One Hundred and Ninety-Nine Steps by Christine Collinson
After climbing a few more steps, he waits behind as they pause to lower the coffin onto the bench beside. This is the third time they’ve rested. As clouds thicken…
After climbing a few more steps, he waits behind as they pause to lower the coffin onto the bench beside. This is the third time they’ve rested. As clouds thicken…
Dad likes to play car games on our Commodore 64 and he loves Out Run most of all. He pilots his big red Ferrari around the desert tracks and city…
The ages of Narayan’s life have gathered for his death. August years stoop at the deathbed’s helm. Solemn patriarchs of house and business, they are cast firmly in his mould.…
I watch them from my chair by the window. Mummy has dressed me in brown, cord pedal pushers and a white blouse with navy-blue bow that dangles from the top…
The bin bag full of helium balloons floats above Morag like a black cloud. She trudges through the village, past the sign that says THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH,…
Another wave hit and sent her under. It pushed her down beneath the surface of the churning water and held her firm. She clawed at it; limbs heavy, eyes blank…
I bring his truck to a stop where the gravel track ends, cut the lights and wait for my night vision to kick in. It’s fine, Half-pint. I’ll plan everything,…
Time stood still. Just for a moment. But it was enough. Their eyes closed as the silty sand was sprinkled over their faces. Sleep came quickly and plunged them into…
You send me a text in the evening, as I’m sitting on the sofa beside my husband. ‘Who’s that?’ he asks. ‘Just a woman from work.’ I click to close…
Dust is free to dance along these streets, leaping up at the wind’s advances. Leaves follow, skittering and scratching like some music band, then empty plastic bags roll along the…
Bangles banished to a desk drawer don’t sing like loose change. Nails painted High-Risk Orange are cut short so there’s no tap, tapping on keyboards. There was a rumour that…
Not bad, is it? I’ve got loads from back then, but this one’s my favourite. Thought it’d make my name, but no-one ever asked who took it. Associated Press had…