Apex Predator

Brad felt like his entire life had lead to this moment. The weeks of relentless training. The years of cutthroat business success that made the expedition possible. The lifetime of dedication and sacrifice that helped sharpen his discipline to the point where absolutely nothing could ever stand in the way of accomplishing his goals. Not his family, not his peers, not any of the many unimportant distractions fate might place on his path.

Now here he was at the top of the tallest peak in the world.

His guide congratulated him on the achievement.

"It's all downhill from here, sir."

After The Verdict

“Mr. Bromley, before I sentence you, do you have anything to say to this Court?”

“I'm innocent, Your Honor.”

“I meant anything more than that nonsense. You've been found guilty by a jury of your peers. You understand, don't you?”

“I think I would've done better with a different lawyer.”

“By the way...Why did you choose your brother-in-law, Mr. Bromley?”

“Because, Your Honor, my sister-in-law cost a lot more. But I tell you, I'm innocent.”

“I told you to stop saying that.”

“Your Honor...”

“Yes...”

“Maybe if I'd offered a better bribe? Would that have made all the difference?”

From Guest Contributor David Sydney

Drinking

There was a time that drinking carried with it a thrill. The flash of acceptance by his peers, the risk of being caught.

Then it became a habit. An expectation, though not a conscious one. It was just a part of everyday life, like the friends he no longer really connects with, but finding new friends seems complicated and lonely.

Now it is no longer drinking. It is alcohol, and he needs it to not feel sick, to not hate himself.

Maybe he should quit. But that strikes him as uncomfortable. Better just to not think about it too much.

The Whispers

The whispering grows louder after exiting the shaman's hut. If her words are true, the voices following me are not of my own making, but rather the lost souls of the long dead, clamoring for attention.

I'd thought I was the only one, but she told me they speak to everyone, though very few will admit to hearing them. Those who do are branded as heretics or clinically insane. In a way, I preferred believing that I was unique, but perhaps knowing the truth will lead to acceptance from my peers.

I do, however, regret killing all those people now.

Prescience

Liam awoke from a phantasm where puppy-like pigs defecated down his back, their feigned embraces weighing him down so much that he was left behind by his peers as he strove to participate in some great undefined quest.

As sleep dispersed, he really hoped it was allegorical. He dragged himself to the bathroom for ablutions and a shower. Today’s staff outing should clear all that from his head.

The phone rang, interrupting the ‘bathing therapy.’ He answered, dripping.

“Hello.”

“Liam, Jeremy here.” Head zookeeper.

“Pete’s called in sick, would you relocate the vampire bats to their new enclosure?”

Hell.

From Guest Contributor Perry McDaid

Whispers And Tears

"I love you," she whispered. She felt guilty. Part of her wanted to yell for the entire world to hear, but she shrank from revealing herself in front of so many of her peers. Whispers would have to do.

Guilt changed to anger as her expression of love was met by silence. She shook the phone, thinking it might be broken, even banged it against the floor. Now she was embarrassed and didn't care who was looking at her. Tears came as she screamed into the receiver.

Mrs. Johnson came and scooped her up.

"It's time for your nap, dear."