Micah slams the drawer of a file cabinet where hot cocoa sits atop. "Jesus, I hate this place!" he says. He rubs his chest, making the stain spread. "Sweetie, take a deep breath. Go buy a new one," Dana says. "And miss the sales party, noo thank you, " he replies. When that ignoramus sees my shirt, maybe he'll remember my bonus, Micah thinks. As Micah devours the food on his plate, the boss says, “My God! What happened to your shirt?" Micah releases a long sigh. "Hot cocoa a

Ella sits with her fingers interlocking, waiting for her granddaughter’s weekly visit. As Riley enters, Ella says, "Hurry, child. There is little time." Riley asks, “Little time for what?” Ella sways back and forth, waiting to hear a story. Riley, a writer, scrunches her nose from the whiff of strong ammonia in Ella's room. “How often are they changing the bedpans in this place?” she asks. A short time later, a chime prompts Riley to scan her phone. Ella appears to write a sa

“If you don't like the way things are, write a new chapter.” Chrissy storms into Louise’s kitchen as streaks of mascara stain her plump cheeks. “What has got you so bothered this morning?” Louise asks. “I am tired, Aunt Lou. Just tired of everything,” Chrissy says. “Life is full of twists and turns, my Dear. I would be a lying woman if I told you any different,” Louise says. “Well…how do I stop it from twisting?” Chrissy questions. “I'm afraid you can't, but no one can write