The Price to Pay

A short story by Fletcher Kovich

In a moment of recklessness I begin overspending which soon attracts the attention of a shady character who watches over me. I then discover the shocking price I must pay.

For seven years I denied myself the basic pleasures in life, though they sang to me, siren-like. Connie, my partner, was saving for our dream house. Week in, week out, I watched the office clock counting off the seconds of my life, until I could take it no longer.

The full text of this story is included in Fletcher's collected edition of short stories. See the author page for print and Kindle options, or return to the fiction list.