Five short stories weave around everyday circumstances when sudden disruptions test, pull, strain, shake, and nearly snap the characters' relationships. Are the ties binding them together fragile or unbreakable?

Silly Hobby

Justina wants to hear good news from her literary agent, but she didn't expect her confidence to be derailed by hoity-toity neighbor Lola's offhand comment. A hilarious series of events at her three year-old's birthday party distracts her from her heart's longings. If Lola is right, Justine's stolen moments in pursuit of her dream are for nothing.

Cherry Italian Ices for Summer

Mark and pregnant wife Cerise have pegged all their hopes on this baby, longing to start a family after years of disappointment. Exhausted, they're looking forward to a day of relaxation at Rockaway Beach, but Mark's secret tag-along guest upsets Cerise. When Cerise goes into labor prematurely, there's no way to reach a hospital. She must turn to her nemesis as ally and confidante.

Fragile-19

Carissa is mean to everyone in her life, including her favorite cousin Lyle. She has no intention of changing. The cousins made a pact to never support another man's war, so when Lyle enlists in the US Army and gets deployed to Afghanistan, Carissa refuses to forgive the betrayal and slips into a depression. She wants Lyle to return home, but when he does, she doesn't know how to act. In a time of Covid-19, there's more threat to their relationship than her mean spirit.

Shattered

Hernando wants nothing more than for his girlfriend Divashni to say yes when he proposes, but a misunderstanding of his intentions sends her off in a fury. To win her hand, he must persuade her that things aren't what they appear to be.

Under the Mulberry Tree at the Center of the Universe

Romantic prose describing the anticipation of a lover's kiss and embrace. The fantasy is about to be realized until Farmer Henry realizes this pair is trespassing on his property. Will they get to leave their mark?