Sample work by Jelena Dzpolaic, Planet Earth seen in the new issue of CHICAGO IRL available in March. Come see us at the Chicago Zine Fest!

He picks up the phone and as soon as I hear his voice, I know this is the hostel I will be staying at.

 

I joke about how I will bring him some chocolate if he checks me into my room after midnight.  He laughs, says, yes.

 

I buy him some Italian chocolate. 

 

He tells me a story about, how accidentally, he stumbled upon a secret stack of cash in his mom’s trailer. To that, his mom said: Shhhh, I am leaving your father for good this time.  You are coming with me.

He tells me a story about the delicious food he would gather dumpster diving in New York.  He tells me a story about Brazil - the farm he worked on for months, helping his friend.

 

He tells me a story about Gross National Product. 

He tells me a story of his broken heart. 

He tells me how many blow jobs he performed for money.

 

And then he tells me how many fucks.