For me, the last several days have been some of the worst of the pandemic. Events have left me so angry and afraid that I’m rocking in one place and swearing for an hour or so a day. This evening I took a walk around my neighborhood, and spent the time trying to figure out […]
I live in an adobe bungalow built in 1929. Most of the pipes collapsed long ago. When I moved in, the washing machine, tub, and sinks all emptied out onto the foundation, in proud defiance of every known principle of gray water management. When my weird little washing machine broke down, I started to use […]
In the last five days, everything has changed. Three weeks ago, I came down with a bad case of the flu: Chills, fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. I’ve been sick ever since, and so has everyone else at the large engineering company where I work. Last Friday, I went to my doctor for a routine […]
“Thank you, Father.” says Inglorion. There’s an awkward pause. Inglorion is waiting for Father Nate to go, and wonders if it will be necessary to dismiss him explicitly. Finally Father Nate says, “Look, Inglorion. Much of my ministry has been of a practical nature. You’re in a tough position, maybe worse than you know. I’ve […]
Inglorion’s kneeling there, hands clasped, when Father Nate pokes his head in the tent flap. The priest says, “I can come back later, or I can join you in prayer. Whichever you prefer.” His expression isn’t what you’d call gentle, but he seems kinder and more human than he has before. “I’m done praying, but […]
Just before daybreak, the temperature drops and a chill breeze kicks up, waking Virginia from trance. She’s shivering. Inglorion has somehow stolen both cloaks in his sleep. He’s curled up tightly, deep in trance, and she’s huddled next to him for warmth. She disentangles herself gently. He’s limp, breathing deep and slow. When he’s awake […]
