We were in our penultimate days then—that stage where we were still in marital counselling with the social worker with the hooker boots and every one of my failings was a metaphor for something sinister.… more
We were in our penultimate days then—that stage where we were still in marital counselling with the social worker with the hooker boots and every one of my failings was a metaphor for something sinister.… more
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. … more
In the twilight years, familiar lights grow dim. But are there others that might also flicker on?… more
This is what it felt like to be the first person whose sword is cracked in two by a metal slug, announcing the first hail of gunfire that demeans your fellow conquerors into an Oh-those-poor-bastards of a footnote.… more
He points the camera at her bulbous green nubs, tastes salt on his cheeks for the first time in days, and touches her long, wispy white hair that reminds him of Myna’s. “Hey, I’ve started singing in the shower again,” he tells her, as if, like his late wife, she’ll be proud.… more
Look here, they seemed to be saying. The man took my balls. I am the last of my line. I am the conclusion.… more
When I was in my 20s I’d think: I can do anything for a year. A year is nothing. I can snort coke every day; I can date a psychotic nymphomaniac. In my 30s I’d think: I can survive on unemployment; I can live without health insurance. I can sleep in my car. Now, a year feels like darkness where there will never be light.… more
My grandma used to say, Ellie, you can’t fix crazy, but you might can help stupid, though only unlearnt stupid, not born and ingrained stupid cause that stupid’s bad as crazy.… more
When I ask Danny what the poster means he says it’s like all the other stupid school posters and they all mean the same thing. “But what is it?” I ask. “Don’t do drugs,” Danny says.… more