It all started in the kitchen, where most of life’s important decisions are made. Not in any intellectual sense, but in the stomach and in the heart. Making a ham sandwich for his little brother, Giacomo took down the bread from the pantry, untwisted the opening of the bag and pulled two slices from the middle of the loaf. They were thick and soft, perfect bread for a sandwich. He …

Iago pulled the latch that released the stairs to the attic. Each step up the stairs was a combination of creaks and squeaks as the hinges and old wood rubbed against each other. There was light shining through the window which showed the dust motes hanging in the air creating a musty smell with the weight of age. He made his way across the bare floorboards to some boxes stacked …

Akiva slid the key into the front door and twisted it to unlock it. He held it there to savor the moment. This was the first time he was unlocking his own place, his very own home that he owned. He had been watching the market for years, and though it was a little farther from the city than he wanted to be, he had gotten a good deal on …

– Hey man, thanks for giving me a ride. I was kind of surprised when I saw you replied to my Facebook post. – No problem. Like I said, I’m heading in that direction anyway. I’d love the company and the chance to catch-up. – What are you heading downtown for? – I’ve got to meet a guy down there, pick up some stuff. – Some stuff? What are you …

Jessie pushed through the thick foliage of the jungle, a pistol in her hand cocked and ready. She held up her fist to signal Coby and Brion behind her that they were stopping. She pulled out the map and carefully unfolded it. The air in the jungle was so thick and humid everything they had on them became damp and never seemed to dry. She consulted the map and checked …

I can hear them out there in the office plotting. They come in in the mornings and immediately set about planning my demise, I’m sure of it. I wonder how they think they’re going to do it and be successful. If they’re going to just kick down my door, barge in with homemade weapons fashioned out of office supplies; or if they’re planning a more subtle approach like hacking into …

Diego was in that border zone, half way between awake and asleep, rolling around on his bed unable to get comfortable or even stay still; his body restless, sweat lining his forehead because he was too hot, his arms pulling the blankets up tighter around his neck because he was too cold; his heart beating furiously in his chest. It was a Thursday, the one night of the week Diego …