“On February 28, 1979, I got dressed for another day of sixth grade in my newest blue jeans, a knit sweater, and a red satin coat Mom and I had found at Second Act used clothing. I loved that shiny red coat with the wide buckle, but I never wore any of those things again.
Coming home from school, I’d left the 6 far down the platform on the first warm, spring-is-coming day. I felt good. It hadn’t been long since Lindsay had stopped taking me, and it was the very first trip where I felt I can do this! This is my neighborhood, and I belong here, too!
I got off that train and made the mistake of letting my good mood show. I accidentally smiled at a boy on the platform. (Stupid! I’d believe afterwards. You never ever smile.)”
Enjoy this audio recording of “Stranger Danger” by Eliza Anderson from Vol. 35:2 of CALYX Journal! Buy your copy here!
Eliza Anderson writes Two Houses. Two Painters. Two Parents. (www.TwoHouses.substack.com). “Stranger Danger” is an excerpt from her memoir-in-progress about life with her long-divorced NYC painter-parents. Eliza lives in northern Vermont with her wife and son (when he’s not away at college). Her memoir has received support from the Vermont Arts Council.