We are privileged to include a short story by Italian-American, New York-based novelist, Vic Fortezza, in the latest issue of Faraway.  What is Life? is an exquisitely-written piece of fiction in which a man ruminates on the meaning of life while visiting his elderly Italian mother in the hospital.  Visit Mr. Fortezza on the web here, where you can order his novel, Close to the Edge.

     He heard her crying out behind the curtain that had been drawn around the bed.  Each cry was more strained than the last. She complained about the burning, called the nurses “putane” and threatened to rip out the device they’d inserted into her.  He sat there, torn, flesh crawling, wondering, should he intercede, if the nurses would be insulted, if they would think him a mama’s boy.
     Again she cried out.  His eyes glazed as he fought back tears. He could not bear to see anyone in pain – and this was his mother. He slipped behind the curtain. Each nurse was restraining one of her arms, imploring, trying to soothe her. She’d have none of it, asking what devils had sent them to her. He took her hands. She stopped resisting.  Surprised, the nurses quickly completed their chores and left, apparently relieved.  Vito wondered how they stood it day after day.  And this case was minor compared to many they no doubt faced here in Emergency.

Read more of What is Life? here  or download the latest issue of Faraway.