Prayer to Obtain Favors
It’s Sal’s turn to spring for coffee, so he swings past the 24-hour Dunkin’ Donuts in Andrew Square and runs in for two large regulars. By the time he gets back to the sedan Renee is snapping her phone shut like she’s trying to punish it, hurling it into the deep canyon of her purse. She looks really, really pissed. Read More →
Up Late, Listening
People who wander in and order shots at last call on a Wednesday tend to be the kind of people who a) don’t tip or b) puke all over the hardwood, so when the messy-haired guy in the denim jacket slides onto a stool and orders a Jameson, Georgia can’t hold back her grimace. Read More →
Ferris Wheel Kid
Some poor slob pukes corn dogs all over the giant swing ride, so Trevor’s got some time to kill while the maintenance guys hose it down. He shoves his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans and wanders the bright crowded length of the midway to the trailer where Rue is selling candy apples, looking bored. Rue always, always smells like candy apples. Read More →
To the Sticking Place
Ma dies. You know it’s gonna happen before it actually does, in the bedroom, her breathing gone sticky and slow. Robbie calls 911 even though you tell him not to, snot sliding down his face. (In her everywhere, inoperable, nothing to be done. You think of Lady MacBeth, who you always sort of liked in school: out, damn spot.) Read More →