From the Heart

              “Have a good day. Thanks for the ride.” Danielle kissed John on the cheek and stepped out of the car. She shut the passenger door, about to open the back door to retrieve her bag, but John drove off. She jumped and waved, but he sped away without looking...

            The knot tightened in Nick’s stomach with every passing mile. When the captain announced they were about to land, Nick drew in a shaky breath. He hadn’t been home since the beginning of the semester, not even for Thanksgiving. He’d made some excuse about...

The last well-wisher was gone, and Etta leaned on the door for a moment. Boots wove between her legs, purring. Etta straightened and moved to the couch. She pressed a tissue to her eyes, then sat. Boots jumped onto the sofa and settled next to her, his head in her...