Chris L. Terry

Chris L. Terry is author of the novels Black Card (Catapult, 2019) and Zero Fade (Curbside Splendor, 2013), and co-editor with James Spooner of the literary anthology Black Punk Now (Soft Skull, 2023). His recent writing has appeared in Rejection Letters, Razorcake, and the 120 Murders anthology. Terry was born to a Black father and white mother, spent his youth touring in punk bands, and is now a creative writing professor in Baltimore.

Air for Baby’s Breath by Chris L. Terry

The news site blurred the photo. A two-year-old refugee, drowned and washed ashore. At his desk, the new dad clicked to see the picture. He was feeling bigger things than ever and wanted to press the corners of his empathy. After work that day, his wife and baby were a cozy little unit on the couch. He knew that cozy could be confining, that a little unit has walls. The couch was by the front door, making for a sitcomish “Honey, I’m home” moment when he walked in. The baby gave him a gummy grin. His first. That smile of…

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