The dry slithering sound suddenly started up again and this time it was much closer.

They fell on their swords like good little soldiers while their boss pretended not to know them.

The days grew shorter and her heart sadder.

Grand artifice was America's gift to the world.

Although he looked much younger, Todd gave away his age with his vast knowledge of obscure 80s bands who he had seen in their heyday.

Bumping along the back roads she realized her desultory sense of direction could be applied to a number of other parts of her life.

They hid together in the neon and dust.