Tall Tales In Short Stories

’Tall Tales In Short Stories’ is a collection of short stories written by author David Burns. ’Book One’ contains an eclectic selection of five stories for your enjoyment.The thing about DeathWe are all strangers until we spend time in one another’s company. With time spent, feelings of comfort and familiarity usually grow, and those who were strangers are strangers no more. Michael found this to be the case, but the person he became comfortable with was not your stereotypical stranger or would-be friend. This was a good thing for Michael because the bond between him and his friend blossomed into calm acceptance. Michael found this liberating, allowing him to share his story with others who needed reassurance.Everyone Loves A Serial KillerA killer is released after incarceration for his latest crime but has his punishment rehabilitated him? Perhaps he can never be rehabilitated because killing is simply his nature. What an awful piece of work he must be! Surely society would shun someone who repeatedly kills for pleasure? You would think so, wouldn’t you? Yet many people turn a blind eye to this personality trait. Oh, you don’t think so. Don’t be so sure of your answer until the end of the story!The TroublesHatred, intolerance, bigotry and ignorance. At best, they are just words. And at worst, they cause many deaths. During the 1970’s living in Belfast was a turbulent time. A period of time that earned it the title of The Troubles. Two opposing communities at war and two adversaries hunting each other. What will it take for them to stop fighting and realise they are the same?Voice Of A Damaged MindA teenager arrested for terrorising shoppers with a gun in a shopping mall filters through the justice system until he reaches a secure asylum. The local authorities and the Governor of the asylum are at a total loss as to the teenager’s identity. His refusal to communicate makes it impossible for anyone to determine his mental health, but scarring and undernourishment suggest he might be a victim of horrific abuse. So when the teenager asks to speak to an up-and-coming child psychiatrist, the authorities are keen to oblige. But should they have obliged, or should caution have been their priority? Perhaps all is not what it seems.The Aqua Resource IncidentEarth’s history has blossomed into an age of intergalactic space travel due to a scientific experiment gone wrong. Diplomatic, scientific and trade links flourish between Earth and the Trigorian solar system, but with new prosperity comes corruption. The authorities of both civilisations decided a joint law enforcement task force was needed to combat growing criminality. After a close brush with death, two law enforcement officers realise they have feelings for one another. Will they get the chance for love to blossom, or will the hazards of law enforcement make it impossible?