A High school child runs away from home to escape an abusive step father and step brother.

”My New Year Resolution is to the win the school beauty pageant this year!”

That came at the end of several days of not so subtle pressure on me. Not to participate in the pageant but to “man up” and be more assertive and competitive. My family is very competitive. No matter what, they always competed. Sports, academics, work … you name it. My big brother was the school quarterback, my big sister was the girls’ athletics team leader. Since they were twins and seniors they also competed to be the valedictorian. That fight was vicious.

Mark - recently widowed, must face his new life, can he find his joy?

“Kelly?” Rylee said softly from the back seat of Elaine’s minivan. Both Kelly and Elaine nearly started; Rylee had barely spoken in the past on these routine trips to school, though they’d been doing it for weeks now. Maybe months. Rylee couldn’t keep track.

“What’s up, Rylee?” Kelly’s voice was slightly guarded; she did a half-turn, peering from the front passenger seat back toward Rylee who fidgeted in one of the back pilot seats. Rylee was well aware of Elaine, Kelly’s mother, watching her in the rear view mirror.