This week on The Easy Chair, I read aloud another wonderful short story (fitting, as it is officially Short Story Month) by author Thomas Pierce. Pierce gives us a poignant, funny, and illuminating story about Val, a surly, medically fragile twelve-year-old who is obsessed with Pippin monkeys. The story is narrated by his mother’s boyfriend, an affable yet cynical dude who has signed on to take Val to the local zoo to see some Pippins- but by acting responsibly, loses their place in the exhibition line. There’s a whole lot going on in both backstory and subtext over this fraught day, and it’s not clear whose running the show. Or maybe it is. Tune in to hear one of the most engaging and hilarious stories I’ve ever read. Ever, ever. This week’s sponsor: Quip! It’s spring, and time for cleaning everything perfectly- including your teeth. Quip now offers its toothbrushes in kids’ size, so the whole family can commit to healthy mouths and smiles! Just go to www.GETQUIP.com/easychair for your first refill pack free.