The dimly lit gymnasium/bingo hall of St. Mary’s Catholic School squeaked with shuffled strides and rubber wheels as the members of the Heidelberg/Smolinske family gathered for their annual Christmas reunion. Great Aunt Mabel had died in August, fifteen years after her husband, nearly to the day (wasn’t that always how…
Bitter wind slashed me as I opened the car door. I struggled out into the tempest and slammed the door behind me. Wind and snow struck my face; for a moment I couldn’t breathe. Blinking, I made out the general form of Wal-mart, lowered my head, and shuffled forward, wary…
David opened the fridge door. With a flicker, the light inside died. David stared at the dark interior for a moment, then laughed, before pulling out the package of sliced turkey and a slice of processed cheese. Not much else was in the fridge: a half-bottle of ketchup, some shriveled…
Look, I’m no fan of turkey. I mean, sure, it’s tasty enough, but give me mashed potatoes, and I’m set. Always mashed potatoes, in a great big heap, with some gravy. And maybe some of that green bean casserole, officially the best use of green beans on the planet and…