The short woman waddled across the children’s section of the library toward the young woman cooing at a baby she had set on a blanket on the floor while a toddler screamed nonsense at her. She understood. He had to pee. Oh, I’ll watch her the short woman pointed to the baby. Are you sure? Much nodding. I’ve always wanted a baby. The boy’s shrieks garnered eyebrow raises and winces from other patrons. Much blushing. Thank you. The mother ran the toddler toward the restroom. The non-mother waited then picked the baby up and followed the mother until the exit.

Megan Wildhood is a neurodiverse Christian writer, editor, and writing coach who grew up in the intense sun and snow of Colorado. She believes that freedom of expression is necessary for a society that is not only safe but flourishing for all. As a human who has gone through more than one phoenix-level transformations, she will spend a lifetime turning those ashes into verse, story, essay, but most of all flashlight for her readers and those she works with in her coaching practices.