Stories

Exploring places which exist in my boyhood memory.

Boccaccio's Decameron, a story of renewal and recreation in defiance of a decimating pandemic, relates how ten self-isolated Italians pass the time regaling each other with tall tales during the Black Plague. While Covid19 wasn't nearly as decimating, the opportunity for such entertainment did exist. As a takeoff on that idea, this short story might well be a modern version of one of the tales, recounting events of earlier, less stressful times.

I'd crushed on other guys before, my cousin Jericho was my first experience with pure, unadulterated love.

A young man in reluctant thrall to his burgeoning sexuality. A best friend who doesn't understand why he's been pushed away. Two other young men, who may or may not be related, in the throes of a weird-but-friendly competition. A baseball card and a shell necklace and a reefer before the storm. A ruined shotgun shack. And, lastly, a psychedelic patchwork quilt. What do these things have in common? Free love.

An athletic high-school senior and a studious freshman form an unusual friendship.

Peter's adoption is nearing completion, and he and Benji are officially going to become real brothers, but not without a rough spot on the way.

A district wrestling camp opportunity arises, and although he is the youngest participant, Benji makes the most of it.

A runaway orphan boy loses himself in a primeval American forest and, on the brink of death, is saved by the animals living there. As he recovers he finds that the animals have saved him for a reason, a reason that makes his life worth living. It seems like a fable that might have taken place in Africa, or India, a hundred years ago, but although this boy was not raised by apes or wolves, his story in contemporary America is even stranger. Be warned, however, that although this tale has many joyous moments, there is sorrow here as well, sorrow for the boy, and for the many who came to love him.

Benji takes action to protect his new brother.

Trevor Carlson is making his way through graduate school. He’s the best friend and beta to the most powerful wolves known to exist. Rather than be swallowed by the shadows of his friend’s success, Trevor’s shown time and again he’s a confident and powerful force who can stand on his own. A summer internship working at his friends pack in California broadens his horizons and reminds him not all education takes place in the classroom.

Thank you to Carlos Hazday for his tireless work as editor and pushing me through writers block to make this story what it is.