Two strangers cross paths on a hot summer day. The chance meeting between Izulu Blackfeather and Maria Jo Ward, a man and woman from completely different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnic, racial, and religious groups, will change their lives forever.Their paths cross at a Wall Street diner in the summer of 1976. She, an alluring, black-haired beauty with pouty lips and fair skin, is wearing large, dark sunglasses. He, with reddish-brown skin, black hair, and penetrating black eyes, notes that she is seated at his favorite table in his favorite diner. One look at her, and he knows there is something intriguing hidden behind those huge sunglasses.He speaks and she nods, acknowledging him. Then she looks away into the distance, staring out the window. He sees sadness and pain on her face and wants to know why. Izulu finds that he needs to know more about Maria, as much as he knows about himself.She finishes her meal, gets up from the table, looks down at him, and smiles wearily. Without saying goodbye, she walks out of the diner onto the busy New York street. He wonders if he will ever see her again as she disappears from view. (About the Author) Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, author Walter N. Davenport Jr. now resides in the Netherlands. Having served in the U.S. military, as an officer in the District of Columbia's Police Department, and in the U.S. Diplomatic Corp, the author has lived in many countries. He previously wrote two books of poetry, The Poetry of Life (2001), and The Poetry of Life!! (2013).