This short story by award-winning writer Eric M. Witchey explores the nurturing relationship between the village and the aspiring warrior. It is one of a dozen or so short stories the author affectionately calls "The Neighborhood Stories" because of their loose relationship to the neighborhood in which he was raised. Each explores the relationship between developing children and the adults they will become. "The Apple Sniper" follows the exploits of an aspiring killer and his younger brother.

Eric M. Witchey has made a living as a freelance writer for over 25 years. His stories have appeared in ten genres on six continents, and he has received recognition from New Century Writers, Writers of the Future, Writer's Digest, The Eric Hoffer Prose Award program, the Irish Aeon Awards, Short Story America, and other organizations. His How-To articles have appeared in The Writer Magazine, Writer's Digest Magazine, and other print and online magazines. When not teaching or writing, he spends his time fly fishing or restoring antique, model locomotives.