First Draft, New Story, "Thunder Out In The Distance" Scene 1

John walked out on the balcony, feeling sick to his stomach, and breathed in a crisp fall breeze. His head cleared, but he was still baffled. He let a few drips of spit slide out of his mouth and down to the concrete three stories below. He looked to his left, then to his right. He coughed and felt the last two days weigh on his shoulders. He turned and began toward the warmth of inside, but Olivia slid the plate glass door to the side and stepped into the wind. John turned back to the rail and stuck a cigarette in his mouth. Olivia stepped across the balcony. There was no greeting; they were too anxious. Olivia put her back to the balcony and leaned slightly into John’s side. He looked away, struck a match, and lit his cigarette.
“You could just buy a lighter.” John half turned toward her, opened his mouth to speak, but said nothing. They stood together, silent, and John finished his cigarette. He flicked it off the edge and watched the tiny orange dot disappear beneath him.
“I like the taste,” John finally answered. For a moment, it appeared that neither of them would speak again. John finally broke the silence with a sigh. “What are we doing here?” he uttered in the way a person who hasn’t rested in days speaks. Olivia looked to the ground and tears welled in her eyes. John leaned farther over the edge and pretended not to notice.
“Can I get one of those?” she asked, trying to choke back the pit in her throat.
“Are you crazy? These things will kill you,” he replied, only half-jokingly. Her only response was a blank, vaguely pissed off stare. John looked away and tried unsuccessfully to contain a smile.
“You’re an asshole,” Olivia stated. John turned back and watched a tear slide down her cheek. The smile fell from his face. He put his arm around her and guided her to a seat on the cold concrete against the wall.
“Yea, I know.” John’s head sunk. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her. “Let’s not do this anymore.”
“Okay,” Olivia answered after a moment’s pause. John got up and walked inside, unable to provide any more comfort. He sat on a sofa, someone brought him a beer, but he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling of loss that was bearing down on his shoulders.

Fishboy: Classic Creeps, In Review

Classic Creeps is one of my favorite albums of the year 2011. After browsing through quite a few year-end lists, I've found it's been left off every single one. I feel obligated to at least make a mention, even if no one ever reads this. Classic Creeps is a short, ten song album that tells a complex story about 10 characters and, despite merely scratching the surface of the story, tells us quite a bit about each one of them. It gives us insight into each one's aspirations, actions, and (most frequently) failures. It's not an uplifting story, to say the least. But the manner in which it is presented is simply outstanding and refreshing. The tone of each song shows the sense of hope that the characters keep despite leading miserable lives of yearning. Each and every one wants so much more out of their lives, some act on it and do regrettable things, others just sit in a sense of complacency, avoiding facing their unrealized dreams. Another believes he has accomplished what he set out to do, but he grows increasingly worried just trying to hold onto what he's earned and begins to lose his grip on what he had. Every character is believable and life-like, even when the plot gets a bit strange. And the music! Good lord, the music! Every sound is expertly maneuvered through each song, using originality and repetition alternately to keep us interested and comfortable all the time. Please, listen to this album. I cannot recommend it enough.