Американские боги

           Shadowpassedhertwodollars.

           "I’mleavingthisfuckingtown,"saidthegirlinasudden,chokedvoice."I’mgoingtolivewithmymominAshland.Alison’sgone.SandyOlsenwentlastyear.JoMingtheyearbeforethat.Whatifit’smenextyear?"

           "IthoughtSandyOlsenwastakenbyhisfather."

           "Yes,"saidthegirl,bitterly."I’msurehewas.AndJoMingwentouttoCalifornia,andSarahLindquistgotlostonatrailhikeandtheyneverfoundher.Whatever.IwanttogotoAshland."

           Shetookadeepbreathandhelditforamoment.Thenshesmiledathim.Therewasnothinginsincereaboutthatsmile.Itwasjustthesmileofsomeonewhoknewthatitwasherjobtosmilewhenshegavesomeonetheirchange,andassheputShadow’schangeandreceiptintohishandshetoldhimtohaveaniceday.Thensheturnedtothewomanwiththefullshoppingcartbehindhimandbegantounload-and-scan.AboynoolderthanSophiesaunteredovertobagthegroceries.

           Shadowtookhismilkanddroveaway,pastthegasstationandtheklunkerontheice,andoverthebridgeandhome.

           ComingtoAmerica

           1778

           Therewasagirl,andherunclesoldher,wroteMr.Ibisinhisperfectcopperplatehandwriting.Thatisthetale;therestisdetail.