As a relative new-comer to Red Hook (from Park Slope), I'd like to offer the locals this little sign of gratitude.
This short story (http://amzn.to/2kUwXjP) is one I wrote several years ago under the title "Room to Rent," then saw published in a number of literary magazines and 'Net sites. However, my residence on Coffey Street -- and almost daily foot-commute to my employment at Fairway Market -- brought Esteban del Valle's street mural titled "Man, What Are You Doing Here" to my attention and inspired a new title to the story.
Please accept it as a small (obviously self-interested) tribute to Red Hook, a 'hood my roommate -- also a writer -- and I have come to appreciate more than either she or I could possibly say in piece as paltry as this one. But we hope to deliver in many (and far greater!) ways in the coming months and years.
In the meantime, thank you for allowing us to be a part of the Red Hook experience. Our landlord and landlady (John & Rosemary McGettrick), by the way, are the greatest!
Russell
