The Bull

by C.S. DeWildt

Since Mom left it's just been Jake and Dad. They do the best they can, but when that's not enough they go to the desert for salvation. There's a payday there if Jake listens, if he does what Dad says. If Jake can fight. But what's left after all the punches are thrown? Two boys bloodied by devotion. What's settled in the dirt ring? Everything--for a time. Dad says this is the last fight. The last time Jake needs to scrap. But what kind of last fight will it be? They call Jake "The Bull." They call him a skinny piece of trash with no shot. They underestimate him. And that's a mistake.

37 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2015

Reviews

[Mick Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW: The Bull (a short story)

Life often proves bullish on kids, as CS DeWildt's short story on Amazon shows us. Well-crafted and compelling, DeWildt doesn't pull his punches. Instead he pulls us thru a harsh and lonely landscape ... while tugging tenderly at our heartstrings.

99 cents supports a writer. I recommend the Buy-n-Ride.

Mick Rose

[Scott Cumming · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is also an early chapter of his novel, "Love You to a Pulp", and it is a mesmerising piece of writing that will suck you in fully.

[Rasmenia Massoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read, but won't let you get past the end without feeling like you've been punched in the guts and left to sob mournfully in the dirt for your inner child, wanting more than anything to hug a dog. Even after you get back up on your feet again, you'll still be thinking about this story, because it's just that good.