Stephanie Perry Moore

Below, please find, the prologue and first chapter of my YA time-travel romance and coming-of-age novel, When Time Comes. The prologue offers a glimpse into the pivotal moments and historical eras the protagonist will encounter, while the first chapter establishes her warmth, challenges, and internal struggles. Additionally, it introduces the antagonist and a few key supporting characters, setting the stage for the emotional and transformative journey ahead. ----- Prologue I’m running in 1780. Bare feet hit the wooden deck of a ship, slick with sea spray and something else smelly—rotting fish, or worse—that I don’t want to think about. The ocean roars around me, crashing against the hull, but all I can hear is the rattle of chains and the hissing breath of the men behind me. No, not men—they’ve got snake-like heads, scales shimmering under the moonlight, their yellow eyes glowing like coals. I don’t dare look back. I can feel them closing in, their breath hot on my neck, sharp and sour like something burning. My heart pounds like a drum, trying to break free from my chest. I reach the edge of the ship—nowhere to go but endless, dark water. The spray blinds me, stinging my eyes. Before I can even scream, a wave rises up like a giant, icy hand and swallows me whole. Cold. The water crushes me, dragging me under. It’s everywhere—up my nose, down my throat. I can’t breathe. I can’t— I hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of me. Grass. Tall, thick grass surrounds me now, the air heavy with heat and the faint scent of something burning. 1850. I don’t know how I know, but I do. Dogs are barking—close, way too close. My legs ache, my muscles screaming as I force myself to keep running, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The woman next to me, her dress torn and dirty, grabs my arm, yanking me forward so hard I nearly fall. “Don’t stop! You stop, yous dead!” she screams, her voice sharp with fear. Her eyes flash like she knows I’m thinking about slowing down. The barking grows louder, and now I hear the thundering of hooves. They’re hunting us. I glance back just long enough to see the flicker of torches—men on horseback, charging through the field. The flames lick at the darkness like hungry mouths. I push harder, my lungs screaming for air, but the dogs are closing in. I can feel their teeth snapping at my heels, hear their growls vibrating in my bones. The woman’s grip slips from my arm, and I stumble— The ground shifts beneath my feet, and I’m somewhere else. The year is 1958. I know it the moment I feel the earth under my shoes—sneakers, not bare feet this time. I’m running through thick woods, branches slashing at my arms and tearing at my clothes. The trees tower above me, their shadows stretching long and menacing, like they’re alive. The rumble of trucks echoes through the forest, and I know they’re after me. Headlights cut through the darkness, beams flickering like ghostly hands, clawing at my skin. Men are shouting now, their heavy boots crunching the ground like they’re already marching over me. I push harder, dodging between trees, my lungs burning. I don’t know why I’m the one they want, but I know what happens if they catch me. The voices grow louder, the headlights brighter. “Get that nigra girl!” a man shouts. My stomach twists. I won’t make it. I can feel it—time is running out. A hand grazes my shoulder, and I know— I wake up. I shoot upright in bed, gasping for air. My sheets are twisted around me, damp with sweat, and my heart is racing like I’m still being chased. I press a trembling hand to my chest, trying to calm down, but the dream clings to me like a second skin. I can still feel the mushy filth of the slave ship’s floor, still hear the dogs barking on the underground railroad, still see the headlights slicing through the trees during the bus boycott. I sit there, shaking, staring into the darkness of my room, trying to convince myself it was just a dream. But deep down, I know it wasn’t. This was something else. Something bigger. Like my dream was warning me of something coming. And I am terrified. Because next nightmare, I might not wake up in time. Chapter 1 Dream Again “With a gun cocked in his mouth, he had to back down!” “What?” I blinked, gripping the steering wheel tighter as Sweetness, my rugged, gangbanger boyfriend, repeated himself through the car’s speaker. His voice was low, almost amused, like he wasn’t talking about something terrifying. Sweetness. He lived up to his name—dark chocolate, smooth and irresistible. Girls joked he was better than a box of candy. At 5′8″, just a touch taller than me, his confidence commanded attention. His energy—wild, unpredictable—wrapped around me like a storm. His reckless laughter and fast living had me hooked, but lately, it felt more like a noose tightening around my neck. “Dang, dummy. You even listenin’, Skye Blue?” Sweetness’s voice cracked like thunder, jolting me from my thoughts. I pulled my mom’s Cadillac into a spot at Tea Time, a cozy, upscale restaurant in Covington, Georgia. This place—this moment—was my refuge. Normally, I couldn’t wait to sit across from my grandmother and unravel the knots in my life. Today, though, the weight on my shoulders felt too heavy to unload. “I was saying, I had a dream last night,” Sweetness continued. “This dude tried to holla at you, so I put my piece in his mouth to shut him up.” My stomach twisted. I couldn’t do this with him. He was mean. He was crazy, but so was I for staying with him. It wasn’t just the draining week at my private school, with fake friends and haters dragging me down. It wasn’t just the sleepless nights haunted by a recurring nightmare. It was the suffocating possessiveness in Sweetness’s voice—like my life was his to control. And now, he was fantasizing about violence over something that didn’t even happen. A beep interrupted him—Jessie, my best friend, calling. Relief washed over me. “I gotta go. Jessie’s calling, and I’m here. Can’t keep Grandma waiting,” I said, my voice strained but firm. “Cool,” Sweetness replied, his tone lightening. “Swing by after. We can Netflix and chill like last night.” I sighed, pressing the button to switch calls, still tripping that he called me “dummy” and wondering if I’d ever feel the same tug toward him again. “Hey, Jess!” I injected a false lightness into my tone. “What’s up? Can’t talk long.” I prayed Jessie wouldn’t notice the slight tremor in my voice. If she did, my overly protective friend would dig. “Thank goodness you answered,” Jessie’s voice came through, laced with concern. “Forget the Walton County Cotillion. After the way they acted, I quit.” I maneuvered the car into a tight space, careful to keep my hands steady. Reliving the past few days wasn’t on my to-do list. Jessie, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, and me, with my caramel skin and tight curls, made for an unusual pair at our pristine private school. But our bond ran deeper than color. Yesterday had been a harsh reminder that I did not belong. “I’m sorry,” Jessie said sincerely. “When I forwarded you that text, I had no idea the invite was just for me. It makes me sick to even think about it. My dad’s money wraps circles around theirs, and I can’t believe they treated us like that.” “They didn’t treat us like that,” I muttered. “They treated me like that. They made it clear they didn’t want people like me at their ball.” Jessie sighed. “It’s so stupid! I can’t believe this is still happening.” I just wanted to forget it. The whispers, the sideways glances, the judgment. It clung to me, heavy, like it had seeped into my soul. In front of what felt like the entire student body, the debutante program director had looked me dead in the eye and said, “This is a private meeting, and your kind isn’t invited.” Her words hit like a slap across the face. The sting sat deep in my chest. I’d barely registered the shocked expressions before I bolted from the room, my footsteps drowned by the storm of tears that followed. Though their rejection wasn’t my fault, the shame clung to me. I hadn’t told anyone. It was too raw, too humiliating. But last night, wrapped in Sweetness’s arms, I’d found fleeting comfort—one that cost me more than I was ready to admit. “I’m okay. Really,” I said, trying to sound convincing. “You should still participate. Your mom already has your white gown picked out. You’re going to look beautiful.” “No way,” Jessie snorted. “I told them I’d never be their debutante with haters like that running the show. Your presence wouldn’t have ruined anything—if anything, it would’ve made it better. And, despite my parents being part of that ridiculous club, we don’t stand with their views. I’m sick this happened to you, Skye.” Her empathy was appreciated, but it didn’t offer the comfort she probably intended. I didn’t need pity. I needed something bigger—equality. But I’d been walking this line since sixth grade. No one ever invited me to their slumber parties or Country Club cookouts. I was always on the outside, and I thought I had learned to live with it. But the truth was, deep down, I’d wanted to be part of their world—just once. To twirl in a ball gown and belong. The sting of rejection ran deeper than I wanted to admit, sadness coursing through me like a slow, relentless ache. “I gotta go,” I said finally, my voice barely a whisper. “K, but call me back. I’ve got to tell you about Malik.” I sighed as I ended the call. On top of being denied entry to the cotillion, regretting the moment I lost my virginity, and wanting Jessie to stop messing with Malik—my sister’s boyfriend—I had another problem. A recurring nightmare had been keeping me up at night, leaving me scared and unsettled. I needed insight, and thankfully, Grandma Gayle—GG—agreed to meet me. As soon as I stepped inside the restaurant, I spotted GG waiting at our favorite table, tucked near a mural of Victorian ladies lunching. With her light complexion and silver hair, GG could have easily been part of that painting. At sixty-seven, she still exuded grace. GG and I were closer than two eyes on a face, yet as I approached, a wave of self-consciousness washed over me. I couldn’t help but frown, wondering how much easier life might be if I looked like her or my light-skinned sister, Sunni. My brown skin always made me feel like an outsider. “Skye, there you are, precious girl,” GG greeted me, her southern accent wrapping around me like a warm hug. She kissed my forehead, and I kissed her soft cheek, savoring the comfort of her embrace. “Sorry I’m late, GG,” I said, though I was exactly on time. In GG’s world, fifteen minutes early was on time, and on time was late. “When you called to meet, I was finishing up a doctor’s appointment. Haven’t been waiting long. I ordered our usual,” she said with a gentle smile. I frowned. “Your doctor?” She patted my hand. “Relax, baby. My blood pressure’s a little high, but no worries. I’ll rest later.” GG reassured me. “Enough about me. What’s bothering you? You sounded stressed.” She glanced away as our usual waiter, Anthony, approached with our food. Balancing everything on one tray, Anthony glided over with the grace of a performer. “Good afternoon, ladies! Always nice to see mothers and daughters breaking bread together.” His bright smile was like a magazine ad, his teeth white and straight. “Stop,” GG said, blushing. “You know that’s my grand… well, don’t stop.” “Never.” He set down our plates—chicken salad, blueberry muffins, and frozen fruit cups—then winked before disappearing into the crowd. GG gave the blessing and then leaned in for girl talk. “That Anthony is as tasty as this muffin,” she quipped, taking a playful bite. I laughed softly. I loved when GG was frisky. Around me, she was always her true self—a fun, loving woman who never judged me for speaking my mind. Still, there were things I wasn’t ready to share, like how much I had given of myself to Sweetness. GG didn’t need to know that. She glanced up, catching my grin. “Don’t be ‘smizing’ at me,” she teased, using a pop culture term she’d picked up somewhere. “I may be old, but I’m feisty.” Proud of herself, GG took a sip of tea. “I get such a kick out of Anthony. When I was your age, white men didn’t wait on folks like us.” “I’m glad I didn’t live back then,” I said, still feeling the sting of my own experiences. “But honestly, the girls at my school don’t want to hang out with me now, either.” GG’s smile faded, her eyes softening with understanding. “So, what’s really got you stressed?” “For one, I’m sick of Dad’s constant lectures. It’s like living with a preacher on repeat,” I sighed, frustration bubbling up. “This morning, I was tired, and he started in again: ‘What’s wrong with you, Skye Blue?’” I mimicked his deep Southern drawl. “‘You’re a judge’s daughter, you get the best education, your mother’s been there for you your whole life, your siblings love you, you’ll be getting your own car soon... What is your problem?’” GG chuckled. “Yup, that’s your father all right. Sterling Blue knows how to lay it on thick.” “GG,” I began hesitantly, “can I tell you something?” “Of course, baby. What’s on your mind? Is this about that hothead boyfriend your father’s worried about?” “No, ma’am. That’s not what I want to talk about,” I said, narrowing my eyes to let her know Dad’s opinions didn’t hold much weight with me. “But... something’s been bothering me.” GG put down her fork, sensing the shift in my tone. “Baby. What is it?” I inhaled, unsure how to explain it without sounding crazy. “I’ve been having this repeated nightmare. It’s so bad that I’m afraid to sleep.” GG’s teacup clattered onto the saucer, tea splashing onto the tablecloth. Her expression changed to serious and her voice trembled. “What kind of nightmares?” Alarmed by her reaction, I hesitated. “Maybe we should drop this. You just said your blood pressure’s …” “Chile, I’m fine,” she said, closer. “Tell me the dream.” I swallowed. “Okay. In the dream, I’m in class when a siren goes off, and these two men rush in. They’re navy blue, like their skin is ink, and they grab me by the hair. They drag me down the hallway, but it turns into a beach. Then they turn into men with snake heads. They pull me onto a ship, packed with black people—screaming, crying, everyone from thugs to businessmen, preachers, families. There are men with dragon heads beating people bloody. Their faces are dead, GG. Twisted, vacant eyes. When they get to me, they start beating me too. I try to protect myself, but I’m screaming…” I stopped and rolled up my sleeve, revealing the bruise on my arm. “I woke up with this. It’s like I was really there.” GG stared at the mark, her face pale. I couldn’t bring myself to meet her eyes, so I looked down, stirring my drink. When I glanced up, GG’s head had slumped. Panic shot through me. “GG!” I screamed, rushing to her side. Her skin was warm, but there was no movement, her eyes rolling back. “Help! Somebody help!” I yelled desperately. The restaurant exploded into action. Anthony frantically ran over, and another man grabbed a spoon, saying something about a seizure, but I barely heard him over my heart’s pounding. I clung to GG’s hand, tears threatening to spill over as my nightmare seemed to become reality. The paramedics burst into the restaurant, with bags slung over their shoulders and a stretcher rolling behind them. The chaos around me blurred, and my focus narrowed on GG. I watched helplessly as they checked her vitals. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. One paramedic knelt by GG, gently placing an oxygen mask over her mouth. “We must get her to the hospital now,” he said urgently. “Where are you taking her?” I finally managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “Covington Regional,” the paramedic replied as they loaded her into the back. The doors slammed shut, and the sirens blared to life, cutting through the quiet evening. Anthony slipped an arm around my shoulders as we watched the ambulance speed away. “It’s going to be all right,” he said softly, though uncertainty lingered in his voice. I stared after the ambulance, my mind racing. My hands fumbled for my phone, and I hit the button to call Dad, my heart pounding in my ears. “Dad… it’s GG,” I said as soon as he picked up, my voice breaking. “She’s being taken to city hospital.” The words spilled out faster than I could control. There was a beat of silence, and then my father’s deep, steady voice cut through the panic. “On my way. Stay calm, Skye. I’ll meet you there.” But I wasn’t calm. As I hung up, I realized this waking nightmare felt just as real as the ones that haunted my nights. I stood there, trembling, the weight of everything crashing down on me. I vowed, right then and there, that I’d do whatever it took to stop dreaming. Because if dreams were going to keep bringing me here—to this fear, this pain—then I never wanted to dream again.

Hello! Below are my answers to the exercises for my YA speculative coming-of-age novel. Looking forward to meeting you all! -Stephanie Perry Moore 1) STORY STATEMENT Seventeen-year-old Skye Blue, pulled into a magical family chronicle, must survive the lives of her ancestors and return to mend herself—and a community fractured by violence. 2) THE ANTAGONIST Sweetness—Skye's boyfriend, whose charm and charisma drew her in but conceal a darker reality. Raised in a rough neighborhood with few resources, Sweetness has always admired Skye's more stable, affluent background. Yet, instead of feeling uplifted by her, he feels belittled and resentful, viewing Skye's family and potential as constant reminders of what he believes he can never have. His jealousy twists into a possessive need to keep her close, convinced that controlling her will balance the disparity he feels. Sweetness is verbally abusive, belittling Skye’s dreams and academic efforts to make her question her worth and discourage her from leaving. His life is steeped in dangerous affiliations, leading a gang that makes him more threatening. He perceives Skye’s independence and ambitions as personal slights against him, responding with intimidation and manipulation, fueled by both fear of losing her and his need to maintain control. Driven by his own insecurities, Sweetness becomes an anchor pulling Skye deeper into his world. His ultimate goal is to possess and restrict her, keeping her as a symbol of his success. However, in doing so, he becomes the force that Skye must ultimately break free from to find her own strength and freedom. “With a gun cocked in his mouth, he had to back down!” “What?” I blinked, gripping the steering wheel tighter as Sweetness, my rugged, gangbanger boyfriend, repeated himself through the car’s speaker. His voice was low, almost amused, like he wasn’t talking about something terrifying. Sweetness. He lived up to his name—dark chocolate skin, smooth and irresistible. Girls joked he was better than a box of candy. At 5′8″, just a touch taller than me, his confidence commanded attention. His energy—wild, unpredictable—wrapped around me like a storm. His reckless laughter and fast living had me hooked, but lately, it felt more like a noose tightening around my neck. “Dang, dummy. You even listenin’, Skye?” Sweetness’s voice cracked like thunder, jolting me from my thoughts. I pulled my mom’s car into a spot at Tea Time, a cozy, upscale restaurant in Covington, Georgia. This place—this moment—was my refuge. Normally, I couldn’t wait to sit across from my grandmother and unravel the knots in my life. Today, though, the weight on my shoulders felt too heavy to unload. “I was saying, I had a dream last night,” Sweetness continued. “This dude tried to holla at you, so I put my piece in his mouth to shut him up.” My stomach twisted. I couldn’t do this with him. He was mean. He was crazy, but so was I for staying with him. It wasn’t just the draining week at my private school, with fake friends and haters dragging me down. It wasn’t just the sleepless nights haunted by a recurring nightmare. It was the suffocating possessiveness in Sweetness’ voice—like my life was his to control. And now, he was fantasizing about violence over something that didn’t even happen. A beep interrupted him—Jessie, my best friend, calling. Relief washed over me. “I gotta go. Jessie’s calling, and I’m here. Can’t keep Grandma waiting,” I said, my voice strained but firm. “Cool,” Sweetness replied, his tone lightening. “Swing by after. We can Netflix and chill like last night.” I sighed, pressing the button to switch calls, still tripping that he called me dummy and wondering if I’d ever feel the same tug toward him again. 3) TITLE CHOICES Here are three breakout title options, each reflecting Skye’s journey of legacy, inner strength, and the challenges she faces: When Time Comes – This title reflects the pivotal moments Skye encounters, where she must rise to challenges and decide her path, echoing the legacy she inherits. Chains of Legacy – This title hints at Skye’s journey to confront and honor her family’s past, as she learns from ancestral struggles to shape her own freedom and identity. Echoes of Freedom – A powerful nod to Skye’s experiences of both historical and present-day struggles, as she hears and learns from the echoes of her ancestors to find her own voice and courage. These titles evoke Skye’s evolving relationship with her heritage and her determination to break through constraints in her life. 4) GENRE AND COMPARABLES Here are strong comparables for my YA novel, When Time Comes, that help convey its themes, genre blend, and target readership effectively: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow (2020) – Like When Time Comes, this YA novel centers on Black female characters discovering their identities and histories, with Morrow’s story weaving fantasy and social themes. A Song Below Water combines magical elements with real-world issues, much like Skye’s journey through time to learn from her ancestors while confronting modern struggles. This connection illustrates Skye’s world of layered realities, where her heritage provides insight and empowerment to navigate her life. Kindred by Octavia Butler (1979) – While originally an adult novel, Kindred has inspired YA audiences and even adaptations due to its profound impact. This novel offers a similar combination of time travel, ancestral legacy, and the confronting of historical injustices, making it an ideal comp for When Time Comes. Skye’s experience parallels Butler’s heroine as she learns firsthand from her ancestors’ challenges, drawing strength and perspective to change her present reality. The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron (2020) – This popular YA historical novel explores the bravery of a young girl standing up to violence and oppression in Nazi-occupied Poland. Like Skye, the protagonist grapples with life-and-death stakes while drawing strength from her moral compass and connections with others. Cameron’s novel demonstrates how historical legacy and personal bravery converge, resonating with Skye’s mission to confront and mend her community’s conflicts. The Davenports by Krystal Marquis (2023) – This historical YA novel follows a young Black woman in early 20th-century Chicago, balancing family expectations and societal constraints. Like When Time Comes, it explores complex identity, family legacy, and navigating expectations. Though different in era, The Davenports shares themes of self-discovery and the strength to confront the past for a better future, aligning well with Skye’s journey. These comparisons capture the tone, cultural depth, and mix of speculative and historical elements in When Time Comes, while also showing how it fits into the YA landscape for contemporary readers. 5) HOOK LINE AND CORE WOUND Hook Line: Struggling between private school alienation and a toxic relationship, seventeen-year-old Skye Blue is pulled into a magical family chronicle, where ancestral lessons push her to confront her fears—or risk being trapped in a cycle of violence. Core Wound: Skye struggles with a deep-seated fear of inadequacy and failure, believing that she will never live up to her friends and family’s expectations or her own dreams, a belief compounded by the pressures of her boyfriend’s manipulations and the societal limitations placed on her by being a black girl in a majority white school. This internal wound propels her on a journey through time, teaching her that survival, courage, and freedom are attainable only by facing her fears and embracing her inner strength. 6) CONFLICT AND ENVIRONMENT Inner Conflict: Skye’s insecurities stem from feeling like she doesn’t fully belong anywhere—not in the affluent world of her private school and not in the turbulent neighborhood where she lives. Struggling with the weight of her identity as a young Black woman, she’s caught between wanting to break free from the toxic relationship with Sweetness and her fear of the unknown without him. Skye dreams of making an impact, of bridging divides and standing for something bigger, yet she doubts if she’s strong enough to step into that role. The violence and challenges in her world shake her resolve, and she’s often left questioning her self-worth and ability to act. Hypothetical Scenario: After the gang shootout where Zion steps in and is critically injured saving her, Skye is shaken by his selflessness. Zion, who is mixed-race and embodies a quiet strength, fearlessly acted to protect her in a way that she’s never felt able to do for herself. Returning home, she’s haunted by the image of him lying in blood and thinks of her own hesitance to leave Sweetness despite his control over her. Later, as she reads the family chronicle, she sees the bravery of her ancestors who faced down adversity for freedom and justice. These reflections make Skye question if she could ever do the same in her time—could she stand up like Zion did for her, or like her ancestors did in the face of injustice? Within seconds, the air exploded with gunfire. Crack! Crack! Crack! The hill was alive with chaos. The Bricks scattered, shouting. Bullets zipped past me, but I was frozen in fear. Two guys dropped in front of me, one’s head blown open. Everywhere, Bricks fell, moaning, crying, cursing. They called for their mothers or God. “Skye, get down!” Sweetness hollered, his voice echoing like a shout across a battlefield. Suddenly, a tall guy—over six feet—charged toward me. He tackled me, shielding me with his body. My head hit the pavement, and my vision blurred. I tried to grab my pounding head, but my arms were pinned beneath him. I struggled to focus. His almond-shell skin and straight hair that curled at the tips caught my eye. He weighed at least 200 pounds. Who was this guy? His grey-blue eyes stared at me, full of concern, but he didn’t speak. “I’m okay,” I whispered, winded from the impact. I was about to tell him to get off when I felt warm, wet liquid seeping through my clothes. Blood. It surged from his side where a bullet had torn through him. Desperate, I twisted and squirmed, finally managing to push him off. I yanked off his shoes, grabbed his socks, and pressed them against the wound. But it was too late—the socks were soaked, and the life had already drained from his eyes. The gunfire stopped, and the Lincoln peeled away, its passengers laughing. Sweetness ran to me, grabbing my bloody hand, trying to pull me up. “No!” I cried. “I can’t leave him! He saved my life!” “My boys ’bout to get Clad. Come on, girl. Let’s go!” Sweetness yanked me up, half carrying me as we moved away. But I didn’t want to leave the stranger who had saved me. His life couldn’t just be forgotten. I glanced back at his lifeless body and saw a tattoo on his arm: Zion Hill. “Thank you, Zion Hill,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. His body lay there, lifeless and blood soaked. Social Environment: Skye’s social conflict is rooted in feeling like she doesn’t belong fully in either world she inhabits or in the ones she time-travels to. At her private school, she’s seen as an outsider among wealthy white students who leave her out because she is not “one of them.” With Sweetness, she’s treated as a liability rather than an equal, and his gang sees her as an outsider who will never truly be part of their world. In contrast, when she time-travels, she encounters Zion, who moves with confidence and intelligence, bridging gaps and standing up for what he believes in. His ability to fit in without conforming inspires Skye, making her wonder if she should follow his example in the present day and stand up for herself, despite the pressure and rejection from both sides. Hypothetical Scenario: After returning from 1780, Skye learns about another gang fight brewing and wrestles with whether she should try to intervene. Drawing on her experience with Zion’s strength and the resolve of her ancestors, she decides to try to prevent another confrontation by urging the gangs toward a truce. Her emotional appeal surprisingly reaches the gang members, convincing them to hold off on violence temporarily. However, when the police arrive, tension flares, and an argument with Gooch ends in him being shot. Skye is horrified, realizing that despite her best efforts, the cycle of violence extends beyond her influence. 7) SETTINGS Setting of When Time Comes Skye’s journey unfolds in Covington, Georgia, where contrasting environments sharpen her sense of belonging and courage. From her safe but unsettling bedroom to the gritty reality of Sweetness’ world, and on through time itself, these settings reflect the internal and external challenges Skye faces as she uncovers her heritage and finds her own strength. Contemporary Settings: Her Home & Bedroom: Skye’s bedroom is a cozy refuge with a mix of upscale decor—string lights, soft blankets, and family mementos. This sanctuary becomes a space of fear and transformation when the family chronicle begins pulling her into the past. The bed shakes, lights flicker, and the room’s warmth fades, replaced by an ominous energy that marks the start of each time-travel experience, mirroring Skye’s own shift from safety to uncertainty as she delves into her family’s history. Grandmother’s Hospital Room: In contrast to Skye’s dynamic bedroom, GG’s hospital room is cool and calming, with pale blue walls, dim lighting, and the rhythmic beeping of monitors. Despite its clinical feel, the room is where Skye finds comfort, receiving guidance and life lessons from her grandmother. Here, Skye’s love for GG merges with a growing understanding of her family’s legacy, fueling her desire to honor her heritage and face her fears. Tea Time Café: The Victorian tea house, Tea Time, in downtown Covington is a nostalgic escape for Skye and GG. Decorated with floral wallpaper, delicate china, and old-world charm, it’s a place of warmth where they can be themselves. As Skye’s conversations with GG become more intense, this setting shifts from a quaint refuge to a space where family secrets are unearthed, adding depth and tension to their relationship. Her Private School: Skye’s exclusive, predominantly white private school is pristine and immaculately kept, with manicured lawns and polished buildings. But behind this orderly facade, Skye feels judged and alienated. Her background, race, and financial status place her on the periphery, making this setting a battleground for her insecurities and sense of self-worth. She struggles to fit in, feeling like an outsider among classmates who subtly exclude her, amplifying her inner conflict. Sweetness’ Neighborhood: A gritty contrast to Skye’s suburban life, Sweetness’ neighborhood is defined by graffiti-covered buildings, dilapidated apartments, and a pervasive sense of desolation. This area represents the social and emotional risks Skye takes by staying in her relationship with Sweetness. It’s a backdrop for gang conflicts, volatile interactions, and moments of physical danger, underscoring the tension between her desire for stability and the turmoil Sweetness brings into her life. We pulled up to Sweetness’ apartment complex. Graffiti covered the building, slurs and symbols sprayed like part of the architecture. The landscape was dead—just patches of beige stubble. One side of the complex was a crumbling building used as a crack house, addicts shuffling in and out like zombies. The other side was a burnt-out, windowless shell that attracted squatters and crime. Everything screamed decay, as if waiting for a bulldozer to put it out of its misery. Historical and Magical Sub-settings Through Time Travel: 1780 Savannah Slave Auction Dock: Skye arrives in a chaotic, humid slave market where auctioneers shout and enslaved people are treated as commodities. Here, she encounters Zion, whose resilience and quiet strength spark her admiration. This setting forces Skye to confront the brutal realities of her ancestors’ past, helping her understand the strength it took for them to endure, survive, and hope. Moments later, I stood in complete stillness and silence. No wind whipping around; no wings flapping. I opened my eyes. Instead of my bedroom, I found myself in the middle of a dusty, sunbaked road stretching through a small, worn town. The buildings on either side were rough-hewn, with weathered wood that had turned gray under the relentless sun, and each bore a large, faded sign announcing its purpose. There was a bank with iron-barred windows, a small grocery store with barrels of goods by the door, a saloon with swinging doors barely hanging on their hinges, and a millinery shop that left me wondering, What the heck was a millinery shop? The air was thick and dry, tinged with the earthy scent of hay, animal sweat, and the faint, metallic whiff of horse tack. People dressed in plain, faded clothes walked along the street, moving between buildings or standing beside their horses and buggies. But the entire town appeared frozen in time. Horses with bridles dangling, mid-neigh with heads thrown back; dust clouds kicked up by wheels and hooves hung suspended in the air like delicate, brown fog. A flag that had been waving in the breeze outside the saloon was caught in an upswing, locked in place. An eerie silence clung to the air, intensifying the stillness. It felt as though I’d stepped into a painting or a story paused at the turn of a page. Clutching my feathers tightly, I called out, “What am I supposed to do?” My voice sounded hollow against the motionless scene, and though I hoped someone somewhere could hear me, there was no answer—only silence, as if the world of 1780 itself was waiting. 1850 Underground Railroad Stop in the Woods: Hidden in the shadows of dense Georgia forests, Skye experiences a hideout used by the Underground Railroad. The earthy smells and secluded quiet contrast with the constant threat of capture. Zion’s confidence in navigating this world inspires Skye, revealing to her that bravery often requires stepping outside her comfort zone. 1958 Plantation and Bus Stop during Jim Crow: Skye lands in the segregated South, experiencing the sharp divide between the white plantation and the humble quarters for Black workers. Witnessing Rosa Parks’ defiance at a bus stop gives Skye a firsthand view of courage in the face of injustice, while Zion’s unwavering stand for his beliefs challenges her to embody similar strength in her own time. The Magical River Escape: Each time Skye’s journey becomes too dangerous, she finds herself at a magical river, an ethereal haven where eclectic guides—an eagle, a horse, and a lioness—help her regroup, survive, and recharge. This serene yet mystical setting, with shimmering waters and dense trees cloaked in mist, symbolizes Skye’s subconscious, where she taps into newfound courage and determination. Each guide offers her a life lesson, showing her paths forward while helping her understand the strength she carries within. Each setting in When Time Comes is integral to Skye’s growth. From the safety of her bedroom to the dangers of Sweetness’ world and the harrowing historical landscapes of her ancestors’ lives, each place propels her toward self-discovery. Through these environments, she learns to embody the courage of her ancestors, embracing her family legacy while forging her own path forward.