Abnormal Days

I've been enjoying five consecutive days off from work. It's been lovely, restful. In normal circumstances, I might've flown home to Adelaide to visit my ageing parents, or, given it's school holidays, as a family we could have popped to a regional city for a mini-break. But alas, Melbourne is far from normal. The protests…

To the Wedding

Cheryl watched the sky from the window seat in her bedroom. It was her favourite past time when she was perplexed about making life decisions. Many times, she'd seen answers in the shapes and patterns in the cloudscape. Today, though, there was nothing but clear blue as far as she could see. She should feel…

The Sideboard

Alexis' eyes blinked rapidly as her mother berated her. Didn't matter that Alexis was now forty-two, her mother's lectures still made her feel like a small child. Bewildered by the sight of her mother, in her late 70s, standing close, Alexis chose not to placate her. It was better to ride out the storm, have…

What a Farce

Another day in lockdown. Melbourne is now the holder of the dubious title of Most Locked-down City in the World. And Dan Andrews is already in talks to extend the State of Emergency powers for another six months. I can only imagine the sort of plans he's drafting, ones that will further drag Melbourne into…

At the Shop

Sam's fingers trembled as she locked the front doors of her boutique. Her body was hot, tingly and she could feel her pulse beating against her ribs. She'd happily never go through that experience again. Walking through the shop, she lovingly caressed her stock. Deeps breaths---in through her nose and out through her mouth---helped to…