Just one more page
The cherry blossoms fall, petals drifting down like confetti as Amara sits beneath the tree, her book a shield from the world.
"Amara, come eat!" her mother calls from where the picnic basket lies spread with blankets and treats.
Amara looks up, holds a finger for pause. "Just one more page," she whispers, then buries herself once more in the tale of the paper.