The Shape of Days: Untitled: part one
Charlie Newbauer never subscribed to a newspaper. He found politics incomprehensible, current events dull. So when the war came, he was even more surprised than everybody else.
That morning, like every morning, Charlie started his day with two pieces of dry toast and a cup of coffee with a finger of brandy in it. The coffee got him moving, the brandy took the edge off and the toast soothed his upset stomach. Out the door, locked twice with heavy bolts because it was that kind of neighborhood, down the stairs and out onto the street. It was a twelve-block walk to the bookstore, but he saved his train fare for the coldest and wettest days.
More at the link.
