The jagged edge of a smashed decorative glass hangs in the doorway. A gust catches it, sending it swinging into the wall. Another piece of blue shatters. Progress through the dark house, flashlight highlights: furniture upturned, crockery smashed, cupboards ripped open. Had they found it? Move upstairs, lift the floorboard. Still there, safe and sound. … Continue reading HIDDEN GEM
Stumbling along the street. he tried to make sense of it. Everything was a blur, like raindrops had covered his spectacles, but it hadn't been raining. His world was out of kilter, unfocused and obscure. How could they have known? He reached the intersection between the two main roads. Shapes flew passed in both directions. … Continue reading BLURRED LINES
Their own quiet spot: the water brown from the muddy bed; the beach a mixture of sand and silt; the tree that grew out horizontally from the water's edge before curving up towards the heavens. It was here they had first stolen away together, away from the group of friends hanging around the park in … Continue reading THEIR TRANQUIL PLACE
Well, it didn't look much - a cuddly toy, a small chocolate each, a few sweets. It would have to do. He hoped they would understand. He collected them all and put them in the Santa sack. He left the newspaper lying open on the bed. His own face stared up at him from the … Continue reading TABLOID INTRUSION
After Dad had passed away, it fell to Dave to empty out the family home. In the garden shed, Dave looked at the collection of oil cans. There was no use for them now and they weren't worth anything. He picked up one and opened the lid. There wasn't oil inside, it was something else. … Continue reading FAMILY REMAINS
