Petrena WilburA Lesson in Strength — A MemoirThe American West, in its harsh beauty, has produced a strain of women who are survivors, determined to prevail against whatever is put…1d ago1d ago
Petrena WilburAugust HeatHe had watched the woman for nearly a week. Twice a day, in the thick, salt-scented air, she took slow walks past his beach house. Always…Jul 13Jul 13
Petrena WilburFellow TravelerBefore that last trip, Doyle Webber used to ride the bus a lot at night, especially in summer, when the West Texas heat made even an…Jul 61Jul 61
Petrena WilburPizza FightThat fucking piece of pizza was the end of it. Her jaw clenched at Chris’s cold tone. This was one stupid fight too many in a string of…Jul 1Jul 1
Petrena WilburThe Broccoli StalemateAfter their parents died, Tommy Scales and his sister Gwen continued to share the family home. As with every generation, they believed they…Jun 23Jun 23
Petrena WilburDark DreamsThe dream left Rob flattened against the wall behind the bed. He lay breathing in the night, willing each breath to be slower, deeper than…Jun 15Jun 15
Petrena WilburSistersMy sister Shelly and I sat in her perfect kitchen and waited for the phone to ring. Our baby sister, Phyllis — golden hope of the family —…May 27May 27
Petrena WilburTimeTime is both arbitrary and relative. It can be exact and demanding, never flinching in the face of excuses, or it can seem to meander like…May 181May 181