Creation Lake

Creation Lake

As little Franck talks about why he thinks adults are afraid of children’s sexuality, someone in the background rides by on a loud motorcycle. Franck turns his head to look. He’s nine, but his body language is that of a teenager: he wants to know what’s going on...
Damned If I Do

Damned If I Do

Warm and Nicely Buried “Mrs. Marotta, Jose is gone.” The woman took Fragua’s hand and patted it as if consoling him. “Yes, my son is dead.” She assured him that her feet were planted firmly on real ground. “Mrs. Marotta, I...
Homesick For Another World

Homesick For Another World

Bettering Myself “Dear Principal Kishka,” I wrote. “Thank you for letting me teach at your school. Please throw away the sleeping bag in the cardboard box in the back of my classroom. I have to resign for personal reasons. Just so you know, I’ve been fudging the state...