Although a few of the stories are inspired by real-life characters and events, this work is mostly fiction and no real names have been used. The sole nonfiction story is called "Carefree Roses for her Funeral." The story speaks of my brief stay on Harlem's Sugar Hill where, following a downturn in my personal fortunes I'd gone to live with a brother. The brief stay turned into a period of six years. While there, I was privileged to witness the gradual...