"I don't stand at those disgusting things when I pee," Solomon Nguyen shouted over his shoulder. His friend Andy Smith approached the urinal on the wall to relieve himself. Water splashed and Solomon began his exposition on the cleanliness of public restroom facilities anew.
Read MoreA lone wolf howled at the approaching night when Andrew noticed a strange log covered with a clear glistening film. The three hikers searched for firewood in the high alpine desert grove by Hellroaring Creek. The backcountry campsite was reserved for one night, the only time they had available for each other.
Read MoreA strong wind blew through the open window, and toppled the dead potted plant. The rolling terra cotta pot knocked over a half empty bottle of beer. And the two went over the edge of the kitchen table with a crash. A lightning bolt tore through his brain without remorse or forgiveness.
Read More“I call this emergency meeting of the Elk Grove Homeowner’s Association to order.” Reginald Doll banged his gavel on the table set at the front of the room. A dozen couples, and a third as many single homeowners were in attendance.
Read MoreHe said don't play with matches. Then told a joke about matches burning twice. The green strike anywhere tip disappeared in a flare of light. The pain was terrible. He laughed at his own joke. The blister lasted a week.
Read More“Carlton Sims left the bowling lanes at quarter till one on Sunday morning. It was the last time anyone saw him alive. In later interviews with witnesses at the scene, it was still unclear how Mr. Sims met his ultimate fate. Reporting live on Pearl Drop Road, Jill Long, Wimotach Falls 35 News.”
Read More"But why are you back here, Tom?" The case worker looked at him from behind two-inch thick bullet proof plexi. All Tom Morrison could do was shrug. His head swiveled to the left, and he saw some of his old friends. The term 'friends' might be pushing it.
Read MoreThe drum vibrated with a familiar call. “Oy, get lost then,” the soldier said. “We haven’t need of you here, boy. The battle’s lost. You ‘ave eyes to see, ain’t ya.” He squatted over another wounded soldier.
Read More“We can go bigger,” Baker Nell said. “We’ve got to,” Baker Sue said. Along with their team of twenty-nine other bakers, the two head chefs pushed aside their largest attempt at The World’s Biggest Cookie yet, and started over.
Read MoreQuint tapped his solid metal ring against the control stick of the aged mining ship. The Ouroboros was part of the family. Quint glanced at a photo of his father sitting at the helm. In another photo, Quint’s grandfather stood in the vast cargo bay.
Read MoreDusk fell over the small town, and porch lights flared. She reached for the large, orange plastic bowl and set it on the kitchen counter. Above the refrigerator, she had stored a month's worth of fun-size candies.
Read MoreThe phrase "red sky at morning, sailor take warning" echoed through his mind as the sun rose on the horizon. The wide planks of the deck cooled his cheek. He flattened both palms against the ship and pressed hard.
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