The Saviors of Phnom Penh

A short story for Elegant Literature Magazine

“Narith could detect the unmistakable scent of a landmine explosion: metallic and oddly sweet. Like a rotten papaya, his youngest daughter once said. A gray cloud bloomed and sent a spray of tree bark and leaves into the sky. Beyond the fading debris, Narith could see a boat in the distance—and the silhouette of three men standing on the bow.”