February 29th

Mum was always adamant that the date was meant to be. And William and myself have felt it was right and proper that we celebrate our birthdays every four years. We’ve had such fun. We’ve watched bemused faces when we…

Mr Sandman

It was a bitterly cold day with leaden skies and biting winds. He was waiting for me at the cottage.   ‘Nice of you to join us Honeybun, stayed up late waltzing? Got a headful of sequins eh?’   ‘Honeybone!…

Fish pie or tapas?

George Hardaker and Minnie Jessop arrived at THORNTREES on the same day.   ‘We like our new residents to arrive at the same time,’ she smiled, rocking backwards and forwards in sturdy black shoes, her arms clasped behind her back.…

The Find

The oasis at the foot of the mountain was a welcome sight to the hundreds of people gathering there. The lush vegetation of the ferns and splendid palms gently swayed in the light breeze and the cool water was invitingly…

Fallen Angel

There – my work complete. I will be forgiven and the Master will take me back. See how the moon’s pale glow falls onto your wings? How wonderfully translucent is the indigo of the night sky, as it hangs between…

Forbidden Playground

The smell of the mud along the banks of the Vulcan Brook should have been warning enough: not to play there. Our mothers threatened the severest of beatings if we should be caught wandering near to it – let alone…

Benefit of Doubt

Has this glamorous heiress really decided to create a haven for asylum seekers? It seems a stretch, to be honest. She could be bored, her usual jet set lifestyle curbed by ‘covid’, or perhaps for once the news coverage has…

Turning Point

As she heard the door slam and the key turn in the lock, Gemma began to shake. She’d managed to hold herself together until now; answered all their questions and even phoned Roger, leaving a message on his voice mail.…

Friday I’m in Love

The Cure’s music is still running through my head, now it’s Love Cats. I’m fizzing to the zany beat. It’s Friday night and the city’s pubs are emptying – folk heading to nightclubs – others swaying – weaving through traffic…

Inviting Terror

Inviting Terror The door opened slowly where it rested silently against the rubber stop. Moonlight flooded onto the symmetrical tiles of the hall floor. The only sound oozing from the parlour, where chanting could be heard – the words inaudible,…