This panel brings together authors who illuminate the complexities and nuances of existence through carefully crafted short stories. Jamel Brinkley and his collection Witness unveils the heartbeat of New York City, friendships, grief, and the quest for home. Jai Chakrabarti’s A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness navigates the dynamic of cultures and the transformative power of change. Kathleen Alcott’s Emergency delves into the fabric of American life through stories that explore trust and the complex aftermath of crisis. Join these authors on an immersive journey that celebrates the strength and capaciousness of the human heart. Moderated by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, author of the forthcoming novel Alice Sadie Celine.