Dark of the Day

Lane Holler has lived outside of Hardly, West Virginia for most of his 70-some years. Twice-widowed and now retired from the lumber company, his social life is made up of occasional visits to Rooster’s Bar where he drinks beer with men he makes no secret of detesting. And they feel the same way about him. It’s been years since Lane’s son Frank has brought his wife and son for a visit and Lane spends his time both wishing they would impose on him while being glad his familiar routine isn’t interrupted.

But, one day, when the power goes out, and then stays out, Lane’s and everyone’s routines are forced to change. As it becomes clear that the power is out across the entire region and maybe even beyond, with no timetable for return, the old ways of living that Lane never gave up on start to become necessities. He’s a survivor, he thinks, especially after he stares down two strangers who pull into his driveway looking for gas. But when nearby houses start to catch fire and stores in the town are looted, Lane wonders if he’s as safe in Hardly as he thought he was. And days after his daughter-in-law has arrived, with Frank and his grandson still not there, too, Lane must reckon with whether he should go and get Frank or stay behind and protect his home.


Genre: Literary Fiction