Summer Fiction   Issue 16, Summer 2003

Charles BaxterAN EXCERPT FROM THE NOVEL SAUL AND PATSY
She smiled at him, to tease him, to test out her power, to give him an anguished memory tonight, when he was in bed and couldn't sleep, thinking of her, in the density of his empty, stupid life.

Joy WilliamsFORTUNE
She was attracted to James, to his deep-set eyes and pale perfect skin, but none of them were lovers. If any of them had been lovers, it would have spoiled everything.

Stuart DybekBREASTS
"Stevo, when they ask how it happened say you fell off your bike."

Howard HuntSOVIETSKI!
Glasses are lined up and more champagne is uncorked, and Magda, the most prestigious of the prestige girlfriends, heats up a big pan of svarák, or hot wine.

John AielloNOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Some say they hear themselves scream like a stranger, like a voice coming from ten feet behind them, raising the hackles and throwing the heart up into the throat. But I knew I was speaking to you.

Rebecca BarryHOW TO SAVE A WOUNDED BIRD
I stare at his tight body, his muscled face, and wonder if he ever kissed my husband.

Melanie Rae ThonTHE MILK OF LILACS: FOR MY MOTHER AND THE THIEF
We were two, my mother and I, and Daddy was in the barn, four days gone, but not buried.

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