Elizabeth slowly perused the choice of snack crackers at the small grocery store, which was minimal. She picked out a couple boxes and placed them in her basket next to the apples, bananas and cheese she'd already selected. Her task had been snack food. Her husband, Ben, was an aisle over looking for vegetables. They met at the end of their respective aisles and walked over to where their friends, Darren and Carrie, were...

Marci was disappointed she couldn't go on the hike planned for this morning because of her ankle injury. It was to be the final hike of the week, as several people had to leave that evening for the airport. Kayla had gotten up early, around 6:30 or so, to join the group and had woken her. Marci had tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't. She lay in bed for a while thinking but finally decided to get up. Marci stripped ou...

Cathy had finished her shower and toweled herself off. She stood nude in front of the mirror brushing her teeth. As she brushed she looked at her body, knowing it would never go back to the way it was before the baby. While she was down to her pre-conception weight, she was still pudgy around the middle, but that was to be expected. She finished brushing her teeth. She glanced in the mirror again and cupped her breasts in...

My husband and I got out of our car and walked in silence the short block to the townhouse we'd never visited before. It was about 7:30 on this fall night. The air was cool and crisp. I nervously fiddled with my purse as we walked. The conversation that started it all took place about three months ago. One evening my husband, Chris, and I were lying in bed after making love. We lay on our sides facing each other, his hand...

The sunlight shining through the window and the soft chirp of birds stir me in my sleep and interrupt my dream. With my eyes closed and mind still only half awake, I roll over to wrap my arm around your sleeping form, only to find nothing there but empty space on the bed. I open my eyes and the visual confirmation of your absence reminds me - it's Monday. I twist my body under the sheets back to the center of our bed, my...