He left her for another woman, but still comes by every Tuesday for drinks and dinner.

(from The Best American Short Stories, 2004)

The narrator’s emotions remain mysterious. She sees all and understands all, but how does she feel about it? We don’t know, not really, and that makes this story particularly enjoyable to read. Amidst the chaos of cultural and social differences, heartbreak and weakness, the author holds us steady. Everything important is in focus. The author keeps the windshield clear. Maybe I’m barking up at the wrong moon on this one. Who knows? Catherine Brady knows.