Little Kevin stared at the empty seat at the dinner table with sadness.
“When will Tommy be coming home?” the 5-year-old asked of his older brother.
“We hope very soon,” his mother said, her voice steady, not wanting to reveal her worst fears.
“Will he be coming to church with us Sunday?” Kevin asked.
“We don’t think Tommy will [...]

Marvin Johnston amassed his vast wealth by ruthlessly driving out his competitors. He faced each formidable foe with cunning and left vanquished carcasses in his wake.
He was the Vulture. Aptly named by a writer at the Wall Street Journal.
He had more money than he would ever need and every imaginable luxury was his. He could [...]

“I’ve done horrible things, Father, ” Rimley said to the chaplain. “No one will forgive me so you’re wasting your time.”
Chaplain Dennis had been summoned by the warden to hear the last confession of the condemned prisoner.
“My son, do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” the priest asked.
“I know it’s hard to [...]

(An update on the merchants in a land far away – First seen in #21, then #34)
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BOBROB: “It is of no consequence, but I do not understand why you treat us with contempt, even after we helped rebuild your general store.”
TUCLUC: “It is not personal. I do not wish to consort with your ilk and [...]

“Robert Chudada is always disruptng the class, making jokes, and the teachers never punish him,” said Neal. “I crack one remark and end up in detention.”
“Was your remark unkind or evil?” asked his father.
“Not at all. But some of Robert’s are. And I know for a fact he pays other kids to do some of [...]