AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cal: It’s a rough draft for one of my podcast episodes. I wrote the layout, bullet points, etc.
Row: Show me.
Cal: Will you tell me if it sucks?
Row: Abso-fucking-lutely. I made a career out of putting people down.
Row: It’s the sole reason for my success. I actually barely know how to operate a microwave. Best kept secret. Don’t tell.
Cal:
Row: BRB.
Cal: It’s twenty pages. Obviously, take your time.
Row: I’m done.
Cal: ???
Cal: It’s been twenty-five minutes and it’s the middle of the night.
Row: Sucked me in. Your fault, really.
Cal: Are you saying that it’s good?
Row: I’m saying that it’s perfect.
Row: Exhilarating, funny, sad, heart-wrenching. Should I continue?
Cal: Really? Because I plan to use it for one of my first five episodes.
Row: Record the podcast, Dot, and I promise you I’ll be your first listener.
CAL
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”—Mariah Carey
The Christmas lighting in the town’s square was the grandest event in all of Staindrop. Even as a kid, I remembered it as a monumental occasion.
There were always food trucks, visitors from neighboring towns, a countdown, and one time the mayor had even managed to bring an actor who body-doubled for Sharon Stone to flip the switch.
Skipping didn’t even cross my mind. Even though seeing Allison Murray always guaranteed an internal meltdown for me. The only reason I’d survived Row’s town hall meeting with her sitting up there on the podium was because Dylan had held my hand through it.
But Mamushka loved seeing the lights go up, and she’d knitted us matching red-and-green mittens for the occasion. Besides, Dylan had gotten the all-clear from her ob-gyn to attend, and I knew she wanted me there.
“Your father came to me in a dream,” Mamushka announced as we strolled toward Main Street. Our arms were linked, and we were wearing big faux-fur ushankas and puffy coats.
“He did?” My mouth quirked into a smile. “What did he say?”
Mom pressed her lips together, fighting a grin. “Know how I’ve been debating whether to start my mitten business or go back to teach another year?” she asked.
I nodded. Mamushka taught math at the local high school.
“Well, I didn’t tell you this, but when we went to spread his ashes in Moxie Falls, I asked him to give me a sign. Something to let me know it’s time.”
“And?” Our feet crunched the thin layer of ice on the pavement.
“And when you went to pee behind the bushes, a feather landed in the palm of my hand. I tucked it into my bag. They say that when feathers appear, angels are near.”
