When I last updated this story, I was a bright-eyed, well-rested adult with dreams and hobbies. Then life said, “Plot twist!” My wife and I welcomed our first baby… and before that sweet gremlin turned two, we had our second. Yes, two babies. Rapid fire. Like back-to-back boss fights with no save point in between. Unfortunately, I did not have a backlog to rely on, but that's all changed now.

  Naturally, all writing had to be shelved while I mastered the ancient parental arts of burping, bottle-warming, and trying to sleep standing up. It’s been a journey full of love, chaos, and a suspicious amount of Cheerios in the couch cushions.

  But now—like a phoenix rising from a pile of well-folded laundry—I’m back.

  

  
• 
  
    Regular Updates: I’ve got a stockpile of chapters ready to go. For the next month, starting May 12th, 2025, I’ll be posting new chapters Monday through Friday like clockwork (barring any baby-related rebellions).
  
    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
  
    
  
  
    
  • I am posting my return chapter today, so be on the lookout for that, and then we begin in earnest on May 12th.
  
  
    
  
  
    


  
• 
  
    Story Momentum: This arc is going places, and I’m excited to finally share what’s been sitting in my drafts all this time.
  
    


  
• 
  
    Reader Interaction: I missed your comments like sleep. Please feel free to comment, question, and theorize—I'll be more active this time around, and I’d love to hear from both new and returning readers.
  
    


  

  If you're a returning reader: thank you for sticking around. If you're new here: welcome aboard! You’re catching this ride at a great time.

  Thanks for your patience, your support, and for not un-following me during my accidental disappearance into parenthood. Let's get this story rolling again! Let's finish this damn bridge!

  With slightly more caffeine than is probably safe,

  H.P. Sher