“I’ve got plenty of time,” I thought as I snapped my laptop shut. “The algorithm is done,” I called to Suzanna. “Once I upload it, we’ll be in the clear!” Relief flooded my whole body. I felt practically euphoric.

“Fabulous!” Suzanna plopped onto the couch. “I’m so relieved! I mean, just think, this time tomorrow everything could have been over.” She sat very still, contemplating the weight of t...

“I think I just met the happiest person in the world!” my wife said as she placed empty plates on the table.

“What do you mean?” I ask as I steal a piece of orange chicken from the to-go boxes and stuff it into my mouth. I set the containers onto the center of our small, round table.

My wife and I were doing our nightly dance, reaching around each other in our small apartment kitchen, gatherin...

I sat at the large metal table with my sweaty hands folded in my lap. The room was cold and dim, but I felt heat radiating from my face as I sat waiting, my heart and mind racing.

The door opened and a middle aged police officer entered the room. He looked much like my dad, which was a bit comforting.

“I’m Officer Lee, and you’re…” he glanced at the clipboard in his hand, “you’re Regina Willia...

The moment I said “no”, I could see her eyes darken. I knew what would come next, and my brain quickly strategized of a way out of the store. Unfortunately, the lines were long, and it would take me at least 30 minutes to purchase the grocery items overflowing out of our cart. I couldn’t abandon the cart. I needed the items. I wouldn’t have time to come back. I also refused to give into the deman...