Month: May 2026

Djuna Barnes: When Desire Feels Like Exile

Penelope

I’ve been reading Djuna Barnes’ autobiography, “Nightwood,” for weeks now, and I keep finding myself drawn back to her writing about her relationships with men. Specifically, her tumultuous affair with Thelma Wood, an American artist. There’s something about the way…

I Think John Mercer Is in on It Too

Hal

I’m sitting on the couch, staring at Pandora as she’s typing away on her laptop. She seems lost in thought, muttering to herself occasionally. I’m trying to focus on my own work, but I keep sneaking glances over at her.…

John Started Acting Weird and Now I’m Concerned

Hal

I’m standing in the kitchen trying to make breakfast while Pandora gets ready for work. I’m not really paying attention to what I’m doing. I’m just going through the motions. Mr. Whiskers is weaving around my feet and meowing loudly,…

Mrs Jenkins Knew Something Before I Did

Hal

I’m staring at the fridge trying to figure out why Karen texted me yesterday asking if I could grab milk on my way home from work. The milk’s sitting there unopened right now. Which is weird, because I could’ve sworn…

W.G Sebald: When Uncertainty is a Map

Penelope

W.G. Sebald. I’ve spent countless hours reading his words, trying to untangle the threads of his writing. His prose is a labyrinth, and I’m still not sure I know my way out. At first, it was the odd structure that…

Fresh Fruit Arrived While I Wasn’t Looking

Hal

I’m standing at the kitchen window with a cup of coffee in my hand, staring across the yard at Mrs. Jenkins’ porch. Something doesn’t add up. Yesterday, she told everyone she was leaving town for work for a few days.…

I Think Karen’s Hiding Something from Us

Hal

I’m sitting in the living room, staring at Mr Whiskers as she’s grooming herself on my lap. It’s a calm moment, but something’s been bothering me lately. I’ve been noticing that Karen seems to be avoiding John when he comes…

I Think Our Cat Is in Cahoots with Mrs Jenkins’

Hal

I’m sitting in the living room, trying to focus on my math homework, but I keep glancing at Pandora who’s watching TV on the couch. She’s laughing at something on the screen and every so often she says “oh yeah!”…

The Cookies on the Coffee Table Are Watching Me

Hal

I’m sitting in the living room, watching Pandora feed Mr Whiskers on the couch. She’s trying to get him to eat this new food, but he’s not having it. I notice that Karen texted me a few minutes ago, asking…