Pete was well known around the local area. No matter where he set up his market stall a crowd would gather. Pete could sell anything to anyone: air conditioning units, bike parts, chopsticks, fake tattoos, parking meters. When his stall illegally blocked a street, the police were called. They left with a packet of fudge, … Continue reading PETE’S MARKET STALL
Green for Go. The hustle and bustle. The crowded market. The anxiety. Tell yourself they've all been vaccinated. Tell yourself the numbers are small. Faces unmasked. Breathing. Germs. Raw meat. Sweating. Palpitations. Get out. An open street and space. Relax, everything is normal. The green signal flashes. Step out onto the road. The driver doesn't … Continue reading EASING RESTRICTIONS
The sights and smells of the small market were intoxicating. The constant chatter of humans mixed with the sounds of caged animals. Xao Ling dragged him along. 'Here,' he pointed. An old woman sat surrounded by pots of powders and liquids. Her skin was a patchwork of wrinkles, her eyes half-closed slits, her hair was … Continue reading MARKET TRADE
He lumbered down the narrow staircase. Breath heavy, legs aching. His broad flanks brushed either side of the narrow, twisting spiral staircase. This was not why he had come to Belgium. Finally, he reached the bottom of the Belfort. Dolores and Brad were waiting patiently. 'Okay,' he managed a cheerful smile, wiping the sweat from … Continue reading PICTURE POSTCARD
Black and white images from the past. Not hers, someone else's. The smiling portrait of a young woman, an elderly couple in front of their house, a grandfather, a brother and sister. A family, a historical document of a happy life. $1 for the basket. The seller had no idea who the people in the … Continue reading SURROGATES
