In our own minds, we are all the heroes of our own stories.

Onigumo
by Kristine Batey

Look, I'm a pragmatist. An opportunist. I've done well for myself. I'm not ashamed of that.

All I wanted is what everybody wants. A piece of the pie. The love of a woman.

I saved her from a fate worse than death.

I've had a dozen guys working for me, just like him. Bad temper, more muscle than brain. No skills. True love? Ten years later, she's fat, barefoot, a passel of brats. How does he feed them? He hires out his sword. She's glad to see him go. No questions asked.

Believe me, they should thank me.

Believe me.