My Cardboard Balcony

The Interesting Specimen by Belinda Roddie The interesting specimen was brought to testify against a scientist who had abused the subject since he taught her how to read and write and just exist. The specimen was intriguing to watch: She was no ordinary lab result. Her hair was silver and her skin was splotched with bright white patches on her hands and throat. When lips parted, she spoke a nervous tongue that barely sounded like English at all, and the bruises were there, yes, stained upon her bright flesh as she started to recall her creation, her ruthless genesis, a new breed raised to endure brutal fists.

He was willful and willing enough to take the jousting challenge. Seated atop a rather gluttonously fat steed, he donned a plumed helmet which feathers seemed to reach the heavens. He thought perhaps he would look regal or powerful, but in truth, many of the spectators giggled and believed he looked like a peacock. He was a fop on a horse to them. Not a good sign.