"The Lottery" is outstanding, and entirely deserves the reputation that it has. It's so quietly written, and there's such a total lack of hysteria, but that makes it all the more chilling. The terrible thing about it - and every time I read it, it becomes more terrible - is that there's no hesitation. Not from anyone. You can chalk that up to relief, I suppose, that it isn't them, but there's not even a pretense of remorse from anyone. Not even a goodbye kiss from Tessie's husband. The turn is immediate and implacable, and all previous loyalties and likings are gone.

What makes it worse is that I'm certain, I'm absolutely certain, that once everything is over and the immediate clean-up is done, everyone will sincerely mourn her.