I don’t like endings. I rarely go to funerals and whenever I leave someone’s presence, I frequently say, “See you later” rather than “Goodbye”. Equally, I never joke about death or dying. The comedian, Dick Shawn, is said to have ended his act by feigning a heart attack to avoid encores. When he suffered a … Continue reading Author’s Intent: Endings
Tag: college
Worthy, Abigail & Jillian
Late Thursday morning, Abigail goes to the Hyatt, where Jillian's conference is being held. Numerous participants are milling around the lobby in groups of varying size. An attractive, dark-haired woman in a light silk top and dark slacks takes note of Abigail and heads toward her. “Abigail?” “Yes. You must be Jillian.” Jillian scrutinizes her … Continue reading Worthy, Abigail & Jillian
Worthy, Big Sis
Abigail is having lunch alone in the cafeteria and studying for her midterm exams. Her mother and cousin are expected later that evening, so she's hoping to get most of her studying done before they arrive. Her phone rings, and she doesn’t recognize the number. She answers. “Abigail. This is Jillian Hawkins.” “Jillian? I didn’t … Continue reading Worthy, Big Sis
Castor, Makepeace and Pollux: Steven’s Job
16 April 2011: Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia When Leah and Steven arrive for their meeting with Kristian Makepeace, they’re ushered into a large conference room with trays filled with doughnuts and pastries, and a coffee machine on a table against one wall. There’s also an assortment of teas with a hot water carafe. Leah and … Continue reading Castor, Makepeace and Pollux: Steven’s Job
Leah Defends Herself
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA, 26 July 2017. After Leah Walker was almost sexually assaulted by Mitchell, the guy she dated in high school, she was especially troubled at how helpless she felt to do anything about it. Only the chance intervention of Mitchell’s sister stopped the incident from going too far and this … Continue reading Leah Defends Herself
Worthy, Genevieve & Leah
Genevieve Duchard stands before the door labeled “L. J. Walker Security Consultants, LLC” hesitant to go further. From Abby’s reconnaissance the day before, she knows only one person is likely to be inside, but that person is certain to be formidable. Genevieve takes in a deep breath, and, as she lets it out, she pushes … Continue reading Worthy, Genevieve & Leah
Rosie
Rosalind Worthy sits in the waiting room at the Granger Cancer Facility, in Seattle, where she's been receiving treatment for more than six months. Her mother, Abigail, sits beside her, and her little sister, Rhiannon is across from her, looking through a copy of Highlights magazine. Rosalind is wearing a large, floppy hat to … Continue reading Rosie
Leah and Dottie
Leah Walker enters her dorm room at Wellesley College and sets her backpack onto a chair. It's her freshman year, and her roommate, Heather, is visiting family for several days, so Leah's looking forward to having the room to herself for a long weekend. Leah's average height, with shoulder-length auburn hair, and steel-blue eyes. She's … Continue reading Leah and Dottie
Worthy, Part 43
The venue for the band Neil found is called T.J. Bailey's and it's a few blocks off the square in Decatur. It's patterned after a cozy neighborhood bar, but seems way too polished for the traditional, lived in feel they're aiming to achieve. Leah and the Caines are there, along with a moderate crowd of … Continue reading Worthy, Part 43
Worthy, Part 42
Abigail goes by Leah's office to pick up Genevieve who's been helping out to learn more about what Leah does. They're scheduled to practice with the band that night. Neil has found them a local gig to get them a warm up for an upcoming open mic night. "Hi, Abby," Leah says as she buzzes … Continue reading Worthy, Part 42