The Ending

'You're a fox,' Tom said, whispering in my ear as we left the restaurant. We were on our third date; everything was going fabulously. No pregnant pauses in conversation, no awkwardness between us. Kisses were a thrill, a promising sign of what was to come. I'd discovered nothing negative about him. Until now. My stomach…

Harriet and Rose

Harriet is staring at her baby in the cot. Rose is snugly wrapped, eyes closed and asleep; her breath loud, defying her size. At only four weeks old, Rose is beguiling. Harriet, despite a bone-aching tiredness, the likes of which she's never before experienced, is besotted and spends a good portion of her days just…

Loss

'Hey Misha, how was your day?' I've walked in the door after a fifteen-hour day at work to find Henry prostrate on the couch, his arm over his eyes to black out the light. 'Um, good. Busy,' I respond, slightly worried at his mumbled tone. He still hasn't looked up. 'What's wrong with you?' He…

The Session

The flickering candles give off a spooky light in the room. My fingers lightly grasp the fabric of the curtains; I turn to face the hallway and rickety staircase, consider leaving. 'Welcome, dear,' a female voice calls. The curtain slips from my hand and I'm standing in the dimly lit room. My eyes make out…

Safe

My fingers tremble as I reach for the knocker. It's a cat, I notice, which calms me somewhat; my best friend has a similar one at her front door. Must be a good omen, I think, and give it a quick rap. I lean on a post, gasping for breath, checking the road behind me.…