This collection of stories from author Denim McDemus presents the dangers we cannot escape, as the bitter sting of reality engulfs us all. "Last Chance" The only thing worse for Johnny than enduring the brutal trench warfare of World War I was being separated from the love of his life. He knew he had to find a way to survive, to make it home to Mary. "Loserville" Brennan was smalltime. He was a petty thief, a failure, and a loser. Even his own mother would tell you that. The only way he could ever hit the big time would be by accidentally stumbling into it. But when you play with the big boys, you often find yourself in over your head. "The Shiny Black Cadillac" Obsessions can be a dangerous thing in a weakened mind. If you want something badly enough for long enough, you'll convince yourself that it belongs to you. "Baby Steps" Sean's life had hit rock bottom, but he was comfortable down there. Life feels safer when no one expects anything from you. But when the expectations suddenly change, can a person really rise up to change with them? "The Prince and the Peasant Girl" "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all." Perhaps Tennyson never felt the bitter poison of a love gone sour? In this story, a man of noble character laments the loss of his bride to worldly greed.