By Travis Stephens
John Zimmer was immensely fat. Bib overalls fit best, allowing his belly to pooch the front and for his shoulders and arms to be free. Today his sweatshirt read ‘Thrasher.’
“Tracy,” he called, “what’s for supper?”
“Salad.”
“You’re trying to kill me.”
Theirs was a big family. Even Tracy, he foresaw, after a kid or two would swap the curves for heft. It was easier being a fat man than a fat girl. John stayed on the porch and carried the weight of shame, the scorn of the world, so they wouldn’t have to.
“How ‘bout a milkshake with that salad?”
Very dense prose. Benefits from second and third reading. But enjoyed it. Sums up our attitude towards obesity.
I enjoy the character, John Zimmer, and how he cares for his family. This story is refreshing.