The Twisted Ones

by T. Kingfisher

Books on World War II appear spontaneously in any house that contains a man over a certain age. I believe that’s science.

He let out another sigh. Occasionally my dog sounds like he is deflating.

“Are you okay?” she asked. “You’re… uh…” “Fine,” I said automatically. When people ask if you’re okay, you say “fine.” It’s a hindbrain function.

There comes a point where terrible things are funny. It’s the point where the furnace is broken and the hot water heater is leaking and your dog comes in smelling of skunk and the check engine light has come on when you go to get tomato juice. You stop crying and you stop being frustrated because none of that will help. All you can do is start laughing hysterically because that’s the only thing that’s left.