Caught in the Middle

M. Stanley Bubien

She stared at the body of her son, wondering if tears would come. No, she decided---not until she had justice.

"Look at this, Manuel," the farmer said to her eldest. "These bruises. Military technique!"

Manuel bent. The wind had blown dust over his brother's body, and it was difficult to see the bruises the farmer pointed to. After close examination, he said, "I'm not sure. The Rebels---they've been copying the Military's style... trying to implicate the government." He pulled off his cap and shook his head. "I just don't know."

A sob threatened, and she spoke to hide it, "A boy... A farm boy. He never took sides."

Manuel embraced his mother as she gave in to the sobs. Her tears dropped into the dust unrequited.

Copyright ©1996 M. Stanley Bubien. All Rights Reserved.

Please contact the editor for free text versions of this very short story formatted for e-mail, usenet news, or ftp.

Story Bytes

Subscribe

September, 1996 Issue #6

128 Words

Feedback