Dahlia is a little rough around the edges, but she's funny, quirky, and cool as a cucumber. She's also sick of her life, sick of the people around her, and ready to be done with the whole mess. Only one place in town is a refuge for her – the abandoned railroad bridge. A short story about choices, chances, and maybe even new beginnings, if she’s brave.

Author’s note:
To me, Dahlia represents the cynicism and apathy that we find in so much of American culture these days. I see it in the faces of my daughter’s friends and sometimes feel it in myself. This idea that life is difficult and trudging threatens to overtake us if we don’t fight against it, and especially if we aren’t open to hopeful new experiences. I hope you enjoy the short story, and I must say that since finishing it, Dahlia just won’t get out of my thoughts. The way she second-guesses herself tells me that she has a whole lot of growing to do, and I think she wants to do it by starring in a book! We’ll see, Dahlia. We’ll see….