Oona Out of Order: A Novel

Oona took slow, reverential steps inside the restaurant, through a wood-paneled foyer, into a mirrored hallway. Her darting eyes took in her multiple selves. What if each reflection was actually a separate version of her, trapped in time? All twenty-seven years old externally, all with cherry hair and a green dress, but while Oona on this side of t

Conversation was minimal during the drive to Manhattan; instead, they watched the city skyline. The cold made the buildings gleam like they were made of gemstones, and the resurrected Twin Towers filled Oona with sad wonder. Up to the West Side, to the edge of Central Park. The car pulled up to a red awning surrounded by trees wrapped in a multitud

Every leap will have its advantages and disadvantages, things you’ll gain and lose—relationships, youth, modern conveniences, etc. No year will be perfect. But I do think this year will be better if you have a little more love in your life. And boy, does Crosby love you (and vice versa). I hope you can make things work with him. Please try.

Oona’s eyes drooped, her chin dipped to her chest, and the letter slipped from her fingers as she fell asleep.

Tonight you’ll meet a curly-haired guy w/pale blue eyes. DO NOT HAVE SEX WITH HIM.

The music changed—a sound like robots playing with children’s instruments.

It was over-the-top, garish, and she only vaguely recognized the face in the mirror, but she’d never felt so damn alluring in her life. A quick check of her wrist confirmed the M.D.C.R. hourglass tattoo was still there. But never mind the tattoo, back to the mirror. Back to the reflection, mesmerizing, incredible. Better not blink in case her fifty

From her vantage point, she gauged the space as a converted warehouse. Below, a shimmering kaleidoscope of bodies trailed dazzling colors on the dance floor. At the opposite end was a stage where performers with duct tape covering their private parts juggled and swallowed lit torches. Occasionally one would spit fire. Before Oona’s altered gaze, th

She pushed her way through the masses like a dull needle piercing stiff fabric. A new noise filled the space: electronic beeps and a clanging of metal on metal joined by a bass and drums. As she wove an escape path, the frenzy surrounding her grew. Dancing limbs were new obstacles to maneuver. “Excuse you!” someone shouted when she accidentally elb