Thread of Hope

I folded the picture with trembling fingers. The floor swayed a bit and I had trouble breathing as I looked for a place to sit. An icy sweat formed on my neck. I knew better than to get my hopes up. I had learned the hard way. But sometimes things showed up that couldn't prevent it, couldn't save me from the heartache.

I sat down and tried to catch my breath, wondering how fast I could get to Mi

I unfolded the picture again.

The photo was grainy, out of focus and shadowy, probably taken around dusk. But I knew Elizabeth's face.

And for the first time in forever, she was staring back at me.