He plays the song on his bass, almost like a mistake, as if he is finding his way into the notes’ beauty, his calloused fingers sliding over a fretless neck, all of this completely intentional, four strings plucked into total syncopation with his heartbeat.

He is attempting to play love.

Ran Walker is a microfictionist and author of over 30 books. The creator of the 100 x 100 micro novel, he teaches creative writing at Hampton University and lives in Virginia with his wife and daughter.