What a wild thing to happen. My story, “Enigma,” was chosen by judges Greg Hollingshead, Padma Viswanathan, and Richard Van Camp from over 1800 entries as the winner of the 2016 CBC Short Story Prize. Here’s what the judges said about the story:

“A woman must end the life of her beloved horse. A paean to intimacy and to things rarely seen, ‘Enigma’ is an eloquent meditation on the mystery of life and death, love and grief, both human and animal. This is a vivid personal narrative of remarkable spiritual and emotional grace.”

These kind and thoughtful words from a group of seriously esteemed writers is among the most flatering aspects of this experience. I am genuinely, delightfully overwhelmed. Thanks to all my supporters, and congrats to all the lovely stories on the shortlist and the longlisted writers.