Holding Her Own
written by: Hanna Biali
12th Birthday come and gone, Vera mused wistfully whilst finishing her chores in the kitchen. She had asked only for all volumes of Asimov’s Foundation Series, in paperback, the wonderful epic of Worlds out in the Universe working together, forming Federations of different Life Forms. She so wanted to own this fascinating work!
Instead, she was presented with a large copy of A HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN, and another lovely sweater, all very expensive but not items promising much pleasure. Father said, “This useful book will help you with Geography and History, and not fill your headwith nonsense.”
Vera smiled politely and thanked them. She had given up trying to explain her love for Science Fiction and her interest in knowing more about the mysteries of the Universe, but it always ended in arguments; her parents would never accept it or understand it.
She planned to be a writer herself, and reading up on what was already out there was important for her; the local library was thankfully well stocked. Finished with the dishes and hearing her parents argue again, Vera decided to make the most of the sunny and warm autumn afternoon and went straight for her favourite tree. Settling down on a bed of yellow, orange, and brown leaves, she heaved a sigh of pure pleasure, opened her book, and let her imagination run free!
- Holding Her Own - February 11, 2026
- Beauty Can Be Deceiving - August 31, 2025
