Still Life with June

by Darren Greer

  “Yeah,” I say.

  “Well, you try to leave, and think of me, leaning over the toilet taking a piss with the barrel of this gun hanging out that window and my finger on the trigger. You won’t make it to your car.”

  “Jesus, Johnny,” I say, feeling more scared suddenly than I had been. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because,” Johnny answers. “You ain’t the same, McNeil. The city’s changed you, and I figure it’s my job to change you back, or have you die trying.” Johnny laughs at his own joke, and hoists the shotgun up over his shoulder, soldier-style. “Remember that little window,” he says, “and think of me if you try to leave.”