Visions of his own death at any second—that’s all the boy can see in the dark as he lies on his back. That and the news report he had seen while passing through the front room to play outside near dusk. He could see bottles of the soda Slice being pulled off the shelves. “Stephen?”Continue reading “You Think You’re Dying of Cyanide Poisoning?”
Tag Archives: Brothers
Christmas Nightmare
On Christmas morning, the boy and his brother could stand it no longer. “You awake?” says the boy. “Yeah,” says Stephen. “Think we got hoppity horses for Christmas?” “Hope so.” “Wanna go check? “Think we’ll get in trouble?” “Not if we don’t get caught.” “What time is it?” “3:45.” “Mom will KILL us.” “No, we’llContinue reading “Christmas Nightmare”
If One of Us Is Going to Die, It Should Be You
On this trip to Utah, he has gone to the temple for the first time and been baptized for three of his grandmother’s brothers. The boy has turned 12 and been ordained a deacon. Now, he is with his brother, sister, and father near the amphitheater at Aspen Grove. They have returned from the shortContinue reading “If One of Us Is Going to Die, It Should Be You”
Where the Devil Lives
Devil’s Triangle—that’s how he remembers it, though he discovers later that it’s actually Satan’s Triangle. They watch it at Granny Laws’s house with their cousins on a slow summer day when their parents head out to be with each other. The TV is ancient—you can change channels by jangling keys in the air. It hasContinue reading “Where the Devil Lives”
Beware of Tree Alligators
On summer nights, they are in bed by eight when the light is still out. They can hear the red-headed Scott Starr playing with friends and siblings in his driveway. Sometimes, their best friend next door, Kevin Luzius, is still out riding his bike. The boy and his brother hate it. This night, a gustyContinue reading “Beware of Tree Alligators”
You Can’t Steal My Motorcycle!
Today is the first day of the first trip he will remember. They are in North Carolina for a trial that his father is participating in for the Department of Justice. They are staying at a hotel on the beach. They are barely into the room before the boy and his brother are in theirContinue reading “You Can’t Steal My Motorcycle!”
What Did You Do That For?
Stephen is ahead of him coming back into the house from playing basketball in the driveway. As they reach the front room, Ruthanne comes from the hallway leading to the bedrooms. She is bawling and holding up her thumb. A sewing needle is sticking straight through it. “What did you do that for?” Stephen bellows.Continue reading “What Did You Do That For?”
You’re the Worst
The man has turned on a Premier League match. Graham is sitting on the gold chair in the corner. Grant is sitting on the ottoman holding the giant Nerf gun he got as a birthday present a few years ago. He shoots Graham. “Stop it, Grant!” Grant shoots him again. “Stop it! That hurts!” “ComeContinue reading “You’re the Worst”
I Have Graven Thee Upon My Elbow
They have a bucket of thirty baseballs, and they carry it, their home plate, two bats, and gloves to the park. The park has a backstop. His mother walks out paces to where a pitcher’s mound should be. He plays catch with her until their arms are warm. Then she pitches to him, ball afterContinue reading “I Have Graven Thee Upon My Elbow”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 