At the end of a reading put on by a local bookstore featuring short stories, the host tossed out a challenge to the audience —write a 55-word story. My entry, Dinner by Dare, won the contest.

Our misogynist host frowned when I entered the room, the only woman in my team of five. He invited us to dinner. I accepted, knowing he meant to intimidate me. First course, cobra blood liquor. Second course, still-beating heart on white china plate. Dessert? Respect from our host and the men who refused to eat.