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”
Category Archives: 5-minute reads
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)”
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)”
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”
Arthur (Humor)
There was a problem. Not a big problem you understand, but still a problem. Just one of those niggles that sit at the back of your mind and poke you at unexpected moments. The trouble was, Nell knew she ought to dig it out, have a good look at it, and find an answer. HerContinue reading “Arthur (Humor)”
Intelligent conversation (Humour)
Today, at last, I found intelligent conversation; what a breath of fresh air it is! Lately I’ve felt like everyone around me were idiots… and the arguments; just ridiculous. No matter what the topic, their comments were predictable, banal, boring. I was beginning to think it was all a waste of time. Then, today, out ofContinue reading “Intelligent conversation (Humour)”
Digging holes (humour)
Granddad’s a ‘get-it-done’ man. When there’s junk around, he uses his big digger to bury whatever’s bugging him. He does those jobs early; starts the day right, he reckons. Grandma’s different. If something’s bugging her, she nags Granddad. When her nagging is bad, Granddad threatens to put her in a hole. Grandma scoffs back, ‘thenContinue reading “Digging holes (humour)”
Missed connection
There were no messages today. Fran hadn’t expected any of course. Why would anyone bother, when she had nothing to contribute? Maybe someone would remember tomorrow; remember her and send a message, even if by mistake would be fine. Just anything, so that she could know she actually lives, is real, is here. Who needs them anyway,Continue reading “Missed connection”
Stories for you - Enjoy! 