Author: Val Valdez

Gifted. Zara sees more than she can speak. Feels what others can’t. She is slow when speed is needed. Or quick when it’s not. No sync. She gazed at the vast sky. “Maybe it’s a place for me? Where my slow and quick make sense.” She climbed up a tree. Higher. The clouds pulled her inside. They praised her gifts. “What are they? I don’t know.” The clouds replied, “You will.” Teacher said, “All kids will paint a picture.” Noble masterpiece. Zara imagined a gorgeous pony with her as its rider. Other kids drew stick figures living in square boxes.…