FIRM FOOTING by David Palin

I open the door to my visitor.

“Come in – no need to tap on the windowpane.” The street beyond is full of lights and drunken noise, celebrating the midnight hour. I gesture up towards the stars. “We’re just a very pale imitation of that, with its many secrets, which we will never know. Down here,” I nod towards No.12, “well, for example, even boring old me knows he’s having an affair with her at No.28!”

I lead my ageing friend through – and decide that first-footing tradition can disappear with the candlelight. “Hey, we can just sit by the fire. I know you must leave, but I don’t want to forget you. Let’s drink to the past. You were a good year.”

Bio: I write dark, psychological thrillers and mysteries, with six published novels to date, plus two scheduled for 2025. I have joined the Wokingham Writers’ Group, who are truly supportive.

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