“In the Air Force, shaving everyday is like the sun rising, expected.“

“In the early spring, with fog on the waves, Arturo moved to Galveston. History shows, he reflected, the weather is less predictable there….”

“After another try, with an artistically supportive woman….”

“Dancers, he quickly found, like himself as an artist….”

“‘They let you do that in school,’ asked his youngest, a boy.“

“‘See you at the show,’ he whisper-read, quietly remembering why he needed to shave.“

“In that instant, from the words of a kind stranger, Arturo made a decision.”

“Anna pranced, arms alternating up into the air in pure play, unaware how beautifully she danced.”

“Arturo was staring at a small ridge of blue-green paint….”

“Arturo leaned forward a few more inches, closing off their conversation from those around them….”

“Though they had just met that week, he liked the glint and glimmer her eye. He feared losing momentum….”