Fiction | October 31, 2017
How to Kill Gra’ Coleman and Live to Tell about It
Kim Coleman Foote
As Nancy prepares to drop her secret that afternoon, the girls play jacks while the boys keep lookout. She lowers her voice to reveal the plot: the next time she and Ginger braid Gra’ Coleman’s hair, they’ll use the braids like ropes. They’ll wrap them around the front of her neck, pretending to admire her hair—and they all know how Gra’ Coleman likes to brag about her long Indian hair. While she’s still basking in the compliment, they’ll yank the braids. The others will be waiting nearby to help pull.
This story is not currently available online.
If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member at an institution whose library subscribes to Project Muse, you can read this piece and the full archives of the Missouri Review for free. Check this list to see if your library is a Project Muse subscriber.
Want to read more?
Subscribe TodaySEE THE ISSUE
SUGGESTED CONTENT
Fiction
Aug 19 2021
The Body Was There
The Body Was There Shakarean Hutchinson Six months later she was pregnant. The curves of her hips opened up; her breast grew heavy. The blue cotton dress, the dye fading… read more
Fiction
Aug 19 2021
The Burial
The Burial Samantha Xiao Cody In the days after Mr. Huang was arrested for killing his son, we began seeing the dog everywhere. The Huang house was swarmed with reporters… read more
Fiction
Aug 19 2021
Heart-Scalded
Heart-Scalded Daphne Kalotay for Jude Twilight’s hazy glow, the world covered in gray lint. Viv hailed a ride and set out toward the crumbling edge of town. Though it… read more