Short Story by Tobias Wolff. A schoolteacher faces a woman’s worst fears when a man comes up behind her in a parking lot, demands her keys, and forces her into her car. Her abductor wants justice for his son, who is about to be expelled from her school for cheating.
Short Story by Aida Rivera-Ford. A young woman is forced into a marriage of convenience when her boyfriend, the father of her illegitimate child, “disappears.” Although he later writes to explain and confirm his love, she has new responsibilities and must move on with life.
Short Story by Mulk Raj Anand. A young Indian woman from a rural family suffers under the custom of living with her in-laws. While her husband is temporarily away, his sadistic older brother makes unwanted sexual advances. When running away and attempted suicide don’t work, she feels “condemned to live”.
Vietnamese Folktale. Often labelled the “Vietnamese Cinderella”, the plot of this story continues after the protagonist becomes Queen. The poor girl is then killed twice, each time coming back to life in a different form. Fortunately, goodness wins out and the evil stepsister soon finds herself in hot water.
Short Story by Chinua Achebe. A Nigerian politician’s wealth has improved dramatically since being elected. To retain his place at the trough, he appoints a group of canvassers to bribe influential villagers. His most trusted canvasser faces a dilemma when offered an unheard-of bribe to vote for the opposition.