Demarkus's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Demarkus pushed through the heavy door of the workshop cabin, his breath still visible in the cold air. He needed to claim a spot before the others showed up. A good workspace meant room to spread out his sketches and test his ideas. More than that, it meant meeting the other contestants on his own terms. The cabin's interior stopped him mid-step. Three long workbenches lined the walls, each with overhead lighting and tool racks. Someone had already thought this through. He dropped his bag beside the bench nearest the window and ran his hand across the worn surface. The wood was smooth from use, marked with old saw cuts and drill holes. Stories lived in those scratches. He pulled out his sketchbook and set it on the corner, then arranged his pencils in a neat row. The space was his now. When the others arrived, he'd be ready to learn their stories too.