There are NO spoilers in this…

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I found myself with thoughts spinning in my head, keeping me awake. I thought I'd just share them.

Emily existed in my plans a few weeks before her debut post on January 20, 2026. I have actually been somewhat overwhelmed by your reactions to her, both here and on Instagram.

The thoughts keeping me up have to do with the satisfaction of seeing readers respond to her. Many comments have been left telling her to be strong, be careful, and acknowledging that her situation is unacceptable. I believe they come from people who have read deeply into her life and understood what she's going through.

A few of you probably anticipate that she will, in some way, connect with the rest of the cast in Ailana's Journal. Some are supposing that the recent introduction of the "Island Kids" (Mateo and Brooks) is setting up a small peer group for her in the future.

Emily has made it clear that she’s trying to hold on until she finishes tenth grade. Her unnamed English teacher (I should fix that, eh?) has encouraged her to keep her dream of becoming a writer alive.

A little deep look behind the scenes…

The plan for Emily goes way back. She started to form in my plans in December, before the St. Croix Christmas arc. By January 3, I had the basis of the idea and started to implement it. I had already posted a few stories before checking my background notes, only to realize I had made a terrible mistake.

I kept the results of that mistake (which is now one of my favorite new side stories), then went back to the drawing board—from which Emily emerged.

When I introduced Emily on January 20, I thought she would get out of school around the beginning of June. False!

As it turns out, the schools in both Port Isabel and Las Vegas have the same last day this spring—May 22, a full week before what was in the somewhat-detailed plan of things to come.

A number of things had to change—I'll not say what all they are, but there are several big things that were impacted.

So, in my long-range plans, May 22 is not the end of anything; rather, it is the beginning of several arcs that I have sketched out for the rest of the year.

Common Hamster often says, "Never predictable!"

Not to be conceited, but I actually believe what is to come—and why it comes—will absolutely shock, stun, and delight you.

The roots leading up to all this go back to chapters written over a year ago. The branches that will grow from this will cover the summer, fall, and literally years to follow.

When it all unfolds, some of you will say, "Oh, now it all makes sense!"

I’ve carefully written her chapters to remain consistent with what’s actually going on. When things finally unfold, those of you who have followed closely will see that it all makes sense.

And I believe you will be very satisfied.

Gratuitous Self-promotion

If you know anyone who would like this sort of fictional drama, please invite them to join. Now is a great time for them to settle in before things ramp up and take on many new dimensions.