Topical Guide 74
Mark Dorset
Fortune-Cookie Wisdom
“GUPPA COULD build me a radio,” I said.
“I’m sure he could,” said Mr. Beaker. He turned toward Eliza, and from the way his ear twitched, and from the flash of anger in Eliza’s eyes, I knew that he had winked.
“And I could help him,” I said, through clenched teeth.
“I’m sure you could,” said Mr. Beaker. He began loading his pipe. He wore a small, twisted grin. It was not until several years later that I learned the word supercilious, but when I did, I found that I already knew exactly what it meant.Little Follies, “The Static of the Spheres”
I was furious. Mr. Beaker took his pipe tool from his pocket and began tamping his tobacco. If I had been holding the poker, I might have hit him with it. Instead, it occurred to me to use another weapon: Eliza. …
A chill ran through me, and I actually shuddered. Instantly I lost all desire to hurt Mr. Beaker, because I wanted instead to comfort Eliza.Little Follies, “The Static of the Spheres”
[more to come on Wednesday, August 25, 2021]
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