fwriction

Flash Fiction Week continues at fwriction, with a request from liesaboutmyfriends for some Amy Hempel; since today’s an election day and all, I thought I should pay close attention to what my readers’ want! 

This is one of my favorite Hempel stories, one she manages to pull off with a seemingly effortless word choice and language rhythm. Enjoy (and, please vote).

My heart — I thought it stopped. So I got in my car and headed for God. I passed two churches with cars parked in front. Then I stopped at the third because no one else had. It was early afternoon, the middle of the week. I chose a pew in the center of the rows. Episcopal or Methodist, it didn’t make any difference. It was as quiet as a church. I thought about the feeling of the long missed beat, and the tumble of the next ones as they rushed to fill the space. I sat there — in the high brace of quiet and stained glass — and I listened.