Stories rich with compassion, heartbreak, and surprise. A woman finds comfort eating lunch before daily hospital visits to her best friend; the family of a missing teenager fear the worst. Silent phone calls cause dread; a mirror reflects generations of strength and ingenuity. These fourteen stories delve into the full spectrum of human relationships, peering behind the façade to find the joy and tragedy, the surreal and the wistful. ** Containing work previously published in LIBBON, Words with Jam, New Fiction Magazine and more, this updated 2nd edition includes Crawford's debut short story, Tasting the Glass, as well as three stories exclusive to this collection. Praise for the first edition: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An amazing collection of short stories that will stick with you long after you've finished reading them - Kazzy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The stories left me wondering and musing but also strangely and wonderfully satisfied. Thank you for such a treat! - I Forgive Heathcliff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every story is memorable, and unlike any you've read before. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this book, but I may just have to read it again. The first time, I gobbled the stories like a bag of chips. Next time, I'll try to slow down and savor. If I can. - Susan Flett Swiderski