Tag Archives: Friday Fictioneers

  He enjoyed the swings, but then seemed uncertain, so until the roundabout gathered speed, I paced alongside the undulating red and silver horse. The second time around I saw his expression relaxing from angst to delight. And the next … Continue reading →

The chair is mine now. For thirty years it was his chair, moulded by time to his generous proportions, the arms polished by perpetually drumming fingers, the head-rest darkened with grease. For twelve months now it’s been our chair, my … Continue reading →

  He watches her stumbling up the hill towards him, the hem of her gown soiled and wet. He’s not hiding, simply waiting to be found. “Why?” she says, on reaching him. “We had something beautiful,” he says, “why wasn’t … Continue reading →

    Eyes are the windows to the soul, they say, but at this abandoned asylum the windows are the eyes for a thousand tortured, captive souls. She knows her gift renders her vulnerable, so she skirts the building cautiously, … Continue reading →

  Shortly after we entered the room, I understood that part of my life was over. Like a fox scenting the breeze, she sensed his presence, swiftly leaving my side to prowl amongst the assembled guests. They found each other … Continue reading →

“You’re always so supportive.” A divorcee herself, Ellen has total empathy. She embraces me.  “That’s what friends are for, hon.” “And thanks for the quiche,” she calls, as I leave. Ellen’s always been excruciatingly tactful.  She hates quiche and won’t … Continue reading →

  He’s in the damn’ garage again. Fiddlin’ with his bits an’ pieces, ball-strokin’, lookin’ at dirty pictures, I’ll bet.  Just so long’s he don’t get no ideas. I see he’s dug out some chains  an’ a roll of gaffer … Continue reading →

  Those fleeting insights into other people’s lives… Lights flicker over someone leaning on his spade, staring up as we pass.  A family at dinner, glimpsed through undrawn curtains; a tantalising shadow on a blind as someone dons or discards … Continue reading →

Throughout that relentless summer, Edward queued daily at the town’s only well, ostentatiously drawing less water than others. “Let the children have my share,” he’d say, piously.  Yet alone on his land, he drank greedily from a sparkling crystal stream, … Continue reading →