Human

By Casey Woods

HUMAN is comprised of six short stories that are primarily realistic fiction with a touch of the fantastical.

"Broccoli Salad" follows the thoughts of Marty, a socially anxious college student, on his ride to a sorority party. After an ill-advised choice of a meal, he worries over the remnants it left behind on his clothes and in his teeth and what others, particularly a girl named Tori, might think when they see him.

"Payment" is the story of an inept criminal named Richard who has hired a hitwoman, Ruby, to take out his former employer. As their discussion goes on, though, he learns that the price to pay for her services is not what he expected and that there will be consequences if he can't pay up.

"Fool's Gold" follows a couple, David and Margaret, through a discussion over David's interest in a collection of golden coins he's found. Their marriage hangs in the balance as David's obsession has led him to ignore his wife, and what is said during this conversation could either save it or finish it for good.

"Burn" tells the story of a young couple, Nora and Addie, as they struggle to survive in the midst of a terrifying attack. With no idea of what to do or how to get away, the two must stay together and figure out a means of escape before it is too late.

"Escape" is about Christine and Lillian, a mother and daughter who must leave their home in the middle of the night. As they make their way through the halls, they must remain quiet to avoid being caught by Christine's husband and Lillian's father, Ned, but it is not always easy for a young child to do exactly as they're told.

"Life After Death" is the story of a young girl, Abigail, over the course of a difficult week. As her ill father comes closer to the end with each day, he reveals information about a world that Abigail has never known. By the end of the week, she has a difficult choice to make, and with the knowledge she has acquired, she doesn't know what the right choice is and what it may lead her to discover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Casey Woods
• Release date: Mar 25, 2021

Casey Woods

Casey Woods is a fantasy and realism game writer earning their BFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. Their flash fiction piece, “Evidence,” has appeared in the Scarlet Leaf Review. They have a love for RPGs and action-adventure video games, particularly of the fantasy genre. As a former fencer who is training in stage fighting, they get closer every day to becoming the sword-wielding player character they’ve always dreamed of being. Find them on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-woods-44977317a/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/casey.woods.90281?ref=bookmarks.

Book preview

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