This month we’ve got obits, the pall of death, and solitary mornings. To submit a first line email booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

The Bellringer by William Timothy Murray

“When is the beginning of any story?”

Bitten by Melinda Rucker Haynes

“Waking up alone was no surprise.”

A Candle for My Mother by Pamela L. Newton

“Whether it is destiny or chance that delivers us to the parents we inherit, there can be no mistaking the impact a parent has on our life, especially a mom.”

Deadly Circles by Clark Haberman

“On this day the pall of death hangs over two different valleys separated by eighteen hundred miles.”

Dragon Dreams by Dusty Lynn Holloway

“In my shadow you sleep, hungry for my soul.”

Wildflowers by Delores Lowe Friedman

“Right after Ruby’s death, I started reading the obituaries.”