The Hanging of Lester Bragg

God’s pendulum.

Dust. Darkness. Every terrible minute I’ve ever had is here with me in this closet. Boots clack on the other side of the closet door. Below, the raucous saloon patrons: gamblers, drinkers. Out in the street, a horse neighs; a living world.

A knock at the hotel room door; a second pair of boots enters the room. A match is struck, tobacco with a hint of li…