Wow... this is a very powerful piece, Parker. I had to read it several times, not because I didn't understand, but because it was so good. I understand it all too well, I'm afraid. I love the dichotomy. The line that sticks out to me the most is "sadness mixed with yearning, or possibly murder". I think this is one of your best works. Well done, my friend.
Well I'm intrigued. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to read this before today. My reading time has gone down quite a bit, unfortunately. I really enjoyed the interview, though. I'll read this story at some point.
Mwahahahahaha.... *hides machete* I totally creeped myself out writing this. Sometimes it's better not to explore the darker recesses of the human mind...
I wouldn't call this a mistake. I would call it a well-written story of well-deserved come-uppance. The nice thing about prompts is how each author interprets them so differently. Nicely done.
Sparks flew from the spinning whetstone as the battered metal of his favorite blade was restored to its former glory. Malachi loved the screeching sound the metal produced as the stone ground away flecks of oxidation and blood. This was his form of meditation. The rhythm of his foot operating the pedal of the old-fashioned wooden frame, along with the spinning stone, were almost hypnotic. It allowed Malachi to re-live the experience of his first guest.
He grinned, his laugh lines caus