This week, Core77 is co-publishing a collection of Significant Objects stories written about items curated by Paola Antonelli. Bid on this Significant Object, with a story by Scarlett Thomas, here. Proceeds from this auction go to Girls Write Now.
You can find all kinds of crap in the back of drawers. Here is the string we once used to tie the handles of the French doors together so that Julius wouldn't open them and walk into the pond. Here is a thimble, and a seam-ripper, although I don't think anyone in our family ever ripped a seam on purpose. Here is an incomplete pack of cards with topless women on the backs, the best ones stolen by my brothers. Here is dust, dust, and underneath a pair of dice: one small and black; one big and red. There is a blister pack with no tablets in it and the silver tape measure that bites your fingers when it snaps back. There are the birthday candles I bought when I was seventeen. After I bought them I walked home from the corner shop imagining the hot wax dripping onto my naked skin and Mark, who still owed me for the mayonnaise thing, peeling it off after it had dried.
About the Author: Scarlett Thomas is the author of The End of Mr. Y and various other novels.
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.