An except from Rolling Back the River appeared in the October 2025 issue of Gray's Sporting Journal under the title, "Somewhere Else." The piece is actually Chapter 5 from the novel, rounded into the shape of a short story. The title of the actual chapter is "Merlin," a choice that explains itself shortly before the chapter ends. The reason behind "Somewhere Else" as an excerpt title becomes apparent in the very last sentence. The difference between "Merlin" and "Somewhere Else," aside from the fact that the excerpt is shorter? Well, the novel chapter is not a complete story in its own right; instead, it incorporates several interwoven themes, none of which is fully resolved by the chapter's end, and all of which continue into the subsequent chapters. By contrast, "Somewhere Else" elaborates a single theme—with material related to all other themes having been either removed or cut back—and by the end of the excerpt, that theme has been developed to the point of a satisfactory—and I hope satisfying—conclusion. It might even make you laugh. And this is what comprises the difference between a novel chapter and a short story. Illustration for "Somewhere Else" is by Rod Crossman.