“Pastor, it is writing to me because it bought my pound cake,” I said, and I opened my Bible to Psalm 37 and let the envelope slide out into the …

The Pound Cake Read More

“Yes, Nils, it is real,” I said, and I said it softly, because the fireworks were still blooming over the fairgrounds. “Eight point eight million dollars. June. Every rig, every …

The Folding Chairs Read More

“Six million, three hundred thousand dollars, Brad,” I said, and I set the sponge down on the hay bale beside the paper. “That is what I received nine weeks ago …

The Wash Bucket Read More

“Eight weeks ago, Arturo,” I said, and I laid my hand flat on the table beside the paper. “Seven million, seven hundred thousand dollars. Every truck, every container, every driver.” …

The Pecan Lights Read More

“Because I did, Lionel,” I said, and I said it quietly, without pride, as I might say the time of day. “Ten weeks ago. Thirteen million, one hundred thousand dollars. …

The Fish Fryer Read More

“Because they bought my stack cake, honey,” I said, and I said it softly, because none of this was her doing. “Eight weeks ago, they paid me three million, eight …

The Stack Cake Read More

“Because they bought my pasties, dear,” I said, gently, since none of this was her doing. “Ten weeks ago, they paid me four million, nine hundred thousand dollars for beef, …

The Lunch Bucket Read More

“Because they bought my peach kuchen, honey,” I said, and I said it gently, because none of this was her doing. “Nine weeks ago, they paid me four million, six …

The Peach Kuchen Read More

“Because they bought my pepper sauce, baby,” I said, and I said it kindly, since none of this was her doing. “Seven weeks ago, they paid me five million, two …

The Pepper Sauce Read More

“Don, set the rifle down and open the bag,” I said. “And please do not shout at an old woman who is holding your granddaughter.” I was in my recliner …

The Hunting Bag Read More