Autumn Gazebo

A young man moves into his late parent’s summer home. A memory of his high school sweetheart bubbles as he remembers the two making love near the Gazebo. His reality changes with a knock on his door.

Guys like me don’t usually do things like this, but I’ve been up since three o’clock, sitting here in the dark, waiting for the brisk October sun to retake its position above the day’s forecasted clouds. A pumpkin spice candle flickers on the kitchen table—the wax puddles beneath its wick. The TV is on, but the sound is off. I blow steam from the brim of the coffee cup I hold and take quick sips. I think about life and stare out the large bay window of this three-story brick lakeside mansion. (Sample)