“I’ll draw a word”

It was his favorite game the spring he turned five. Every Tuesday while his brother had tennis lessons, Sebastien and his mom played the Chalk Word game. Mariel grabbed the bucket of sidewalk chalk from the trunk and they tried to cover as much of the empty concrete wading pool Read more

By justk, ago

there is nothing that cannot happen today

This is why Trina never wanted kids.  She cannot take the pressure.  She cannot bear the responsibility of making sure she’s not unleashing another sociopath into the world.  She doesn’t trust her genes: there are vikings and pirates and rumors of madness.  Danny’s side boasts a long line of drunks. Read more

By justk, ago

Now Playing. Love Joy

The streets are slick with rain and a thousand yellow Maple buds paint the asphalt. I remember your ridiculous yellow slicker but I don’t remember the trees. It was always night when we roamed the streets. Your wallet chain jingled as we careened down the mostly silent sidewalks, our Doc Read more

By justk, ago

it depends

“Do you ever want to get married?”  I put the question back to him. It’s a horrible habit answering a question with a question but he doesn’t call me on it.  He doesn’t even know he missed an opportunity to call me on it.  He is considering options, his face scrunched tight Read more

By justk, ago

May (the merry month)

Wednesday’s hump was sizable.  I revised the About page on the blog.  It is normally not a noteworthy endeavor but as happens when you avoid doing something, everything is that much weightier when you finally get around to it. I haven’t been inspired to make any notes from The Middle Read more

By justk, ago

Then be pleased, Clark.

Celeste is pissed.  She is literally sick and tired of people telling her how she should feel. “Thanks, but no Mr. Macklethorn, I don’t think things have worked out well all things considered.  Online Editor of Benefits wasn’t the position I wanted and I don’t give a fig how many Read more

By justk, ago

live with?

I have to tell you I was a little embarrassed. I mean I had no idea where you were and there’s your mom asking one hundred and one questions. Literally. I really believe she can squeeze that many into a half an hour. She talks fast man!  Anyway, I know Read more

By justk, ago