Seven Grains of Sand

By Ed Wood

Seven Grains of Sand is a new collection of seven short stories that explore the essence of human existence from seven totally different perspectives.

Collected together for the first time in this ebook, they combine into a varied and colourful anthology that readers of short fiction should find both fascinating and enjoyable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ed Wood
• Release date: Jan 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466125971

Book preview

Seven Grains of Sand

By Ed Wood

Copyright 2012 Ed Wood

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

The Angel

Madelaine

Cancer

Modus Vivendi

Bingo

Away With Words

The Pocket Watcher

The Angel

'I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them'

(The Koran, 8.12)

They sat together on the bench in silence.

The sound of Derby Cathedral, ringing out nine o’clock, reverberated in waves down the narrow street and rolled out across the damp market square. Still without a word, but exchanging a nervous glance, they checked their wrist watches simultaneously. Ahmed could feel the sweat running down the back of his neck. There was no turning back now. He had performed all the appropriate rituals during the early hours of that morning and he was ready. His place in paradise was assured. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, praising Allah under his breath.

He opened his eyes. As he watched the many people rushing past, he felt a mixture of pity and disgust for them. Their western society was so corrupt with its debauchery and drunkenness. They had no honour. They needed to be made aware of the glory of Allah. They would all be welcomed into paradise as martyrs. He was doing them a favour.

His eyes fell on an attractive young girl making her way to work. She wore a short black skirt, dark tights and improbably high heels. His gaze followed her closely as she passed by the bench. Her legs, possibly accentuated by the heels, were perfectly curved and shapely. A lust for her began to rise within him. He cursed the weakness of his flesh and a deep shame came over him. He closed his eyes again and recited quietly verses from the Koran. His admiration of her turned to hatred. She deserved to die for her wickedness. As if to reassure himself, he placed his hand inside the pocket of his coat and found the smooth touch of the detonator button.

He felt a gentle nudge from his companion on the bench and he knew it was time. His stomach lurched and he thought he was going to be sick. He stood slowly and began the short walk to the appointed place across the market square. It had been chosen to cause the maximum devastation. His nerves passed and he felt a sudden and deep sense of pride and camaraderie with all his Muslim brothers, who, at this very moment in every major city in Britain, were also making similar journeys to their appointed places. He glorified the name of Allah as he walked along and finally reached his destination.

Only then did he see the little girl in the brilliant white dress. She was half walking, half running, trying to keep up with her mummy who pushed