Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

by Laura Ruby

“But one must find reasons to laugh anyway, especially when nothing is funny. Sometimes joy is the only defense you have, and your only weapon. Remember that.”

The woman touched her arm. “You’re allowed to be glad for a moment.” “You don’t understand,” Frankie began. “I don’t need to,” the woman said. “We only get scraps in this lousy life. Take what you can get, do you hear me?”