2011 Issue - Santa Fe Community College

Making Bacon
by Lorenzo Atencio
Buck drives up in his pick-up, greets his dog, kicks the mud off his
steel-toed boots, and enters his house. He trips on the threshold, stumbles
but catches himself and sways over to the fridge. His hands are
washed but his nails are perpetually dirty.
“Hey. I’m home.” Rose turns from the stove to watch him, frowns,
and then turns back to the stove. Rose’s son, Timmy, is spread out on
the floor reading a book.
“I need another beer. Did you get me some beer Oh, yeah!”
He pops the top and slams half the beer.
“Is that pork chops I smell My favorite. Isn’t supper ready yet”
He weaves his way to the recliner and drops his body into it. The
floor shakes.
“You’re not going to answer me. You’re going to be a bitch tonight.
I see.”
She keeps her head down. Her frown deepens.
“Okay. Well you can listen then. I drive that truck all day and I want
my supper ready when I get home. What the hell do you do all day” He
snatches the t.v. remote controller and tunes into the news. The telecaster
laments the worsening economy.
“How much of my money did you spend today”
No response.
“I want to see the checkbook.”
The baby cries in the other room.
“Goddammit Timmy, shut your sister up.”
Timmy turns from his book to Buck and gives him a burning look.
“Don't give me that look. Are you still trying to learn magic from a
book What planet did you come from”
Timmy concentrates on his book and ignores Buck for five full seconds
then gets up to rock the baby.
“Are you sure you’re only ten Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you
use some of that magic and change yourself into a gopher and go-for a
beer.” Buck laughs at his own joke.
The baby continues to cry.
90 Santa Fe Literary Review