"Janitor" is a story about a man whose skin pigments happen to be predominantly black, who exists in Southern society before the advent of a kinder and gentler America. Although he is not treated with respect at his custodial job or in town, he is the embodiment of affability and graciousness. One day, something dramatic happens to alter the shameful attitude of his fellow citizens toward him. "Love" is about the inviolate affection between a father and his daughter. As she lies dying on a hospital bed, he faithfully attends to her every need; it is here that we see their special bond, and...
"Janitor" is a story about a man whose skin pigments happen to be predominantly black, who exists in Southern society before the advent of a kinder an...
Joaquin Bridger is a former soldier who settles in the town of Redwood, becomes a police officer, marries, and has a daughter. He and his family live there peacefully for ten years, and then tragedy strikes. His wife and daughter are killed in a confrontation with bank robbers, and he blames himself. He quits the police force and begins a wandering, aimless life around town, walking wherever he goes-silent, brooding, filthy. He exists like this for five years. The majority of people in town see him as a man who is mentally disabled. Few people dare bother him. Then one day, John Slaughter,...
Joaquin Bridger is a former soldier who settles in the town of Redwood, becomes a police officer, marries, and has a daughter. He and his family live ...
Margaret C. Carbuncle is the principal at Amethyst Elementary. She has an insatiable appetite for power and soon becomes a tyrant; she also develops a desire for prestige and glory, and she knows the only way to attain this is through high test scores for her elementary school. Therefore, she drives her Teachers into a frenzy as she demands that they instruct only those subjects that will be included on the all-important, all-consuming state examination. She is ruthless in her desire to achieve her lofty goals. She happily destroys the lives of anyone who gets in her way. Some of the Teachers...
Margaret C. Carbuncle is the principal at Amethyst Elementary. She has an insatiable appetite for power and soon becomes a tyrant; she also develops a...
The Lauren Tree is about a man who uses sophisticated lies to gain what he wants in life. But one day, the tangled web he weaves transports him to a world where lying is not permissible, and the consequences of doing so are grave. Animal Stories consists of three tales that center on the way our modern society treats animals, and the consequences of that behavior. The first story is about a family who is driving to Yosemite Park and how the attitude of the mother and father toward wildlife alters their trip; the second story is about the relationship between those who have, and those who have...
The Lauren Tree is about a man who uses sophisticated lies to gain what he wants in life. But one day, the tangled web he weaves transports him to a w...
Oscine is born with a hereditary illness that compels her parents to ignore and despise her; consequently, she grows up waiting for that one special person who will rescue her from loneliness and allow her to truly experience the world. She communes with Nature in ways that mystify those around her and is revered in her neighborhood and at school for her good deeds. Oscine eventually leaves home, becomes a nurse, marries, and has three children; yet it is a marriage without love, and her husband treats her as if she is a bondservant. And then she meets Abraham, a kind, caring doctor, and the...
Oscine is born with a hereditary illness that compels her parents to ignore and despise her; consequently, she grows up waiting for that one special p...
"The Fountain of Youth" is about the sedentary and degenerative lives of residents in a retirement home; however, two of the men, with the help of an old classmate, come up with a bold plan to reinvigorate and rejuvenate their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. "Reunion" is the story of a young actress whose life is disintegrating due to the excesses that celebrity can bring; she decides to return to the high school she attended and seek advice from two adults who had a tremendous influence upon her. "Oblivion" is the tale of a young scientist who decides to live on a small...
"The Fountain of Youth" is about the sedentary and degenerative lives of residents in a retirement home; however, two of the men, with the help of an ...
Who we are is often influenced by where we are born, and by the family that raises us, the friends who surround us, and the folks who rule us; in America, we may not have an acknowledged caste system, yet one exists the moment that power or privilege, trial or tribulation, disease or destitution cradles us to its nourishing bosom. Tony Siciliani is a young man of humble means who has lost his health. He begins an obsessive quest to find a cure for his ailment. He feels isolated from a world that seems not to value a man who is ill and has no family. Lake Seville is a young, beautiful heiress...
Who we are is often influenced by where we are born, and by the family that raises us, the friends who surround us, and the folks who rule us; in Amer...
