The smiling eyes of his great-grandson renewed his strength. He happily choked out “I do” to the man of his dreams.

She fed him, read to him, helped him undress, caressed him. The next day he called her at work: the handcuffs were still locked.

The editor leans over the table and takes the top off the heart-shaped box. Inside are five chocolatey stories. Reach in and take a bite.

He smiled at her and stated the obvious, “I’ll sure miss you when you’re gone.” As he looked around their parlor, he could see only shadows.

Cake and debris littered the floor. Mascara ran in black rivers down my cheeks. My friends stood slack-jawed. Who wanted to turn 30 anyway?

Tears pooled in her eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest as she spoke the words aloud, “We found your father.”