Blood, Sweat, and Flame

Is victory worth blood, sweat, and flame? Cass blows glass for a living. But when she's not cranking out tourist pieces to pay the bills, she creates unique glass art with the dream of winning a prestigious award that might just change her life. But Cass has a problem. The heat and intensity of the glassblowing hot shop have damaged her eyesight - and time is running out. She only has one chance left to win, and a rival artisan stands in her way - the trophies on his shelf testament to his enduring popularity. When his son comes to work alongside Cass, she must make a choice that will change their lives. A choice that will cost Blood, Sweat, and Flame. A short story, set in the world of glassblowing, narrated by the author.