**October 15th** I was certain the renovation mattered more. The boy would get over it. We took the dog

Dear Diary, George was certain the renovation mattered more—Alex would get over it. We took Buddy to

Emily stood in the queue for forty minutes. Four people ahead of her, six behind. The papers for the

Saturday morning was shaping up to be a quiet day for Julia – just her and some peace. Max had left at

Julie stretched out her hand, palm up, as though expecting tribute. Her friend Alice stood just behind

Emma had been standing in the queue for forty minutes. Four people ahead of her, six behind.

Saturday morning promised Julia a quiet day to herself. Max had left at dawn, and she had just poured

Vera closed the diary and set it aside. She had never written down what happened that day, but tonight

Dennis, who are they? Where did all these people come from? Christine’s voice trembled as she gripped









