Life by Chance by John Graves

I always arise as the horizon reddens. Rays of sunshine bending round the global curvature urge me up for yet another day. A gentle awakening.

So many days now, so many urges. Her voice of choice was cool and refreshing, like the sound of water in a rushing stream.

You will write this down. Now. Awaken and rise.

Crisp and cool the days are now. Must be early fall. No, it is my birthday this week.

I was born during the hot and muggy month of August on the Delaware River. The rapids were still running. As were the trolleys. My mother said she brought me home on one. Five cents.

Ah yes, the days are cooler now, the summer's shorter.

Excerpted from John Graves’s novel Life by Chance.