A Second Chance

by Hilton Hamann

Everyone deserves a second chance.
"I had no idea it would turn out to be such a remarkable story. I figured it'd be just another short, news-piece, assigned to me, the junior fashion reporter, by my newspaper. If I'm honest, I had little enthusiasm for it. But orders are orders, so I shrugged my shoulders and went to do it, hoping it'd be quick and I'd be home on time.
"But it was more."


When a young man breaks into Rose Richards' home she gets her gun and shoots, with the intention of killing him. When that fails, she holds him prisoner while she tries to get through to the cops. Both burglar and victim are terrified but slowly discover they can help each other.
This is an inspiring story of new beginnings, second chances and an unlikely relationship.


Download this complete short story by award-winning journalist, Hilton Hamann


Coffee Break Tales are complete short stories designed to be read whenever you are able to grab a short break, like taking time off for a cup of coffee or a cigarette. They are ideal for mobile phones and tablets.

ebook

First published December 10, 2014

About the author

I am a former journalist and photographer. In the mid 1980s and early 1990s I was the Pretoria Bureau Chief and Military Correspondent of the Sunday Times in South Africa. I then became a freelancer and supplied material to a wide variety of international magazines, newspapers and news agencies. My work was published in over 55 countries.
My focus, at the time, was on the military campaigns taking place in Southern Africa as well as the political turmoil taking place in South Africa at the time.
My books -- both fiction and non-fiction -- have naturally been influenced by those events.

My novel, "Hobson's Choice", although a work of fiction, is based on actual events and takes readers into the depths of human darkness.

I have also recently published an anthology of 10 short, mainly funny, true stories.

I have been married to my wife, Joy, for over 30 years, have two adult sons and live on a small farm about 50km west of Johannesburg.
Twenty years ago, when I moved to the property, I made an attempt at farming but quickly discovered it was the quickest route to poverty. Now, I just enjoy the open spaces.
My days are spent writing, although I photograph the occasional wedding.