I belong, as a contributing member, to a talented group of writers who are responsible for A Muse Bouche Review, a literary newsletter. It gives me a chance to write something new each month around a given theme, which I’m enjoying. The theme for August, 2023 is Rivalry and my contribution this month is a short story titled Nemesis and Narcissus. Here’s how it starts:

______________________________________________________________________________

My plan is set, my players in place. I need only set the wheels in motion to take that insufferable bore Narcissus down a peg. If all goes well, it will be glorious.

Stealthy as a cat, I slink between the olive trees that crown a bluff overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean. I spy him right away in his favorite spot, lounging languidly on the shore, gazing rapturously at his own reflection. Narcissus is nothing if not predictable. I raise and twirl one finger, signaling my collaborators to be ready, and stride down the hill.

Not surprising given who he is, Narcissus doesn’t notice me until I tap him on the shoulder. He tears himself away from his reflection just long enough to glance in my direction, and sniffs contemptuously. “Ah, Nemesis. I thought I smelled the stink of jealousy and desperation, and here you are.” As usual, he attempts wit, and only makes it halfway there.

______________________________________________________________________________

To read the entire short story, and all the other pieces from this talented crew, check out the August A Muse Bouche Review, available here:

https://mailchi.mp/c8ff5356dbcc/a-muse-bouche-review-plots-parties-17059155?e=46f6fd2a9e