Mrs Tarrant’s Class

'No weekly prize will be awarded from now on,' said Mrs Tarrant. Every child in the classroom groaned with disappointment. The three boys in the back of the cross-legged huddle took the opportunity to rough-house with each other. Benji wrestled Ollie to the ground, which meant that his twin, Harry, rolled on top of Benji.…

Losing Mia

Barry and I were in a small room, just off from triage. It was styled with a sofa, two arm chairs, a small occasional table with a lamp, and cheap art work. Also on the table were brochures: organ donation, funeral homes, cancer foundations, and SIDS. And a vase of plastic flowers. We knew instinctively…

A morning in the life of

'Harriet, don't tease your sister!' I yell for the umpteenth time. I wipe my forehead with my gloved hand. I am washing the breakfast dishes. The dishwasher's kaput. Died mid-cycle three weeks ago, so I had to empty it of half-clean crockery and then bucket out the excess water. Since then, my lower back is…

Eleanor’s visit

'Morning John,' Eleanor said, entering his small room. 'Who are you?' he snarled. Life had been dark, colourless since John lost his memory. 'I'm Eleanor.' 'I had a wife called Eleanor.' 'I am your wife, darling.' 'Nah, you're an ugly bitch. Eleanor was loving and kind. Beautiful.' He glared accusingly at her. He remained seated…

Listicle of thoughts

I have a maundering brain today. Here's a preview, with my deepest apologies: Gloomy day. Grey clouds, persistent rain, but not terribly cold. Going slightly crazy. Shut indoors. Home-schooled children who open the fridge and pantry with alarming regularity, looking for food. I guess they're bored and going crazy too, but jayzuz! Need to visit…