I looked down at the little pink face in the bundle. A newborn. The child had been alive only minutes but was already considered a criminal by the Soviets.

Decisions, they shape our destiny.

Andrius turned. His eyes found mine. I'll see you he said. My face didn't wrinkle. I didn't utter a sound. But for the first time in months I cried. Tears popped from their dry sockets and sailed down my cheeks in one quick stream. I looked away. The NKVD called the bald man's name. Look at me wispered Andrius moving close. I'll see you he said. Just think about that. Just think about me bringing you your drawings. Picture it because I'll be there.

You stand for what is right, Lina, without the expectation of gratitude or reward.

We'd been trying to touch the sky from the bottom of the ocean.

Tragedy was a big social event, and everyone wanted in on it.

I wasn't certain of anything anymore, except that New Orleans was a faithless friend and I wanted to leave her.