Author Archives: Annie Mercer

The resonant alto voice of Bernice Wilkins–mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and director of the day-care center at the community building I manage–is on my telephone: “They’re back. The roaches.” In truth, the roaches never left, but the biweekly treatment and quarterly fogging have kept their profile low. The day-care center has 100 children; its small kitchen […]

The elevator door opens at the first floor, and a boy no more than nine years old pushes past me to get in before I can get off. The community center’s rule is no kids without adults, and I’m the building manager. “Where are you going?” I ask. “Lookin’ around,” he says. His eyes target […]