Listen to a reading of “Malady” by Sarah Overland.
Malcolm had called round four times in as many weeks and I didn’t want to encourage him with direct eye contact or meaningful silences. So I avoided looking at him, and kept up a steady stream of light babble. Mama stumbled into the room, holding my baby brother. She looked about wildly. “Mama?” I jumped from my chair. It rocked a deep arc behind me. “He can’t breathe!” Malcolm said, “I’ll get the doctor, ma’am.” Without waiting for an answer, he ran out the door at a
