This story was also written in the fall of 2007. It went through multiple permutations before arriving at its present state, and while it could arguably benefit from greater attention (or a permanent housing in the trash bin), there comes a point at which I simply have to stop and let things be.
I’m fairly certain that large portions of the story don’t work, or don’t work as well as I’d like them to, but I am content with the tone as I hope its narration conveys a sense of empathy, which in truth is how I view the inspiration for this story. The idea arrived after an interaction with a person I knew at an adult drinking establishment, but if you the reader—perhaps as one of my former patrons—think it’s you, you’re probably wrong.
A copy of this story can be downloaded for your reading enjoyment here.