This book would never have come into being without the support of so many people. Thanks to my family, writer friends, mom friends, readers, students, colleagues, and in particular:
- Scott—unique, brilliant, charming, hilarious, RRM’s, Bean senses, playground, Hercules, razor perceptions, to be, handsomeness, best friend. I can’t do justice on the page to the marvel that you are and the gift you have been in my life. Love isn’t a big enough word.
- Milo—the most interesting person I’ve ever known, a shining light, the only one who’s ever made me do a spit take with laughter, my favorite human. I am grateful every day to be your mother. Every day with you is a new adventure.
- Laura Langlie—beloved agent, champion, friend. None of this would be possible without you.
- Dan Smetanka—the most insightful and generous editor I could ever have hoped for. You ask for magic, and because of you, I am able to find it.
- Sarah Bendix—my always friend, my heart, purveyor of excellent memes, lifeline via text. You taught me what friendship is, how to do it, and why it’s worth it.
- Dad—painter, teacher, meditator, sci-fi writer, world traveler, woodworker, gardener, musician, the ultimate renaissance man. You showed me how to notice the beauty of the clouds, how to identify songbirds and fix a faucet, how to love the world, how to never stop learning.
- Joe—no one else could possibly understand all the times that Bloom County and Calvin and Hobbes quotes are needed. Thank god you are always there if I come across an important fact about dinosaurs. Any day that goes by without a text from you is a lesser day.
- Patsy—legally my aunt, but factually my fairy godmother. You change my life for the better with a wave of your magic wand.
- Lan Samantha Chang—mentor, genius, and all-around stellar human. Thank you for bringing me back to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Thank you for bringing me home.
- StoryStudio Chicago—a nonpareil sanctuary for writers. I am ferociously proud of my remarkable students. I am forever grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.
- Counterpoint Press—everyone on the team is amazing, but I must especially thank Megan Fishmann, Barrett Briske, Laura Berry, tracy danes, Rachel Fershleiser, and Kira Weiner.
- Laurie—you saved my life, and you continue to save my life.
- My dogs—you can’t read, but you are essential to my writing nonetheless.
These acknowledgments would not be complete without mentioning my mother. She died in 2022, and she will never see this book come into being, though I’m glad she had the chance to read a few of the stories before she got sick. I am a writer because of her. I am who I am because of her. She edited everything I ever wrote. She loved me fiercely and unconditionally. She never believed in an afterlife, but I’m going to say it anyway: Thank you, Mom.