by Allegra Hyde

“Aleq sat with him, but Malik didn’t seem to see him. Food appeared on his lap and then was taken away. Aleq reminded him of the way, on bad-weather days, they used to tell each other that if they closed their eyes and opened them again, the sun would be back out.

Finally Malik moved his arms and opened his eyes. His head swayed like they were on a boat.”

-Jim Shepard