Chapter 8 lives here.
And here's the TOC.

Thanks to everyone who's been reading along! This marks the halfway point in the story, and honestly, I feel like it's just heating up.
Things get much more dramatic in the next couple of chapters!

And in the research section: there are trace amounts of lead in quick-dry cement. Let's just assume that in this particular batch in Egypt in 1994, that proportion is just skewed to even a little bit more.

Enormous thanks to 90stvfangirl who kindly agreed to beta this story and gratitude to pacem for a thorough second look! clap

As always, I look forward to any thoughts or comments, favorite things or least favorite things! notworthy
Thanks for reading!

Looking forward to this summer's Location Challenge! Looks like stories are due around August 1st, and then polls open for voting!

And don't forget about the 2026 fundraiser! Head over to the Fundraising page to donate or consider adding a story to the Keepsake Collection fundraising drive!