Is what's about to happen a one-off, Michael, or is this going to become a thing?

(Note: "Ascared" is a short story. It is also available in the author's 10-story collection, Daggyland #3.)

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In this insular Italian American neighborhood, nothing is ever supposed to change, and outsiders are not welcome. Everyone tells you what to do and how to be.

Michael wants to be a good kid. And someday, a man.

He listens to everyone. Except himself.

When a fly ball goes astray, Michael’s teenaged world goes kablooey, and nothing seems to make much sense anymore.

Giuliana shows up at the neighborhood block party in a beautiful black dress. And Michael finds himself harboring a strange new desire.

Not for her. Not exactly.

Sometimes, boys just want to wear leather. Is that so wrong?

An eye-opening coming-of-age story from the nabe one block over.

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“D’Agnese writes the most unusual and interesting books.” —Bookviews