Charles D'Ambrosio "Drummond & Son"

Drummond repairs typewriters, takes care of his mentally challenged son and depresses us.

(from The Dead Fish Museum)

Soft and ambient, with memorable tactile imagery, this story is self-assured in its tone. And a total downer. You're introduced to a situation you figure is hopeless. Then a brief flicker of hope appears. Then it gets snuffed out bluntly. Back to square one. And, sadly, the whole thing is BYO Diff'rent Strokes References.