Coyotes by Andrew Porter, 2003
The magic trick:
A key detail that makes a lonely story even lonelier
This is the story of an absent father. He’s always running off from home to chase his next documentary film project, leaving our young narrator to drift through life, mostly sad and confused, it seems.
That’s a not inaccurate summary, but it’s also a gross oversimplification. This story, premise be that as it may, is complicated. There is a key detail shared early in the story that casts all this sadness in a strangely beautiful light.
The person who most believes in the father’s talent as a filmmaker? His wife.
She is his number one fan and supporter, even as it’s clear that he’s failing as a husband, father, and filmmaker.
It makes this lonely story even lonelier.
And that’s quite a trick on Porter’s part.
The selection:
I imagined the large house we would one day own – a large split-level structure up in the Hollywood Hills, a mansion with palm trees and a lit swimming pool in the backyard. And when I found myself bored with my schoolwork, I would walk over to the other side of the kitchen and study the small article my mother kept framed on the wall. The article was about my father’s first film, and though most of the review was favorable, there was one short sentence that always got me – a sentence near the end of the article in which the critic described my father’s film as “the unmistakable work of young genius.”
As always, join the conversation in the comments section below, on SSMT Facebook or on Twitter @ShortStoryMT.
Subscribe to the Short Story Magic Tricks Monthly Newsletter to get the latest short story news, contests and fun.
Short Story Magic Tricks 