oracle

by Nolan Knight

Last thing you remember is…? Driving into the 2nd Street tunnel. And you emerged? Someplace else. Not L.A.? No. Where? Dunno—magnolias sprouting gumdrops, a sherbet sky—pterodactyls overhead. And you didn’t take anything? Sober sixteen years. Flashback? Nope. What next? Exited the car, wasn’t my Mazda. It was…? A golden chariot, powered by steam…. Where’d you get these coins again? My pocket, when you found me in Griffith Park. Staters minted by Alexander the Great…in your pocket? Yes—I’m shocked as you are. Anything else, Juan? Breeze smelled like Dodger Dogs. But you weren’t in L.A.? Nothing was on fire; cops weren’t smashing immigrants—graffiti was nil. Wait— Look, I know you think I’m doing this for attention. What’s that? Warning you of the future—after the fall. Which one? Come on, doc—you’re the Christian. Not a season…? Juan meets his gaze: The end. Silence floats. They re-examine the coins. Pterodactyls…not angels? Juan sighs: Made me cry.

Photo of Nolan Knight

BIO: Nolan Knight is the author of THE GORGON OF LOS FELIZ, GALLOWS DOME, THE NEON LIGHTS ARE VEINS, and BENEATH THE BLACK PALMS. He is a fourth generation Angeleno and former staff writer for Los Angeles’ Biggest Music Publication, the L.A. Record. His short fiction has been featured in various publications including Akashic Books, Thuglit, Shotgun Honey, Starlite Pulp, and Action, Spectacle. His work has been met with praise by luminaries such as Barry Gifford, James Sallis, Allison Anders, and Lydia Lunch.