Lily and Anna

Lily is usually gregarious. During the past week, though, her mum's noticed she's been sullen and withdrawn. She comes home from school, heads straight upstairs to her room, closes the door and refuses to respond to Anna's repeated attempts to engage her. Anna's worried. Her little girl, Lily. So sweet from birth. Giggling, responsive, outgoing.…

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Peg’s night out

The sun was high in the sky when Peg woke. She rolled over, burying her face in the pillow to block out the glaring streaks of daylight. Her head thumped, like the doof-doof to a bass line. Her mouth dry and her tongue thick. Peg can't remember much about last night. Can't remember how she…

Where’s the milk?

'If anyone needs me, I'll be in the back garden!' Millie calls over her shoulder as she walks out the door. There's no response. Not that she was expecting one. They're all watching the telly, eyes wide, jaws slack and hanging. Millie reckons they're watching one of those trashy reality shows, like the Bachelor or…

Bumping into a stranger

Charlie walked down the street, eyes upwards, gazing at the light pink blossom on the trees. She crashed into a passer-by. 'Oh gosh, I'm so sorry,' she said as she bent to pick up the papers that had scattered from his grip on impact. 'Quite alright,' he snapped. His voice left Charlie in no doubt…

A moment ruined

Strumming the guitar, Livvy looked around at her audience. A guy at one of the tables at the front stared in a guileless manner. Livvy sang in a clear voice. She looked around the crowd, not nervous. She did this every week, one day hoping for a big break. The guy lit up a cigarette.…