Fiction

Eleven Stories

Translated from the Arabic by the author and C. J. Collins Peace Agreement Strong and Weak signed a peace agreement; Weak had the document framed in a gold frame and hung it in the front room of his house. He called a press conference to publicize the event with photographs and articles. He considered it…

Cover for Ploughshares Solo Dead Zone

Dead Zone (Solo 3.9)

The case is now closed on the reasons behind the decision by the United Nations to officially terminate the existence of Israel as a living entity, an event that occurred about a century after it had voted for the partition of the Holy Land leading to the establishment of the Jewish State in 1948. But…

A solo cover of a black and white drawing of old books with the inside carved out

Bad Books (Solo 3.6)

“I am ashamed to own them. You must understand that. And yet, to own them and not acknowledge them is even worse. That’s why I need you.” Charles pauses, to make sure I agree. I nod. My thoughts are elsewhere, but he trusts my serious expression. I call him Charles in my head, but address…

A solo cover of an old rusted building with balconies and potted plants

Villa Bohème (Solo 3.5)

In the summer, your father starts taking in the strays. First come Pete and Jane. They’re from Texarcana and they’re spending a week at the El San Juan Hotel. When they walk into the Trolley, they sit next to your father. “This is paradise,” Pete says. He lifts his drink. “You, my friend, have got…

A solo cover with green, red, beige, orange, and black polka dots

Café Deux Mondes (Solo 3.3)

1. At first the women disagree over the saltshakers and peppermills and then the cookware and finally the utensils, until the bickering gives way to full-throated arguments and one stupendous scream-fest. When Miriam bursts into tears, Tamara follows suit. Within moments the two women fall into each other’s arms apologizing, consoling, and vowing never to…

What Remains

It was too late when I was called in, but it was probably always too late, which is to say there was really never any hope. People didn’t want to believe that—even some of the people who were closest to Beth, maybe them most of all. They would ask me for a long time after…