These stories explore the human heart in conflict with itself, created out of the human spirit and brought to life by the experiences and imagination of the writer. Each story depicts the struggles to resolve those human dilemmas that confront, confound and confuse us in making the choices that determine how we live our lives. The more troubling and controversial the questions, the more relevant and compelling the story. These are emotionally charged stories about things that matter--love and honor and pity and pride and compassion--that speak truth to life's mysteries and perplexities, the only kind of stories worth writing or reading. Includes Readers Guide.