Second-Best with a Sword and Other Stories

By Johnson, Kevin, Wade

Book Id: WPLBN0100749967
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 0.1 MB
Reproduction Date: 9/20/2023

Title:	Second-Best with a Sword and Other Stories
Author:	Johnson, Kevin, Wade
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Fiction, Drama and Literature
Collections:	Authors Community, Science Fiction
Historic Publication Date:	2023
Publisher:	Self-Published

Member Page:	Kevin Johnson
Citation APA MLA Chicago Wade Johnson, B. K. (2023). Second-Best with a Sword and Other Stories. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.cc/

Description
Three science fiction stories, two more that are specifically time travel, five spooky stories, a humor piece, two that focus on the environment, and a couple of heartwarming Christmas tales. As always, free to read, download and share, but all other rights reserved.

Summary
Sixteen stories, including two novelettes, 32,000 words of science fiction, spooky stories, a couple of Christmas tales, and more

Excerpt
No Crying at Christmas I looked from where I sat at the little boy, whose eyes had welled up. I won't say I was perplexed, because I've seen everything, but I wasn't expecting it, either. I mean, usually when you've got a small child in a department store in December, they're flying around like a miniature comet, dashing and dancing and blitzing. So to speak. Here we were, surrounded by blinking lights, hanging garlands, trees full of decorations, racks and bins of toys and games and dolls and all the rest. Not to mention children laughing, whining, screaming, yelling. And here he was ready to cry. I beckoned to him, and he came over. I said, "What's the matter there, young man?" He said, "Santa, can I ask for something special for Christmas?" "Of course you can," I said. Yeah, I answer to Santa. In this place and time, when I'm wearing the white-trimmed red, of course I do. "But I can't promise you'll get it. Christmas isn't Christmas if we know what we're getting ahead of time." "Okay," he said, doubt in his voice. "So, what's your special request?" "I never see my dad anymore." His lower lip was trembling. "I love my mom, but I want my dad home for Christmas." He looked like he was going to burst out with the tears, so I said, "Now, now, no crying at Christmas." I furrowed my brow and pursed my lips. He said, "You can't get my dad to see me?" "I'll let you in on a secret," I said, leaning toward him. He leaned in as well. I whispered, "Santa doesn't do people." "You don't?" I shook my head. "Can't. Everyone was asking for movie stars." I made a face. "Especially producers." He looked at me, eyes huge. "But then, what do I do?" "Tell you what. Santa can do this much. You got a phone?" "No. Maybe when I'm older." "Santa's gonna bring you a voice recorder." "What's that?" "You press a button, it records what you say, to play back later. "Every day, you record a little more for your dad to hear. Something you did that day, a song…something. Doesn't matter. Because when you're with him again, he's going to love it." "Yeah…" He started to brighten up. "It's not what you want, but does it help?" He nodded. "So I'll see my dad again?" I said, "Santa can't promise, Santa only does toys. But…someday. Santa's best wishes are with you. And that does count for something." No, not as fun as leaving a bunch of goodies by the fireplace. But we all do our best to get by. "Thanks, Santa." "You're very welcome. Just one more thing." Because I could do better than that. A little better. "What's that?" "On Christmas, you make sure it's the best Christmas—for your mom." "Oh. I will, Santa, I will!" "Bye now." "Bye Santa." The start of a long day. They always are. But here's the thing. Whether you're Santa or somebody else, if you get too distant from the real work, from the real people, you lose touch, and then you can't do anything right. So stay in touch. Even if people expect someone to substitute for you. Get in there and keep in practice. The little boy left, and the next child stepped up.

Table of Contents
Science Fiction-Adventure Second-Best with a Sword Drive Debt Race 2200 Time Travel Logic of Time Logic of Time - 1989 original, excerpt The One Spooky Sound The Other Side of Life Eyes Closed Fever Shadow Dreams Superheroes Corona The Environment Biotage Empire of Dust Humor Hot People with Guns Christmas No Crying at Christmas It's Only Christmas