9 Comments

Good piece. I also think about the stories that come out of deserts. I'm going to read it again. Thanks, Damon. Thank you.

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So glad the piece made you think about deserts, Paul. It's amazing, really, how many stories come from deserts. Could be nice for you to reflect on that one!

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I love how you remember the little things - which in hindsight are the important things- from your life's experiences. as only a great writer can, I suppose!

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That detail of him uniquely not wanting to separate from his bag was the tell. I suppose I could have thought he was moving drugs, but that never entered my mind. He had the weapon, and for some reason, I was certain of it. There is so much about those days--the details, as you say--that I hope will stay with me. Thank you, as always, for your generous comment, Tabby.

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Harrowing! I'm wondering why he felt the need to prove the point to you "if you don't hurt me, I won't hurt you." Where'd he get the idea, by your behavior at the time, that you were going to hurt him. He took more of a chance (pardon) of being hurt if you decided to crash. He was crazy!

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Those were his exact words. At the time, I was a 145 pound 18 or 19 year old and far from threatening. I'm not sure what he was thinking. Needless to say, I didn't pursue the conversation any further than I needed. Thanks for reading, Sue!

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Beautiful piece, eerie & thought-provoking. I was happy to see Chance leave the hero's company. Great exploration of a world unknown to me.

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I didn't want to feel so relieved when I dropped him off, but I did. There were many ways that encounter could have gone very wrong. I still think about Chance. Glad the piece spoke to you, Ellen.

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It sure did, Damon. There was an internal *gulp* with the appearance of the firearm that carried through the story. It was a leap of faith for you that panned out. I'm so glad!

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