Category Archives: Fiction

W(hate)ver. Deirdre liked the T-shirts and tractor caps at first. She bought an XL, green-letters-on-white, as a sleepshirt for her 12 year-old son. Afterward the phrase came to represent for her the essence of passive-aggressive response. WHATever. WhatEVer. Not nice, … Continue reading →

We talked directly about suicide. We agreed it was the ultimate selfish act. But only because it was ultimate. Ginny said there were plenty of other equally selfish acts. I’d rolled a joint and handed it to her, and I … Continue reading →

“You know, I really don’t want to sleep with my father.” I was so embarrassed. There we were, alone in the office that Friday afternoon, and Ginny had just let me know that she often overheard my telephone conversations. I … Continue reading →

I have a picture of the whole family, plus Steve. That’s not fair to say – of course my brother-in-law is family – but since I predict Emily will leave him I only admit him as a temporary member. However, … Continue reading →

There’s physical description lacking. If this isn’t to be a movie then it better flesh with words. And I’ve probably got the best perspective for it. I’m the point at infinity. It all orients to me. I’m the baby. Once … Continue reading →

Lulu knew she was an endorphin addict. She could remember the delicious sensation of collapsing on her bed after an all-day walk with her high-school best friend. Twelve hours of sauntering and striding, snacking on fresh rolls and fruit from … Continue reading →

Just because the planet was doomed didn’t mean life was bad. There were still a few centuries of degeneration to enjoy, and the adults in charge, the children of the baby boomers, were accustomed to issues of extinction. Naturally they … Continue reading →

It isn’t pretty, acknowledging an old cow elephant, but there’s huge relief when it’s over. By the time Sandy confronts Jill, a week has passed and the matter has gone from shades of elephant gray to crisp black-and-white. She knows … Continue reading →

Two days later, Rick and Sandy spent a rare hour in post-coital conversation. Usually they had no time; at fifty-nine Rick was finally uxorious, home by seven most nights. Usually they had no place; Rick wasn’t rich and Sandy still … Continue reading →

There’s an elephant in the living room. Invisible to all except Sandy and Jill, a big old pachyderm is standing on the golden oak floor. It’s a lonely cow elephant. She’s been awaiting acknowledgment for twenty slow years. She made … Continue reading →