Ash, a recent widow, finds relief in performing at the local karaoke bar, where he is welcomed, loved, and can safely escape the realities of his ever-changing and grief-stricken life.

During a trip to Hawaii, I learned that much of the Latino population on the island is Puerto Rican. As a Puerto Rican actress and writer, this discovery made me reflect on how people from different backgrounds are often more connected than they realize. Inspired by this, I wrote a short story about a grieving boy who finds friendship and healing in a maze. The maze symbolizes the isolation that comes from grief, yet through connection, we discover we’re never truly alone. My hope is that this excerpt inspires kids to be open about their feelings and to the stories of others who may not look like them.