Signing the paperwork

The phone rang. Mary-Beth heaved herself from her chair to follow the trill. Where did she leave the handset? There. On the hall table. By the time she reached it, she was breathless. Pressing the Answer button, she said, 'Hello?' 'Mary-Beth, it's Laura. How are you?' A beat. 'Are you OK, you sound out of…

Ordinary Talent

'You think you're that brilliant?' Ethan asks. He's frustrated, I can tell. Rubs his hands through his thinning hair, then rests his head on them. Head bowed. Eyes closed. I mentioned, just five minutes ago, that I didn't need to practice today. That I deserved a day off. I'm tired. Sitting in front of the…

At home

'Well, what would you call it then?' Tommy asks. Lucy considers the vista: rambling paddocks, eucalyptus trees litter the hills on the horizon, the full dam, a chicken coop. She and Tommy stand on a verandah that hugs the facade of the house. She's always wanted a home with a verandah like that. She pictures…

Patience

Patience. That's what she needs right now. Chewing on a jagged fingernail, Liliana considers her options. She could give up. Give in to the anger. To the voice in her head that constantly tells her she's not good enough. Power down the computer and forget about it all. Wait a day. Perhaps a week even.…

At the ballet

Once inside the auditorium, Rosa and Barry checked their tickets. Their argument forgotten. For now. Rosa still fumed; it was as if her insides were boiling in a pot. 'We're in Row D, seats 33 and 34,' Barry said. 'Hurry. I bet Doug and Marie are already seated.' Rosa's head and neck lengthened. Oh how…