The Present Background

by Michael Martinelli

Hayden Foley has a good life. He has cemented his position as top editor at Lockwell Publishing, proud of the accolades he has received for his editing abilities. In his personal life, he is falling in love with his stunning next door neighbor Susan, a woman he envisions a life with. Shedding a stifling relationship with girlfriend Darlene and sharing a home in a comfortable suburban neighborhood with his best friend Simon, opportunity is at his fingertips. But Hayden doesnt feel successful. He is burnt out by the daily routine of uninspiring manuscripts. Unable to express his feelings to Susan, she moves on, marrying another man. While he ponders the experiences of his old relationship with Darlene, his friendship with Simon grows distant. Instead of stepping forward, he falls back to the familiar places and photograph albums of his past in order to find resolve. Descending into the unfinished memories of bygone days, fighting for answers that are no longer there, he becomes haunted by the same past that guided him. His continued self deterioration turns to helplessness. In his final escape, he approaches a tunnel that frightened him as a child, pushing him to wonder if he'll come out on the other side.

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2010