The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

by Aimee Bender

the diagonal diamond-shaped window patterns in the front looked like they could only frame a family that was happy.

The world had matched what he’d dreamed up, and he settled himself inside what they’d made.

I could feel the tears beginning to collect in my throat again, but I pushed them apart, away from each other. Tears are only a threat in groups.

Baked goods were the most potent, having been built for the longest time from the smallest of parts,

Light is good company, when alone;