1976: A Monkey’s Uncle

1976: A Monkey’s Uncle

“Should I take a nicer dress?” Melissa Duncan checked herself in the mirror and frowned. She worried about her weight, her hair, her shoes. The next day, at a reunion in Asheville, she was going to meet Michael’s larger family for the first time. She wanted to please...
1928: The Doll Sanatorium, part 2

1928: The Doll Sanatorium, part 2

Chapter II: The Dry Ridge Diviner According to Catesby’s mama, the Dry Ridge Diviner was a sorry old vamp. She was that, and she was other, less mentionable things. It was true the diviner wore so much face powder it was hard to tell her age, though she kept her head...
2016: True Love Says Goodbye

2016: True Love Says Goodbye

        “We should still be friends.” Sharon waited by the window with her arms crossed. Outside there was a lineup on the street for the next show at the Orange Peel. She studied them with a frown. Her bag was packed by the door,...
1937: Joe Williams

1937: Joe Williams

Charity Williams picked up the ear-piece on her brand new phone when it rang and said “Hello?” “Hello, Ma. Can you hear me? It’s Joe.” “Joe, what a surprise! Yes, I can hear you. Hold on, let me use my good ear. Okay, so go ahead. It’s good to hear your voice. It...
1993: Other Fine Things

1993: Other Fine Things

It was the eve of Christmas Eve, so a kind of nothing day. Almost a holiday, but really an in-between day. A day for people who cared about Christmas and holidays to rush around buying last-minute gifts. Decorating, wrapping, baking. That’s what was going on at my...