I’m late to the party but I have to admit reading this had me clinching my jaws at the thought of all the times I lost teeth to men in my past. I wonder if I can get my trophies back or if dentures are the only replacement.
I knew I would better understand short stories by spending some time in your publications.
"Mother; master of smiling with no teeth. Master of hiding pain." Stunned by that line and how it is turned on its head (almost immediately) by the ending. The mother adapting to hide her pain, to present a veneer of normality while silently swallowing her tooth-thief whole.
I love it too even more so because it’s so unsuspecting and gives power to the person we thought was only a victim. So glad you found time to read it today!
This is brilliant and super enjoyable. I really enjoyed the part about mom routinely keeping her dentures on the side of the sink as a way to say goodnight… I love you. Some families aren’t expressive verbally but showing up - cooking,providing, being physically present even if not emotional etc. - serves as a reminder of their commitment to each other. Thanks for sharing!
NJ, your writing scares me, it’s so damn good! I’m always sucked right into the text and am part inspired to write more short stories, and blown away at the way you use words.
I love this story, my father is a collector of teeth, and I have tried to break that cycle, but even as I live differently I see the ways in which tooth collecting is programmed into me. Thank you for being such a phenomenal writer!
Fuck. This was gripping! In the beginning I was reminded of Flannery O’Connor’s short story about Hulga’s wooden leg. Another gothic work about sex but it doesn’t feel as familial or relatable as this one. I’ll be thinking about what teeth represent all day. So glad I read this.
Thanks so much for reading Jordan! I haven’t read that short story I will have to find the time to read it. Familial is the right one here for sure so much we choose to sacrifice is genetic and so much we choose to take is inherited behavior.
Thank you so much!! You should def read “Africa Risen: A new era of speculative fiction” or “Friday black” both are great short story collections. Appreciate you taking the time to read and reply
I read it a few times, I love it, and I wish I could see the unedited version because I have a feeling it’s too damn delicious to share! Oh no ma’am, thank you for the excellent early morning read!
I’m going to say something here and you might not believe me but there are almost no changes from the original to the final. Mostly when I write few things get dropped or changed especially for a piece this short. It’s like something just comes over me and the story I find is usually perfect as is
I’m late to the party but I have to admit reading this had me clinching my jaws at the thought of all the times I lost teeth to men in my past. I wonder if I can get my trophies back or if dentures are the only replacement.
I knew I would better understand short stories by spending some time in your publications.
Use those toothless gums and swallow them whole! 😌 also glad you found this piece it’s one of my all time favs
Urgh I felt this in my gut. Twisting my insides.
Love that it was felt so deeply!
"Mother; master of smiling with no teeth. Master of hiding pain." Stunned by that line and how it is turned on its head (almost immediately) by the ending. The mother adapting to hide her pain, to present a veneer of normality while silently swallowing her tooth-thief whole.
I love it too even more so because it’s so unsuspecting and gives power to the person we thought was only a victim. So glad you found time to read it today!
This is brilliant and super enjoyable. I really enjoyed the part about mom routinely keeping her dentures on the side of the sink as a way to say goodnight… I love you. Some families aren’t expressive verbally but showing up - cooking,providing, being physically present even if not emotional etc. - serves as a reminder of their commitment to each other. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading!! And absolutely about some families cultures is action not words.
Wow what an incredibly stunning story. I love the ending and I am caught up on the line about the dentures. Great work!
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words
Captivating….Loved the plot twist at the end. Reminds me of Bey saying she would use her partner’s mistress’s teeth as confetti 👏🏾
Hahaha read this as Riiverdance was playing. I believe she was reciting the poem Anger by Warsan Shire! It’s a beautiful piece. Thanks for reading.
Ah, yes! Your work reminds me of it! Amazing writing!
NJ, your writing scares me, it’s so damn good! I’m always sucked right into the text and am part inspired to write more short stories, and blown away at the way you use words.
I love this story, my father is a collector of teeth, and I have tried to break that cycle, but even as I live differently I see the ways in which tooth collecting is programmed into me. Thank you for being such a phenomenal writer!
Thank you so much for reading. Realizing what we choose to keep from our parents is pretty sobering but useful. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
++ hope your trip to the dentists aka (the tooth spa goes well) 🦷🦷
Such a good read this morning. The opening got my attention, and the closing made me want more. Good stuff, NJ!
Your story got me by the throat. It made me want to holler, too. (I am trying to figure out whether the mother is coping or winning.)
That last line? My GOD!
Right?! Mind you, I’m at the dentist reading this 😭😭😭
Talk about perfect timing 😭😭
Fuck. This was gripping! In the beginning I was reminded of Flannery O’Connor’s short story about Hulga’s wooden leg. Another gothic work about sex but it doesn’t feel as familial or relatable as this one. I’ll be thinking about what teeth represent all day. So glad I read this.
Agree, it is gripping and it ends with a body slam!
I believe you, and the flow of this story indicates that it literally wrote itself; I love it
Thanks so much for reading Jordan! I haven’t read that short story I will have to find the time to read it. Familial is the right one here for sure so much we choose to sacrifice is genetic and so much we choose to take is inherited behavior.
Such a great story! I love reading books that have collections of short stories like this. Making me think and feel.
Thank you so much!! You should def read “Africa Risen: A new era of speculative fiction” or “Friday black” both are great short story collections. Appreciate you taking the time to read and reply
Very nice, thank you 👏🏾
Thanks so much for reading!! 🖤
I read it a few times, I love it, and I wish I could see the unedited version because I have a feeling it’s too damn delicious to share! Oh no ma’am, thank you for the excellent early morning read!
I’m going to say something here and you might not believe me but there are almost no changes from the original to the final. Mostly when I write few things get dropped or changed especially for a piece this short. It’s like something just comes over me and the story I find is usually perfect as is
I believer you, the way it reads, I know the story wrote itself, it’s beautiful.
🥹 May you have a blessed day! Fr
You too! Thank you🤗