  One of the mysteries that surround gamma-ray bursts (GRB) is the origin of
two classes of events: long and short GRB. The short GRB are similar to the
first second of a long GRB. We suggest that the short bursts are interrupted
long bursts, we point out a plausible mechanism for the interruption, and we
explain the observed time scales. The supernova-like central engine may contain
a neutron star or a black hole surrounded by an accretion disk and jets. In the
case of a neutron star, the same mechanism that is responsible for the pulsar
kicks can disrupt the central engine, thus producing an interrupted, short GRB.
If a black hole is produced, the absence of the kick ensures the long duration
of the GRB. The time delay of the kick and the absence of the kick for a black
hole are natural consequences of a model based on neutrino oscillations.
