story: “The Lonesome Bodybuilder” & “Q&A” & “Fitting Room”

author: Yukiko Motoya

year: 2018 (English translation)

where: Around Hiroshima

note:  “The Lonesome Bodybuilder” had a very different ending than I had expected, but “Fitting Room” was probably the most strange and enjoyable of the three, though they all have their own level of discomfort, of being a bit off-kilter.

a line: “I stood up and went to the window, and nervously struck a pose at him. Both arms up and bent by my head, chest out, emphasizing my V-taper. My husband looked incredulous as I posed in my bikini.’”

theme(s): loss of identity, lack of intimacy