There was all the research he had the patience to do on which refrigerator model, brand of woolen socks that would actually keep my feet warm, rechargeable battery for the edger, pest control service, VPN, mechanic, or coffee bean roaster to buy. Every goddamn thing but what that shortness of breath could mean and which cardiologist was the best to see about it.… Continue Reading
They get ICE CREAM, more sugar-shit. He says SHIT, he says DAMN IT (slurred m-sound) and OH MAN, but I don’t call him little man, just baby, just boy, just champ sometimes.… Continue Reading
The news said the temperature would be zero or below. I said how can it be zero, how can a temperature be nothing? But it isn’t nothing, it’s zero, it’s a value, my brother told me. He was also living with my mom at the time.… Continue Reading
By this point in time his tennis game had degenerated into little more than an ill-conceived, albeit skillful, vendetta, the intent of which was to extinguish as many members of the human race as possible.… Continue Reading
It’s not worth knowing what’s inside the wall. It’s just a vaguely human shape painted on the wall of one of the bedrooms, that knocks at specific intervals. But the thing’s brick and I’m not made of money, especially not after buying a home.… Continue Reading
Nicolas digs to the root of most rotten things fast and ruthless. Pit bulls are an affectionate breed. None of my pits attacked anybody before. Yesterday was a calamitous accident.… Continue Reading
i always remember the dead as gray, & always startled when they look alive.… Continue Reading
When I roll in to drive, Dad Bluetooth’s AC/DC or Metallica—some 90s stuff— on the soundsystem, crazy loud. We have to shout over it while he tells me how to switch gears; I pretend like I don’t know how while he pretends not to notice me pretending. … Continue Reading
She took another long stressful sip from her drink and clanked the glass on the table. It could be seconds before her wrath exploded according to her husband’s prediction. But she didn’t stay. Instead, she fled to the attic and to the only world that made sense to her.… Continue Reading
He wakes up with dread in his belly. He can’t afford to get the tap fixed and he sure can’t afford to replace a broken door. He should call the cops, but doesn’t. He should put some shorts on, but doesn’t. Instead he pads to the kitchen and pulls the door open. “Do you know what time it is?”… Continue Reading