Bear v. Shark: The Novel

by Chris Bachelder

  Mr. Norman says, “Curtis, you in there, pal?”

  He says, “Please, son.”

  In America, Bear v. Shark parties grow hushed and anxious. Guests thank hosts quietly and slip out. This isnt like the Super Bowl. In their homes millions of Americans stare at PayView in silence. This is what they paid for. This is what they were told to want and this is what they wanted.

  In America, Lloyd’s mother won’t let him watch. The boy is outside alone, playing imaginary jacks on the faded lawn. Threesies, Foursies, Fivesies.

  Curtis stares on, transfixed by the Spectacle. He is delighted by the advances in entertainment technology. He is blissful, serene, a happy kid from the Mainland.

  Or else the child’s brain is damaged, vegetable dead, it’s hard to tell, Walt.

  But usually these things turn out OK, they do.