'...the castle was saved and the dragon was slain.' The boy finished reading and looked up. 'Very good, Michaels. Back to your seat. Right, who's next? Hines?' Freddy stood up nervously, fumbling his jotter, and made his way to the front of the class. 'We haven't got all day, boy. Start reading.' 'Yes sir,' Freddy … Continue reading A FANTASY
He was drunk. He had to admit it. Not slightly inebriated or a bit tipsy, but flat out drunk. There would be trouble when he got home. In his mind he rehearsed the route he would take from the front door to the bedroom - probably via the bathroom - and the movements he would … Continue reading THE PAINTED LADY
The mass rolled towards them from afar. She came from the snow-peaked mountains, tumbling over the hills, obscuring the clear blue sky. 'How long?' 'A day, at most.' 'We should go.' 'She will find us. There is no point in running.' The darkness would one day cover the whole world. The light would be blocked … Continue reading IT CAME FROM AFAR
'We should establish boundaries, thresholds. And have a safe word.' 'Sure, what like?' 'Love?' 'Okay, 'love' it is. Should we use our real names or different ones?' 'Different ones, you choose mine.' 'Lucy?' 'Okay, and for you, Lorenzo.' 'Lorenzo? Really?' 'I thought you wanted me to be in charge?' 'Lorenzo it is. Anything else?' 'You … Continue reading AN OPEN RELATIONSHIP
We were still heading away from the private beach, the staff on the sand were dots in the distance. 'Shouldn't we turn back now, Dad?' He only smiled and carried on rowing, 'Just a little further.' Should I be panicking? This wasn't some mad attempt at reaching another country, was it? 'I've had enough, Dad. … Continue reading THE VISIT
