The Crowd Around Me

By Yvette Lopez

"The Crowd Around Me" is a collection of short stories, that explore the difficulties of human connections, unexpected adventures, and the thin line between imagination and reality."

 

Embark on a thrilling journey with "Old Partner" where former allies turned adversaries, Pip and Emilia, find themselves trapped in a 600-pound iron vault. As the stakes rise and tensions flare, this gripping tale unfolds against the backdrop of a heist gone wrong, revealing the complexities of their fractured partnership.

 

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of "The Crowd Around Me," a collection of urban tales that delve into human connections, self-discovery, and the unpredictable journey of life. Follow Emma's resilient spirit and banter with caretaker Rupert as they navigate a rain-soaked city, challenging norms and unraveling secrets. Detective Pip's entry sparks a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring themes of loyalty, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

"Dove" takes you on a journey with Diana, who moves to a small town to live with her grandparents. When an old childhood friend, Reyna, invites her to a special town holiday, Diana embarks on an unexpected adventure that unravels the mysteries of the town and its unique traditions.

 

In the era of Emperor Yao, "Golden Children" reveals the heart-wrenching journey of Di-Jun and Xi-He, a couple longing for children. Their fervent prayers go unanswered until an encounter with the god of archery, Hou-Yi, sets off a series of events that will shape their destiny.

 

"Night Light" introduces an ordinary night turned terrifying as an unseen nocturnal visitor haunts a young person. Battling strange footsteps and knocking outside their window, the protagonist, armed only with a phone, seeks to capture evidence for disbelieving parents. With escalating chilling sounds, the story delves into the thin line between imagination and sinister reality. Thuds and thumps heighten the suspense, leading to a thrilling exploration of shadows. Will the protagonist unveil the truth or succumb to the mysterious presence lurking in the dark?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yvette Lopez
• Release date: Feb 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224561414

Book preview

Old Partner

Y ou egomaniacal maniac ! Look at the massive failure you've created for us. Pip bashed on the 600-pound iron vault door. How come you can't just obey a simple command? How difficult is it to just listen? You've just caged us in here.

Pip grabbed her walkie-talkie, beseeching for anybody upstairs to immediately get her out of being trapped in here with her.

Shit, it was only once. I just needed you to follow my plan once, Emilia - I'm also interested in apprehending the mafia boss, you reckless child.

Pip shifted to noticed Emilia scattering several 200-or-so-pound unresponsive goons, looking for anything that may assist with any given indication of whom the boss would target next.

Gross, do you have a wet cloth? This one breathing wet himself.

Pip violently scratched her collarbone.

Not now.

Gripping the radio over her head, anxious to get rid of Emilia right away. Virtually everyone in the city is aware of how impetuous this girl can be. Captain always supported Emilia in catching those who tarnished the city's reputation, even if it meant putting innocent civilians in the hospital or a mortuary.

Captain has always defended Emilia, no matter how problematic the files of complaints were.

Listen up, Pip, Emilia began, slipping two twenty-dollar into her running shoes.

"Wait a minute, that's not yours –

Emilia forced Pip against the vault door, casting a darkness across her petite frame. Throughout middle school, Emilia had towered over Pip. She had always been a head taller than Pip, and she thrived in the fact of the differences. Pip despised her for it. Emilia would make fun of her in any range of