A short, contemporary retelling of the romantic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.

After a devastating breakup, Basha sets out to reclaim her dignity on the high Sierra Nevada. As she treks up the Pacific Crest Trail, the snowy path grows increasingly treacherous. Still, she pushes forward until a misplaced step sends her careening toward the mountain’s edge. To save herself, she must sacrifice her belongings to the boulders below.

Cold and destitute, Basha wanders the lonely wilderness, desperate to make it to her next checkpoint. As her situation deteriorates, she is forced to accept the help of a recluse named Jeremiah. At first, Jeremiah seems to prefer his solitude, but before long, Basha begins to suspect there is more to this unusual man than meets the eye.

GENRE: A romantic fantasy not suitable for children.
LENGTH: 17,500 words or about 70 pages.