A House Divided, Built Upon Sand and Stone

   "We are strong.  We adapt."  Marco spread his arms, circling the ashes of his home.  "This is just another test we've been sent to face."
   Marco was a youth minister.  He helped guide many young people through their troubles.
   Now, he needed God to guide him.  Because his family refused to listen.  All they could feel was grief and anger.
   He prayed for God's forgiveness.
   His family did not.

Quiet

   All Bethany needed was the quiet.  An hour of no children running, screaming, or pulling each other's hair.  And no husband to come home, complaining about his sex life and how hungry it made him.  An hour of quiet was all she had--and all she wanted.
   "'Ey, you."  The warden banged against Bethany's cell.  "You're next."
   The buzz of the hair clippers at once numbed and thrilled her.

Breaking Routine Is Unfamiliar Territory

   Ever since aunt Cheri visited the grand canyon last summer, she has wanted to go back.  
   "Oh!" she says, "We should've done the donkey trails!" The flowers on her nightgown swirl around her fuzzy slippers.  "Everyone says that we should've!  We need to go back."  She stubs her cigarette in the tray.  "We missed the best part!"
   "Aunt Cheri, if you wanna go, go!  It's only an hour drive."

Just Another Day

   Calvin let the phone ring three times before dropping his pen, "Good Morning, this is Calvin.  How may I help you today?"
   The elderly man on the other end took five minutes explaining his predicament, and two minutes in, Calvin went back to writing in his padfolio.
   "Well, sir that does sound like a pickle."  Calvin pinched his nose above his black glasses and continued to listen.
   "Uh-huh..."