HIGH HOPES ON THE HIGHWAY by Caroline Drew (3rd place Jan21)

Moments before he slammed the door behind him, Charles could hear the sound of his wife’s loud laughter rolling in his head. She’d describe it as having her giggle-mug on, but she had a tendency towards vulgarity and many times he’d admonished her about this. She’d once infuriated him by retorting ‘I’ll use my sauce-box … Continue reading HIGH HOPES ON THE HIGHWAY by Caroline Drew (3rd place Jan21)

WARM MILK by Hannah Sutherland (1st place, Flash Nov20)

He’s drinking the glass of warm milk as he’s always done before bed, a ritualistic habit, born from his childhood. Slurps it down, wipes his lips with the back of his hand, says a satisfied “ahh,” then puts the glass in the dishwasher after rinsing it with lukewarm water. I think it’s the only pleasure … Continue reading WARM MILK by Hannah Sutherland (1st place, Flash Nov20)

SOUP KITCHEN by Rose Walker-Taylor (2nd place, Flash Nov20)

I had my fiftieth birthday at the end of April. I look around me now and struggle to believe that at fifty years old, I now sit here. The path had been so clear, glinting and gilded. Yet, this is where I am now. Despite the preconceived notions that I was dim, this could not … Continue reading SOUP KITCHEN by Rose Walker-Taylor (2nd place, Flash Nov20)

SOLDIER BOY by Tesni Jenkins (1st place, Oct20)

Soldier-boy sat on the bottom step, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. He watched his father tie his shoelaces with care, pulling them tight against his ankle before twisting them into loops. His shoes were boots, heavy, dark, and leather. Soldier-boy wore similar boots, only his were suede and a … Continue reading SOLDIER BOY by Tesni Jenkins (1st place, Oct20)

WINNING by Rachel Robbins (2nd place, Oct20)

Dermot at 15 When people described Dermot, they started with the stutter. He knew that when he walked into the classroom late one morning, that Chas had been doing an impression of him, but he let it pass. He didn’t cause a scene or challenge him. He knew that even if he had won a … Continue reading WINNING by Rachel Robbins (2nd place, Oct20)

A SUMMER CAROL by Guilherme Ribeiro (3rd place, Oct20)

Dawn slaps him around a little. I'm awake! He shouts at the sun, accepting sweet numb nothing ain't returning. I'm awake, he mumbles to himself as he slides off the park bench. Not a sliding off exactly, more of a ploy to trick gravity into gaining momentum with the purpose of standing up. He succeeds... … Continue reading A SUMMER CAROL by Guilherme Ribeiro (3rd place, Oct20)

MOTH WOMAN by Sharon Boyle (1st place, Jul20)

The mirrors are back-chatting again, sliding in unwanted comments while reflecting for all they’re worth. ‘Give it a rest,’ I say to one over the mantelpiece as I pin the flower fascinator in my hair. ‘That’s enough,’ I tell another – bathroom – as I brush my teeth. It sheeshes back. ‘Au natural? Jesus, if … Continue reading MOTH WOMAN by Sharon Boyle (1st place, Jul20)

THE WELL by Andrew Stott (2nd place, Jul20)

The swallows fly into and out of the well. There must be a nest down there. Whyever else would they fly down into it? I have looked down over the top. There is mesh there, to prevent a human being falling in and falling to their doom, but there is a small hole in the … Continue reading THE WELL by Andrew Stott (2nd place, Jul20)