Simone’s and Lily’s Donuts Thought a short story about a donut shop would be sweet and wholesome? Think again

Simone’s and Lily’s Donuts

Story by Joel Vaughn Illustration by Janet Doan

2019 Thom woke to the sound of a car alarm. He laid staring at the ceiling for a good while. He stood staring into the bathroom mirror for a good while. He sat staring out the car windshield for a good while. Thom didn’t see anything. The sun sat hugging the dewy morning horizon. Half of the world was a blinding white light obscuring the cracking highway as it disappeared beneath Thom’s cruising car. Commuters had congested on the roundabout. The radio said a renegade cruiser had made donuts on the roundabout before meeting Jesus. Donuts. Lily’s old Jeep sputtered. Thom decelerated into the parking lot and the nail bitten steering wheel shook. The burden of Simone’s OPEN 24 HRS sign flickered in neon. A gang of men in their Sunday best circulated their pamphlets amongst the early morning patrons of Poor Richard’s Cocktails. Thom watched from behind Grandma Lily’s steering wheel.

2004 Dad parked Lily’s Jeep. Dad parked in the usher’s spot. Dad parked all their cars behind the church steeple.

Thom stood at the end of the pews. They stood in line. Thom said good morning. They said “god bless.” Thom handed out pamphlets. They handed him tithes. Dad brewed the coffee, the pastor left out the donuts. Thom sat down. They sang and prayed. Jesus says the bread is my body, the drink, my blood. Pastor said eat and take drink. Thom runs away. Pastor said you have to serve. Father said you don’t get to play.

2019 Thom stepped out of the car. The gang of Sunday best cyclist’s greased and parted hair shone in the morning sun. Do you have a moment for the good news,