Issue 4 cover

Forests of the Night

by Abigail Hilton

Issue 4 :: Spring 2009 (stories)

Adel arrived at our small hospice late one afternoon. Her family--an impeccably-dressed couple in their late twenties--hid behind sunglasses and surgically-enhanced smiles. I wondered why they’d chosen our small-town establishment. They looked like they could afford something better.

Adel trailed after them, an ancient woman following along like a lost puppy. She looked rumpled in her thin cotton shirt and trousers, somewhat stained. Her fine white hair gave the impression of a cartoon character who has just stuck a finger in an electrical socket. They told us she was ninety-seven and in the final stages of terminal breast cancer.

No, they just could not handle her anymore. Yes, she was confused--had been confused for years, even before the cancer. Yes, she had a tendency to wander. Here were her medical records, doctors’ orders, and insurance information. Here was a very large check. Here were her belongings--one pitifully small suitcase. Here was their phone number. They would be in touch.

Adel did not appear to understand any of this.


...

Purchase the issue to read more of this piece and others

 
Or buy the rest of just this piece for $0.50!



"Forests of the Night" is roughly 1175 words.

Abigail Hilton is a nurse living in Portland, Oregon with two cats and a variety of carnivorous plants. She is pursuing a masters degree. Her fiction has been featured in Beyond Centauri and The Drabblecast. Information about her podcast novel, The Prophet of Panamindorah, can be found at panamindorah.com">panamindorah.com.