http://slow.writerscafe.org/BeforeTheFire The original writings of author Brian B en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1776101774 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 Leroy Mathis is a prisoner in his own home, courtesy of an escaped convict named American McGee. To make matters worse, Leroy's Mama is coming to visit, and he can't get word out to warn her in time. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1119822/ “Before we go to thescore cards, let’s hear it for these two incredible warriors!” cried the man inthe tuxedo. The crowd took his cue and roared their approval while Chinesedrummers pounded in rising rhythms.          .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1112089/ Georgesat in a chair in the dressing room. Physically, he felt fine. He was in thebest shape he’d ever been in his life. He was well hydrated. He was healthy. Hewas a little tired from not sleeping well the night before, but he knew itwouldn’t affect him much once his blood s.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1112088/ Georgepacked the rest of his bags and slumped onto his bed. He stared at the wall,trying to believe what had already happened to him. He felt like he needed tosay it all out loud for it to be real, but there was no one in the room withhim. He looked at the cage at the foot of his bed, an.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1112082/ Thefollowing three months were a lesson to George in the passing of time. So manyof the things he used to depend on for variety and entertainment were strippedfrom him, causing the days to pass like weeks, and the weeks like days. 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Shinobi was crawling up the backof her arm, his tiny claws clinging to the girl’s hoodie. Shuriken was perchedon top of her head until he launched himself six feet to the sugar glider’sopen cage. “It’s li.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1112065/ Therewas a blinding pain in his right eye, and George released his clinch on hisopponent to push him away. After backing a few steps away, George gingerlytouched his eye with his fingers and checked to see if there was any bleeding.He didn’t see any, but he couldn’t see much .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1112059/ “Six months ago Itold you that you had thirty days to come up with a plan to develop widespreadloyalty for Elite.” Kelly paced in front of his staff. He was a man who thoughtbest when his feet were moving. “Since then all you’ve given me was crap. Nonsense.Awful, .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109989/ The leaves werechanging. 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He was eati.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109968/ Scott Brown had toldGeorge before that the beach was nearly an hour away when George arrived inVacaville nearly twelve weeks ago. George had forgotten until he was in a cardriving for the coast. “Not every city in California is on the beach,” Summersaid.   .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109939/ George was beginningto realize how quickly time passes when someone stays busy. He continuedtraining Jiu-jitsu daily, sweating and rolling with other students of everybelt color. Soon he had three white stripes on the tip of his own white belt,and he was starting to seriously challenge t.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109927/ George shoveledanother mouthful of salad into his mouth. It was loaded with dark green leaves,fresh strawberries, blueberries, and homemade dressing. 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He was on awooden deck behind a red brick home in a little suburban neighborhood. “G,you gotta do this, man,” coaxed a boy .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109914/ Sometime ago…GeorgePeligro felt as though he were drowning. Wrestling was, as he understood it, anuneven mix of athleticism, instinct, and the presence of mind to stay calm inthe most claustrophobic positions imaginable. At the moment, he was wishing hehad the third. He was .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109912/ Fight1: Lightweight (155 lbs.)Bobby“The Sandman” Valdez (Vengeance MMA) versus Scott Brown (Brotherhood Jiu-jitsu)             The door to the raised, circularcage opened, and a man stepped in. The lights g.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/BeforeTheFire/1109911/ George Peligro leaves home to live with a relative who happens to be a mixed martial arts champion. 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