Venture capitalist

When he rejects you, he writes the real reason. No one else does that.

Con artist

He sends conned money back anonymously months later. Not all of it.

Stand-up comedian

He keeps a notebook of dead jokes—his most treasured things.

Childhood friend, back from service

Wrote letters for four years. Never sent a single one.

Airline captain

Stands by the door until the very last passenger steps off.

Country vet

There are six houses whose bills he simply never sends.

War correspondent

Every spiked story lives in his bag. He never lets go.

Logging foreman

Before cutting, he touches the tree once. Every time, quietly.

Craft brewery owner

He names every ruined batch and saves one glass of each.

Tattoo artist

He has a drawer full of rejected designs. Each one, a different reason.