This is The Writer's Voice, new fiction from The New Yorker.

I'm Deborah Treesman, fiction editor at The New Yorker.

On this episode of The Writer's Voice, we'll hear Sam Lipsight read his story, My Apology,

from the July 5th, 2021 issue of the magazine.

Lipsight is the author of six books of fiction, including the story collection, The Fun Parts,

and The Novels of the Ask and Hark, which was published in 2019.

Now here's Sam Lipsight.

My Apology.

My Apology, Lefler informs me, is tone deaf and insufficient.

But that's okay, Beakman says. There is still time to revise.

But not much time, Lefler says. It's too late to get out in front.

But you can still come abreast.

But of course, there are better ways to say that nowadays. Beakman says to Lefler.

But of course, but of course, Lefler says.

Is there ever laughter in an office that isn't at least a little nervous?

So I say, as you are both my bosses, not to mention my mentors,

do you have any tips on how to best approach this Apology revision?

Be less tone deaf, Beakman says. Be more sufficient, Lefler adds.

I spend the evening on my Apology. Near midnight, my daughter leans into the kitchen.

Still up, she says? Yes, just catching up on stuff. Sophie glides in, takes a seat at the table.

What are you working on, she says? Oh, nothing important.

You always used to tell me about your job. You were always asking.

...