Were the burnt offerings so poor or was I just not in the mood for their blind worship? I decided to make another example. Clemente had made the best burnt offering. I rewarded him

Styx Arms & Executive Suites on the skidrow side of the River Lethe. Howard had hoped living so close to the river would let him forget what it cost him to get it. His condo was

"Esmirelda," he said as a klezmer band began to play cloyingly at a bat mitzvah in the adjoining ballroom. I could see in his eyes that he was in the mood for something not kosher.

a drag outfit depicting Tammy Faye Baker on her wedding day. It may be over-the-top, but at least it gets attention. So with outlined lips and a half ton of lace, I walked into the

month o' Sundays since you stopped by!" Opper chortled as he opened the door. But Babbling Brooks just stood there with his hat in his hands. "Got some bad news, Op," he said.

stash all that junk down here that you intend to sell at a yard sale, one day. For I, BASEMENT BOY, shall take it and redistribute it among the needy and you shall get no coin! HA!

The ship with the golden sails was constantly hidden by a cloud of insects. Everyone questioned how did they all live in the middle of the sea. The captain just shrugged and smiled

He smells the ozone odor as the world began to spin faster and faster around him. He smiles at this victory, smiles at the joy his Dione must be feeling right now. She is avenged.

Quiet. After ten years of marriage, that was all we wanted now. Eating breakfast with our heads bent low. Leaving the house without a goodbye. Quick, clean kisses on the cheek.

There is a snake under the women's change room. That is the hidden truth about this hotel. Everyone pitied the next random victim but they can't do much. Not when the snake is

I screamed my heart out when my favorite boxer landed that punch. The crowd was drowning out my cheers but I was not daunted. "LAKWANI! LAKWANI!' My body vibrated with the victory.

Election day drew nearer, which meant more money flowing in the streets. Ading tried his best to look like a confident, clean 18 year old voter so politians' lackeys will pay him.

"Your mother," the mercenary rolled the last syllable "is a whore. I expect that I am not your father, little rat." My eyes looked up to challenge him "We'll see about that!"

He watched the rise and fall of his father's chest. It was almost time. Time to be free, time to see the world, time to meet his brother again. He could have rushed it but he can't

"Fuel is getting expensive in this quadrant." Valtoch absently listened to his fellow passengers as he watched the stars flash by on his window. His mother slept soundly near him.

She hated the squeaks and coughs of the sickened little ones. She hated looking at the red splotches on their skin and the glassy black eyes. Most of all, she hated being here.

That is as far as it ever got. The case was never closed. It still haunts those of us who worked it. Three decades later, I can still remember that music box tune. It sends chills

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When my girlfriend's edible panties were also a high THC edible. The full measure of my wit, 3 inches, were warshed away by that faux pas of a faux pas which I had pronounced as

sometimes a few hours if the vibe of the place didn't feel right. But one day, all of that changed for me; you'll never guess what brought it about!