First Line(s) Friday

First line of "Upon Leaving the Candy Factory," a short story in which zombies shovel sugar while wearing bio-hazard suits:

Times are tough all over.

First line of "Soul Marbles," a flash story which has seen several short lists but no home:

Mom had already been crying when she found me sitting on the concrete floor of the garage with a hammer in my hand.

First line of Kij Johnson's wonderful "Ponies" at Tor.com:

The invitation card has a Western theme.

First line of Grace Krilanovich's The Orange Eats Creeps (a novel which I will read before the year is over):

The sun is setting.

May your weekend have many first lines.

First Line(s) Friday

First line of a book I started (teaching) this week:

It was a pleasure to burn.

- from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

First line of a story/chapter I wrote (or started writing) this week:

First of all, it helps if the guy is big.

- from "How to Get Your Ass Kicked" (a chapter in my WIP)

First line from a story I read this week (and loved):

Limp, the body of Gorrister hung from the pink palette; unsupported--hanging high above us in the computer chamber; and it did not shiver in the chill, oily breeze that blew eternally through the main cavern.

- from "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" by Harlan Ellison

What about you, fellow travelers? What first lines have you read or written this week?