By Charlotte Stobart
Klaus is an excellent liar. He puts this look in his eyes, this tremble in his voice, crookedly adjacent to sincerity. He’s easily believed. So, he’s the one holding their hands as they die.
“You’ll be fine, see; they’ll patch you up. Honourably discharge you I’ll bet.”
“You’re going home soon. Your wife’ll be pleased.”
“We’re gonna win, we’re close. Of course, it’s worth it.”
He feels their hands go lax in his, every time. He remains as they shift the once-men, now-corpses, freeing the bed for the next.
It doesn’t bother him. Not one bit.
Klaus is an excellent liar.
Good flow… good descriptions… I wonder what Klaus is really feeling… kudos…
Hello Charlotte,
Excellent flash. Captured the protagonist’s persona in few words. I feel he is really deluding himself, however; eventually feelings cannot remain unacknowledged and as you so aptly implied the truth will out.
Excellent. Rings true.
I am glad that Klaus is taking the time to comfort the dying souls even though it is with a lie. Quite a stirring piece!
Really clever evocation of a character in so few words.
As a disabled veteran, I found the piece quite stirring, but extremely sad. Very emotional!
Well done. Smooth, lovely, and terrible. My favorite of the micro stories this week.