This photograph is presented with permission    
from The Ellis Review, Ellis, Kansas

 

Emma, a young, defiant, aspiring writer living in Solotoye, Russia at the dawn of the 20th century is full of life, full of the devil, and eager to shed the shackles of a male-dominated society. The old photograph above of six American Women prompts Emma to embark on a life-changing journey to a seemingly exotic place where women make the rules. A fateful event separates Emma and her family. Like a candle's delicate flame fluttering in a gentle breeze, Emma's essence flickers as freedom slips away.  Light surrenders to darkness, imperceptible, in the briefest of moments ...