The Monsters We Defy

by Leslye Penelope

As Clara walked back down the alley and into the night, Zelda set her mind to something new. That girl was going to be her friend, whether she liked it or not.

“The Emancipation Proclamation freed our bodies, the end of the Civil War liberated us from bondage, but it is up to us to free our minds. Part of that freedom includes finally participating in the ideals of this country, ensuring they apply to us: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Are you pursuing happiness, Clara?”