Pretty by J. Bradley

Mom asks if my step-dad’s new girlfriend is prettier than her and I answer yes. The next morning, I wake up to find my step-dad in the kitchen, eating the last of my Trix, mom sipping coffee, rubbing his shoulder. Is he moving back in, I ask. My younger brother interrupts by running in and hugging him like it’s been years since he’s seen his father. 

The next weekend, we’re at my step-dad’s place. He drinks enough beer to make a small pyramid. He waits until my little brother is asleep to slur: your mom’s cruel to bring me back only to let me go. 

J. Bradley is the author of On the Campaign Trail (Long Day Press, 2020). He lives at jbradleywrites.com.

@jbradleywrites

Best Small Fictions 2019. Wigleaf Top 50 writer (2016, 2018) Author: Greetings from America