Lilac

Kayla Vanderhoof

Nothing compares to the scent of new lilacs—the epitome of purple. I pause to fully occupy this
color, with the warmth of the sun and the cool morning mist a cloak around my senses. Beyond
the cloudscapes, raindrops gather. Soon, puddles will surround me and the lilacs will hide behind
the petrichor; until then, I breathe this moment deep into my lungs.

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Calico

Kayla Vanderhoof

There’s a calico cat outside on my window sill. I put my hand against the glass; she bonks the
glass with her head. I open the window and she jumps into my lap like she has napped there her
whole life. Maybe she has.