Fletcher Eight Months Later I shake my head, staring at Anton Horowitz’s latest ECG results. “Your ejection fraction rate has improved mightily. I almost can’t believe it. Fifty-three percent. You’re approaching the stats of a normally functioning heart. It’s impressive.” “Thank you,” the old man says with an extravagant smile. His daughter, Georgia, sits next to him. She reaches over, patting his hand. “Good job, Dad. I couldn’t be prouder of all that you’ve accomplished this past year.” He shrugs. “Eating right, exercising, taking the medicines doc’s got me on. Yeah, I feel like I could climb a mountain or something.” “Living at sixty-five hundred feet is the equivalent of…

Jerry One Week Later Delilah’s face flushes when she sees Stacey and me come out of the baggage area with our luggage. Stacey’s got a brand-new plum-colored carry-on and a rolling suitcase filled with a wardrobe purchased in Sin City. I lost count of how much of it is made up of sexy, lacy bra and panty sets, and I’ll never forget the dressing room escapade that required Sharpie commemoration. I feel hot under the collar just thinking about it.  “Congratulations, you two!” she exclaims, running over to hug Stacey and then me, her face radiating joy. “Sounds like I owe you a massive thank you for making this happen,…

Farzad Five Years Later “Who’s ready to go Christmas tree hunting?” I ask, laughing warmly at the precious scene unfolding before my eyes.  Shelby has Adam, our four-year-old, bundled up so tightly in a snowsuit, scarf, mittens, knit cap, and boots that he can barely bend his knees and elbows. His cheeks glow red, giving the impression he’s burning up despite our snow-covered front yard. But none of this bothers him as he claps his hands together, screaming, “I’m ready, Daddy!” His bright gold and green eyes shine, reminding me of myself at his age. But Ariana, our two-year-old, is all Shelby—round-faced with stunning almond eyes the color of cinnamon,…