Personal Best

By Tami Veldura

 Sam is a high school cross country runner stuck living with his

divorced dad when the pandemic shuts down traveling, hanging with

friends, even school. He'd rather be with his mom, who at least

calls him by the right name and pronouns. The day goes from gloomy to

terrifying when Dad gets a letter in the mail that seems to turn him

into a different person. An angry person. Scared, and more alone

than ever, Sam knows he has to act… or Dad, and Sam, will disappear

for good.

 

Personal Best was first published in the Pikes

Peak Writer's Anthology Fresh Starts in 2021

• Language: English
• Publisher: Story Prism Studios
• Release date: Feb 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781941319659

Tami Veldura

Tami Veldura is an enby/aro/ace author of queer fiction. They have published short stories in anthologies Fresh Starts, Hauntings, Love Among The Thorns, Love Is Like A Box Of Chocolates, the magazine Galaxy’s Edge, and they are a contributing member of the scifi magazine Boundary Shock Quarterly. They publish new work every month, crossing every genre, but always featuring queer characters and found families.As S.T. Lynn, they write uplifting, sweet, and tropey fantasy fiction, featuring women front and center. Including fairy tales, elves, magic, and happy endings for young adults and young-at-heart.

Book preview

Personal Best

By Tami Veldura

Sam frowned out the window of his Dad's living room, slouched on the couch, as he watched the empty street outside. He'd rather be running. At least that would keep his body busy, if not his mind, but the pandemic had forced everyone inside for over a month, now, and if he were caught out of the house without a mask, he'd be fined.

But he couldn't run with a mask.

And it didn't feel like Friday, anyway. Sam had been out of school for almost two weeks and, just yesterday, the district had declared the rest of the school year to be canceled. It was almost the best summer ever: school canceled two months early, no finals at the end of the year, even the weather was beautiful. Cool in the mornings and perfect for runs.

Except he was stuck indoors.

He rolled away from the window onto his back and scrolled absently through his phone. Dad came into the house from the sliding door in the back, today's mail in his hand. He began sorting it on the counter and asked, Have you thought about what you want for dinner?

Sam sat up. You mean we can order take out?

Dad's expression shifted as