• Faded Ginny
    By B.T.B


    Chapter One - To Save a Goat

    Snapping resounded through my eardrums as the marching band buzzed past. That was all they were, really. A buzzing in my head, an annoying fly fluttering on my nose. They were pitiful, no one looked happy to be where they were. The sky was a hazy gray, to add to it all, and nothing seemed to have the ability to smile. Not the people, the plants, or even the sun was out to smile down on us. Everything was just frowns.

    It almost depressed me.

    I had better things to do than watch this petty excuse for a parade. But I had decided not to go, I wanted to stay here and encourage them on, it was all they needed. Everything was quiet, except for the few instruments and the sounds of feet on the pavement. Boldly, I cheered out, raising my fist. Even the band looked to me in surprise, shocked to have encouragement. Slowly, hesitantly, one or two more kids followed my lead, cheering and hooting. Two more, three more, then the whole crowd was hollering with joy, and throwing the confetti they had had stored all along.

    "My job is done here," I muttered to myself, looking proudly around at my handiwork, before darting into the shadows.

    This is what I do. I spread happiness throughout the small town of Gumtree, Arizona. No one really knows who I am, just another bold female darting throughout town, trying to make it a better place. Thing is, I actually do. Then, just after everyone is smiling and cheering, I dart away, plotting my next joyful savior act. It's the best job in the world, really, and you try telling me wrong. I am Faded Ginny, your one and only small town superhero.

    After darting through the shadows a bit, adding to the affect, I arrived on an empty street; Nevada Avenue. This was where I did the dirty work, this was the most dangerous street in all Arizona. And that wasn't saying much, considering the few real streets in this place, and their utter boredom-inducing ways. But it was fairly dangerous, the people were weak, unprepared for any danger whatsoever. Vulnerable, the whole town.

    A hollow, low jingling replaced the ringing silence in my ears. I whipped my head around, craning my neck, trying to get a good look at the sound. As if I thought sound had a form, which it didn't. But my logic overpowered my common sense. Something has to be making that sound, or it wouldn't be existent in the first place. My eyes caught sight of something surprising, shocking, astonishing, unanticipated, even.

    A goat, a white, skinny goat, in the middle of the road.