My choice

The door bell tinkles. I am in the back, filling the kettle with water. Desperate for a cup of tea and a biscuit. I leave the kettle on the bench and fling the curtain wide. She stands, somewhat stooped, in the room. Her eyes downcast. The aura from this girl is forceful, yet stilted. Blocked,…

Harriet and Rosa

Harriet has always been a delicate flower. At least that's what Rosa thinks, as she watches her twin sister sleeping in the hospital bed. Rosa strokes Harriet's forehead, then rests her head on the bed. 'Oh, Harry. How did this happen?' Tears slip down Rosa's cheeks. She lets the tears seep onto the bed sheets;…

Gifted

'Look!' Millie squeals. She jumps up and down, her legs kicking backwards. Her eyes are sparkling; the blue of her iris seems brighter, glossy even. 'What is it Millsy?' I ask. She's a wonder this kid. Only five, yet off-the-chart intelligent. Actually, she's been off the charts for everything since birth. Apgar, length, weight, for…

Party time

'I'll pass, thanks.' The voice is sharp, cutting. Jackie glances up, shocked. The woman's eyes are dark, her jaw clenched. Somehow, Jackie has offended her. 'Of course,' Jackie responds. She gives the woman a smile and begins to move on. 'To be honest,' the woman continues. 'I think you're wrong even hosting this. In these…

The knock

The alarm wakes Lia from a deep slumber. Her hand reaches to her phone, she presses the button to cease its beeping. She throws back the covers and stands at the side of the bed; with a bounce she makes her way to the en suite. 'Oh shit!' she cries. Matty has already left for…