The Library at Mount Char

by Scott Hawkins

Of course, genuine emotion is the very essence of self. It cannot ever be unfelt, cannot be ignored, cannot even be rechanneled for very long. But with practice and care, it may be hidden.

Aren’t you violating the building codes? Or the laws of physics?” “Building codes, probably. None of the wiring is grounded. But the laws of physics don’t apply in here.” “Whatever the fuck might you be talking about, Carolyn dear?” “Can you freak out while we walk? Pretty please?” She jiggled the shoelace impatiently. David, now almost completely swallowed by blackness, bobbed at the end of it.