Literature

The Worst Ending ImaginableKnowing that Nikki does a big unit on Hemingway every year, I ask for one of Hemingway’s better novels. “One with a love story if possible, because…

Orange Fire Enters My SkullYes, I really do believe in silver linings, mostly because I’ve been seeing them almost every day when I emerge from the basement, push my head…

He Does Not Preach PessimismMy workout is interrupted midday, when Mom descends the basement stairs and says I have an appointment with Dr. Patel. I ask if I can go…

An Infinite Amount of Days Until My Inevitable Reunion with NikkiI don’t have to look up to know Mom is making another surprise visit. Her toenails are always pink during…

“It’s something I want to do, babe.”Emily stands silent, looking at me like I’m a two-headed monster. “Please say something.” I really can’t handle the silence. “It’s crazy, I know….

The last five years have been unbelievable in more ways than one. It’s been a long, difficult road, no doubt about it. There’s fighting…and making up, money problems and tears,…

This has to be perfect. Ethan is the most amazing man, and I don’t want to disappoint him. So everything has to be flawless. Margie has been a huge help,…

I take a deep breath, steadying myself for Emily’s backlash at my revelation.”One.” It’s the truth. There’s only been one, but that one isn’t simple. I am not looking at…

“Margie’s been coming by every night to make sure I have food or whatever. We would talk for a little while.” Emily stops and looks toward the door. “I’m guessing…

So far I’ve cleaned the bathroom, the oven, the refrigerator and vacuumed – twice. It’s after nine and Emily still hasn’t shown up. I’m starting to think that her things…

I knock, but there’s no answer. I let myself in and I’m immediately relieved to see Emily’s things still around the house, including her bedding on the couch. Remorse creeps…

I drive and can’t help that my emotions are all over the place. I’m angry because I’ve been living in exile from the one… The one person who gives a…

When I finally look at the clock, I notice it’s been seven hours since I ran out on Emily and my feelings. As I look out in front of me,…

The words are ringing in my ears: “I love you.”It occurs to me I may have misheard. It’s the only possible explanation. “So, you’re okay? Don’t listen to those girls,…

“Happy anniversary!” Emily yells at me as I exit the bathroom having just completed my morning ritual. She’d be disgusted if she knew everything it entailed, not to mention the…

For the second time since she came into my life, Emily and I walk away from the Gale Street Shelter. After making the trip with her last year, which was…

After four months, I continue to be astonished by what Emily can do with a dented, often label-less, can. She says it’s all the Julia Child reruns on PBS, but…

We spend a quiet, comfortable evening and I can’t help watching Emily for most of it. It’s obvious she hasn’t seen television in a while because she’s mesmerized. We are…

We sit in silence for quite some time, and I can tell she’s nervous about telling me what’s going on. I don’t want to force her. When she’s ready, she’ll…

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, Ethan.” She’s wrapped tightly in one of my towels, and I feel a… stirring. I wonder if she understands she’s half-naked…