On refugees, immigrants, and a girl who wanted out of the Bronx.

On quitting caffeine, the fear of being fine, and making my child self proud.

On being in a pretty consistent state of self-absorption, a ragtag group of weirdos, and how the odds are not in your favor.

On head-on collisions, not fucking the sad guy, and being afraid all the time.

On flea markets, clear eyes, and that sobriety thing.

On being an older woman, sitting on the other side of the table, and trying not to make bad decisions.

On giving, belonging, and the fear of losing it all.

On thin veils, sobriety, and all the truths a hand can hold.

On mental clarity, men from the street, and what’s so amazing about really deep thoughts.

A persnickety dog, an impasse, and the value of choosing what’s easy.