Great Expectations - The Yield

He was running as hard as he could. His legs were starting to ache. Just a few more steps, just a few more and I will win this, he thought. He was a hairsbreadth from the ribbon and he tumbled..

The Caged Dove

Raza approached the rusty metal cage with extraordinary caution. Extraordinary because ordinary caution was too ordinary among children his age. They were taught to approach almost everything slowly and nimbly, unexploded bombs and missile parts were running rampant in their land and it was only normal that kids his age possessed a rather extensive knowledge of such unpleasant stuff. It was part of a self-designed plan by the elders to cut down on children casualties. When he was near enough, he gently prodded the rust infected cage and the captive inside opened an eye. He flinched and retraced a few steps. No sound came from within, but the cage reeked of a pungent smell. He leaned forward and took another whiff. He recognized that smell. Everyone recognized the smell of this particular disinfectant. When war's upon you, such things were the most useful.

The Blessing

“Get the hell out of here! You tramps bang this door next time and I’ll skin y’all!” I could not hold back my tears. I was trying hard to make friends and dad had just given them a very warm welcome.

We’re a family of three, I’m the only child. Mom is a devout Christian and we’re a regular duo at the church. I don’t include my dad in the word “we” because I loathe him. He’s a drunkard and we never know

The Search For Utopia

"They're so huge! When they walk, all earth shakes. They can flatten mountains like they're a lump of clay!" I dared not say this aloud, father would start off with one of his many lectures that I had memorized by experience.

Her Eternal Love

She refuses to let go
Courtesy PTSD Perspectives

She walked through the corridor slowly. David was arguing with some seniors. He knew which celebrity would be starring in which television series, which of them had broken up and the other ins and outs of the celebrity business. He caught her glance, dropped

Many Promises To Keep

The Promise
Courtesy Buried With Children

She came back home and marched straight to her room. The parents exchanged confused looks. She would always run to her dad and it took considerable effort to persuade her to abandon his lap. Also, she came back quite early today. On usual days, Fatima would have to call her in and she would run in with a pace that not many 5 year olds could match.