Tommaso balanced four glasses of beer, stretching his arthritic fingers to keep them from spilling. He placed one each in front of his old friends Sergio and Enrico and left one at an empty seat on the table.All three men… Continue Reading
Ellen called a few weeks ago from her hospital bed, demanding a eulogy. How does one say “no” to such a request from a neighbor and fellow parishioner? Perhaps the most honorable way to perform these duties is to describe… Continue Reading
I met the caveman back at a time when I used to go wandering a lot more than I can now. I was doing hikes up and down the east coast, with just a backpack and a map. I was… Continue Reading
Raymond Marino hustled into work every day for scenarios like this one. As he was taught by his father, Nunzio, who worked for 18 years at the original Barney’s of New York, Raymond understood he was not just a salesman,… Continue Reading
A baby bit Janey’s heart and then her heart turned black. Her heart had been a live, beating thing; it had led her first to Harry and then to the white waiting room with little wooden blocks painted in primary… Continue Reading
Late to work, scrambling school runs, an urgent dentist appointment — every red light seems to burn longer than the last. But now, approaching a destination I don’t want to reach, the streets glow green. I miss the turning twice,… Continue Reading
There’s a strange man who waves by the window. I wave back even though I don’t know who he is. He smiles at me and walks on, his shoulders slouched, the briefcase in his hand swinging back and forth like… Continue Reading
Notes 4/12Patient had three sips of Ginger Ale and 3oz bone broth. Tried to eat powdered donut but couldn’t chew. An alert sounds on my phone and the update shows in real time. Your birthday was just last… Continue Reading
Michaelmas. After strolling along the River Cam through the tranquil college garden, she turns into the medieval Second Court, and someone collides with her. “Oh, sorry!” She recognises the voice. He gave a welcome speech at her freshers’ tea, wearing… Continue Reading
I found her in the kitchen nook in the morning. She was sitting on one of the wicker and leatherette stools that had come from my grandparents’ furniture store. It was a familiar enough sight but felt unfamiliar now. There… Continue Reading