My dad died when I was nine. One minute, he was in the kitchen flipping pancakes, humming off-key and laughing at his own bad jokes, and the next, he was on the floor. I still remember the sound of the spatula hitting the tile. The way Mom screamed and the flashing red lights outside…

Growing up, I always felt like I was standing just outside the spotlight. My younger sister, Chloe, was the star. She was the golden child possessing the looks, charm, and admiration of everyone in our lives — especially our parents. However, her true nature was finally exposed when she chose to babysit my son.…

When you’ve spent ten years trying to have a child, you start to think that the universe is punishing you for something you can’t name. I don’t know how many appointments we went to. I think I lost count after the fifth clinic and after the seventh specialist who said we should “manage expectations.”…

H – “Hello?” W – “Honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?” H – “Yes.” W – “Great! I’m at the mall two blocks from you. I just saw a beautiful mink coat. It’s absolutely gorgeous! Can I buy it?” H – “What’s the price?” W – “Only $1,500.” H – “Well… okay,…

I’m not one to stare at strangers, but that day, I couldn’t help it. The woman pushing the fancy stroller was hard to miss. The material was a rich, dark coffee color, the kind that looked buttery soft to the touch. It wasn’t bulky or clunky like most strollers you see. No, this was…

Friendships are complicated things. Sophie and I weren’t the storybook best friends who did everything together. Instead, ours was built on a shaky foundation of high school rivalry, competing for grades, sports, and even attention at parties. But somewhere along the way, we found common ground. By college, she was the one I trusted…