"A fine collection of tales: shrewdly observed, witty, eloquent, dark, and different" -Ruth Downie, New York Times Bestseller List Author of Vita Brevis CENA WITH TATA An iron-willed matron of Ancient Rome tells of the fall of her once-great family, and of her relentless campaign to win back its former glory. HUNGER AND THIRST A plague of sadness, anxiety, and dread has infected every gathering place, every household, every heart. After discovering the cause, an altruist strikes blows to save the whole world. THE WORST DAY IN MY LIFE The bishop's head torturer has all a man could desire: his job is interesting and profitable, his neighbors show him respect, and his family life is peaceful-until his scatterbrained daughter presents him with a thorny problem. MISERICORD Hospitalized with an allergic reaction, a man learns that: A. his life is not as blessed as he thought, and B. neither his loved ones nor his doctor have his best interests at heart. FOUND IN A CAVE A headstrong California woman writes in her diary about how she has survived the collapse of society only to end up awaiting an uncertain fate in a mountain cave.