From the story, When Murray Met Helen
At nineteen, on Guadalcanal, Murray learned to harden his heart in order to protect his psyche. It was not as he imagined it would be. It was not the same as the willingness he knew he possessed to fall on a grenade, or to perform an emergency amputation in the absence of a combat medic. To those imaginable acts there were at least actions where he would command the major muscle groups.
Continue reading Corduroy
From the story When Murray Met Helen
Helen was still smiling when she closed Murray’s front door behind her–“don’t get up!” she’d shouted, just to needle him–and headed out on an angle across his lawn. She was surprised to feel the jewel-like coolness of dew drops already forming on the grass. It was comforting, a bit magical, and it made her feel all the more child-like.
From the story, When Murray Met Helen
Helen left and within the hour returned with fruit. Not just pineapple but fresh strawberries, raspberries, a variety of melon, and dark cherries.
“What, no peaches?” he asked, with a tone of mock entitlement.
Continue reading Reconcile
From the story When Murray Met Helen
When Helen arrived in Murray’s hospital room on the second day she was bemused not only to find Sid, whom she’d met, but also Vic, Chili, Fitz, and Renard. They were all octogenarians, all former marines, and, with the exception of Renard, all equipped with canes or walkers.
“Oh for christsakes,” she exclaimed, “looks like Sid brought the dream team.”
Continue reading Bromeliad
