Solitude is the common thread running through these four novellas.
In Long Distance Calling, tragedy and distance have settled Andy into a numb routine. He lives thousands of miles from his parents, with whom he can speak only sporadically. But one of their calls leads to a chance conversation that threatens to topple the fortress he has built around himself.
In Maladjustment Blues, Moe attempts to attract a new girlfriend by placing a very specific notice in a community publication at his Florida retirement community. It does not go smoothly. Meanwhile his ex-wife, Shana, embarks on a quest of her own.
In Portrait in Chiaroscuro, Alan is a troubled businessman only interested is his art collection. Chano is a shy self-taught artist trying to incorporate movement into his paintings. Although separated by years and miles, their lives find a way to intersect.
And in Chicken Coop, Chicken 12 blames his parents, the Coop and everyone else for his solitude. His efforts to find a new path lead to violence and destruction. But when the Coop supports him despite everything, he comes to realize that redemption may be within his grasp.
