The Calling

              Mina slouched in her seat, staring at her shoes. How did she get here? She snuck a glance at the others staggered in a rough circle of folding metal chairs. She’d been at Hope House for ten days, but this was her first group session. The last week...

Finding Father

                        “Papa, you can’t leave. It’s too dangerous,” Mahala pleaded.            “Little one, I must go. It’s the only hope for Tobah. I will return at day’s end.”            Mahala stepped aside and watched her father disappear over the ridge. She...

Beautiful Music

              CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK’S POST              “Why don’t we go over to the university after dinner?” Emily asked.              Michael’s gaze searched Emily’s. “I’m tired. I’m not sure I’m up to it.”             “After the day you had, it will make...

Finding Worth

                        Michael disconnected the call just as his computer calendar signaled a reminder. His stomach dropped. Time for his performance review.  He trudged down the hall to his boss’s office and knocked on the open door. Mr. Owens looked up from his...

True Beauty

            Julie poured hot water into her friends’ mugs as they gathered around her dining room table.             “Thanks,” Susan said, as she plopped a tea bag into her cup. She settled back against her chair and glanced at the large mirror opposite her. “I don’t...

New Hope

            “It’s open,” Russ called, in response to the sound of his doorbell. In walked Jessica. No surprise there. She’d visited every weekend since his injury.  She walked over to his chair, pulled the remote from his hand, and clicked off the TV.             “I...