Phom

The instant Madame Phom disclosed her plans, a lamp flashed on in that chamber of Lisa's cerebrum where the Dilemma Twins had been playing Ping-Pong in the murk.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

It was nearly dusk when, in baby-blue tights and a silk jacket adorned with silver stars, the elder Phom climbed onto the platform, offered prayers to the four winds, and slowly placed his balancing foot, shod in a light blue slipper, onto the cable.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

Madame Phom wondered what was going on, but the moment she deftly slid her balancing foot onto the cable, she erased all thoughts of Dickie and Lisa and concentrated every erg of her energy, mental and physical, on the wire.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

There followed a few lines of fond reminiscence about their time together, hers and Stubblefield's, lines that walked as gracefully as a Phom the slender strand that separates the spiritual and the erotic.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

She kissed Madame Phom as well, then followed Dickie back to his hut.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

Old Madame Phom, so freshly widowed, allowed her red eyes to take in the full length of the cable.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

When Lan was settled, Stubblefield, nodding to Madame Phom, rinsed his tonsils with cold champagne and began anew.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

For all of their reverence, thought Madame Phom, the girls seem to treat him like their toy.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

When Madame Phom gladly consented, Lisa excused herself to seek out pen and paper and a private place to write.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003

There was something hypnotic about Stubblefield's pontificating, and though Madame Phom comprehended little of it, she would have liked to have remained for the rest.

Villa Incognito Robbins, Tom 2003