Howard closed the front door behind him and headed to the bedroom. He slipped off his loafers and slacks, and hung the carefully folded pants on a varnished hanger. Still donning his black socks, he padded to the kitchen to mix a vodka and tonic: two ice cubes, a jigger and a half of vodka, … Read moreSubstitute Violence
“Just relax.” “I don’t want to relax.” “Injuries are worse if you’re tense.” “What injuries?” “Look, just try to relax and you’ll have a better time.” Andrew was trying to get calm his brother Chad before his first downhill long board ride. It was dawn at the top of Bogus Basin Road and the other … Read moreFree Falling
Kent and Reynold snuggled in the bulldozer, struggling to stay warm during the North Dakota winter. They were there for work in the shale oil fields, but couldn’t find any affordable housing. Workers rotated through the fields every six months, and any apartment, trailer, spare room, shack, basement or abandoned car had a long waiting … Read moreIt’s The Little Things
The inside of Elli’s car glimmered orange light as she lit up her cigarette, and took a long, deep pull of smoke. The engine had been running for half an hour but no heat came from the vent; just the smell of burning. She pulled her coat up around her neck and sucked again on … Read moreNews of the Wild