“Why are we meeting here, of all places? I thought we spoke about the danger this Lake bestows upon our lives the second we come here?”

Irina crosses her arms as she scoffs at her boyfriend.

“What’s wrong, honey bunches of oats? Scared that your scholarships are going to stop flowing in?”

Vincenzo wraps his hand around her throat.

“Don’t mess around with me. I still own you, and your life is...

I should’ve stuck with my one worded answer My voice shouldn’t have shook My eyes shouldn’t have diverted to the floor My strictness shouldn’t have subsided She used to listen to me in the early stages of her life Now, she sees me as nothing more than a joke After her begging and pleading, I couldn’t contain myself any longer Pouring a full glass of milk Sitting at the table with five sugar cooki...

I fiddle with my hands, as him and I breathe in this quiet space. Neither of us knew what to say. My inner thoughts are screaming at me to end this, and make it quick. Confrontation isn’t my strong suit, and neither is admitting hidden truths. He shifts sideways in his seat, taking his warm hands to grab my cold ones.

“When are you going to stop acting nervous around me? We’ve worked together ...

“Aah, no! Don’t die on me. Monica, quick. Throw me my charger.”

The 10 year old tummy tuck rolled across her mothers bed. She looked from the door to the dresser. Placing a hand on her ear, she spoke in a low tone.

“Little bird, here. Do I have the all clear to retrieve the item?”

In the hallway, her older brother kept an eye on their Bernese Mountain Dog, Snaggle Tooth.

“Golden eagle gives ...

Day 214,

I am on my last can of beans. Should I save it for another time? Am I really hungry?

Day 217,

I’ve searched five stores 28 kilometers from me and haven’t found a single ration of food. I don’t care if it’s a can of tomatoes. My stomach will consume anything at this point. Please God, help me find something.

Day 221,

Here I stand, in front of my childhood home. What was once memor...

“What are you doing out here child?”

Yuri laid motionless as she continued staring up at the sky.

The man extended his hand while eyes searched around the meadows.

“Your father will have my head if I don’t bring you home in 10 minutes.”

Yuri closed her eyes as she heard wolves howling, crickets chirping, and trees blowing in the wind. She laid her arms on the green, cut grass.

“Lay with me...