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Thirteen

Story by Tai Dong Huai (Read author interview) December 16, 2008

Art by Robinson Accola

When I am thirteen years old, I fall into a despondent hopelessness which I am powerless to name. My adoptive parents—suffering with me through panic-laden, sleepless nights—finally take me to a psychologist. “What do you want?” he asks. I sit across from his desk on a too-soft leather chair. “I want to run,” I say. “Where?” he asks. I draw my legs up and cross them in front of me. “That’s just it,” I say.

About the Author

Tai Dong Huai was born in Taizhou, China. Fiction has appeared, or is scheduled, in elimae, Hobart, Thieves Jargon, rumble, Underground Voices, Wigleaf, Word Riot, and other terrific places. “Thirteen” is from a collection in progress I Come From Where I’ve Never Been.

About the Artist

Robinson Accola creates artwork for SmokeLong Quarterly as needed.

This story appeared in Issue Twenty-Three of SmokeLong Quarterly.
SmokeLong Quarterly Issue Twenty-Three
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