WELCOME TO TUESDAY FLASH FICTION at GOBBLERS & MASTICADORES!
War, battle, fight – one against the other.
The purpose?
Who really knows.
But one man will not let the dying die alone.
What does he do?
Please read ahead and click the blue link to know more. Thanks!
Thirsty…Thirsty…Thirsty. Parched lips everywhere. Dried throats thick with death. He walked, looked, then stopped. His water sack hung from his shoulder, its bulge nestled into his side. The man had found another. This one was on the verge of death. ‘Open your mouth, brother. Cool water. Drink.’ He carefully tilted the leather satchel. Only a […]
The Dying Belong to No One by Terveen Gill — Gobblers & Masticadores

Submit your writing.
Hungry to read?
Looking for variety?
MASTICADORESINDIA has what you need!
Click the image to know more.
A very descriptive and hard-hitting piece of writing, Terveen. Even in the darkest of moments there is always a flicker of compassion. Your story brings to mind when hostilities were stopped in the First World War on Christmas Day so soldiers from each side could mix and celebrate the day. The next day battle was recommenced.
It seems so coordinated, like vested interests taking a break so that the pawns can mingle and then resume dying and killing. But that’s the way of the world. May more find compassion and understanding. Take care, Davy. Good luck ahead! 🙂
a wonderfully told story, Terveen,very moving; we need to remember and celebrate its moral —
Thank you so much, John. Kindness can never go out of fashion. Wish more would practice it. 🙂
I saw such scenes in movies and I don’t know what I would feel if I were to walk among the dying. I probably would not last long. And love “the last drops of decency”–a beautiful phrase!
Thank you, Haoyan, for your very thoughtful comment. Facing death whether directly or indirectly is very difficult.
True. I hope I will never have to do that, but… we never know.
This couldn’t be more apt. History is littered with stories of war and names of Kings and rulers who won or lost, but we seldom know the story of the ones doing the dirty thing – fighting. Your words put to life the scenes one could only visualize and every little conversation was bringing to life the unique pain they had to endure. Great!
Thanks so much, Deepak. Yes, those last moments must be so painful and horrifying – the knowledge that death is merely seconds or minutes away. So many have sacrificed themselves for the gains of others. That’s the sad reality of the powerful vs the powerless. Appreciate your wise reflections.
that was extremely moving and thought provoking
Thank you so much, Akshita. Appreciate it.
A terrible hard hitting piece of writing..these wars are so sad . Let’s follow our blogs. Anita
Wars are definitely cesspools of suffering. Thank you for reading, Anita. I appreciate it.
Such a thought provoking piece, Terveen! And a powerful ending. ‘Water is more precious than blood’. This story will stay with readers for a long time.
Thanks so much, Britta. The way blood is spilling, it appears to be in abundance. Very sad.
for land
lend a bent hand
or pay the price
in silver or gold
or worse
for your life
literally
It seems lives really don’t hold much value. Mine, yours, so many – however, the rich and powerful tell another story.
lives are gifts. they ones who can and see fit share it. this shit is free. victory from defeat. unfit autistic and raging against them that think they re better than me
There’s truth and power in those words. Someone’s always ready to judge and look down because normalcy is their damn property. Haha. Weird in every way but who really cares. I feel sorry for them.
they are who they are . blood is blood by birth. but marriage like a horse and carriage is not blood and you my wife are neither my friend nor mate. hate to say but true both tomorrow and to day.
That is true. We’re in this alone no matter how much we fool ourselves. Even blood doesn’t pass the test many times. I guess ‘me’ and ‘I’ are also disconnected. Concepts that try to make sense of the vastness and every tiny space of occupation.
you are someone terveen. i am the ultimate epitome of a fuck up. there is no crossing this abyss. nothing is amiss. you said it all with your tacit inaction. how sad.
There’s so much to write about. Imaginary people are better than real ones though the line separating them is thin. Take care, John.
that maybe but the fact remains i am to you an omission. bye
Brothers seperated only by war, and the healing water in their last breath. Peace!
That’s a beautiful way to say it, Cassa. Thank you so much. 🙂