Buffy

**Dear Folks,** Bring along any books you’d like to exchange with others!📚 Tell us why you recommend them and help your books find new readers. At the same time, we will share stories and conversations while enjoying **Swedish Fika time**, with tea and snacks served. ☕ 🧁 This event will take place **at a private home**, so the address will only be shared with those who have registered. We look forward to a cozy and inspiring gathering with you. **Contribution to Our Events** Starting this year, we kindly ask participants to contribute in one of the following ways: **€5** per event, or **€40** annual membership fee If you feel like supporting us beyond this, to help people who can’t afford it, you are very welcome to do so 💛 If the contribution is a concern for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly 😉 **These contributions will help us:** * Cover the annual Meetup platform fee * Encourage everyone to respect RSVPs * We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year. Bank details: Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event/membership **To make sure your spot is reserved, please complete your registration once you sign up.** We will prioritize those who have completed the registration process. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🥂 Brussels Sprouts 🇧🇪🥬💚

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

First time comers Please make sure to read the rules and contact the organizer before! Otherwise you will be moved to waiting list. Apologies for inconvenience but we have to do it to avoid no-shows. New and Interested in being part of our group? Join here, https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqdVhyuBhFz1d56lv4WVVi Please Direct Message the Organizer with your level. Approval is required before your first RSVP. Games format. 95% are double games (unless someone needs a break), typically 4 people play together 2 sets and then mix with players from other fields. We play with plastic shuttles - Yonex Mavis 2000 (which are provided). Registration If it's your first time, please send a private message to the host to confirm. No-shows are taken quite seriously because they unbalance the games a lot. Also once you register please keep an eye on you private messages, in case we need to contact you. Players level Having players with much less experience often unbalances the game making it much less interesting for more experienced players. We still try to be welcoming. As a rule of thumb, if you know what a "clear" is, you are welcome to join. Otherwise, feel free to get in touch with me (John) and we can see if we can arrange so you and existing players can have good experience playing. Price and payments The price of participation is EUR 9. Payment is on-site in cash, or via online. Info provided during or shortly after the event in the WhatsApp group. Cancelations and no-shows Switches and cancellations are free of charge if done more than 50 hours before the start of the matches If you cancel within the 50-hour window before the event starts, you will be placed on the wait-list for the next week's event, whether or not a replacement is found. If no replacement is secured, you'll still need to cover your share of the costs. Contact Questions or first-time approval requests? DM the Organizer with your playing level and availability.

Join us for some friendly Badminton games- all levels welcome! IMPORTANT- in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Friday morning. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waitlist. Refunds will only be possible after Friday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our W’app group as well for faster, often better, updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/IL7Gbs6TmIm0GXyidQxCFS?mode=gi_t

Blankets, snacks & good vibes at Josaphat Park. Follow us on Instagram for more infos : https://www.instagram.com/dearstrangers.club/ **Dear Strangers** is a Brussels-based social club for expats and locals who want to meet new people and expand their social circle. We design laid-back, genuine experiences for the 25–35 crowd where real connections just happen naturally. **Spring is here. The park is calling. Let's make the most of it together.** Join us for a relaxed **Easter Picnic** at **Josaphat Park**, a simple and friendly way to spend part of your afternoon with new people in Brussels. The idea is easy: **everyone brings their own snack or drink**, and we take care of the atmosphere, the flow, and creating a nice moment together. Expect a laid-back picnic, easy conversations, and a welcoming group of people aged **25 to 35** who are open to meeting others and enjoying a spring afternoon outdoors. Whether you just moved to Brussels or you've been here for years and want to expand your circle, this is your kind of afternoon. **Free entry. Good energy. New faces.**

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Tuesday – Easy Social Run 🕒 18:30 * 5–8 km * Relaxed pace * All levels welcome 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Thursday – Long Run (Main Session) 🕒 18:30 * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression (Thursdays) We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

***Spring is back in Brussels, and this time we’re celebrating*** **Easter Sunday properly**: a garden BBQ, shared food, sun, and a table that actually brings people together. This event is about the **spirit of Easter**: renewal, sharing, generosity, and sitting down with others to enjoy real food and real conversation. You don’t need to be religious. You don’t need to believe anything. You just need to show up with the right mindset. **Everyone is welcome — all backgrounds, all cultures, all beliefs.** **The vibe** Backyard BBQ, relaxed but intentional Sharing food, stories, and cultures Conversations that move freely between languages **Food philosophy (important)** Easter is about **sharing and abundance**, not convenience. We strongly prefer **homemade food to share**. This is how you bring something meaningful to the table. Let’s be honest: **sad last-minute supermarket food has nothing to do with Easter values.** If you cook, cook something real; something your mama would cook. If you don’t cook, don’t compensate with low-effort junk. **If you cannot cook:** **You can still fully participate by contributing to the food preparation** **→ cash on arrival or via Payconiq / Wise / Revolut** This allows us to prepare proper dishes and keep quality high. Bring & Share (if you cook) **Food + drinks for you AND something to share** Cultural dishes encouraged: bring your “this is what we eat at home” Homemade always wins Drinks= Better quality, more balance We especially need proper soft drinks and also water **Location (shared privately)** **Address shared only with confirmed participants who:** **Join the WhatsApp group** **Send a short intro: name + languages + interests** **WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy** **Rules** **Not a dating event** No drama, no weird behavior, no pushing boundaries Respect the place, the people, and the spirit of the day **Come to share, not just to consume.** * * This is not an “NPC meetup” where everyone tiptoes around like they’re negotiating a hostage release. People can talk freely and share opinions. **No censorship, no tone-policing, no drama farming.** * **No creeps. No harassment. No pushing after a “no.” No weird DMs.** * Respect the host’s home, neighbors, and the group. * If you act shady, you’re out. Simple.

Join us for a beautiful **nature escape just outside Brussels**, combining a relaxing forest walk with a visit around the elegant **Château de Rixensart** 🏰 A perfect Sunday to **disconnect, meet new people, and enjoy spring vibes together** 🌱 --- ## 📍 The Plan We take the train together to **Rixensart**, then start a scenic loop through the **Bois de Rixensart** 🌳 ✨ What to expect: * Peaceful forest paths * Small elevation (easy & accessible) * A full loop of approx. **8 km** * A stop near the charming **Château de Rixensart** * Social, relaxed group atmosphere 🧡 No one left behind — we adapt to the group --- ## ⏱️ Schedule * Meeting point: Brussels (exact station shared in WhatsApp group) * Train to Rixensart * Start of hike: ~10:45–11:00 * Lunch break during the walk 🥪 * Return to Brussels mid/late afternoon --- ## 🥾 Difficulty 🟢 Easy to Moderate * Distance: ~8 km * Suitable for beginners with basic fitness * Mostly flat forest terrain --- ## 🧭 What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes (⚠️ can be muddy) * Water * Packed lunch or snacks * Positive vibes 😄 --- ## 🚆 Transport We go together by **train from Brussels** 👉 You can use your usual SNCB ticket --- ## 👥 Community & Vibe This is a **social hike**, not a race Come solo or with friends — most people come alone and leave with new connections 🤝 --- ## 💛 Sunday Vacations Membership To join our activities, you need to be a member: * Explorer: €5/year + €5 organizing fee per event * Voyager: €50/year (no organizing fees) * Ambassador: €150/year (all included + perks) 🎁 First activity is free after joining 👉 Membership link will be shared after RSVP --- ## ⚠️ Important Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL is a **community group** We organize social activities — each participant is responsible for themselves --- ## 📲 WhatsApp Group A WhatsApp group will be shared before the event for: * exact meeting point * live updates * coordination --- ✨ A simple, beautiful day in nature — just what we need on a Sunday

**PLEASE READ THE ATTENDANCE POLICY (below) IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME** **SUNDAY COFFEE & JAPANESE CONVERSATION** 日曜日のコーヒー＆日本語会話 Our "Japanese/English Conversation Exchange" offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and language, all while helping native Japanese members to learn their target language. 私たちの「日本語/英語会話交流」は、日本の文化と言語の世界に没頭しながら、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学ぶのを手助けするユニークな機会を提供します。 **Date: /** 日付：**(almost) every Sunday** **Time: /** 時間：**from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm** **Location: /** 場所：**Cafe Caberdouche - Place de la Liberté 8, 1000 Bruxelles** **Venue Note: /** 会場の注意：**The manager of the cafe kindly accepted us to book a table on a regular basis. To thank him for his kindness, please order AT LEAST ONE DRINK**. カフェのマネージャーが親切にも私たちに定期的にテーブルを予約することを承諾してくださいました。その親切に感謝の意を示すために、少なくとも1杯のドリンクを注文してください。 **Location Assistance: /** 場所の案内：**If you can't find us, ask one of the waiters. They know where we are :) You can also send us a message.** 私たちを見つけられない場合は、ウェイターの一人に尋ねてください。彼らは私たちがどこにいるか知っています :) メッセージも送っていただけます。 **Event Agenda: /** イベントのアジェンダ： * **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: JAPANESE CONVERSATION** \- Join us for the Japanese conversation and cultural exploration\. Beginners are welcome / 日本語会話 \- 最初の30分は日本語の会話と文化探求に充てられています。初心者も聞くだけでも歓迎です。30分後に参加しても構いません。多言語交換 \- ベルギーの多様性を体験し、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学びたいと熱心に待っています。さまざまな言語で異文化交流の会話に参加しましょう。私たちの日本の友人にベルギーの文化、伝統、生活を紹介しましょう。 * **6:00 PM: EVENT CONCLUSION** \- Please respect the event's start and end times to maximize your language exchange opportunities\. Your participation and enthusiasm are appreciated\! イベントの終了 \- イベントの開始時間と終了時間を尊重して、言語交換の機会を最大限に活用してください。参加と熱意に感謝します！ **Attendance Policy: --->** 以下の日本語 * We're excited to have you join our events and appreciate your commitment to learning and growing together. To ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants, please take note of our attendance policy: 1. **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time for scheduled events. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow of the event and may miss important information. 2. **Language Commitment:** If you sign up for language-specific sessions, such as Japanese conversation or language exchange, we kindly request your commitment to actively participate in that language for the designated duration. 3. **Respect:** Treat fellow participants, organizers, and cafe staff with respect and courtesy. Harassment or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 4. **Removal Policy:** A participant who is not respectful towards other members will be removed from the group and blocked, with no warning. This point is not negotiable. 5. **Cancellation:** If you are unable to attend an event you've registered for, please let us know as soon as possible. This helps us plan accordingly and allows others to take your place if there's a waitlist. 6. **No-Show Policy:** Three no-shows (failing to attend without prior notice) may result in restrictions on event registration to ensure fairness to other participants. By attending our events, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and connect. Thank you for being part of our community! **出席ポリシー：** 私たちは、イベントに参加していただけることを楽しみにしており、皆さんが一緒に学び成長することに取り組んでいただけることを感謝しています。すべての参加者が生産的で楽しい経験をするために、出席ポリシーにご留意ください： 1. 時間厳守：予定されたイベントには時間通りにお越しください。遅刻はイベントの流れを乱し、重要な情報を見逃す可能性があります。日本語のみのセッションは午後4時、全言語のセッションは午後4時30分開始です。 2. 言語へのコミットメント：日本語会話や言語交換など、特定の言語のセッションに登録された場合は、その言語での積極的な参加をお願いします。 3. 尊重：他の参加者、主催者、カフェのスタッフには敬意と礼儀をもって接してください。嫌がらせや迷惑行為は許容されません。 4. 退場ポリシー：他のメンバーに対して敬意を持たない参加者は、警告なしにグループから削除され、ブロックされます。このポイントは交渉の余地がありません。 5. キャンセル：登録したイベントに参加できない場合は、できるだけ早くお知らせください。これにより、他の人があなたの代わりを取ることができます。 6. ノーショーポリシー：事前の通知なしに3回のノーショー（欠席）がある場合は、他の参加者に公平になるようイベントの登録に制限がかかる場合があります。 私たちのイベントに参加することで、これらのガイドラインに従うことに同意するものとします。私たちはみなさんが学び、つながることができるように歓迎される包括的な環境を作り出すことを目指しています。コミュニティの一部としてご参加いただき、ありがとうございます！ **Note: Please stay tuned to our event page for updates and schedule changes. We can't wait to see you there and exchange languages, cultures, and stories!** 備考：更新やスケジュールの変更については、イベントページをご覧ください。そこで皆さんにお会いして、言語や文化、物語を交換できるのを楽しみにしています！

♟️ **Rejoignez l’aventure Knight Clubbers !** ♟️ Venez vivre une soirée où l’échiquier devient un champ de bataille, entre bonne humeur et esprit de compétition. 🔗 **Inscription gratuite** : [S'inscrire](https://knightclubbers.com/meetup/662589?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=social) ✨ **Des parties pour tous les niveaux** Débutant curieux ou stratège aguerri, chaque partie est l’occasion parfaite pour progresser et rencontrer d’autres passionné.e.s. 🕒 **Liberté totale – Jouez à votre rythme** Participez aux duels ou observez dans une ambiance conviviale. 🏆 **Défiez vos adversaires et grimpez au classement** Accumulez les victoires pour tenter de devenir Roi ou Reine de l’Arène. 👑 **Prêts pour le défi ?** Rejoignez Knight Clubbers et entrez dans la légende !

¡Ey, qué tal! ¿Crees que podrías sobrevivir solo con tu español? Vamos a ponerlo a prueba con un cafecito☕️ (o con lo que te dé la gana en el momento, ya sea una bebida o un snack ) Dónde: Leopold PDN. Este café puede ser algo difícil de encontrar, especialmente cuando llueve ️☔️, pero así empieza la aventura, ¿no? No esperes hasta estar completamente perdido—mándame un mensaje antes de empezar a maldecir Google Maps ️. ‼️️Si el clima se porta, picnic en el parque (Cinquantenaire), obvio. La idea: Pides algo (¡obligatorio! ☝️) y te unes a la mesa. Empezamos con una mini intro y luego hablamos de todo: actividades, viajes, música… Y si tienes ganas, ¡jugamos a algo! Todo en español, así que ¡prepárate para la inmersión! Dependiendo de cuántos seamos, podemos dividirnos por niveles para que todos disfruten al máximo. Juegos: Nada de tableros gigantes que acaben tirando los cafés por toda la mesa. Solo juegos rápidos y divertidos (tipo UNO o Exploding Kittens ). Yo llevaré unos, pero si tienes alguno que te guste, tráelo sin miedo. Eso sí, los juegos con texto, ¡en español! ⏱ Horarios: Empezamos a las 15:00, pero si llegas más tarde, no pasa nada, te unes cuando quieras y te quedas el rato que quieras. ¿Vas a llegar después de las 15:30? Dímelo en el chat para guardarte un lugar. Lista de espera Si estás en la lista de espera pero realmente quieres venir, o si tienes cualquier duda, mándame un mensaje directo... Más info se puede compartir en el chat o por DM —asegúrate de revisar tus mensajes el día antes para no perderte nada crítico . ‍🐈‍⬛ El Código de los Amigos: Nada de formalidades – aquí venimos a divertirnos Respeto y buena onda – si no, ¡¿Los errores?! ¡Nos dan igual! Y si nos cuesta, cambiamos al inglés o mejor: 💃 ¿No puedes venir? Cancela para que alguien en la lista de espera pueda tomar tu lugar Si estás en la lista de espera, no te presentes sin confirmación. ¡Hasta luego!

CE DIMANCHE 05.04 – BELGIUM MAIN EVENT **JACKITO ღ LATINO & AFRO VIBES ღ Dimanche 05 Avril \| Entrée Gratuite < 00:00** Veille de jour Férié *** ➥ Entrée GRATUITE AVANT 00h00 ➥TU TELECHARGES TA PLACE GRATUITE VALABLE AVANT 00h00 VIA EVENTBRITE : [https://www.eventbrite.be/e/billets-jackito-latino-afro-vibes-dimanche-05-avril-entree-gratuite-0000-1986137027314?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.be/e/billets-jackito-latino-afro-vibes-dimanche-05-avril-entree-gratuite-0000-1986137027314?aff=oddtdtcreator) Ce Dimanche 05 Avril, préparez-vous… La Jackito, la soirée la plus caliente du Doktor Jack, revient réchauffer vos âmes. Au programme : un délicieux mélange latino et fusion afrobeat de quoi vous croire en plein été, même par ce temps absolument glacial. 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗦: *** ➥ Entrée GRATUITE AVANT 00h00 ➥ Après 00h00 -> entrée = 10€ ➥ Réservation de tables (WhatsApp) : 𝟎𝟒𝟗𝟔𝟐𝟔𝟕𝟐𝟔𝟓 ➥En collaboration avec les Belges Jeunesses ➥ Clos Lamartine 5, 1420 Braine L'Alleud ➥ Pour tous renseignements : info@drjack.be ➥ Facebook -> [https://fb.me/e/4bET5vfSZ](https://fb.me/e/4bET5vfSZ) 18+ Tenue correcte exigée

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**