Family (200)

The Blue Light was rocking. Chan sat with six men. One was Han Lee. “Lanning,” Chan said, “welcome. This,” he pointed to one … More

Piece (250)

“Lanning, do you know who first brought you for your haircuts?” “My mom, right?” “Your father.” I stared at Margie. “But, … More

Puzzle (300)

I was teaching two sections of English Composition 101, and two of 102. I still couldn’t quite understand the need for … More

Moving (400)

The next day, I went apartment hunting. I found a tiny efficiency in Lower Mānoa Valley, about the size of a … More

Searching (450)

I caught the bus back to Pacific Heights. I sat drinking beer, staring out over Honolulu. From Chan’s lanāi I could see … More

Protection (550)

Just at that moment two things happened. The intercom buzzed, and Lieutenant Chan came through the doors saying, “Don’t bother, I’ll … More

Hissing Cousins (600)

Gi Yu’s throne occupied two floors of the Hawaiian Life Building off Kapi‘olani Boulevard. Hawaiian Life. What a laugh. Hawaiian Life was exactly … More

Ties That Bind (650)

“But I grew up with Jerry. I can’t believe he’d be involved in criminal activity, David.” Chan said, “Lanning, people grew … More

Suspicion (750)

We sat quietly on Chan’s lanāi. The Honolulu city lights sparkled. Night flights came and went from the airport. Chan said, “Hawai’i … More

Recognition (800)

“I brought in me,” my father said. “What?” “I am Kang Yu’s nephew. I –” I interrupted. “You mean I am part … More

My Father (850)

The man didn’t open his eyes, just spoke softly. “It’s as I said. How many Lannings do you know? In Honolulu?” He … More

Waking Up (900)

“Pop, you got a regular Pacific Heights Hotel going on up here.” “He’s here?” I said. “Why didn’t you tell me?” … More

Safety First (950)

What the hell? I glanced around the room, my heart beating like crazy, my breath coming in sharp, shallow stabs. I thought … More

Plan B (900)

The Blue Light Bar and Grill was jumping. “Whoa, it’s Wednesday night, brah, wrestling night,” Jerry said. “When the Civic Auditorium … More

Disappearing Act (850)

Jerry and I sat out on the lanāi drinking. We could see Central Union Church across Beretania beyond the monkeypod trees … More

Entertainment (500)

David Chan couldn’t figure if it were part of the riot, or if it were a separate incident. The riot had … More

Frightful Weather (500)

The weather in Hawai‘i has changed. One distinctive feature of Christmas Break used to be non-stop rain. We were out of school … More

All the Trimmings (500)

No one made Thanksgiving feasts like my mom. For one thing, the turkey was always juicy. I don’t know why, but that’s … More

Let It Snow Part III (500)

Once again my heart rate went up as I carried my Martin guitar through the gate. They passed me along, maybe … More

Let It Snow Part II (500)

It was snowing hard in Cleveland, but they were able to land us. My head pounded with the alcohol aftereffects from … More