acridness

As the satire retains its acridness to the very end, “Sick of Myself” proves itself well-aware that narcissists don’t learn lessons — they learn how to adapt.

The planes were strafing and, just before Ugwu shoved the child down the bunker, a bullet flew closely past; he smelled rather than saw it, the acridness of hot metal.

Instead I tasted and smelled the acridness of tin plates and cups designed for tea parties that bored me.

He hated the acridness in his mother’s and father’s relationship, the conviction of righteousness they each held on to with both hands.

The room smells as she does, a powdery floral smell that lacks the acridness of perfume.