The White Envelope
Mateo came forward slowly across the kitchen floor, turning his hat in his hands, and stopped beside my chair. The long white envelope lay on the table where I had …
The White Envelope Read MoreAuthor: pologo
The Toolbox of Jim
I lifted the heavy wooden toolbox onto the dining table and laid my hand flat on the lid. It was oak, built by Jim in 1976, with brass corners and …
The Toolbox of Jim Read MoreThe Tin Lunch Box
I unlatched the old tin lunch box and lifted the lid. It still smelled faintly of coffee and cold wheat, the way it did on the days when Orval came …
The Tin Lunch Box Read MoreThe Pink Envelope
I drew the pink envelope out of the heavy green motel register and held it up so that the whole table could see the name on the front. It was …
The Pink Envelope Read MoreThe Brass Lantern
I lifted the old brass lantern from the coffee table and unlatched the little glass door. Inside, rolled tight and tied with a bit of tarred twine, was a sheet …
The Brass Lantern Read MoreThe Rice Scoop
I picked up the old wooden rice scoop and turned it over so that the initials burned into the handle caught the light. L. T. for Lester Tillman, my granddaddy, …
The Rice Scoop Read MoreThe Sheriff Briefcase
I put the old briefcase on my knees and thumbed the new lock. It clicked, and I lifted the lid. The inside smelled of leather and pencil shavings, and it …
The Sheriff Briefcase Read MoreGranddaddy Saddlebag
I unbuckled the straps of the old saddlebag of my father and laid it flat on the table beside the brisket. The leather was cracked and dark with sixty years …
Granddaddy Saddlebag Read MoreThe Deli Apron
I unfolded the old deli apron slowly and set it flat on the tablecloth, between the meatballs and the plate of sliced bread. The white cotton had turned the color …
The Deli Apron Read MoreThe Bakery Box
I lifted the lid of the white bakery box and turned it toward the room. There was no cake inside. Packed in neat rows, standing on their edges like cards …
The Bakery Box Read More