Q. How did this story come about?

A friend said to me “be prepared to lose,” not meaning to be unkind. The circumstances have nothing to do with the story; it was a sentence I had to use. Otherwise, I was probably hungry when I wrote it and I like blueberry scones.

Q. Why is fiction necessary for you?

For about a thousand non-fictional reasons.

Q. What song would you pair with this story?

Chivalry by Thao Nguyen. “Do what you want. Don’t do it for me. What’s the use in chivalry?” It’s surprisingly difficult to find a non-angry, non-depressing song about the end of unrequited love. This one comes closest.