The Puma Years Novels & Stories

Sinclair. Half a year later, I was able to eyeball the grade and purity of 12 common types of plastics. It made me somewhat of an expert in the industry. Within a year, I had established a solid foothold in the industry, founded my own company, and hit over ten million dollars in annual sales. All Souls' Day was right around the corner, so I drove my own car back to my hometown to pay respects to my ancestors. I ran into Uncle Liam in front of my grandpa John Graham's grave.

I clutched my chest, gasping for breath as tears blurred my vision. My fists clenched so tightly my nails dug deep into my palms, using the pain to keep myself upright. “Wandi spent a year overseas, recuperating, before she was willing to forgive Neve. In a couple of days, I’ll stage a medical ‘miracle’, stand up again, and let her resume being the Donna. This year is a penance for her willfulness.” Each word of his was uttered coolly, piercing deeper into my heart. “But… it has been a year. Will she buy it?” someone asked hesitantly.

The tough decisions were Helen's to make. The following day, Chloe strode into the office and handed in her resignation. When she got home, she began to sift through the mountain of photos that chronicled the trio's shared history. Over twenty years of friendship had produced album after album of memories. Childhood games of house with Andrew and Stephen, middle school award ceremonies, college road trips... Each photo brought the past to life, as if she could step right back into those moments. However, those days were gone, and they did not matter anymore.