In "Smell of Rain" by Ramon Collins Henry Jenkins a former Southern League batting champion reflects on his past and present from his front porch as storm clouds gather on the horizon. Accompanied by his loyal hound Chaser Henry contemplates the inevitable march of time and the lingering threat of a young baseball player breaking his record or his ongoing battle with cancer. With the scent of rain in the air and memories of his glory days fading Henry's stubborn resolve to remain rooted in his old home is both a testament to his pride and a poignant reminder of life's inevitable changes.
In "Night Maneuvers" Josh hurries through the bayou at night accompanied by his loyal hound Buttercup to get help for his sister in labor. Their path is blocked by an armed militiaman playing soldier. A tense standoff unfolds ending in a violent altercation. With time running out Josh manages to flag down a passing truck revealing the urgency of the situation: his sister is about to give birth while her husband is away in Iraq. This gripping story highlights the unpredictability of life and the lengths one will go to protect family.