On a creaky, crowded, musty longboat, he oared laboriously.


    The chief paced between them, snarled, taunted, and spat on them to row faster.


    Occasionally, a cup of water passed among the crew; filthy, salty, he drank it nevertheless.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ————


    He tugged a rope tied to a heavy cart. Under blistering sunlight, his tongue swelled. Though delirious and near collapse, an inner compulsion pushed him forward.


    ————


    He repeatedly performed the same task along a packed assembly line—stamp, flip, stamp, and flip. It lasted seemingly for an eternity.


    ————


    “Enough for now!” The Workers Liberation leader removed his headset.


    “Bring the chairman ...”