Katie Oh Writes…
“Hunter is going to die on Tuesday, I think. Tuesday is my set day off, and my dog will probably die. I check my email and print each one out, per the state rules. I put my signature on the page and leave them on the desk behind me for the other manager to sign. I think she said today she was taking her son to the zoo. An outing. My dog is probably hiding in the bedroom closet at home. I put on my tie and nametag, about to let in the alcoholics, puffing rapidly on their cigarettes outside the door, watching the clock. My dog has prostate cancer, and I wonder how it relates to cirrhosis of the liver. I wonder why one of these assholes, the ones that cheerily greet me and line up obediently at the counter to procure their ($4.33 after tax) pints of Nikolai vodka, couldn’t have the prostate cancer instead. I want to tell them that no one needs vodka at 9 am, but the way they all have exact change makes me think they know that. I wonder if Hunter is hiding in the bedroom closet, if Cynthia isn’t trying to lure him out past the tie racks affixed to the insides of the doors.”
(from a piece in progress)
Publishing History:
Interview with Nick Flynn, Ubiquitous, Fall 2009
“They Call It Pittsburghese,” Ubiquitous, Spring 2009
Contributing Columnist, Norwin Star, February 2009 – April 2009
“Things I’d Rather Not Admit,” Ubiquitous, Winter 2008