Counting
“Eleven thousand five hundred ninety-one. Eleven thousand five hundred ninety-two.” Salva sweated. Her ragged blouse molded itself to her chest but she ignored…
The Concession Stand
“I don’t like mustard.” The words startled me from the memory. I looked up and around at my surroundings. I had drifted out to the middle of the lake. I had no…
Counting the Way to Dietz Lake
The blue bus stopped in front of the only gas station in Dietz. I counted my steps as I crossed the road to the gas station. 12 steps across the asphalt, 14 to…
Clues on the Bus
I left her a three dollar and twenty-one cent tip. Then I walked to the bus station. The one that was like greyhound, only local. I hopped on a bus that was…
Clues in the Diner
Numbers were safe. I counted my steps, my heart beat, things I passed, groups of people at the park. I walked to my favorite diner. I liked it because they…
Anaesthetics
The anaesthetist was patient with me, smiling, soothing away my nerves, reassuring me with a gentle touch of his hand. He’d been briefed by the nurse already…
Golden Mysteries
“Where do I begin?” Timidly, my voice rang all too loudly in the quiet space. “Begin with one.” The therapist wore a yellow tie. “No, zero is first.” I wished…