Lisa Jane Smith

expecting to hear Mom coming down the stairs or Dad calling from the den.

This is my same old bedroom, with the scorch mark on the floorboards where Caroline and I tried to sneak cigarettes in 5th grade

the big quince tree

The morning ritual of washing and dressing was soothing, and she dawdled over it, sorting through her new outfits from Paris.

You’re going to be late for school!” The voice drifted faintly up from below.

I’ll get a doughnut before school,” said Elena briskly. She dropped a kiss on Margaret’s tow head and turned to go.

yellow-tinged leaves

There was an explosion of leaves, but the crow soared up unharmed. Its wings were huge, and they made enough racket for a whole flock of crows.

Nothing bad was going to happen—except that she was going to be late getting to school.

fast-food joints.