Hi, I'm Lovar Burton and this is Lovar Burton Reads.

In every episode I handpicked a different piece of short fiction and I read it to you.

The only thing these stories have in common is that I love them and I hope you will too.

Today's story is by the writer Bonnie Jo Stuffelbeam who is a Texas native.

I recorded this one live in Dallas at the beautiful Majestic Theater.

Bonnie's stories have appeared in over 60 magazines and anthologies and have been published

in six languages.

She was a finalist for the Nebula Award with her novelette The Ones-Ree and she curates

the annual art and words show in Fort Worth.

I had musical accompaniment for this live show from the master, Bella Leica player,

Genia Rock.

He plays around Texas and the country with his bands including the flying Bella Leica Brothers.

If you've never heard the flying Bella Leica Brothers, you're missing out on one of the truly

fine experiences of being human.

Before we begin, I'll just say that one of the things I love most about Bonnie's story

is that it's both familiar and unfamiliar all at once.

It's setting, it's characters, it's plot.

Okay, let's go.

Let's take that deep breath.

And begin.

In the city of Marhors by Bonnie Jo Stuffelbeam,

the woman did nothing more to catch Yuckov's attention than to stand in the stale morning air.

...