Bryson’s sheriff badge glowed in the reflection of the fire that tore through the colonial three storey house. The flames dimmed out the stars as he smiled at the screams coming from within. In the shards of glass that still clung to the frames he could see the red light of the fire truck approaching. … Continue reading Burning Demons
From Below
Dark rain hammered the conservatory roof as he watched in awe. The howling wind whipped the trees into a frenzy, as a shiver ran down his spine. The lights had flickered out 10 minutes before in a shower of sparks as the powerline came down. From the grate in the wall he heard a rustling … Continue reading From Below
The Bedsit
Sam was pouring a cup of tea when his mobile rang. He left the cup half filled and answered it on the third ring, ‘Hello, Jenny. Where are you?’ The doorbell rang, Sam smiled and hung up the phone. He rushed down the stairs from his bedsit on the third floor. As he walked to … Continue reading The Bedsit
Kaleidoscope
Suzie sat down in front of the laptop and placed the coffee in front of her, as a barrier between her and the keyboard. Through the window in front of her, sunlight streamed directly into her eyes, so she reached across the table and yanked the cord that lowered the blinds. After turning on her … Continue reading Kaleidoscope
Tear ‘Em Down
Mossop and Tiddler lay slumbering on their platform high up in the tree. The chorus of birds grew louder and the sun gently peaked through the canopy as the workman began arriving in their trucks and vans. They yawned and stretched as they looked down on the workman congregating around the diggers. In the middle … Continue reading Tear ‘Em Down
Gentleman Jack
Jack sat in his boxers on the bench of the laundrette, watching his clothes tumble in the industrial washing machine. As they sloshed around he picked up the packet of cigarettes from the side and tapped one out. Then after looking around for the lighter, turned back to the washing machine and sighed. As the … Continue reading Gentleman Jack
Perchance to Dream
It first happened on the 7:15 to Paddington. I was in a trance due to a severe lack of sleep; caused not by a rock n’ roll lifestyle, but years of engrained insomnia. As the rhythm of the train pulled me along through the city landscape, with the crowds of people and streams of cars, … Continue reading Perchance to Dream
The Storyteller
Sunlight flooded in through the floor to ceiling windows, picking out floating flecks of dust. Stacks of ragged books towered above him, blocking out the light and casting the paper into shadow. He looked up as the sun began to lower in the sky, thirty minutes, maybe 35 he mumbled. He scribbled furiously, the ink … Continue reading The Storyteller
Autumnal Promise
Thomas held on to the handle of the trolley as his mother steered it around the supermarket. Ghouls and skeletons hung from the ceiling and plastic spiders were stuck to the shelves. Their trolley was almost full with the usual groceries, plus packets of brightly coloured sweets and candied fruit. ‘Now?’ he pulled at his … Continue reading Autumnal Promise
Unknown Origin
Neil hugged his pint and stared into the corner at the black men drinking and chatting. A man approached the bar and signalled to the barmen, ‘they shouldn’t be allowed in here’, Neil mumbled. The man at the bar looked down at Neil as he reached into his pocket for his wallet. Neil looked up … Continue reading Unknown Origin
