Published in the multi-lingual literary journal Contrapuntos Magazine, Digitus Indie Publishers, Issue 11, 7/17/2025. Note, the digital version is free.

The short story "Breathe" explores the need to find purpose when we have nothing. An excerpt is below.

---

Why do you fear to breathe? Deliberate short breaths pinch through your mask, between lips, teeth, around the tongue, bitter, measured, never full, never willing.

The Mother’s acid tears await you within reach. Her pain could be yours, a numinous plea. Shall you know her? Maybe. If this can finally awaken the dark.

“Breathe? Fear? No.” The pause, a lie, lingers like cobwebs in your mind—a part of you neglected, dust strewn, dry, almost forgotten. “Ok…yes. I do…fear.” The admittance stings as much as your lungs. The scarf pressing your lips, a makeshift mask, helps little. Whistle pinch of air, in, out, too slow. “Breathe.” Are those words even yours? Yes. You agree.

The acid-tinged rain, within hand’s reach, plays only a part in this dirge you call life—a penultimate of sorts. The porch’s overhang, withered wood underneath, layered in metal sheets, blocks the thunderous downpour, poor protection you barely trust. Serves well enough. For the moment.

---

Publisher (Print & Digital): https://digitusindie.com/product/contrapuntos-xi/ (ebook free)

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/contrapuntos-xi-poetics-of-resistance/26d3f235d928630d

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998253987/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/contrapuntos-xi-marcos-pico-renteri-a/1147837682

Smashwords eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1807337

---

If you enjoyed this work, please leave a comment below and/or share this with your friends. It will help me immensely. Thank you for taking the time to read my art.