Author: Trish McGee

About me

Meet Moriah Forry

Moriah Forry plays the role of Erin, the James’ family cook in the Civil War Era flashbacks. Erin is the main subject of lead character Leigh’s flashbacks, so I had a very specific image in my mind of what she “ought” to look like. I couldn’t believe my luck when I met Moriah – another amazing find of Associate Producer, Patti Stirk. Moriah epitomizes what this film is about – finding local talent and giving them an opportunity to shine.

We filmed all of the flashback scenes at the historic Dill’s Tavern in Dillsburg, PA in one day. Although the folks at the Tavern graciously agreed to allow us two days for the scenes, set-up was very complex so I felt we needed to crank through them with efficiency. We couldn’t have done so if Moriah hadn’t been so prepared and knowledgeable about her character. I asked Moriah how she prepared for her role as Erin.

First, I read the entire script so that I knew the story line. After reading the script, I focused on the lines specific to Erin as well as the others included in the same scenes. By reading everyone’s lines in the scenes I was in, I was able to better understand the tone and emotions.

Erin and I were both young and engaged to be married. This helped me to put myself into Erin’s shoes, and feel the emotions that she may have felt when she heard the news of her fiancé.

Moriah’s experience with acting came at a young age when she participated in productions at York’s DreamWrights Center for Community Arts. She is currently a registered nurse at Hanover Hospital. I asked Moriah what she does in her spare time.

I can usually be found spending time with family orexperimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen.

This didn’t surprise me. Most of her scenes involved preparing food. In the very first scene of filming I presented her with a challenge – could she knead dough? She smiled shyly, removed the dough from the bowl, and worked it like a pro.

Click the following link to see Moriah in the Official Trailer for In Your Afterglow.

Click on the link below to purchase your tickets to see Moriah in the Premiere of In Your Afterglow.

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Director, Mike Gutridge

Mike introduced me to the world of Independent film when he asked me to join the cast of his Arthouse drama Shadows, scheduled for release mid-2020. His relaxed style on set combined with his passion for the craft inspired all of us to put forth our best. When I decided to write and produce In Your Afterglow, Mike was the first person I called. Could we do it again – 2 summers in a row!?

Tell me a little about yourself

I grew up watching movies and wanting to make them! I graduated from Film School in 1996 and have made a short Loretta, and three features: The Bone Garden, Shadows and In Your Afterglow. I also have a self published book of Halloween short stories and poetry.

What was your favorite experience working on the film?

Working with all the different actors and shooting in several different locations. The historical sites used in the film were particularly interesting.

What is your biggest challenge when directing or directing/producing independent films?

The biggest challenge is trying to “beat the clock” and get a scene finished on time and on schedule. Plus, there are always audio issues to deal with such as cars in the background. Big budget films can shut down the street for a day. I have never had that luxury on any film I’ve done.

What skills improved while directing the film?

You never stop learning on any production; especially a low budget one. Literally with EVERY scene, you grow and get better!

What aspects of In Your Afterglow could you relate to personally?

My daughter Claire has autism and was the inspiration for Trish’s character Claire.

*** Author’s note: Mike’s daughter Claire is the inspiration for the character Claire in the film. Although the real Claire and the character Claire are very different, I had many conversations with Mike and Katie about character development.

What’s next for you?

I have two features in preproduction now, Wood Floors, which will star Bay Watch’s Alexandria Paul and South Pass. I’m waiting to see which one secures funding first. I’m also finishing up the final audio mix on Shadows that will be ready in March.

Click on the link below to view the official trailer for In Your Afterglow:

Click on the link below to purchase your tickets for the premiere of In Your Afterglow: February 23 @ 4pm.

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Wyatt Gutridge

Wyatt plays Max, son of Katie and Mark Watson and brother of Claire. Max is struggling with Claire’s strange behavior and wants it to stop! I met Wyatt while participating in Director, Mike Gutridge’s arthouse film “Shadows” (release date projected for mid-2020). Unlike his character (Max), Wyatt is very supportive and loving to his sister Claire who has autism. (Claire Gutridge was my inspiration for the character Claire.) Wyatt’s exposure to the industry through father Mike and his natural instincts have prepared him well for his first acting role. I’m confident viewers will find his portrayal of Max very endearing.

Wyatt has Tourette’s Syndrome. After casting him in the role of Max, his parents, Wyatt, and I discussed the possibility of his symptoms manifesting during filming. We decided, should that be the case, I would write it into his character. However, despite the natural pressure involved in filming, Wyatt breezed through the scenes, so there was no need to alter the script.

Tell me a little about yourself

I grew up with the best parents in the world. They are very supportive of everything my siblings and I do. I come from a family of creativity, passion, and non-stopping greatness.

How did you get involved with the film?

My dad directed a movie with Trish called “SHADOWS.” She was inspired to write her own movie. And the first person that came to her mind to play the role of Max was me.

How did you prepare for your role in the film?

I read my lines, practiced how to say them, and followed what the grown-ups said.

What is your favorite scene from the film? Why?

Every scene I’m in because I can see how I did it. It’s great feedback on what I need to work on.

What parts of your character/role could you most relate to personally?

Max has a sister with Autism, and I have a sister with Autism.

What skills improved during your participation in the film?

My personality. How I pursue my character.

Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Wyatt In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Rich Henkels

Rich plays the role of Alan the gardener. A dedicated and consummate professional, Rich brought more than just his acting skills to the set. I found myself seeking his advice on a number of issues during filming – he was a great sounding board. His portrayal of Alan is spot on and his humor on set kept us all smiling.

Tell me a little about yourself

One of twelve kids, I am the product of two parents whose energy and commitment was/is boundless. As a result, I find myself grounded as an adult, comfortable in my own skin and very aware of what is really important in life. That includes my two sons, my family, my girlfriend and my true passions, acting and performing among them. I spent 15 years as a a TV Sportscaster, winning an Emmy and interviewing some fascinating people in the process, then landed in corporate America where I was successful, but not fulfilled. A fantastic and important realization. My kids provide me with constant inspiration, as do the people I meet through this third career.

How did you get involved in the film?

Constantly submitting to various online casting services, I was lucky to have been “discovered” by Trish McGee who called me about playing the role of Alan. Trish and I met at a coffee shop midway between York and my home in Lansdale, PA and read some scenes together. A “table read for two,” it cemented my instincts that this was a fantastic role for me and a wonderful script. Fortunately, Trish was equally interested in my being in the film, so I booked the part.

What skills improved during your participation in the film?

Memorization and active listening! This film is all about relationships and the script is more than just a series of lines between people in each scene. The thoughts behind each and every line drove the exchanges, thus getting the text down was essential. What was confirmed, however, is what both of my acting coaches preach all the time: focus on the thoughts and the story and the lines will come in time. Credit to Bryan Fox at the Philly Actors Lab and Melonie Mack at MMAS for that.

How did you prepare for this role?

Alan was a very appropriate role for me. Preparing for it got down to fully recognizing what part of me was consistent with the character. In the weeks leading up to filming, I found myriad similarities between who I am and who this character is, thus bringing those similarities out was the key. Alan has been jarred by some elements of his life, and he’s come to terms with them, and decided to be true to himself, which allows him to be available for others. I felt an extremely similar connection with Leigh/Trish and made the most of that to prepare for the film. This role called for me to be thoughtful, caring and present. Practicing THAT was a gift to my real life as well!

What is your favorite scene from the movie and why?

I love the scene(s) walking along the rail trail talking with Leigh and sitting on benches getting to know one another. For me (and my character) that is when clarity was achieved. The threads of this story, the paranormal, the gifts associated with those residing somewhere along the autism spectrum, and the connectedness of people in general become untangled as Alan realizes he and Leigh have a connection he had not expected. Director Mike Gutridge and Trish McGee invited me to play these scenes in a manner honest with my understanding of the role and reflecting the internal search in which he is embroiled.

What was your biggest challenge when working on the film?

My only challenge with this role was allowing myself to plug as much of myself into it as appropriate. While I felt in my soul that Alan and Rich are very similar, as an actor I felt as though I needed to find a reason to “act,” i.e. seek some aspect of the character that was beyond me or outside of me. The truth is, much of what viewers will see is indeed me, which is why I think Trish McGee cast me for this role.

What other projects have you worked on?

I’ve worked on several films having to do with the paranormal and spiritual worlds, namely The Opening and Masters of Ascension, written and produced by Carona Diop-Davis. I’ve also enjoyed work on short films produced by filmmakers in New York and Philly, namely Unemployed by Jordan Sarf, and Concerned Citizens by John DeStefano. This spring, Sno-Babies, a eye-opening depiction of opioid/heroin addiction in the suburbs will be released. I was honored to play the father of one of the lead characters. Other projects included Designated Driver and Maharshi, a film produced in India, with parts shot in a NYC board room, 45 stories above the streets of Manhattan. Much of my experience has been commercial, including currently running national and regional ads for financial services, residential living, apparel, health food, mental health care services and home improvement companies. The beauty of this business is the daily variety!

What’s next for you?

I’ve recently been cast in a feature film called The Mantle, shooting this winter/spring. I play a role very close to my heart and consistent with my brand, a Newscaster. 2020 opens with a commitment to classes and pursuit of more film and TV roles through engagement with Casting Directors up and down the east coast. Commercial work tends to keep the wheels of my career moving. Film and TV ambition drives me forward.

Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Caroline In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Caroline Kearns

In this article, rather than doing an interview with Caroline, I wanted to share my experience with her.

Caroline is the daughter of my good friend Perri Druen (also in the film). Over the course of the last two years, while hanging out with Perri I came to know Caroline. There was something about her that made me think she would be a great candidate for the role of Claire. Although I’ve read it’s not such a good thing to write a role for a particular person, I found myself seeing her in each scene. I couldn’t help it. When I asked Caroline if she wanted to act in a movie, she shyly said yes. I explained to her it was a big commitment and once she was “in” it would be really important to stick with it. Perri and I had several conversations about it and Caroline was steadfast – she was indeed IN.

Without a doubt Caroline took on the most difficult role in the film in her portrayal of a high functioning autistic adolescent. With coaching from her mom – a York College of PA psychology professor and direction from Mike Gutridge, Director of In Your Afterglow and parent to an autistic daughter Caroline blossomed in her first acting role. She was patient and poised on set, she engaged respectfully with her co-actors and was truly a joy to work with. We had some very difficult scenes with lots of food preparation. This required some improv and several takes to get it right. Caroline quickly caught on.

I have a few favorite scenes from the film and several include Caroline. When I saw the first batch of footage of her “talking with the spirits” I got goosebumps.

What’s next for Caroline? After the dust settled from the long days on set, I asked Caroline if she wanted to do it again. I have another role in mind for my next screenplay called “The Feeding Hand.” Again she shyly responded, yes. In the meantime she will finish the 8th grade at York Suburban, York, PA and continue to hone her volleyball skills.

Click the following link to purchase your tickets to see Caroline In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020.

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Robert Godfrey

Robert plays the supporting role of Eric, Leigh Fisher’s best friend. Robert’s depiction of concern for Leigh’s actions shines through with his dramatic verbal expression. He was a joy to have on set as he demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to his role.

Tell me a little about yourself

I am a healthcare consultant and restaurant owner.  I have participated in many local theatre projects at DreamWrights and The Belmont Theatre

How did you get involved with In Your Afterglow?

I posted on Facebook it was time for me to start acting again and Patti Stirk linked me up with Trish to explore the role in film.

What was your favorite experience working on the film?

Working with the other actors and directors

What skills improved during your participation in the film?

Understanding how film works differently from live theatre

How did you prepare for your role as Eric?

I studied my lines!

What is your favorite scene from In Your Afterglow?

I enjoyed working at the farmhouse.  It was a very hot summer day, but the perfect backdrop for the scenes and we drinking wine.

What was your biggest challenge when working on the film?

Not having prior rehearsals like I was used to in live theatre

What other acting projects have you work on?

Beauty & The Beast, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlee, Cinderella, Heidi, and many more.

What’s next for you?

A new restaurant in Hanover called McAllister’s on York and who knows when I’ll show up on the big, small, or live theatre.  I believe I am in an episode of the next season of the Real Housewives of NY.

Click on the following link to purchase your tickets now to see Robert In Your Afterglow, February 23, 2020!
https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Meet Mary Avgerinos

Mary co-stars as Katie Watson, mother of Claire, a high functioning autistic teen who seems to be communicating with spirits. Mary artfully portrays concern and determination to help her struggling daughter. Despite objections from husband Mark, Katie hires Dr. Leigh Fisher to uncover the truth about Claire’s behavior.

Tell me a little about yourself

I am a Philadelphia native, raising 3 boys with my supportive and loving husband Evan. I worked as a Commercial Interior Designer for over 15 years designing beautiful commercial interiors before changing careers later in life. Many thought I was crazy, others called what I was doing a hobby. It takes a great deal of dedication, training and hard work but most of all passion. Passion is my driving force. Coming from an artistic background, I found that acting is just another way of expressing myself. I also work as a commercial actor and model which I enjoy tremendously.

How did you get involved with In Your Afterglow?

Rich Henkels who plays the role of Alan mentioned the casting to me and encouraged me to submit for the part of Katie. We train at the same acting studio and always support and help one another in getting acting work.

What was your favorite experience working on the film?

Meeting and working with Trish who is so incredibly talented in so many ways was definitely the highlight for me. She gave a relatively unknown actor a chance and it has meant the world to me. (aww gee that was really sweet Mary)

What skills improved with your participation in the film?

Listening, an actor must listen to their scene partner and respond truthfully in that moment. It’s not about just saying your lines.

What other projects have you worked on?

After working on “In Your Afterglow” I worked on a feature film called “The Impact Factor” written by Ken McArthur. I was fortunate enough to work together with a very good friend and I believe this made our scene feel more connected. I have also worked on several commercials this past year including Pfizer Pharmaceutical Commercial, Live Nation, and Reputation Defender which is currently running nationally on CNN, CNBC and Fox news channels. I work regularly on air at QVC as one of their beauty and fashion models. A highlight from this past year that I am so honored to be a part of was landing a major Beauty Campaign for the International (UK) Beauty Company No 7.

How did you prepare for your role in the film?

I read the entire script front to back many times. It is important to learn not only the essence of one’s own character but the others as well. Running my lines with my scene partner before I stepped onto the set was important. As actors, learning our lines and being prepared is our job. If you are not prepared it affects everyone.

What is your favorite scene from the film and why?

I don’t want to spoil anything but at the end of the movie there is a sweet moment I share with actor Philippe Kane who plays my husband. For the majority of the film we are at odds with one another.

What was your biggest challenge when filming?

There was one scene with 6 actors in it. It was challenging because everyone needed to hit their mark.

What parts of your character could you most relate to?

I play a mother which is not a big stretch, lol! I have many close to me who have children with Autism. I see first-hand the struggles they face in raising their children. Their fears of who will take care of them if they are gone. Dealing with bullies in school or ignorant people outside of school. Bringing awareness to Autism is so important. This world needs more kindness and compassion.

Who are some of the biggest influences in your life and how did they influence you?

My first first job out of college, I started working for a Commercial Interior Design Firm, Styer & Associates. It is owned and run by Amy Styer Tahtabrounian. It was my first interview after graduation. She hired me became my mentor. I have learned so much from this amazing woman. Having a strong female role model in my life has been a blessing. When I decided I wanted to pursue acting and modeling I was hesitant to tell her I was thinking of leaving the company. She was the first person to tell me to go after my dream and has been my biggest supporter.

What’s next for you?

I will continue training and working on improving myself as an actor and am very excited to see what 2020 brings.

Click on the following link to purchase your tickets now to see Mary as Katie Watson In Your Afterglow:

https://appellcenter.org/show/capfilm-in-your-afterglow

Afterglow Promotional Trailer

It’s been a while since I’ve posted! But, I’ve been really busy writing and producing my first Independent Film.

Release date is set for February 2020!  There’s still time to support our efforts.

Watch the Afterglow trailer by clicking on this link.

Password is SmallStar

https://vimeo.com/360724030

It’s All About That Bread

I’m listening to Meghan Trainor’s song All About That Bass as I write this post and if I’m not careful with bread consumption this winter, it could be all about MY b-ass. It’s hard to resist eating half the loaf when it’s warm from the oven.  But it’s a risk I’m willing to take since baking bread while the snow falls is one of my greatest pleasures.

I’ve been baking bread since I was in college.  While others were deeply involved in clubs, studying or partying I was hanging out at  my Philosophy professor’s home baking with his wife. (OK, by then I was a junior and had my fill of partying.) While he mentored me on the finer points of theories by Hume and Kant, she introduced me to “Beard on Bread.” Those folks  influenced my life more than I could have ever guessed.

I think a lot of people hesitate to try bread since it’s time consuming and has the potential for utter failure. Not to mention the CARBS. That’s understandable.  However, in case you too are craving the most wonderful comfort food there is – warm crusty homemade bread – keep reading and you’ll see 3 recipes and a relatively easy method.

Below are the ingredients for three different breads, white, wheat and cinnamon raisin. My method for all of them is similar so I’ve made a chart of ingredients and will explain the simple steps I use to make 2 loaves at a time.

Ingredients White Wheat Cinnamon Raisin
Milk 1.5 c 1.5 c 1.5 c
Butter 2 T 2 T 6 T
Sugar 1 T+ 1 T+ 1/3-1/2 cup +
Salt 1 T 1 T 1 T
Water ½ c ½ c ½ c
Eggs 0 0 2 (step 3 below)
White Flour 5.5 c 2.5 c 5.5 c
Wheat Flour 0 2 0
Yeast 1.5 T 1.5 T 1.5 T
Honey 0 ¼ c 0
Cinnamon 0 0 yes
Raisins  0  0 yes
Risings single single double

 

Step 1: Pour 1.5 cups of milk into a glass measuring cup. Add butter, sugar and salt. Microwave for approximately 1-2 minutes (depending on your microwave power). Milk should feel hot (but not boiling) and butter should start melting. Stir ingredients to dissolve sugar and salt. If you over heated, allow a few minutes for this combination to cool slightly – if you stick your finger in and it burns it’s too hot!  It should be about the same temperature as the water below.  You don’t want to kill the yeast.

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Step 2: Pour ½ cup of warm water (officially 110 – 115°) into another glass measuring cup. Sprinkle about ¼ tsp. sugar into the warm water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add 1.5 T yeast and stir. Then let it rest and watch it grow!

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Step 3: Pour milk mixture into large mixing bowl. (If you are making Cinnamon Raisin add the two eggs now, they should already be cracked and whisked in a smaller bowl.   If you are making wheat, add the honey now.) Add yeast. Begin adding flour with mixer on slow mode.

Use the dough hook attachment of your mixer.

When most of the flour is mixed, increase the mixer speed.  Alternate adding flour, reducing mixer speed each time (otherwise the flour spews out of the bowl – the voice of experience).  When you remove from the bowl it can still be slightly sticky.

For the wheat bread: Begin with 1 cup of white flour to get the yeast mixed in properly. Then add the wheat flour. Finish with white as needed. Don’t try to use all wheat flour in an attempt to be “healthier.” For this recipe, it won’t work and becomes far too dense.

The consistency for each bread is slightly different.  The white bread when ready for kneading will be slightly more silky than the wheat bread which will be more dense and grainy.  (makes sense right?)

Step 4:  Sprinkle flour on counter top, place dough on the prepped counter, sprinkle more flour over dough and begin kneading.  Knead dough about 20 times.

Step 5:  Cut the dough into 2 sections and knead a few more times, then shape into loaves.

Step 6:  Place loaves into greased loaf pans and place in oven to rise. I have a “proof” setting on my oven but you could preheat to low temp then turn off just to have a little heat. I  cover my pans with a dish towel.

Step 7:  After the bread has approximately doubled in size, bake at 350° for about 25-30 minutes.  I test to see if it’s baked by tapping on the top. If it sounds hollow, it’s finished.

The Cinnamon Raisin Bread requires more work and time but is well worth the effort.  Unlike many versions of CR bread that can be super sweet, my recipe is more earthly with a subtle hint of sugar.

After you have added and completely mixed approximately 5 cups of flour add the raisins to the bowl and mix on slow speed.  TIP:  I place raisins in a small microwave safe bowl and cover with water.  I microwave warming the water and allow to cool as I’m making the rest of the recipe.  Drain the water from the raisins and pour into the mixture.  These raisins are much more tender than raisins directly from the box.  Not a bad idea for cookie recipes as well.

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This dough, when removed for kneading will be more sticky and silky than the other two.   Knead the dough using the same method as above and place into a greased bowl for the first rising.

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Cover dough, let rise for approximately an hour to double in size.  Then the fun begins. Hover over each photo below to see the next steps in this recipe.

Seem like too much work?  If so, let me do it for you!  Contact me for more information.

The Variables Part 1

Prologue

When I died I was assigned to the soul production plant. There are 20 soul stampers in the plant along with thousands of other expired souls, each with a different function. There are two soul makers, soul packagers and soul movers, order fillers and inspectors; and there are overseers who report to dE. We accept our functions without any desire for another because there is no such thing as desire here.

Souls are generated on the second floor in a glass room that can be seen from everywhere in the plant. From the first floor, I had could see two soul makers as they monitored the large machine in front of them. Imagine a giant computer processor with two spouts jutting out from the rear of the machine. The spouts dump out newly generated souls onto two conveyor belts that split into ten sections each. Souls travel on the 20 sections dumping into shoots sending them down to the first floor, where my station and 19 others are located. My station was labeled 1A, the one next to me was 1B, and the rest of the sequence was as follows: 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 2A, 2B, etc. Twenty of us watched the souls as they traveled across the conveyors. My function as a soul stamper was to imprint the start date and the expiration date on souls. Don’t get me wrong; I didn’t have any control over the dates I stamped. I could see the dates as I stamped them but I had no power to change them. When I first started, I imagined what the humans who got my stamped souls would look like, would they be male or female, have blond hair or black skin. Later I tried to discover a pattern in the dates. I counted how many would come into existence on the same day and expire on the same day. I noticed the souls that survived only three days and those that lasted 100 years. Imagination does exist here, but there is no attachment to any particular outcome of imagination.

As a soul reached the end of the conveyor, a soul packager removed each stamped soul from the belt and placed it on another conveyor, leading it through the packaging process. Each stamped soul travels through a machine resembling an x-ray machine at an airport and exits coated with a clear shrink-wrap. At the end of that conveyor a large bin with wheels collected the souls as they dropped, one stacking perfectly onto the next. Then, soul movers wheeled the full carts into the storage room located on the first floor, at the far end of the long factory.

Soul movers guided the wheeled containers full of stamped and packaged souls to large high shelves and loaded them onto the shelves one at a time. At that point the dates could be seen through the packaging. In fact, that is all one could see in the package since the souls themselves have no visible substance. The souls were not stacked according to a start date or an expiration date. It would appear totally random to the casual observer. You might think all starting dates would go on the same shelf. Instead, they were stored on the shelves exactly as they were received. Thus, all of the souls from my conveyor would be found in aisle 1A.

The next step was soul delivery. The order fillers entered the storage facility with a list of aisle and shelf locations. They pulled specified souls and loaded them into bins similar to the other wheeled containers. Next, they guided the bins out to a loading dock. Slowly, souls drifted out of the bins and disappeared, entering unborn humans on earth.

I functioned as a soul stamper for some segment of my non-earthly existence; then I moved on to other functions both in the soul plant and elsewhere. Currently, I perform the task of gravity maintenance. I suppose this would sound like a rather prestigious job on earth, but here, it‘s simply another function. I haven’t “moved up” in this world. What do I do as a gravity maintainer? To look at me, you’d think nothing at all. When I was a soul stamper, I wasn’t actually holding a stamp and physically stamping each soul. I’m merely using the metaphor to help you get a mental picture. It was my presence, my mind if you will, actually doing all of the work. The same is true in my current job. My very existence functions to maintain gravity, at least as long as that is my assignment.

Your mind is racing with so many questions. Let’s slow things down and sort out your questions. I’ll answer a few of them before I continue with my message; otherwise you won’t be able to concentrate. First, I’ll answer your question concerning my communication method.

Right now, you are in an altered state of consciousness, commonly called a coma. I know you are surprised by this news. Your mind is completely capable of functioning. When your soul does expire, I will be your mentor. This is why I am talking to you now. My mind is communicating with your mind through energy exchange. Although all souls are connected energy, you and I share a common pathway. Your thoughts travel to me so I can “read your mind” and my thoughts, the ones I’m permitted to share with you, travel to you. You can read some of my mind.

You want to know whether you are about to expire. The answer is, no.

As l said, when I was a soul stamper, I could see the dates on each soul as I stamped them. Suddenly I started stamping souls with beginning dates only. No expiration dates. This phenomenon was a curiosity. The answer became a part of my knowledge when it became a part of my function to know.

I hear you. You’re wondering how you ended up in a coma. It was a car accident. You were driving, talking on Bluetooth and someone was passing you while texting at the same time.

I can see you are starting to recall. I’m sorry, I can’t tell you that. Your daughter’s life is not within my knowledge.

Yes, yes, that is your husband’s voice you hear, but you will not be able to understand it. You cannot have two conversations at one time, one with me and one with him. When your consciousness changes you will be able to understand him. But for the moment, you must listen to what I am saying.

Try to remain calm. The monitors attached to you are showing a spike in your heart rate, indicating distress. You don’t want to give anyone cause for alarm.

I see you are searching to recall exactly what happened during the accident. You desperately want to know if your daughter is alive. You think you couldn’t bare it if she has expired. You will not get your answers in your current state. You will have to reenter earthly consciousness with all of its joys and sorrows to find your answer. You see when your soul expires, you will experience nothing like joy or sorrow. There are no emotions, no desires in this existence.

I must continue with my soul stamping function to help you understand why I’m here now. As I said, when I was stamping souls coming from shoot 1A they had no expiration date. The soul stamper responsible for 1B experienced the same phenomenon. We looked at each other startled and curious. Chatter began throughout the plant. All of the souls passing by all of the soul stampers were imprinted with beginning dates only. This was clearly a new phase of the experiment. But that was not the only change we witnessed. In addition to the missing expiration dates, on a rare occasion, a soul passed by with an additional imprint – a capital V.

I now understand and am here to tell you what it all means. Susan, you have a soul imprinted with a V. This means you are a Variable. You are one of a small percentage of souls currently on earth whose status as a Variable puts you in a position to change the outcome of human existence in the current universe –

Calm down Susan, otherwise, I can’t finish giving you my message –

Susan, please, calm down!

Susan wait -!

Susan, it’s too late, you are returning to your earthly consciousness!

Susan remember, you are a Variable, find the others.

They’ll explain it all to you.

You are a Variable Susan.

A Variable…

Chapter 1

Adam stood staring out the 4th floor window toward the three-story concrete parking garage in front of the hospital. The light behind him created a faint reflection, a ghostly version of himself. His blond hair appeared a light shade of grey and he couldn’t distinguish between brown irises and black pupils. His faded blue T-shirt covering broad muscular shoulders appeared almost white. Leaning in closer he scrutinized the three-day growth on his chin. At that moment he felt the vibration of his silenced cell phone against his upper thigh. Pulling it from his pocket, he read the caller identification: Home.

“Hello.” He answered unsure whether it was his daughter Hannah or his sister Marty calling.

“Hi Daddy. Aunt Marty said I could call and check on Mommy. Is she still sleeping?” The child’s tiny, concerned voice crackled through the phone. The connection wasn’t very good in the intensive care unit.

“Yes honey.” Adam whispered, although there was little chance of waking his comatose wife. “Mommy is still sleeping. Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll wake up soon.” Sleeping had been the easiest way to describe his wife’s condition to their five-year old daughter.

“I’ll be home in about an hour. Tell Aunt Marty there is a casserole in the refrigerator for dinner tonight. I love you Hannah. See you in just a bit.”

As Adam finished the conversation with his daughter, the door opened and a short, chubby nurse entered the room. “Good evening Mr. Cook, I’m Linda. I’ll be taking care of Susan this evening. Would you like to help me shift her around?” The grey haired woman walked over to the white board hanging from the wall and erased the day nurse’s name, replacing it with her own.

As the two rearranged the pillows to support his wife’s limp body, Adam already felt like a pro. He’d helped with this same routine several times over the past three days.

“A few minutes ago, I thought something was going wrong.” He explained to nurse Linda. “I was sitting here and all of the sudden, Susan’s heart rate sped up pretty significantly.” He paused as they lifted Susan, rolling her onto her right side. “Just as I was thinking I should call for help, it settled back to a normal rate.” He looked to the nurse for an explanation.

“That happens sometimes. We don’t really know why, perhaps she was dreaming. As long as it returns to normal within a reasonable timeframe we don’t attempt to explain it and we don’t worry about it.”

As Adam tucked Susan’s shoulder length light brown hair behind her ear to keep it from falling in her face, he noticed a change in her expression. She appeared to be wincing. “Did you see that?” He asked looking toward the nurse for concurrence.

“It’s probably just a reaction to us disturbing her.” She replied not wanting to get Adam’s hopes up.

Within seconds, however, Susan moaned and slowly opened her eyes.

The highly trained nurse didn’t betray her own excitement. Instead, she said calmly, “I’ll page Dr. Daniels.”

While the nurse entered Dr. Daniels’ call code into the hospital intercom system, Adam hunched over his wife placing his face just inches away from hers.

“Susan, baby, Susan can you hear me?” He pleaded.

Susan tried to speak, but her mouth didn’t cooperate. Licking her dry lips, she attempted to communicate a second time, but no words came out.

“Ok Suz, ok honey, don’t try too hard just yet, it’s ok. You’re going to be ok.” Adam said while quickly using the backs of his hands to brush tears away from his moist cheeks.

Susan, desperate to confirm what she thought she heard a few minutes earlier, struggled to regain consciousness. Was Adam talking to their daughter on the phone? Is Hannah alive and unharmed by the accident? The monitors displaying her heart rate once again indicated a spike. Adam, not understanding the cause of her alarm, continued to reassure her she would be ok. Finally, Susan shook her head and managed to utter, “Hannah?”

“Oh yes, yes Hannah is fine.” Adam replied, realizing the source of his wife’s distress. “She’s perfectly fine. The car seat protected her completely. She didn’t have a scratch on her.” He smoothed Susan’s hair away from her face. “She’s just worried about you. I’ll have Marty bring her in as soon as the doctor says it’s ok.”

Susan’s heart rate slowed and she closed her eyes. Just then Dr. Daniels entered the room. Adam anxiously summarized the details of the previous minutes of Susan’s consciousness. “Oh God, she’s not unconscious again is she?” He asked fretfully.

Dr. Daniels leaned over Susan’s bed preparing to examine her pupils when Susan opened her eyes again. “It appears Susan is conscious, but probably extremely tired and sore.” He reassured Adam.

“Hello Susan, I’m Dr. Daniels. You don’t have to talk just yet.” He said as he reached down to grasp her hand, he said, “How about a little hand squeeze to let us all know you are with us.”

Susan responded weakly, “I’m here.”

Dr. Daniels nodded reassuringly at Adam. Then returned his attention to Susan. “I’m pleased to meet you Susan. We’ll take our time getting to know each other. For now, just try to relax. I’m sure you’re not feeling too hot. You’ve got quite a few bumps and bruises and a broken collarbone.”