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)

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)

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)

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 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)

Accuracy and efficiency are all. In order to be a successful Retail Inventory Associate you must be reliable and focused. Strong mental arithmetic will help you sail through the application process and before you know it, you will have been registered, with a navy polo shirt and name badge, and be awaiting notification of your … Continue reading HOW TO TAKE AN INVENTORY by Annalise Taylor (3rd place, Jul20)

For the fourth time in five minutes, Jimmy Sanderson scrutinises the notice on the door, then his Mickey Mouse wristwatch. He sniffs his armpits, cups his hands to check his breath, licks a mint, rubs it over his underarm hair before popping the sweet into his mouth. He glares at the poster once more. A … Continue reading THE STORYTELLER’S GIFT by Alan Kennedy (1st place Apr20)

Ellie is on the train to her hometown of Manchester.  Courtesy of social media Ellie has been tracked down by little Ann Wheeler -  that is to say the daughter of little Ann Wheeler has tracked her down.  There is to be a  ‘This is your life’  style party  for Ann’s sixtieth birthday. Ellie has … Continue reading NEWS FLASH IN MANCHESTER by Gillian Wellby (2nd place Apr20)