The Only Door That Opened When the Others Closed

the gutter.

The waitress came by and cleared the small bowl of untouched coleslaw, leaving the bill face down on the table.

Ivy paid the three dollars for her coffee, counting out the exact change from her small coin purse.

The coin purse was a worn leather pouch Carol had given her years ago, the brass clasp loose but still holding.

She packed her creased continue reading …