It was Late

It was late and I was tired so I believe that is why I failed to notice him as I left the building. I should have been more aware but I had, in recent months become lazy about my security. Leaving the office late, staying out with friends late, not being as aware as I should be. He grabbed me from behind and I barely had time to react before he shoved the knife to my throat. fortunately my reflexes were still good or he may have killed me, but I pivoted on my heels and before he knew what had happened I had broken his arm and knocked him to the ground. He screeched like a wounded dog as I dug the heel of my boot into his groin. He answered every question I posed. I left him alive, barely, in the ally behind the library. I went home packed my few belongings and got in my car and drove. No more late nights, no more friends, the bastards were not going to find me again.

Happy Birthday Brother O Mine!!!!

The Tradition

No one knew when the tradition had started. It seemed to most that it had just always been. When her name was drawn that year she felt as if she had been punched in the stomach. This was her last year in the drawing and she was certain it was not going to happen to her. Each of the last three years she had prepared herself for her name to be called, but this year she was not ready. Not ready to hear her name called by Thomas the newly appointed record keeper and her best friend. He smiled sadly at her because he alone knew she was not ready for this. He alone knew she had not prepared for it. She had destroyed all of the previous years' carefully prepared plans. She had been a fool. With dread she walked up the stairs to the stage, held her hands up and thanked the kingdom for this privilege, the privilege to live in the castle, wear silks and satins, to eat enormous amounts of food and pretty much do anything she wanted for an entire year as the Queen. She felt sick to her stomach.