The Library at Mount Char

by Scott Hawkins

Carolyn rose and stood alone in the dark, both in that moment and ever after.

“Yo, man,” he said. “You got, like, half a dog hanging off your back bumper.” “Do I?” “Yeah. Did you drive over it? On purpose, like?” “No. The Buddha teaches respect for all life.” Then, under his breath. “I guess I did shoot a couple though.”

Steve sighed, wishing for a cigarette. “The Buddha teaches respect for all life.” “Oh.” She considered this. “Are you a Buddhist?” “No. I’m an asshole. But I keep trying.”