The blue water slapped and swirled against the hull of the lifeboat, the rhythmic motion lulling Trista to sleep, even though she knew she dare not rest. If a ship came, they might not notice her, and she could not afford to miss another; she was out of drinking water. She tightened her grip on the flare gun and forced her eyes open. Then she reached over the side and cupped cold sea water, splashing it against her face. She could sleep when she was safe or dead, whichever came first.

- - - - - - - - -

Lani seethed. She had put together that presentation and handed it to her supervisor in full faith that it would be passed on to the boss as is. A single page had been replaced – the one with her name. And there was Melinda, grinning proudly as Richard praised her for the idea of the century – Lani’s idea.

- - - - -

Marital problems are far harder than they seem. One moment ten years before had set the tone for one of the most important aspects of their relationship. Jen could not force herself to ask for what she needed – the one time she had she was so humiliated by David’s response, that she’d never done it again. Time had caused things to worsen, until she went out of her way to avoid that part of their relationship. She knew she was about to lose him and still, could not force herself to speak of it. Sex had built an impenetrable wall between them.