In late 2022, I picked up Saul Leiter’s photography collection from a bookstore. I was drawn to his ability to capture the most private human experiences in a busy, big world. I immediately purchased the book. In early 2023, amid layoffs, lack of recruiting jobs, and extensive change in my life, I was flipping through the collection of photos when the idea struck; to write a short story each day inspired by one of the photos.

“Timberrrrr.” shouts a voice. The hands of the little girl recoils from the cookie jar. Her head snaps in the direction of the voice, and quiets her breathing. If her granny finds her head first in the chitterling bucket, she could expect something said about her body. She could already hear... .

In January, I wrote a single line on my vision board I hope you listen to yourself and chart your own course. I had a habit of doing the opposite.