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)

Barry was a flip flop. Kid's size eleven, regal blue, with white stripes and a slightly worn underside. He was the right, and his brother, Gary, was the left. Brothers, and similar in most ways, except for personality. Gary was your typical flip flop; laid back and quiet. Barry was the opposite; excitable and talkative.The … Continue reading FLIP FLOP by James Hancock (3rd place Apr20)

I brought the stone home from the beach. I often do that. There are so many beautiful stones and I end up bringing home too many. Then I have to perform triage and take most of them back to the beach, where I drop them among other beautiful stones and fight the urge to take … Continue reading TURNSTONE by Nicki Parkins (1st place Jan20)

The banknotes were transported in several large cases to the Bank of England. From them, a dozen batches were picked for inspection. Staff in rubber gloves examined the print, the watermark and the motion thread. From one inspector, the Chief Cashier took a note and held it idly up to the light. A genuine, newly-printed … Continue reading THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS by Joe Bedford (2nd place Jan20)