On "Stick" by S. Craig Renfroe Jr. (2964 words) ***

Of the five stories I've read at 3 a.m. this week (the magazine, not the time--I'm asleep at that time usually), this is certainly the most bizarre, and as such my favorite. Certainly, it's so far-fetched that I have a hard time buying much of what happens, but I give the story credit for taking chances, for doing something interesting. Emergency rooms seem great fodder for potential stories, and I can't help but wonder if Renfroe has visited a few or dated a nurse himself. Read the story here at 3 a.m. (If you're a bit paranoid about your feet, you might want to skip it for health reasons.)