You have to scroll down a bit to see Lois Tilton’s review of Portrait of Ari on the IROSF — February Short Fiction Review but please do.

The highlight, for me:

For all its brevity and apparent simplicity, this story packs a strong emotional punch. Beautifully, quietly done.

Rob just returned from his first eye doctor appointment in ten years. He knew that his prescription had shifted, and we thought it would be best to get them checked before Iceland. The doctor said that he’ll be fine for another year, but that he’s at that “magic age” (40) where it’s time to start thinking about bifocals. I don’t know why this is so shocking to me.