Kipling Park

by Joe Hilley

Allison, Phyllis, and Maureen-neighbors in a Houston suburb-have faced many challenges together. A spouse's unexpected death. The discovery of one's husband in bed with his assistant. Dreams left unfulfilled. Now, facing fear and isolation in the midst of a viral pandemic, they encounter disinformation at every turn, economic uncertainty in their daily lives, and death throughout the neighborhood. When it seems that things can't get any worse, Phyllis contracts the virus and becomes bedridden. Everyone retreats to the safety of their own homes-except Maureen.




Unwilling to abandon her friend to a lonely demise, Maureen lets herself into Phyllis' house and nurses her back to health. Her example challenges Allison to do the same. Allison is hesitant at first but when Maureen becomes ill, she steps in to care for her. Through Allison's involvement in her life, Maureen is forced to confront the resentment she harbors against her ex-husband and his assistant. Fear, anger, and bitterness prove greater obstacles than age and pandemic, but with the help of each other they discover a future none of them had imagined and learn that forgiveness, kindness, and love are the keys to a life of meaning and purpose-regardless of the circumstance.

Genres: Fiction

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

I was born in Alabama and grew up on the Gulf Coast. After years of practicing law, I quit to write about people and topics that interest me.