Short Story by Raymond Carver. Two strangers who meet at an alcohol drying-out retreat assist each other on the road to recovery. After one describes the damage drinking has caused to his life and that of his family, both decide to face up to their demons.
Short Story by Anton Chekhov. A hiker taking shelter from a storm relates a tale about his younger brother, once a junior public servant, who dreamed of owning a farm and went to great lengths to get one. Unfortunately, becoming a landowner changed him for the worse.
Short Story by Roald Dahl. After parachuting out of his damaged plane, a severely injured World War 2 fighter pilot wakes up in hospital. He is initially relieved to learn that he had landed in England. However, over the next twenty-four hours, he gradually realizes that something is wrong.
Quick Read by Tomás Rivera. An older member of a group of Mexican-American seasonal farm workers walks alone into the fields each afternoon, refusing to allow anyone to follow. He is single with no family, sparking rumors that he either is hiding his wages somewhere, or has found buried treasure.
Short Story by Manuel Rojas. A priest is predictably dismissive when a man says he has “black magical” powers. The man begs to be put to the test, claiming that, if locked in a room for an hour, he can retrieve any distant object the priest nominates.