They eyed each other from a  distance. He was playing softball with his friends. Nearby, she was jumping rope tirelessly, her favorite playtime activity. Snap, a home run flew over the fence. “You hit it, you get it,” Guichi yelled.  Tito bent down to pick up the ball and caught a glimpse of her. Their eyes locked. She looked away, but her heart fluttered.  Before family and friends, they…

Mom was determined to have our usual Chinese holiday dinner.  What about Covid? They say all restaurants are closed. COVID or no COVID, we eat Chinese; it’s tradition. After all, take-out is always available; big night for business. Walk over to Mott Street; there’s a small alley with lots of bright signs. You’ll find our favorite place for moo shoo chicken, Kim Pow, and Wonton soup.  But…

Although the restaurant wasn’t handing out food tonight, he felt no ill will. The homeless shelter had freshly brewed coffee and donuts set out. It would be enough for him. The streetlights were a warm welcome for the oncoming damp, chilly night.  The lamppost, near his favorite bench, was the ideal place to secure the fine bicycle he’d found at the Salvation Army today. The boots fit him…

Alberto tried to convince Blanca that tonight would be the perfect night to meet. He texted her to look out her window; it’s a dark night, no moon. No one will see you. What about the old lady across the street? She never sleeps, she texted back. Look, your father will be asleep. I finally got my brother to lend me his car.  It’s snowing. Cold! I’ll keep you warm. I promise I’ll get you home…

  “I don’t know what to make of it,” Arlene shook her head. “Of the sunset?” Molly’s already reedy voice rose higher. Arlene took a deep breath. She forgot just how literal her sister-in-law was. “No, the sunset is beautiful,” she stated. “And the arches.” Molly turned to face Arlene. The glow from the ball of fire in the distance rendered one of her cheeks fire-orange, the other ashen-gray. “So…

The way to love anything deeply is to realize that it may be lost to you one day. ©Isadora DeLaVega Randal’s work involved a great deal of traveling. He needed his aging parents to be safe in a nursing home. He searched for the right one. He wanted them to be together. They had been high school sweethearts; separating them would cause a lot of sadness for them. Now, walking into the empty room,…

    “There!” Tim pointed. “The rough without the diamond,” Robert snorted, hands shoved in the pockets of his too tight jeans. Melissa giggled.  Tim felt his heart sink. This was exactly what he wanted. How come the others could not see? “You’d do better in the junkyard,” Robert walked away. “He must’a hated you to leave you that” Melissa pranced behind him. “I’m sorry,” Tim whispered to the old…

  “So?” Ivor fished a tissue out of a pocket, buying time. Though not really a fan, Elena’s excitement had rubbed onto him, and he found himself trying to hide his disappointment. He didn’t think he could face hers. “Isn’t it amazing?” Elena pulled on his arm, pitch high in delight. “It sure is something,” he managed, relieved.  “Just like the Iron Throne, but made of crystals,” she rocked on her…