The fourth selection in Amy Hempel's The Collected Stories is a gem called “Nashville Gone to Ashes.”

First, Amy Hempel is a marvel.

Second, I lost my cat last week.

This story is brilliantly executed, so many surprises, and so incredibly and warmly gracious to veterinarians, the animals they take care of, and the eventual end of all of us.

Also, it’s hilarious.

It’s a story of loss that brought nothing my joy to my heart, as well as making me laugh out loud.