“Daddy!” Noah blinked awake, startled. A tiny bony elbow dug into his side and a small hand patted his face. “Let’s play Legos!” He groaned and looked toward the clock, then his wife. Two o’clock in the morning. His wife Emily was reasonably and sensibly asleep. Noah reached for the spare pillow. “I’m going to …
“Han, I need you to understand something.” Jess stood in the middle of the kitchen as she began her declaration. “Yes, dear?” Han asked as he threw open the windows and moved to turn on the ceiling fan in the dining room, then the vent fan over the stove. “I was born with a silver …
The cottage was even cozier inside than out: white wainscot, stone fireplace with broad hearth and mantle, built-in bookcases, low-hanging eaves. Sunlight dappled the wooden floors through the sheltering oak and maple branches at the windows. This was a far cry from the warzone Mark Trindale had been living in for the past four …
It was difficult walking around with a cloudy sky in one’s heart and storms in one’s mind. The feeling of everything going on in the world was heavy, too heavy for any one person to carry. That’s what Mama Ruth would say, Cassie thought to herself, pulling down a mug with one hand and pouring …
“Happy New Year,” Cassie said softly, staring at morning sunrise from the front porch swing, a warm mug of tea cradled in her hands. It wasn’t said to anyone in particular, or so one would think if they saw her keeping this annual tradition once taught her by her mother. Even if her mother wasn’t …
“I love you!” “Mom,” Chaz protested halfheartedly. She kissed his cheek, despite masculine teenage views on minimizing displays of sentiment. “Mom!” “Have a good day at school!” She tucked the younger children’s hands in his and sent them on their way. Chaz sighed but walked his siblings to the elementary and double-checked their lunches before …
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 NKJV Chaz was already sitting on the front porch steps when Tren arrived, a cool morning breeze nipping at his face and arms. He pushed up his glasses to better see his friend. Chaz’s shoulders were hunched and his gaze trained …