Ramon Collins
In "Anniversary Concert", a bitter, alcohol-fueled argument between Kent and Connie during their anniversary dinner escalates into a tragic car crash. As their vehicle plunges into a dark ravine, their anger and frustration turn to desperation. Trapped and injured, with no hope of rescue, the couple’s final moments together echo with irony and regret. Against the backdrop of nature's indifference--frogs singing, crickets chirping, and a creek flowing calmly--Kent and Connie face the grim reality of their situation, a haunting reminder of how quickly life can shift from rage to fragility.
In "Smell of Rain" by Ramon Collins, Henry Jenkins, a former Southern League batting champion, reflects on his past and present from his front porch as storm clouds gather on the horizon. Accompanied by his loyal hound, Chaser, Henry contemplates the inevitable march of time and the lingering threat of a young baseball player breaking his record, or his ongoing battle with cancer. With the scent of rain in the air and memories of his glory days fading, Henry's stubborn resolve to remain rooted in his old home is both a testament to his pride and a poignant reminder of life's inevitable changes.
In "Night Maneuvers", Josh hurries through the bayou at night, accompanied by his loyal hound Buttercup, to get help for his sister in labor. Their path is blocked by an armed militiaman playing soldier. A tense standoff unfolds, ending in a violent altercation. With time running out, Josh manages to flag down a passing truck, revealing the urgency of the situation: his sister is about to give birth while her husband is away in Iraq. This gripping story highlights the unpredictability of life and the lengths one will go to protect family.