To be an intellectual, one needs to focus her attention. What separates the intellectual from your ordinary smart person is a passion for something specific, whether it be 17th century architecture or the mating habits of guinea pigs. Ellen was an intellectual. She had studied for a decade and a half and nearly memorized not… Continue reading Noble Savage (butts)
Blog
Racist
Because she’d heard a lot about the outskirts of town and its low low prices, Rebecca found herself in unfamiliar territory. Compared to her home suburbs, traffic was irredeemably congested, and entirely because pedestrians crossed the street whenever and wherever they wanted. “Use a crosswalk!” she shouted at a mother and three children, though she… Continue reading Racist
Deathbed
Waking up had never felt so important. As David Blanchett gasped himself awake, the crowd around him murmured in relief. They had thought he was gone, and he had been. “Dad, we thought we lost you.” “It’s a miracle.” They crammed around the bed, trying their best to hug him through the wires and the… Continue reading Deathbed
Romantic Comedy
His sorrow was treading water, and no more alcohol could improve his life. He was at the point of oblivion. Andre was buying, and Andre insisted that all Rupert needed was a few drinks and his obsessions would seem meaningless. “Your problem is that you’re too nice. Women like a man who will take control.… Continue reading Romantic Comedy
Dracula
As easy as it would be to conquer humanity, and as much as it needed conquering, Vlad chose to bide his time. As an immortal, he could enslave all creation whenever he wanted. Now all he wanted was red wine. Some faction of the community sent him gift baskets that they called offerings. Today’s collection… Continue reading Dracula
Considerate
Because he was little more than a waste of resources, the only socially responsible action for Peter to take was ending his own life. He’d thought about it in the soundest of minds. Even at the height of his potential, if he produced whatever goods or services he was capable of producing, he would continue… Continue reading Considerate
Robustness (part 8)
After a certain amount of time, possibly ten minutes, possibly a half hour, Ezekiel realized that the train hadn’t made any stops. No one around him seemed to notice or care, but he hadn’t seen any landmarks go by, and became worried. Nothing denoted that they were even moving forward except the side-to-side wobble that… Continue reading Robustness (part 8)
Role Model
When they were children, Jill’s little sister copied every aspect of Jill. She chose her favorite foods by her sister’s inclinations. She followed every hobby — piano, karate, theater, video games, origami, track, underage drinking — and came out as lesbian, right at the same time. “I actually am,” Jill said sternly, and her sister… Continue reading Role Model
Boring
The show Richard was watching was a soap opera about fighter pilot doctors who save lives, but have trouble facing their own tragic pasts. The main character, a wise-cracking yet sensitive up-and-comer, had trouble forming meaningful relationships, and compensated by speeding into wartorn villages to rescue hostages. The show was well-produced, and Richard watched it… Continue reading Boring
Promotion
“You’ve been doing a wonderful job for us, and we’d like to offer you a promotion.” The memo on her desk did not state her name or who it was from, but Madeline appreciated the sentiment. She rather wished the document went into more details as to the nature of her advancement, but she would… Continue reading Promotion
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