Zip goes the black sports bag, the sound makes me smile. The zipper once had a brand name but now only the “N” and “I” remain. In my line of work, sometimes you need to zip up in a hurry.
I open the bag lovingly. I know each tool homed within, simple, yet sinister every one. I unpack; holding the bicycle spoke to the light, then the hacksaw, the claw hammer, toothbrush with all but four bristles removed. As each item is displayed, I hear a whimper come from my captive.
“Are you ready to play?” I ask. “I am.”
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alt="First Kiss, Second Kiss by Jeff Currier"
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sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="Up, Up and Stay by Jacob Conflitti"
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alt="The Butterfly Defect by Andreas Flögel"
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alt="Heavyweight by Gully Novaro"
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>