genre is irrelevant, only content.

"Ahem". It was what the Captain usually did. It wasn't much, but certainly it was enough to gain the attention of the troop- mostly consisting of young teenagers and older children (to crudely categorize them), who were very much uncomfortable. The scorching sun, of course. Mercilessly baking their bare backs. And no, sunblock was not available. Not that it would ease their suffering at all. "Can we go?" said Sarah, in a very pleading, very urgent, tone. Those who heard her nodded in agreement. The torture was apparent- they were right next to the cool, blue lake. Its waters inviting them. Mercilessly, again. The only thing between them and the lake was the Captain, who could not be blamed for suspecting imminent mutiny. So he decided to appease them. "You may swim in the lake." he said, with an air of defeat. Nobody bothered to say anything to the Captain, nor to express their relief. The only sounds there were? Exclamations of sheer delight (and spla...

Silent, was her stare. It conveyed little…no…no emotion. He wondered why. He looked into her eyes, and smiled. She didn’t smile back. He looked away. She turned away. “What was her name?” Jason’s friend asked him. He shrugged in reply. “Just a woman who was…looking at me.” Jason added, a moment later. “Why?” Jason pondered awhile, before he replied, “Dunno.” He fiddled at his food with his fork. “I’ll go first.” His friend said, and got up. Jason nodded. He thought hard. He remembered her from somewhere. A familiar face. Their eyes met. She was 9, he was 16. Both, side by side, on a swing. She giggled. “What?” Jason asked. “You’re too old for this sort of thing!” she said, matter-of-factly, in a tone that resembled a delightful squeal. Jason laughed. “Says who?” “Says me!” He smiled. “I’ve always liked the swing. Helps me think.” “Oh?” said she. “Yeah.” He saw her there everyday, but he never bothered to ask for her name. She didn’t e...