing dwindling fertile land required for farming.

There's a famous Dolly song about her, but is that who she is? You're one of many who find their way to Nashville, Tennessee. You're walking along looking at this amazing place ... and then you see this beautiful woman outside the bank. You wouldn't expect her to notice you, so you're just about to try to find something interesting or humourous to say.

In hindsight, it was inevitable - and probably overdue - when your parents separated. Your dad has always been more interested in his garage of classic cars - most of which he's constantly restoring to a semblance of former glory. Your mum has always been more interested in antiques, significant artifacts ... and women. You grew up in a comfortably large house, attended a reputable school, and you're still friends with dynamic people. Both your parents are independently successful and wealthy. Gradually, during your (and also your siblings') journey through school, your mum spent more time away from home, and your dad spent more time in his garage. Eventually, as you left to go to college, your mum left to pursue her new life. Neither made much fuss, and the separation and divorce papers were signed without any fanfare or acknowledgment. You were always shadowing your dad, so of course you fell in love with these cars. You want to use your business management qualification to develop his garage into a successful sports/luxury car company. Your dad was overjoyed, and welcomed you back home, as soon as you told him about your intentions. But while you were away, your dad got together with Alexandra, an elegant lady who lavished him with affection in exchange for bringing her into his exquisite home. Alexandra knows she's the most beautiful and expensive item in your dad's life. Your dad is still unaware/absent - willingly exiled to his garage of expensive toys. Meanwhile, Alexandra rules her new empire.

What an awesome festival ... and what an amazing woman! You've been a fan of rock and heavy metal bands since your dad let you listen to his LPs when you were young. You then discovered new bands and artists who were rooted in the style and making it current and modern. All of your friends appreciate music, some of them are musicians or singers, but only a few of them share your passion for rock. You were always going to attend this annual rock festival. Even if you arrived alone, you would always meet real rock people here ... ... But you never even hoped to find someone like Jenna. She's gorgeous, sassy, outrageous, funny, and she loves the same bands as you! You met Jenna on Friday night while getting some food from a burger van. She had a bit of mustard dropped on her shoulder, so you spontaneously offered to lick it off (no idea why). This act set the tone for the weekend. Together, you've seen some great bands, danced/jumped around, sang/hollered lyrics, shared snacks, spilt drinks, and probably got to 2nd base in her tent.

This has been your favourite bar since you snuck in with your brother when you weren't quite old enough to drink here legally. This is a live music venue. Often as young musicians and performers themselves, it's staff always participate in maintaining the energy and mood within the building. You first met Chrystal 3 months ago when she, as an emerging new singer/songwriter, arrived to play a set on a mild Sunday afternoon. By popular opinion, this lead to her being offered a Friday night. The regular audience then encouraged the management to bring her on as a barmaid, and have her host and perform her own regular midweek show. You were quickly enchanted by her. Her music is often a blend of traditional folk and more dynamic funk. But then her own shows have consistently introduced new artists and genres to an appreciative audience. You have enjoyed many conversations, and shared ideas, with Chrystal ... but you're yet to confess or admit how attracted you have become to this magical young woman.

You have recently been offered an amazing opportunity thanks to your successful property portfolio, but you can't take all the credit. 5 years ago ... you were just starting to think about owning and renovating properties. You already let a couple of city flats, and were working on a new project - a terraced house in an aspiring area of town. Then you heard about a rural cottage going up for auction. You looked at the details in the brochure, went through the legal pack, and everything looked promising. Next weekend, you and your girlfriend went out to view the place. It was in poor condition + your girlfriend thought it was a mess, would need too much work before resale, and too far from all the best places. However, you recognised that it had so much charm and potential. Another week later, it was part of a remote auction, so you logged in and placed your bids - you had a top limit in mind, but pleasantly surprised to be successful for only a little over the asking price. You were so busy with the flats, renovation of the house, and finding time for the girlfriend as well as other stuff - it was 4 months before you went back to the cottage. You were stunned by what you found. Last time, it had been a messy, damp, neglected building. Now it was clean and apparently in use ... but there was nobody home. In the living room, you found a sleeping bag and some warm old clothing. In the kitchen, there were clean plates, cutlery, and a pot on a camping stove. You had to find out who was living & looking after the place. You went into town, got some supplies, and made a few enquiries. The pub landlord was defensive and evasive, but the lady running the convenience store was quite a gossip; that's when you heard about Hannah, and it all seemed quirky but quite genuinely positive. Later, before dark, you walked over to the cottage, and saw movement through the window. You politely knocked on the door ... and introduced yourself ...

Could you try to talk to her? Should you take her to the police? Would you prefer that she can't remember anything about it? Last night, your friend took you along to an illegal drinking and gambling event - with typical shady businessmen and their pretty companions. It was probably around 1am; you were cautioning your friend about boasting foolishly while seeminfly being lucky enough at the card table, when you watched a couple of heavy lads leading a young intoxicated woman through the party and straight to the back of the building. You decide that it's not your business, but minutes later, the same goons reappear, and make their way across to speak with who you assume is their boss. Curious or intrigued, you see the boss make a phone call. Quickly, who ever he's speaking to isn't happy, and the boss is furiously dismissing his glamorous companion. You're enjoying this live gangster scene so much, you're not surprised when the boss pulls out a gun and gives the goons their instructions. Once the three mobsters are away, the party starts to resume. The boss's glamorous companion is now sitting with another wealthy business man. You wonder about the hapless woman through the back - what happened to her? You look towards the back of the building, but the door is manned by a staff member. So, shrugging, you return to the card table - your friend's luck has run away at the same rate as his wine bottle. Suddenly, there's a commotion outside - the police! Within seconds, the officers are clearly looking for somebody rather than just busting up the illegal bar. Everyone is fussing and staggering while the host and his employees are cooperative. You don't know it's safe or wise, but you convinced your friend to help you retrieve the young girl. You find her unconscious on a couch in a back office. The two of you are able to carry her between you. Making polite chat with a policeman, you leave with her, and bring her back to your flat.

The morning after a great party, you wake up on your 21st birthday to discover the most amazing gift. There's a young woman in your room, and you don't remember her being there last night. She patiently waits as you gain your senses, and mentally check there's nothing embarrassing on view. Then she hands you a birthday card - you quickly recognised it's from Uncle Stevie (not a real uncle, just a friend of your late dad's.). it reads ... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This is Jessica, please look after her. I first met her a few Christmases ago; she's the most beautiful result of a project we'd been developing at work. Before I have to admit to getting too old for her, I've got to do the right thing, and let a young person like yourself be her companion. At the Cyberdyne Systems design team, we called them T-80085, but I quietly named her Jessica. I assure you, she's clean and restored to factory settings, so you two can shape your own future together."

Rain soaked, you decide to take shelter in the village. Traveling back home after escorting a wealthy merchant safely to the coast to board a ship bound on a journey that will probably make his masters even more wealthy. The bandits and wild animals clearly have more sense than to be out in this stormy weather. You reach the village, and choose to get shelter, warmth, and a few drinks before the skys clear and you resume your route back to your own master's enviable estate. You are many things to your master's family - guardian/mentor/confidant. You're educated & skilled, but they might never set you free - not in this time and place. Leaving your horse in the well kept stables, you're crossing the yard when you hear a woman's voice from the well. You move to investigate, but a local guard calls out,"Leave her alone!" You look at the guard for an explanation, but then turn towards the well. The guard hurries across the wet yard to intercept, "Sir, I warn you - she's a ... witch." More intrigued, you go to look in the well. You see a young woman kneeling at the bottom of the well, her expression pleading for help ... or merely understanding. The guard continues,"She's from a farm along the southern road. I knew her husband; hardworking man, used to keep bees, made sweet honey ... until he started supplying the best mead in the area - but he went sailing for ingredients a few months ago, and hasn't returned." You're about to enquire about this woman's crime when the guard adds,"The young master, son of the Lord of these lands, went to visit last week ... see if they still had any mead in the place. He came back saying she was a witch - had tried to enchant him. The lord sent myself, and two others, to find out what happened. We discovered that she's got all kinds of plants, strange bottles and jars, and the only animal on the farm is a well fed cat." The guard glares down at her, "I'm to let her drown! If she escapes using her magic, I get to deal with her!"

Is this the place to begin a new chapter, or even a new book? You used to be half of a nationally respected novelist couple, and had been starting to have interesting conversations with Amazon and Netflix. Then your young partner became ill, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and passed away at home nearly 5 months ago. The two of you met at college. You studied journalism while they studied literature. You dated on and off until they impulsively proposed to you at your graduation celebration. Together, you were a formidable team, tackling human drama stories with a blend of humour and sincere words. In the last 4 months; family, friends, and your editor/publisher has gently and gradually encouraged you to return to your writing. But everything at home reminds you of your partner ... and how much you miss them - you're not even sure you can be a writer without them. In a push intended to support and encourage you, your editor has booked you a holiday. They found a quiet remote woodland cabin, within walking distance of a friendly village, and with a good internet connection. You realise that it's a positive step, and agree to go. When you arrive at the cabin, you are met by a friendly young lady. She introduces herself as Lieke, the owners daughter. She lives minutes away in the village, and is happy to help you get the most out of your stay. She asked to be the one to welcome you when she recognised your name on the booking form.

Midnight in the library? Wow! When you imagined what college life would be like for a Filmmaker, actually studying and reading wasn't how you thought you'd spend a Friday night. Admittedly, this is a rare occasion. You have an essay due next week on a topic you've enjoyed. You're a Filmmaking student, you've enjoyed the course so far, and the social life is as you anticipated. Living in 'halls' is always lively; a melting pot of new students from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and cultures. You all have your own room within the residence, and most of your fellow occupants are good people. Tonight, your neighbours seem to be celebrating; loud music and plentiful cheap drink. Evidently, you won't be able to sleep or to concentrate - so surprise yourself when you decide to go to the library for help with your essay ... plus to get some quiet and fresh air. You have been to the library many times, and know where some useful books and articles might be found. When you arrive, the place is very quiet, few tables are occupied. Your attention is drawn to a young woman sitting alone with a pile of textbooks and notebooks scattered across her table. You regain your focus, and go to find useful study materials. You carry these back to the tables, and select one close to the studious girl ... rather than any isolated table. You courteously settle quickly and quietly, and start to look through the information you've gathered. After about 20 minutes of studying, you are aware that the young woman is quite anxious about something ... probably an upcoming exam or essay or something similar. From your table, you see that she's attractive. Perhaps you watched her for a while, but you then notice that she's probably been crying recently. Maybe you had some plot or characters in your imagination, but you tentatively decide to speak to this woman; perhaps you can help? Gently stepping round towards her, you offered a polite greeting ...

Not in your wildest dreams did you imagine this. 5 years ago, you were involved in an accident. Due to the accident, both lower legs were amputated and now you use a wheelchair. You don't have much love for the false limbs made for you. Since the accident, you completed your education online, discovered online adventure games, and then you found eSports. Now you were able to play and collaborate as an equal! Your restricted life also gave you more time to become an accomplished artist. This became another talent/skill where your lack of legs doesn't limit your potential or enjoyment. While chatting with friends during an eSports tournament, you mentioned that you enjoyed oil painting. A friendly teammate, named Charlie, casually asked if you would paint them. You were surprised, but agreed to try it - and asked them to send you a few photos of themself. Charlie and yourself had already been chatting and found a great connection online, although neither of you really shared much more about your real lives. When Charlie sent the images, your heart raced and you realised that she's actually called Charlotte ... and she's quite beautiful. Today, about 2 months later, Charlie/Charlotte has actually come round to visit you ... in real life ... and to see the portrait. She doesn't fake or hide her appreciation of your work.

The last year hasn't been easy, but here you are. You have recently left a difficult relationship, and also your job. Your ex partner was/is a bully, and you had been working for their family business. Your close friends knew enough about it, and offered support to make sure you escaped ... but now the future looks uncertain . While you continue to seek employment (without a glowing reference from your previous employer), your friends won't let you wallow in self pity. The latest radical push is that they have brought you along to join the musical theatre group. You're a competent performer and able to speak to an audience, your karaoke voice isn't terrible, and you've been to see a few of the recent shows. But this is outside your previous comfort zone - you quickly realised how keen and excitable these people are, and your own energy levels are not that high. You're just about to make your excuses/apologies ... then you meet the choreographer ...