Author Thomas Korsgaard reads his story ‘The Spit of Him.’ Follow Kevin as he sells stickers in a village, encounters interesting locals, and contemplates rain and moonlight.
Curiosity leads Kevin to mysterious encounters in a neighboring village.
Small gestures hold significant meaning in Kevin's isolated world.
Deep dives
Encounter at the Neighboring Village
Kevin, walking through his village, ventures towards a neighboring village he's never visited. His curiosity leads him to a house with intriguing items displayed in the window, from china dolls to old spinning wheels. As he approaches the house, the lights go out, leaving him with a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Interaction with the Locals
Kevin knocks on a door in the neighboring village, where he meets a man interested in his stickers for sale. The man, seemingly familiar with Kevin's family, exchanges coins for the stickers and requests Kevin to convey a message to his father. This encounter sheds light on Kevin's family dynamics and the recognition from the village locals.
The Significance of a Small Encounter
Amidst his journey back home in the rain, Kevin reflects on the peculiar interactions he had in the neighboring village. The brief exchange of stickers for coins and a simple message resonates with Kevin, hinting at a deeper connection between his family and the villagers. This seemingly insignificant encounter leaves Kevin pondering the impact of small gestures in his isolated world.
Thomas Korsgaard reads his story “The Spit of Him” from the March 4, 2024, issue of the magazine. Korsgaard is the author of three novels and two story collections, as well as several works for children. In 2021, at age twenty-six, he became the youngest writer ever to receive Denmark’s Golden Laurels prize.