From a mother meeting her son’s murderer, to a wife’s despair and desire for revenge when her beloved cat dies, this is a collection of stories about troubled lives. The protagonists struggle to cope in adversity, some finding themselves capable of unexpected courage and resilience, but for others adapting to their difficult circumstances appears impossible.

A study of human nature, in which grief, abuse, and disability are explored. Step into the microcosm of another person’s experience, understand their dilemma, ask: how would you cope?