20100106

The Man Behind the Fist

by Karen Baker

From his usual place at the end of the bar, back against the wall, he gazed blankly into the middle distance. No one here interested him, there wasn't a real man amongst them. Unbeaten prize fighter, he was used to the gulf created by their fear and his loneliness, as they gave him a wide berth, failing to meet his eyes. When the door swung open, he drained his glass amid uneasy shifting. The lad, young, college type, strode straight to him, extended his hand in introduction and offered him a drink. At last, a real man.

6S

Karen Baker has just made her 6S debut.