Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:34:51 +0000 From: jacklynch945 Subject: Like Dust In The Wind Prologue Author's Note "Like Dust In the Wind" is the second volume of a two-book series beginning with "The Pale Blue Sky. "PBS" was published on this platform previously. This current book is both a follow-up and a flashback to the characters and events in the first volume. Readers of "PBS" will be delighted to see several of the same characters return for this new volume. New characters are introduced, adding fresh experiences to the narrative. Readers of some of my short stories will find several of them recast as chapters in "Like Dust In the Wind." They were originally written as exercises while trying to find my way through the current book. They have been updated and adapted to fit this narrative. Please support nifty.org with a contribution whenever you can. Stories like this would have no place in the world if it wasn't for the platform of free speech and ideas that Nifty provides. Like Dust In The Wind by Jack Lynch Prologue. "On your knees!" Not like bending down, more like collapsing. Carey's knees hit the wet sand, a foot or so from the water. Apollo beside him, just outside of his peripheral vision. Hands behind their heads. "You like Boyz II Men rifaqa?" Omar squealed with a cackle. Not getting a response from either, he continued, now singing. "You know. `Although we've come to the end of the road, I can let you go.'" Off key. In an obnoxious falsetto. "I think it's `I still can't let go.'" Apollo corrected. "I changed. You don't mind?" Omar smiled with his teeth. Not a real smile. "C'mon Omar," Apollo smirked. "I told you once before. Leave us again. You die." Serious now. Carey looked out to the gray horizon. No matter what. He was going to keep his eyes open. Even if this was the end. It sounded like Omar was about to say something. But, then, without warning: Boom! Carey jerked with the sudden crack of the gun. It wasn't for him, though. He was still there. He heard the body hit the sand. Without looking, he knew it was Apollo. Tears filled his eyes and he started hyper-ventilating. The back of his head and his cheek were suddenly wet. He raised his eyes a little higher. A mist of blood rose in the air. It just floated away and disappeared. Like dust in the wind.