AMZ News

Act I Nia knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the living room. She had come home carrying a stack of schoolbooks, expecting the familiar quiet of an ordinary evening. Instead,…

Act I The room was glowing with warm evening light, polished wood, crystal glasses, and the quiet laughter of guests who had come to celebrate someone’s success. Nia Carter moved between them with…

Act I Christmas morning was supposed to be the one day Nia didn’t have to wonder whether she belonged. The living room glowed with warm firelight. The tree was covered in ornaments, ribbons,…

Act I Nia arrived at the airport believing she was finally getting the family trip she had been promised. She had packed lightly. A small backpack. A denim jacket. Her favorite sneakers. Around…

Act I Nia knew something was wrong before she even reached the bedroom door. The upstairs hallway looked familiar, but the piles of belongings scattered across it did not. Large bags sat against…

Act I The front door opened, and Nia stepped into a room that was supposed to feel like home. Instead, she stopped cold. Balloons floated beneath the ceiling. Gold streamers framed the dining…

Act I Nia was already late. She stood in the kitchen wearing the plain work polo she used for her part-time job, one hand tightening the strap of her small crossbody bag while…

Act I Nia stopped halfway down the staircase. For a moment, she forgot where she was. The living room was glowing beneath the chandelier, everything prepared for the school formal. The polished floor…

Act I The first thing Nia noticed was the puppy. It was sitting happily on the living-room rug, golden fur glowing beneath the late-afternoon light, a bright blue collar around its neck. Caleb…