Ethan Canin, "Star Food"

What's Dade thinking about up there on the roof when he should be stocking shelves?

(from Emperor of the Air)

I liked this story. Its world is pretty insular, limited to a few characters, one location and pretty much one quiet, slow tone. And it's pretty from the revolving lighted star above the grocery store to the image of the sky disected neatly into stormy and pleasant. There's a wonderful feeling of gentle movement. Still waters. But there's also this overarching sense of possibility, of more world seen only in the distance from Dade's rooftop vantage point. This story was right on.
Look at this, a couple links on how to discuss "Star Food" with students. Case you ever find yourself in that situation. Wish I could find a link to the actual story, but you could, once in a while, actually buy a book, a not previously read one. I've never done it, but I know people who have. Saints walk among us.

Neutral Milk Hotel, "Gardenhead/Leave Me Alone"