The Good Friend

 

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Train to Lanzhou

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A steel blur ran through the Gansu barrens. Across the aisle, a young man sat down, then absorbed himself in a book. Tall, sandy-haired, radiating a Scandinavian ease. Dane, judging by the worn flag patch. He was handsome, oh... really handsome. No, don't think that. Don't think about it. A treacherous, unwelcome warmth bloomed in Dylan’s belly, a demanding feeling with a life of its own. It was Jin Fen.  The body rebelled. Muscles not designed for the coming new frame spasmed uncontrollably. A wave of giddiness,  her giddiness poured out. Full sentences broke into Chinglish shards. No more look at sand, boring to death. Finally nice man here! He felt dizzy, empty-headed, and horny, absurdly so. Reduced down to a caricature of desire. It had sounded so romantic. He was between jobs, a history graduate. Seemed good for the  resume back in Canada . Ancient trade routes, Buddhist grottoes, Border deserts. Instead, he’d lost everything at that back-alley bazaar in Dunhuang, l...
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 Daniel rolled his suitcase onto the bed and back kicked the door closed. The room was pleasantly cool. What a thoroughly enjoyable all expenses paid trip to Japan. He had snapped a couple of shots of fringe weirdos like a man dressed as a power ranger playing a guitar, ate some sashimi and checked out Osaka castle. Yet, despite the fun of the day, he had a headache that didn’t bode well for tomorrow. The shit was on its way. It was like the pressure or a hand pushing at the back of his head. Then it got worse. He felt confused, like time was moving slowly. Reality was a whirlpool that he couldn’t re-orientate himself in. After a few hours he found himself in front of the mirror pouting his lips and tossing hair back. Then, crushing agony on his crotch. He wanted to yelp or scream, he couldn’t move his lips.  He laughed maniacally. “Wait.. why can’t I stop laughing.” “Daniel-san “ His facial bones clicked and almost seem to pull into a hundred pieces as every little muscle mov...
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