Category Archives: Fiction

I like to ride the train facing backwards. Those seats are less popular so they’re more likely available. The ride is realistically mysterious. I learned thirty years ago that the ancient Greeks viewed themselves as moving backwards through life. Their … Continue reading →

Maggie has been married, twice. Aggie has known men (four). Their experiences have produced Maggie’s daughter Sarah (now twenty-six, working in Philadelphia, and happily pregnant), Agatha’s two abortions, various and sundry orgasms, and individual conclusions that neither wants marriage and … Continue reading →

Oh the promises we make to babies. We hold those small bodies to our chests, we kiss their big sweet heads, and we murmur that we will care for them and never never never let them be hurt. Impossible promises … Continue reading →

I notice when Sandy tries to get Liz gossiping (“Do you hear what they’re talking about? Can you believe it?”) and Liz does too. Sandy is clearly homophobic and definitely bad at whispering; she is forever being overheard. Liz must … Continue reading →

We don’t make it to the study. Ten-year-old Scott, who never walks when he can run, who actually tries to climb walls, Charlie’s nephew Scott finds us before we get through the doorway. We give up the idea of finishing … Continue reading →

I come around the corner of the house just in time to hear Liz complain. “Char-leeee…” her tone climbs as she drags out the last syllable. “My feet are hot. You know how much it bothers me when my feet … Continue reading →

“You realize I lost the rest of my iced coffee in the course of that debacle,” she points out. “Let me say this. At Emotional Heights, iced caffeine will be readily available.” “Yeah. Yeah. And we’ll be able to get … Continue reading →

“I don’t know, Jan. Maybe you should rethink your attraction. This Mac is married, and I don’t care that he doesn’t talk about his wife to you. Solly’s single and, well, have you ever been with a small man?” “No. … Continue reading →

“I’m gonna develop a subdivision and call it Emotional Heights. I’ll build on a hill somewhere with a nice view, and homeowner’s association dues will help defray the cost of required weekly counseling for all residents. I’ll people it with … Continue reading →

The day of the party dawned gorgeous. In fact, everything went perfectly until Anne saw the baby. Melissa hadn’t allowed anyone to meet Suzanne before the reception, and then she introduced her child by placing the bundle in her best … Continue reading →