This story was first published in Devilfish Review (sadly, now defunct, or I would link to them!). It stands alone, but is the first part of a trilogy of stories called "After the Storms."

A few years back I took a class taught by the illustrious Richard Rayner. Each week we were tasked to write 400 words from a prompt provided by Richard. I loved his prompts and find I have saved them in a file! This one was:

A sick man and his younger wife check into a hotel room. He tells her a story and orders drinks which are brought by room service. The man has something to drink, says something, and then he dies.

Amazing prompt, right? I don't remember what I turned in for my 400-word assignment, but am sure my constant and pervasive anxiety about global warming was already seeded in. The hotel room setting is inspired by The Hollywood Athletic Club, where, like Jerry and Beth, my husband and I took a weekend "staycation one sweltering summer.

Greg Gordon Smith composes and sound designs for this and every episode. You can see more of what he does on his Vimeo page.

And the cover art is by the talented and prolific Ted Giffin.