On Mondays, Francesca Takes the Stairs
by Cami Park
The first flight is effortless; she imagines herself a swan floating on air-light meringue, no, she is a bride, a perfect bride, ascending to her groom, Renaldo, no, not Renaldo, by the second flight it's someone else, someone who smells more of sweet tobacco than ground hamburger, someone who would never jiggle her ass in passive, mocking reprimand, putting her through this, this third and last flight like the suffering of Our Lord, who had nothing but crosses and thieves waiting for him at the end, finally, the end, she leans on the door, the unbearable, heavy door, like a cold marble slab, leans on it until it gives and she stumbles into cold fluorescence, where she is greeted by clattering office machinery and nearly translucent co-workers, and she stands there, just stands there, so confronted by this clash of grace, she wonders about tomorrow.
someone who smells more of sweet tobacco than ground hamburger, someone who would never jiggle her ass in passive, mocking reprimand,
OH, Cami, this is so perfect, saying so much in such a funny, crushing way.
"and she stands there, just stands there, so confronted by this clash of grace, she wonders about tomorrow." what a grand ending. please keep posting on here. what a fresh, exciting voice.
Oh, thanks, David!
I felt sorta like this coming into work today and it's FRIDAY. Not good news for anybody.
Such a command in this piece, Cami.
Been a while since I've felt so much authority coming through so soundly in a story. I can see why Smokelong wanted to share it, and thank you for sharing it here.
Also, deeply appreciate the fact that this is a single sentence. Excellent.
Thank you, Sheldon. That's so great to hear.
Whoosh. This is so skilled, congratulations, Cami.
Thanks, Ethel!
Beautifully wrought, infused with real beauty and truth and a kind of grace all by itself.
Thank you, Darryl.
Still a favorite. We've been really lucky to publish as much of your work as we have. Thanks, Cami!
Thanks, Dave!
You've infused something ordinary with meaning, which is the best thing writing can do.
Thanks, Katrina!
what a great title! we're lucky she only take the stairs on monday. otherwise we wouldn't get francesca's (and your) great imagination and (her) exhaustion, which is wonderfully described. very nice!
Thank you, Lauren!
Like all the best short story writers, Cami is skillful and precise. She is intelligent, and soft, and warm. She takes no shortcuts with the short form. She is great.
Well. Thank you, Jason!
Perfect little gem.
Thank you!
The image of nearly translucent co-workers is startling and perfect. Yep, I agree: the flight of your sentence was swift and graceful.
Thanks, Arlene, so much!
absolutely stunning, cami.
Thank you!
Awesome! One big sentence with a lot of good moments.
Cool, thanks again!
I vaguely remember this one. Great voice, great drive. As always, your themes are funny and profound. Intelligent. Inserting grace at the end is brilliant.
You're such a smart writer. Love it.
Really like it. I'm always fascinated by good white-collar fiction, and turned off by bad fiction of this variety. Thankfully, your story falls squarely in the former category. Thanks for the great read!
Thanks, Lorissa!