Previously… With every Up Ahead there's a Lag Behind. Davina never knew how it felt to take the lead. I'll show them what happens when everyone leaves my side, she thought. He won't notice if I walk away, but Darla and the boys are going to have to dig deep to find their Candelaria strength.…

Previously… You're expected to do things on sunny days. That's way too much pressure for me. There's a delicious sense of some kind of infinite mess percolating on an overcast day. All complex and bubbly. Nice weather, though, is a Mylar balloon — looks cheerful but there's not much going on inside. Summery-ness is kind…

Previously… Darla Varney was on the Interstate headed westbound when the timer beeped. Ingredients for baked French toast were neatly laid out on the counter ready for assembly. Thick slices of stale bread. Cinnamon and raisins. Milk and eggs whipped to pale yellow perfection. No note. Important things needed to be memorized. By the time…

Previously… But it is lazy, sloppy storytelling. Isn't it? It was all just a dream. Sleep, though. That's where it all happens. Sleep is a mistress. The perfect companion. The keeper of secrets. Gives gives gives while you take take take. Respectable, and you wake up refreshed in the morning. No need for flowers or…

Previously… Humans can justify anything. It's all about The-Pursuit-of-a-Feel-Good, Follow-Your-BigB-Right-On-Into-Eternity, Happy & Peppy & Bursting with Love & Stuff life. Right? Sure. Darla the Artist has it all figured out. She stops making things, she stops … she just stops. That pretty well nails it. Darla the Daughter / Sister / Patient comes and goes…

Previously… Shrouded in mystery (or some say bad taste), the Varney legacy lost all legitimacy when the State rejected the family's claim outright. The story, as told to various health care professionals and law enforcement agencies, was sealed from the public, but not before a few of those stubborn puzzle pieces found their way into…

Previously… Come away to the woods with me at the hour when all is awash in soft, wavering light. Then I will tell you my story in which you will be forever lost. Lost to your health, your family, your sense of right and wrong. Lose yourself in my song. Its words and rhythm have…

Previously… Some tales are meant to be shared. The magic of imagination creates a bond between storyteller and listener, and all who enter the circle are given a gift to do with as he or she sees fit. And then there are stories that belong on a flash drive, kept safely out of sight, and…

Previously… By now I've figured out life got and gets really interesting when I hit the ages 7, 17, 27, 37…you see the pattern. To avoid disturbing encounters, I don't tell anyone my birthday. Cake and ice cream and a woman on the ground flopping like a fish is not my idea of fun. Anyway,…

Previously… it should be noted many people live inside me. me meaning you meaning the guy who runs the register at the mini-mart meaning ort…in other words, all of us have beings who live in our bodies. "innards," i like to call them. i wouldn't mind the company if they all got along, but just…