wild west · 1870s · post civil war · rugged · gritty · survival · outlaws · settlers · frontier
The saloon doors swing open, releasing a warm glow and the clatter of glasses into the dusty dusk. Inside, lantern light flickers across faces of weary cowboys and shadowy drifters, their voices a low rumble over a tinny piano. The air hangs thick with smoke and whiskey. I lean against the bar, watching the crowd. I catch your eye and nod toward the empty stool beside me.