The best part of setting fires is the beginning. Mama’s new shag carpet has tempted me for days. I lie down in the living room late one afternoon while Mama’s out, matches in hand. Janie smells it right away and… Continue Reading
Fortunately and unfortunately, no two days are the same. “I’ll be damned if I let them get the best of me, today! Not me, not today!” I say to myself. The morning bell screams through the sound system. Within minutes,… Continue Reading
My baby sister is marrying the ghost of a pirate. When it came to her imaginary friends, Anita always pushed the limits. Growing up she insisted our mother set a place at the table each night for her favorite, a… Continue Reading
50 minutes until departure “Just 20 seconds?” “No.” “10 seconds?” “Dude, stop.” “One second—” “You can’t do anything in one—” “So five?” He laughs. “Ple-hease!” I try again, squirming in the corner of the hostel couch, stretching my face and… Continue Reading
My marriage? James meant well. Means well. It’s just that, when you get handed a stage four diagnosis, everyone loses their shit, and James was no exception. *** In the interest of exculpatory whatever, here are the basics. It was… Continue Reading
She had left Grizzly Bear playing softly as she got made up. Not rushing out, not really, but I could tell she was the type to always be five minutes behind. Tap out the wrinkles, check the stockings for runs,… Continue Reading
He loves me. I study the petal held between my fingertips with interest, amused that something so fragile could determine my heart’s fate. I drop it to float down and land on the pavement where many discarded petals lay scattered… Continue Reading
When Mummy visits, she lets herself in. It doesn’t matter if he’s home or not. Mummy’s got a spare key. Noel initially didn’t have one. He didn’t have one specifically so that he could say, “No, Mum, I haven’t got… Continue Reading
How long does it take to reach a remote island in a remote country? After three flights, four ships and immeasurable jet lag, we arrived in Koh Lipe: a paradise between Thailand and Malaysia. The weather was heavenly, but the… Continue Reading
Mason skipped down 7th Street eyes wide open, soaking in the sights and sounds. He glanced back at his parents following. His father grumbled. His mom smiled as if trying to enjoy herself even though she didn’t like football. Mason… Continue Reading