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Fiction by
David Erlewine
the look on your face by Denise Scicluna
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Good As New
Jan and I stand over the changing table. Jan runs her finger over the “E”. “Jesus.” I try to get the diaper on. “I don’t like the name Sarah,” Jan says, shutting the door as she leaves. * * * On the way to work, I stop by the adoption agency. Carol isn’t available. I don’t feel like getting into this with a stranger; I’ll probably be accused of something. At work, the on-site day-care specialist assures me Sarah is a lovely name. * * * Sarah’s cries wake me. Before I pick her up, I stand over her crib, not looking at her back. * * * Janet spoons herself cream of crab soup as Sarah lies in the bow of my arm, sucking her milk bottle. Did the fucker do anything worse to her? Is she damaged inside? She had to have been drugged. I have to believe she felt nothing until after. * * * Three more appointments, the doctor tells me, and nobody will ever know it was there. |
 Anyone who really knows me, knows that I'm nothing if not completely paranoid about pedophiles. Also, I have often wondered, generally, about those first few days after a couple brings an adopted child home. Finally, I have two young children and am constantly writing things about young children. My wife pointed out that my stories involve fathers and sons, no daughters. So, I should credit her for this story. She'll be thrilled. |