A Whole Lot of Room_315_Pyrrhic Victory_War Crimes
Catalog Guide:
A Whole Lot of Room
Chris came back to me late at night, exhausted and on the verge of tears. I had been editing a stack of court reports and was glad to be interrupted for anything, so I led him into my living room. He collapsed on the couch and hunched over, head in hands. We sat in silence for about two (maybe five) minutes, he clutching his hair convulsively and breathing heavily, I twisting my fingers together.“She left me,” he said. I sat for a moment, waiting for the bile to rise in my throat. But it never came.“Would you like some coffee?” I asked finally.“I don't know. Sure. God knows I won't get a...
315
Content warning: Swearing, violence.It feels great putting those big plates on the bar and catching the glances of people working out around me. I get someone to spot me, and they comment on the weight I’m lifting. Then my earbuds are belting out motivational speeches and music while I push through one more rep. When I’m done, the barbell clangs loudly onto its stand. After my set I take a moment to think about how today’s going great. Work went well, my workout is going well, and it’s Friday night. Tonight’s my date with Sarah from work! She’s always so positive even when things get tough. Sh...
Pyrrhic Victory
Where there’s smoke…Not all the tears streaming from Nikola’s eyes were from the acrid smoke filling the room. Tinny coughs echoed from close by, adding to the ringing in his ears, giving a tiny sense of comfort that he wasn’t the only one alive. Though even that faded rapidly as something warm and sticky seeped into his left eye. He gingerly wiped the back of his sooty hand over it, horror creeping up his chest as it came away crimson. Right eye staring, left eye blinking spasmodically, anyone might have guessed he was a mad scientist on the brink of a life-changing discovery. Only, it was hi...
War Crimes
Andriy watched his father move an anti-tank mine out of the roadway using his bare hands, all the while smoking a Chinese cigarette, the tobacco loose and pungent. “Your name, Andriy, means manly and stronwww.onedoor.ccg,” his father explained through clenched teeth, delicately carrying the explosive. “I named you for days like these. You will be a soldier. A warrior.” “How can I be a warrior? I’m twelve,” Andriy replied, standing a ways off, hands at the ready to cover his ears. “Twelve is old enough to be the greatest of warriors. You stand by me. Well, not exactly now,” his father laughed. “Stand by me l...