Other Stories from the Author

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 "One worker, crippled with severely deforming scoliosis, and forced to use a walking aid, deposited a large brick in the basilica’s foundation and was instantly cured of his infirmity. This started the story of miracles at the shrine... She entered the building and witnessed for herself the two enormous pillars that carried crutches and other walking aids from people who had been miraculously healed at that location. There were hundreds of people inside the building walking around and admiring statues and the architecture. To aunt Mary, some people looked a little pale while others had brighter pigmentation. It was like watching a color movie with some black and white frames added to it."

"That year, mom decided to not have a Christmas tree or any decorations at all.  She said she didn’t feel cheerful.  Dad didn’t feel cheerful either, but he knew we had to have some sort of Christmas, at least for the sake of the kids."

"It was an open casket funeral and the boys each took turns kneeling next to the deceased to pray. When it was Mario’s turn, his stomach was in knots. He knelt, trying to look away from Christian’s face. He closed his eyes and tried to pray. Flashbacks to Mademoiselle’s death played in his head as if it were a continuous recording. He thought it was better to open his eyes and look at his dead friend than to watch Mademoiselle’s death over and over. When he opened his eyes, Christian’s head was turned, eyes open and staring at him. Mario was paralyzed with fear."

  "A note that would be read a thousand times by her parents, she thought. A note that would be deciphered, interpreted, misinterpreted and twisted to fit whatever narrative her parents would want it to fit. Ultimately, they would blame the music."

"That’s what they were called, campers.  They were not men or prisoners or inmates or detainees, they were campers.

There were no guards in the camp, only instructors.  The men in the watchtowers with guns were instructors.  The men who supervised the campers in the large open dorms were instructors.  Heavily armed instructors guarded the main gate and performed routine patrols all along the fenced compound 24/7."