Favourites

I finish the second plait and fasten it with her favourite pink bobble. 'There,' I say. 'All done. Who's a grown up girl?' She beams and her eyes sparkle. 'Can I wook at me, Mummy?' 'Of course. Be careful though.' My four-year-old daughter is the light of my world. Her brightness, her joy fills the…

At the lake

It's getting close to midnight. I wonder if I should return home but the warm air wraps itself around me and I decide to stay. It's beautiful here by the lake. The moon's reflection shimmers in the dim light; the stars twinkle reminding me of the old nursery rhyme Mum used to sing. Tears spill…

A visit in the night

'Gee, it's quiet around 'ere, innit?' The voice booms into the night. Outside, the sky is inky black, with stars that sparkle like diamonds. It's 3:39AM so I guess most of the neighbourhood is sleeping. I wish I were asleep still. Instead I am wide-awake; each heartbeat bangs against my ribs and my palms are…

Overheard conversations

'Why do we need to help?' I'm sitting at a cafe, eavesdropping while pretending to read the newspaper. The young girl, who looks about seven, has posed this question to her mum about the homeless. I dare a glance. The mum is fretting; her eyes dart about to see if anyone is demonstrably paying attention.…

Living with Bert

Beryl's LaZBoy whimpers when her ample bottom crushes into it. At the same time, she groans at the pain in her knees, back and shoulders. She's just going to rest here while Bert tends the garden. Or rather, while he chatters and gets in the way of the gardener. It's become too much for them…