Thirty years stretched before newly-retired Detective-inspector Shannon Liraz, his underlings relieved the inspectors ‘details, details’ catch-cry lay silent. The first few weeks sped by in catch-ups and bucket lists. House maintenance, bungee jumping, old friends in distant parts; his detailed list had whirlwind the days away. But the to-do’s eventually diminished, finally dribbling into aContinue reading “Details, Detective-inspector Shannon, details”
Author Archives: dunurban
Seize the day
Brian remembered a time when greeting the day was a thing; being bounced awake by young bodies, then soothed with warm coffee and warmer kisses. Now, only silent bedroom walls watched as he rose from rumpled sheets which gave little sign he’d not slept alone. At breakfast, he obediently chewed his way through fruit-flavoured cardboard,Continue reading “Seize the day”
Mrs Collin’s storm (references murder, abuse)
Mrs Collins? – Yes. (Pull the shawl closer, don’t let this copper see.) I’m sorry for your loss. – Thank you (Which loss? My dignity, my freedom, my life?) My apologies but there’s just a couple of questions. – Of course. When did you find your husband? – When I opened the lounge curtain, IContinue reading “Mrs Collin’s storm (references murder, abuse)”
Wow! Updating recent milestones :)
Gosh the last few months have brought some lovely responses to my work. The short story ‘With all my heart’ won a national short story competition in December, and was published in the Northern Advocate newspaper. This follows the short-listing of a flash fiction piece for an anthology which is yet to be finalized, soContinue reading “Wow! Updating recent milestones :)”
Just one left
Saving treats for a rainy day allows me to savor the possibilities. Long before grey hair and grandchildren, I inherited an ornate brass thing. I say ‘thing’ because it’s not an urn, a teapot, or bottle, but something between. It’s spout giraffes from the pregnant bulbous orb, before squishing into a tulip-shaped lip. Four tinyContinue reading “Just one left”
Call me Pav (Humour)
(First published NZ Flash Fiction anthology 2020) My name? Pavlova. Stupid eh? Mum said it’s cos I was made from beaten eggs and toxic sugar, hidden under peaches and cream. Grandma says it’s cos Mum dreamt of pavlova while she was under the knife having me. Mums other kids have boring names, like Tom, Dick andContinue reading “Call me Pav (Humour)”
Recognition (references dementia)
My granddaughter, Aylufa, came to live with me last year. I pretended I needed care, but honestly, her free board is just this grandma’s way of helping a beloved mokopuna save for her dreams. That’s why I’m so disappointed, and, let’s be honest, bloody angry. Discovering my hard-earned cash hidden in her bedroom is the final blow. I knew she’d been systematically stealing myContinue reading “Recognition (references dementia)”
Editing (Humour)
‘There’s so much to do’ she complained to her husband. ‘I’ll never get this book finished.’ Annoyingly pragmatic, he countered ‘Maybe you should edit your life as thoroughly as you edit your work; cut out the rubbish.’ ‘Oh’ he added ‘I’m off to help your sister after I’ve eaten.’ ‘Again?’ She pondered his words whilstContinue reading “Editing (Humour)”
Book release! :)
Check it out! ‘Knock Knock: Confessions of a Kiwi Interviewer.’ Knock Knock contains extraordinary stories from many years spent conducting interviews. This is the world of the dreaded door-knock from the other side of the door. Trish Palmer has been working as an interviewer and area manager for market research companies for over 20 years,Continue reading “Book release! :)”
Ten cents
My foot disturbed something in the grass. Bending over, I instructed my fingers to find it; bring it into my field of sight. they took their time, fumbling around and refusing to work together. Feeling it’s shape, I knew what it was even before they finally showed it; a ten cent piece. Once treasure, nowContinue reading “Ten cents”
Stories for you - Enjoy! 