As I burst into the house, I could smell that she had already started to sauté the onions; I was late. I rushed into the kitchen – after forcefully tossing my knapsack in my bedroom—and assumed my place: three marble tiles away from my mother. No words were exchanged as I stood and chiffonaded the basil. My mother probably wanted her silence to echo the fact that my tardiness was unacceptable. After all, we had an unspoken agreement to be...

Dear Diary, It’s been five months since I was snatched from my rack at Macy’s. From what I have been able to gather, my sweater-napper’s name is Joshua Daniel, or maybe it’s Daniel Joshua. Honestly, I am not a hundred percent sure—the two first names throw you off. Well, whoever they are, they must be a genius as they were able to out-maneuver my plans to escape, which primarily consisted of falling off the hanger....

I could feel my heart palpitating as I waited for my name to be called. Truthfully, I don't know why I signed up for the talent show. Yes, I was taking vocal lessons, and I wanted to overcome my stage fright, but why in front of the entire school? I was next in line, and I didn't know what to do. So, flustered by the anxiety, I left. If I could go back to that moment, I'd tell myself to...