What if today I announced to my children that from now on I would call them different names? The younger one would be Helen, and the older one would be, say, Hazel. They would now be sisters with the same first initial, more matchy-matchy, I would tell them. Beautiful new names for beautiful children, I […]
Fiction
Merge
“I’ve decided we should adopt.” Travis looks up from his crossword. His wife is on the other side of the living room, perched on the arm of the sofa, clutching her navy blue ceramic mug. She is still wearing her apron. Dinner was three hours ago. “Isn’t this something we should discuss together?” He puts […]
The Scratch
“The scratch is getting better.” “That’s good.” She’s got a three-inch swollen line on her left cheek. The cat. “I really cleaned it. Got all the blood off. Used an alcohol swab and everything.” “That’s good.” “I kind of like it. It gives me character. I’m like Omar.” “As long as it’s not permanent.” He […]
Lights Out
“The problem is, I have a bad memory and I’m half-black.” “Huh?” “I never remember anyone, but they always remember me.” “Because you stand out.” “Because I’m the only half-black person they’ve ever met.” “Maybe it’s because you’re gorgeous.” “Yeah that’s it.” “Or maybe they’re like, hey that’s Gregory Hines.” “No one thinks about Gregory […]
She’ll Be Right
“I’m Jules and this sweet girl is Maddie.” “Well hello there, Maddie. This here is Baby Jack. I’m Roz.” “Where did you get Jack’s shirt? I’m Delicious. Isn’t that the cutest thing?” “Country Road Kids. It was on the sale rack. I only look at their sale rack.” “I know, right? It’s not like they’re […]