Semi-Daily Scribbles

Dear Zoë,

Thanks for bailing on me, sis. You really need to examine your habit of shutting down when things get unpleasant. People were counting on you to get the job done. Instead, you turned off the lights and left the building. You fell out of orbit thinking no one would notice! I can't complete this mission on my own. You used to believe in me, so what's changed? We were a team. When did you stop being a part of this world?

“Zoë, what’s that you’re reading? I hope it’s the résumé Mohit is expecting. Don’t squander this opportunity to leave your life of menial labor behind.” That was the closest thing to a simple Good Morning Roger Altbridge had in him on a rain-soaked Tuesday.

“Uh, nothing, Dad.” Zoë stuffed Alex's note in her backpack and grabbed a silvery pouch of blueberry toaster pastries from the pantry. “See you later,” she called out to the house as she trotted past her parents to the front door. “Can’t be late for my date with low-wage employment.”