Allies and Enemies: Part One

New York City, South Bronx

David Bernard stands in line at the corner grocery, awkwardly holding the handle of a plastic basket as it bangs arrhythmically against his legs. The air conditioning is out, and bags of ice line the meat and produce isles, adding to the already considerable humidity. It’s uncomfortably warm and damp. David tries to suppress his agitation as he waits his turn.

“And they say they can’t fix it until tomorrow…” Nirmala is a small, animated Indian woman with long, glossy...