Karl lined up the shots. He knew he had to take them. His mouth dried at the thought and his stomach twisted. He thought of every shot he had taken that led up to this point and how he had done it without flinching. Now he paid the price, but someone had to do it.
The surroundings were quiet, far too quiet for where he was. His hands shook as he steadied himself and with an iron will he took the first shot.
Bang. Bile tried to force its way up, but he was never one to back down from a challenge.
Bang. A second shot, his vision blurred from the hazy smoke that clouded his view.
Bang. One shot left, and he knew he had already done too much to be forgiven now.
Bang. Karl stared at the destruction he had wrought. A hand grabbed his shoulder and he jumped out of reflex.
“Goddammit Karl, I’m sick and tired of you sneaking in here and stealing our drinks,” Ted said pulling Karl away from the bar.
Karl swayed as he walked, sick from the carnage he had caused.
“It was a slaughter,” Karl said. He half-laughed and half-choked back a sob.
“I’m sure it was man, but you aren’t allowed in here. Now get on.” Ted opened the bar door, letting light shine into the hazy smoke-filled interior.
Karl walked down the sidewalk, taking care to avoid the harsh gaze of the outside world. He found a solid bench, clean of filth and on a nicer side of town. He slept well that night, his dreams abated by the alcohol, and his tattered green coat keeping the chill wind of night at bay.