La vida

**The House of Hope** I lay awake, watching the streaks of headlights flicker across the ceiling as cars

“Katie, forgive me…” Frederick cracked open one eye and immediately squeezed it shut again.

Rose lay with her eyes closed. Across the room, Lily sat cross-legged on the other bed, reading a textbook aloud.

Stephen cracked open one eye and immediately squeezed it shut again. The low March sun aimed a merciless

Traffic Standstill The cars were frozen in tight rows, not moving an inch in either direction for the

Flowers Vera lay on her bed with her eyes closed. Across the narrow room, Olivia sat cross-legged on

Flowers Vera lay on her bed, eyes half-closed. Across the narrow dormitory room, Holly sat cross-legged

After dinner, Poppy curled up on the sofa with her legs tucked under her and picked up her book.

**No Regrets** They sat on the riverbank, watching ducks snatch pieces of bread midair, tossed by children.

**For Love** “Excuse me, miss, do you know where Suvorov Street is? I’ve been walking in circles