The author reflects on their passionate involvement in reenactment, detailing the unique experiences and camaraderie it fosters. Despite physical limitations, they appreciate the historical immersion and the relationships built with fellow enthusiasts. Their aspirations include exploring new roles beyond traditional soldier duties, emphasizing the joy and connection found within this hobby.
Author Archives: Nick Bucci
Second Pass | June 2025
Where the drafts rinse off in the showers, swim in a public swimming pool, and realize they need to shower again Table of Contents The Thirty-Year-Old Escape Plan Inspiration Writing Prompts What I’m Reading: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara Bonus: a musical recommendation Subscriber Content Featured Essay The Thirty-Year-Old Escape Plan I wrote thisContinueContinue reading “Second Pass | June 2025”
Desire Is Distraction
The Scene It’s Tuesday morning – 8:25 am to be exact. Sunday night, after the usual two beers for Joel and my podcast, I decided this would be a sober week. Three reasons: to lose a pound or two, to reset my tolerance, and to rest my liver. This week, concluding with my first CivilContinueContinue reading “Desire Is Distraction”
Aurum Ledger: Chapter II – Fiction
The Fifth Coin Raleen Estavar record keeping Screaming slammed into the stone walls of the Record Room and careened into the hall before fading. The marketplace was buzzing with fish sales, crustacean bids, and shark displays. The scream must have come from a child finding themselves face to face with a massive dead shark, theirContinueContinue reading “Aurum Ledger: Chapter II – Fiction”
Aurum Ledger: Chapter I – Fiction
Howard’s Final Note: I’m teaching creative writing to my 8th graders. I got a little too into the worldbuilding segment we did. And I spent the next day writing when I should have graded…worth it! Welcome to another land: the Aurum Ledger Empire. We’ll begin in Ledger’s Reach, an island just off the coast… MapContinueContinue reading “Aurum Ledger: Chapter I – Fiction”
Another Version of Me Has Kids
I’m flying through 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster. In one version of the protagonist’s life, Archie finds out he’s sterile. The doctor says the sperm count is “far below normal,” and it rattles him. Not because he was desperate for kids in that moment, but because he always assumed he’d have them. ThatContinueContinue reading “Another Version of Me Has Kids”
Second Pass | May 2025
A monthly drop of stories, reflection, and writing prompts. This issue: first dates, overthinking, and a little spring rebirth.
Why You Should Travel Now
After our first day back in classes, I had my first physical therapy appointment at Allied Health in Farmington. Shoutout to Steve! Great therapist! Since I’m unable to drive and can hardly even enter a vehicle, my friend, Kathy, offered to drive me, perhaps partially from guilt. I keep telling her not to worry thatContinueContinue reading “Why You Should Travel Now”
Becoming Fluent in Flirt-ish
I don’t get hints. I respect boundaries. It’s taken years to find the confidence that others discovered much earlier on. Perhaps it’s how I was raised with respect toward women (they’re always right), a late start to dating, and a lifelong habit of overthinking. I want to dig into these ideas to better understand myself.ContinueContinue reading “Becoming Fluent in Flirt-ish”
On Percocet
Yesterday, I felt the worst pain in my life after waking up from ACL surgery. The anesthesiologist said they put a nerve block in “to reduce the pain by 80%.” I call bullshit. I cried. I moaned and I swore. I wondered if the pain was similar to getting shot, and I understood why menContinueContinue reading “On Percocet”