Can boogeymen and fluffernutters, scraped knees and coloring books, times tables and video games, homework assignments and roller coasters, algebra problems and iPhones, fumbled kisses and glimmers of the man to be matter if they all lead to a momentary miscalculation of speed and distance on a bicycle at night?
Robert Markovich spent a lifetime in what is charitably referred to as service journalism, writing and editing stories about everything from cars to toilets, most recently at Consumer Reports. He is happily and gratefully retired.
This packs a punch. Nice work, Bob.
Must confess that, looking back at it, I think it’s too long a list. But it seems to work …
A “momentary miscalculation.” Those two words hurt. A ghost bike and wreath decorates the corner near my house where an 11-year-old tried to get to a swimming pool.
Yes. Apt words can bring a momentary recollection of events that are better forgotten.
Another comment: the word “matter” is probably THE most important word in this entire sentence. Kills me.
I like the biographical note, which I recognized from your previous story.
I like the story also.
Appreciate it. As for the biography, it all seems like a lifetime ago.
This hit me hard. When I was younger my little brother was almost hit by a car while riding his bike, but I grabbed him out of the way. I shudder to think of the consequences if I hadn’t. Good job Robert.