A Short Book of Short Stories with Short Titles

By Henry Harris

This short book contains eight short stories with short titles. 'Lessons' speaks of a father and son and the power of redemption, with the West End of Atlanta as the setting.

'Notions' speaks of brothers in a Scottdale, Georgia, barbershop discussing politics and other notions.

'The Attendant' speaks of a night in the life of Luther, restroom attendant at a posh Buckhead restaurant/club.

'Gifts' speaks of the exploits of Booker T., a Harlem dishwasher who won a 70-million-dollar lottery.

'Secrets' speak of family stuff left unsaid, as Danny searches quaint streets in Centereach, Long Island.

'Kin' speaks of the revelations unearthed by Evan during an ancestral journey through Philadelphia and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

'Sons' speaks of the adventures of Detective J.D. Hill, murder police in 1995 Harlem, New York, during the infamous riots on 125th Street.

'Choices' speaks of challenges faced in a world of unbridled technology and climate upheaval.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Aug 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781528972246

Book preview

Choices

About the Author

Henry Harris was born in Brooklyn, New York. He spent most of his adult years in North Carolina and Georgia. His most endearing childhood memories are times spent in New Bedford, Massachusetts – home to his father and grandparents.

About the Book

This short book contains eight short stories with short titles.

 ‘Lessons’ speaks of a father and son and the power of redemption, with the West End of Atlanta as the setting.

‘Notions’ speaks of brothers in a Scottdale, Georgia, barbershop discussing politics and other notions.

‘The Attendant’ speaks of a night in the life of Luther, restroom attendant at a posh Buckhead restaurant/club.

‘Gifts’ speaks of the exploits of Booker T., a Harlem dishwasher who won a 70-million-dollar lottery.

‘Secrets’ speak of family stuff left unsaid, as Danny searches quaint streets in Centereach, Long Island.

‘Kin’ speaks of the revelations unearthed by Evan during an ancestral journey through Philadelphia and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

‘Sons’ speaks of the adventures of Detective J.D. Hill, murder police in 1995 Harlem, New York, during the infamous riots on 125th Street.

'Choices' speaks of challenges faced in a world of unbridled technology and climate upheaval.

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this work to the late great Charles Chesnutt, whose work inspired my interest in the genre of short story and the power of storytelling; and to my late mother and father, whose love and dedication made this life possible.

Copyright Information

Copyright © Henry Harris (2019)

The right of Henry Harris to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528947428 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528972246 (ePub-e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2019)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge the support from my friends and family. Their love and support assisted me greatly in helping this work come to fruition. My wife, Charlene; and my close friends, Fred, Calvin, James, Anthony, Emma, and Rouzier, were great sources of encouragement.

Lessons

James Suggs Jr. stood at his bedroom window and peered down at the pecan trees in his back yard. He could also see Booker T. Washington High, located a few blocks from his home on the West End. He taught science at the school and was happy to be on break for Thanksgiving week. He needed a respite from the routine. Now he could catch up on some much needed rest, or so he thought. His wife, Frances and his mother, Mama Lady Mae Suggs, were driving him crazy! The latter expressing the urgent need to see him, and the former constantly reminding him to go see his mother.

James, are you coming down, it’s almost noon?

Be down in a minute, honey. James donned his robe and descended the staircase. As he entered the kitchen, he saw Frances standing pensively by the microwave. She sure looks serious, he thought, as he noticed how her robe perfectly accentuated her buxom figure.

Stop looking at my butt. I fixed us some coffee and bagels. Let’s sit, eat, and yes James, talk about Lady Mae! Frances’ tone was firm but gentle. Deep down, she was glad that he was still attracted to her. Her youthful, sexy elegance made her look more like 19 than 30. Her beige scarf seemed to complement a dark brown, velvety complexion, round face and high cheekbones. As they sat at the kitchen table, Frances raised her eyebrows as she began spreading cream cheese on her bagel.

Honey, Lady Mae has been burning up my cell. She says she left you a message on your phone yesterday. She insists that you come by the house. She needs to speak with you, James. Do you have any idea what this is about?

Hey, take your pick with all that’s going on, James Jr. responded with a tone of sarcasm and resignation. Let’s see, Daddy, the Bishop, is dying and the church is in disarray as a result. Mama is frantic, trying to plan the perfect catered Thanksgiving meal at her home, and let’s not forget the unforgettable absence of her other son, my sorry younger brother, Jay, who’s been missing in word and action for the past three years. She probably wants me to spend my week off trying to find that fool.

Who can blame her James? What if our daughter decided to cut ties with us when she turns 21? Would that absence not ring loud and clear during this holiday season in particular, on the eve of Bishop’s death? I think you underestimate the pain the good Bishop and Lady Mae are feeling. Bishop James Suggs Sr. is in a hospice, on his death bed. Baby, your mama needs you now, more than ever.

Hell, Frances, what about my pain? Papa was, and still is, in my mind invincible. Now, he’s dying. I have come to accept that. He sure has. Faith that his soul lives on gives him peace of mind. He’s no more afraid of dying than of having been born into this world. When it comes to Jay, my brother and I slept in the same room for years when we lived on Auburn Avenue. When Daddy took over Antioch Baptist, we moved into a home where we had our own room. How many times was I late for football practice, making sure my brother got home safely from thug bullies at his middle school? Don’t you think I miss Jay, despite his ‘feckless nature,’ as Daddy would say?

Frances reached across the table and squeezed James’ hand. I know, honey, was all she said. As he rose from the table, James leaned over and kissed Frances on the forehead.

I’m out after I get dressed. I’ll head over to Mama’s and see what’s up. Love you.

Love you more, Frances responded, as she began clearing the table.

Before James Jr. got three feet into the foyer of his mother’s home, she gave him a warm embrace and buried her head in his chest. She was crying, but when James looked into Lady