Sometimes a cigar is just a smoke and a story's just a story

“Because talent won't be quiet, doesn't know how to be quiet," he said. "Whether…”

“The refrigerator whirred, the water dripped in the sink, and the raw seconds pa…”

“The water was glassy and calm, still candy-colored in the afterglow of sunset.”

“She had always consciously or unconsciously formed fear into a simple equation:…”