Rasp

A new novella from the mind of author Garrett Francis.

The murder of seven-month-old Cameron Harris has rocked the town of Ludington, Michigan. Beyond dominating the media cycle for months, the murder continues to burrow its way into nearly every conversation had within the town.

Though he has resisted doing so thus far, Bruce, a soon-to-retire columnist for the local newspaper, has recently been tasked with sharing his opinion on the matter with his community. Stuck at first, it's not until a new couple moves into the house across the street that Bruce feels something click.

"Rasp" is at its core a story about loss, grief, birth, and our fascinating yet complicated spectrum of empathy.

If you enjoy short stories from any of the following authors, "Rasp" might just resonate with you: Caitlin Horrocks, Adam Johnson, Alice Walker, Raymond Carver, Colum McCann, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jim Harrison, and Karen Russell

"Rasp" is a story from Strays Like Us, a collection of ten standalone short stories exploring what it means to grow up in America.