An astronomer loosens his grip on reality when a mysterious scar appears on the side of his face.

(from McSweeney’s Enchanted Chamber of Astonishing Stories)

What a crazy-ass story. A catchy mix of science, science fiction and good ol’ fashion psycho drama (not just, you know, psychodrama). This story has that moment you see in horror films where the protagonist sort of figures out the rules of the game (“Why is this happening?!” “It’s the anniversary of this horrible thing what happened!”/”We trampled on its sacred lair or perhaps burial ground.”/”‘Tis our hubris!”), but it’s flavored with deep, beautiful helplessness. A unique and screwed up story.

According to an italicized preface, this story “is the winner of the first August Van Zorn Prize for the Weird Short Story.” I am glad such a prize exists.

Learn more about the author here, and check out the thing John Steinbeck said once.