About this story
By morning he is gone, and you are deciding what of his to keep before relatives you have never met come to claim you. The Murrays argue over duty behind the parlour door — Elizabeth flatly, Laura tenderly, Cousin Ruth doubtfully — until they let chance decide who takes you in. The slip drawn bears Elizabeth's name.
How it opens
Wind moved through the Maywood spruces while your father rested beside the window.
Douglas StarrEmily, describe the sunset without using beautiful or glorious.
You balanced your notebook on the bed and watched red light enter his hollow cheeks.
Ellen GreeneWords will not reduce a fever that has climbed since breakfast.
Douglas StarrNo, but they may keep one child company after fever finishes its argument.
Choose
The sky looks like a secret the spruces cannot keep.
It is a red road ending where I cannot follow.