fwriction

Barb Johnson’s More of This World or Maybe Another is one of the best fiction debut’s in recent memory. Her story, “Killer Heart,” was previous featured on the Story of the Day, and I felt it was time to bring you another. This one, also from the same collection, was originally published in Guernica. Barb Johnson is a class act, a brilliant writer, and a hell of a drinking buddy. Her guidance and support of my writing have been immeasurable. Please enjoy “Keeping Her Difficult Balance”:

“Delia reaches behind her for the net and sets it next to Calvin. She’d rather disappear for this portion of the program—flailing-fish-meets-net—not just because of what is about to happen to some poor, unsuspecting fish, but because Calvin requires an audience. Someone has to see him fight the fish and win. It’s a fish with a minuscule brain. Delia can’t imagine why anyone would want a witness. And it’s not that Calvin comes right out and says, Watch me. It’s just a rule. Women have to watch men. It’s exhausting.”