IF ONLY THEY KNEW: a short story collection

Loreli is the longest of the stories and takes place in an established Polish neighborhood where an aging population live in houses just as old. Some of their children, reluctant to leave, stay to raise their families.The small back yards have grass which ends at the alley. Where younger families live, the yard is dirt so youngsters can dig and play.

Busha, Loreli’s grandmother, owns the grocery store and she is respected by all for her kindness and generous nature.

Life changes when Dan, a down-on-his-luck city policeman, goes to Busha, whose reputation has spread beyond her district. He asks for her help; she loans him money and invites him for dinner. Dan becomes a permanent resident and he and Loreli become friends.

The story pivots when the local bad boy, Larry, disrupts the peaceful community with lies, kidnapping and theft. Loreli and Dan decide they will find him. They want justice and revenge!