Short Stories
Temporary Tattoo
The buzzer sounds, cutting through the air with authority and resonance
A gaggle of thirteen-year-old boys clear the court, limbs bouncing and dripping with sweat
Boys from both sides collect their belongings, take long sips of water, and find their family members in the bleachers, waving to them weakly
Brennan finds his dad by the doors of the gymnasium
He pats Brennan on the back twice, and they head out into the December night with their coats hugging them
Brennan watches headlights move through the parking lot, fluid like a ballet
Snow floats down from the black sky as if originating from nothingness
Brennan
Ah, Dad, I shouldn’t have tried to pass the ball, I should have just gone for the shot
Brennan's Dad
It’s alright, buddy. It’s not always clear what the right choice is
Brennan keeps his head bent, a little ashamed despite his dad’s reassurances
Temporary Tattoo
White flakes the size of navy beans stick in his sandy hair, limp with sweat
Brennan's Dad
This weekend, me and you will go down to the park and go over some maneuvers
Brennan's Dad
Maybe I can get John to come with us
Brennan's Dad
You know, he used to play when he was your age
Brennan
Sure, Dad, that sounds alright
Brennan's Dad
How about this
he begins as they near the ’95 Camry
Brennan's Dad
Let’s go get pizza
Brennan's Dad
At your favorite place
Brennan
Why? I did terrible
Brennan's Dad
Don’t say that
Brennan's Dad
It’s a reward
Brennan's Dad
For all you did tonight
His dad grins as he unlocks the car
With the remaining strength he has, Brennan throws his bag into the backseat
His eyes sweep the parking lot
Across the lot, a thin woman stands next to a Kia with her hand affixed to the door handle, strangely still
Though it’s hard to tell through the snow and dark, it seems like she is watching him
Somehow, she looks familiar, but he’s almost sure he’s never seen her before
Brennan closes the back door, still staring out at the Kia in the darkness
Brennan's Dad
What is it? It’s cold, Brennan
He slips into the passenger’s seat and fastens his seatbelt
Brennan
Sorry. I just thought I saw someone
Temporary Tattoo
The air inside of the restaurant is warm and smells of garlic and marinara
Brennan can feel his skin flush in the heat
By the entrance is a row of dated gumball machines, temporary tattoo vending machines, and vending machines that dispense capsules with miniature toys inside
A little boy with emerald eyes and a snotty nose uses both hands to try to turn the valve of the bouncy ball machine
Despite his effort, the valve doesn’t budge
An older girl picks the dimes and pennies out of the slots and replaces them with quarters
The valve turns easily as the quarters are swallowed by the machine
The waitress is a college-aged girl but not in college, she reveals voluntarily
Her movements are swift and coordinated; she snatches a pair of menus from the front counter and brings them along to their booth
waitress
Can I get you started with something to drink?
She places a menu delicately in front of Brennan
He peeks at her shyly, chewing on a hangnail
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