“Blistering Heat” begins the collection. Henrietta, an ambitious archeologist, runs out of time to make a big discovery. Her less ambitious co-lead, Jack, wants to call it quits as the rest of team struggle to stay hydrated and motivated as the minutes tick down. When failure would mean an end to her career before it even starts, Henrietta has to push herself to her limits to get what she wants.
“Strange Things Afoot in Room 302” follows a disenchanted housewife, Malorie, as she confronts her cheating husband, John. When lying to her won’t work, John opts to drag his despondent wife’s character through the mud. The dirty laundry and faults of a marriage are exposed in this flash fiction piece. Malorie has to decide to stand up for herself, or submit to John’s lies.
“Diverging Paths” heralds the end of the collection with a pair of struggling artists contemplating their futures. Jonas, full of passion and a desire for prominence, butts heads with Elias, a man who enjoys art for the sake of making art. The story delves deep into their relationship and hopes for the other one’s future. Both characters struggle to balance their individual dreams with their shared lives.
