The Daughters of Block Island

by Christa Carmen

“She sent me a letter two weeks ago today.” Thalia points to the article on the phone she’s still holding up like a flag.

Blake had concocted stories through the years, everything from a superhero mother needing to sever all connections with those she loved to the horrible—but justifiable—possibility that her mother had been assaulted, or otherwise coerced into a sexual relationship, and given Blake up to protect her.

The bathwater is mulberry wine.

The last thought that crosses Blake’s mind before she dies is one of irony: she has succumbed to the plot of her gothic horror novel.

“I mean, Fiona Searles murdering a random mainlander visiting the island?