Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Chapters.
Hadji 1974
1st court appearance Hadji 1974 Chapter 12 Nearly everyone in the jail gathered in the courtyard for the volleyball match after lunch. The lines previously just drawn in the dirt were now amplified with white lime. A small step ladder was in place next to the net, and a referee stood atop it. A couple of line judges, recruited from other teams, were in place to make out of bounds calls on the side and back lines. It was decided that the match would be decided in a best of five format, instead of a single game, and a coin flip was used to see which side of the net each team would begin from. The teams would switch sides after one reached thirteen points, so that each would be subject to the same sun and wind conditions. In addition to the normal guards patrolling the catwalks, the warden and several of his aides were watching from his balcony. The referee climbed onto his perch, motioned the ready sign to each team, and brought his arm forward while blowing his whistle, to start the match. After a short volley to win serve, Joe racked off ten straight points with a variety of spinning serves, strategically placed near the out-of-bounds lines. It was the beginning of a volleyball clinic that we put on for them, including crisp passes to set up our big men for thunderous dunks and well-placed dinks. When it was my turn to serve, I sent the ball a mile in the air and watched as the Turks fought with each other for the return. On the front line, I would time my leap to intercept the ball as it crossed the net and slam it to the ground on the other side for a quick turnover. With the games well in hand, we allowed the Turks to get into double digits in all three games. We practiced plays and went for the spectacular slam or diving save to the roars of the crowd. The referee was experienced and very animated with his calls and play by play descriptions. With five points remaining in the third game, Joe unleashed his jump serve and ended the match without another return serve. We crossed the net and hugged and shook hands with our opponents, thanking them for a good game. As we headed back to retrieve our towels and other belongings, you could see money and goods exchange hands in traditional Turkish custom, for the end of a sporting event. The volleyball games became a fixture of the morning routine at the jail. Being gracious winners, we allowed the Turks to pick and choose from other teams to form super teams to “Beat the Americans”.
By Barron M Broomfield2 years ago in Chapters
Three Men, Flirting Callowness, And A Stubborn Lady
Midnight. “You’re flirting with me,” the young, barely pubescent man quipped as I adorned his lap. I felt my face contort, my quizzical expression seemingly unjustifiable as I straddled him in the middle of the raucous house party. People were watching his insistence as much as they hung off my denial. Our battle of wills had replaced any other entertainment.
By Ellen Frances2 years ago in Chapters
Fallen Tree
The bookstore had appeared more spacious for the first fifteen minutes. Jasper was busy trying to unlock the door and began to feel frustrated by the lack of help from his companion. But frustration wasn't in his nature, he muttered. It was one of Them, not well-received in his mind. It was this that made him sound calm when he turned to the old man.
By Alessandro La Martina2 years ago in Chapters
Chapter 2 of Memoirs of the In-Between
When you’re alive, you have no idea what happens to you when you die. It was one of my many thoughts and regrets. I always wondered what happened to a person when they died. I sent so many people to their afterlives, that it seemed like a fair question. I had no idea what I believed, and to be frank I was scared to think too deeply about it. Only when my worst guilt, fresh after a job well done, did I dare to venture into that dark corner of my mind. I eventually convinced myself that nothing happened. There was no heaven, there were no gods, there was nothing but a deep dark sleep that you never wake up from.
By Hope Martin2 years ago in Chapters
The Genetic Fossils Hidden in Our DNA
Introduction In 1972, geneticist Susumu Ohno made an insightful observation: "The earth is strewn with fossil remains of extinct species; is it a wonder that our genome too is filled with the remains of extinct genes?" Little did he know that he was uncovering a fascinating aspect of our genetic heritage. Inside our genomes, we carry molecular fossils - fragments of DNA that have become non-functional over time. One such pseudogene, GULOP, found on the 8th chromosome, once played a vital role in our primate ancestors' ability to produce vitamin C. However, around 61 million years ago, a mutation turned GULOP into a pseudogene, a non-functional relic. This genetic transformation marked a crucial moment in our evolutionary journey, and it was not the last.
By Japneet Kaur2 years ago in Chapters
The Lucrative World of Golden Kiwis
Introduction: The golden kiwi, a delightful variant of the conventional green kiwi, has taken the global fruit market by storm. Renowned for its exceptional sweetness and distinct flavor, this unique strain of kiwi has become a symbol of New Zealand's horticultural excellence. However, what makes golden kiwis truly stand out is their astonishing value. In recent years, their rarity and exclusivity have led to incidents of smuggling, copyright disputes, and skyrocketing prices. In this article, we'll delve into the captivating world of golden kiwis, exploring the factors that make them so expensive, their journey from orchard to supermarket, and the fascinating story behind their cultivation.
By Japneet Kaur2 years ago in Chapters
Sri Lanka's Coconut Industry
Introduction: Sri Lanka, known for its lush landscapes and serene beaches, is also home to a thriving coconut industry. This tropical paradise produces over 30,000 metric tons of coconuts annually, but surprisingly, most of this bounty does not remain within the country. Instead, Sri Lanka exports its coconut products to eager markets in Europe, the United States, and Canada. The demand for coconut-based products has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the perception of coconuts as a superfood. Notably, U.S. consumption of coconut oil alone has surged by nearly 30 percent since 2018. In this article, we delve into the complexities of Sri Lanka's coconut industry, exploring the challenges faced by local farmers and the global consequences of the West's insatiable thirst for coconut products.
By Japneet Kaur2 years ago in Chapters
