COLOURING ROSES by Anita Goodfellow (3rd place, Flash Aug22)

Another letter from school. I handed it over to Mum and looked at the stains on the kitchen floor. When she had finished reading she said I had to control my anger. ‘Where are your listening ears?’ I’m ten not five. I didn’t say this I just mumbled ‘sorry,’ before hurrying to my bedroom. Then … Continue reading COLOURING ROSES by Anita Goodfellow (3rd place, Flash Aug22)

THE MILL STREAM’S STORY by Gwenda Major (1st place, Jul22)

The mill stream has always been the artery of the village. In the old days it powered four mills as it splashed and gurgled its way under the slum dwellings down to the river. But nowadays the cottages are smart second homes and holiday lets. Mill Cottage has a little courtyard where the stream still … Continue reading THE MILL STREAM’S STORY by Gwenda Major (1st place, Jul22)

SHE CAME HOME by Matt Biggs (2nd place, Jul22)

I’m sure my wife wants to kill me. Something isn’t quite right with her. Sometimes I catch her staring at me and when she sees I’ve noticed, she doesn’t smile or acknowledge me like a normal person. Instead, she licks her lips and just keeps on staring, like I’m a juicy piece of steak. Once, … Continue reading SHE CAME HOME by Matt Biggs (2nd place, Jul22)

CHANGING FACES by Tracey-Anne Plater (3rd place, Jul22)

The epidural is wearing off, and it feels like a hot rusty blade is carving through my stomach. None of this was supposed to happen. My son is hours old, looking at me with tiny dark eyes like marbles. His creased skin and patchy hair tell the story of his scrunched-up journey into the world. … Continue reading CHANGING FACES by Tracey-Anne Plater (3rd place, Jul22)

THE PUB IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Dominic Bell (1st place, Prompt Jun22)

I should not have set off. Twenty-five mile an hour winds, strengthening to forty-five, sleet turning to snow later. But the next place I was staying was booked and paid, and only nine miles, an easy to medium walk, the book said. Three hours at most. Powered by my full English I could slog my … Continue reading THE PUB IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Dominic Bell (1st place, Prompt Jun22)

CATS TOR by Chris Cottom (2nd place, Prompt Jun22)

It’s raining when we arrive at our holiday cottage. This, of course, is my fault. ‘We’re going abroad next year,’ Zoe says. ‘Factor 50 and a couple of Ken Folletts.’ ‘That’ll depend on my bonus.’ ‘It’s you being so cheerful, Mike, that’s been such an endearing part of the last twenty-seven years.’ ‘Twenty-eight.’ ‘Second only … Continue reading CATS TOR by Chris Cottom (2nd place, Prompt Jun22)

THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES by Anna Giangiordano (3rd place, Prompt Jun22)

THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES Tuesday Morning Ivo Jones decided to kill novelist Tom Nelson that very afternoon. The idea had kindled overnight, fuelled by righteous injustice in the hours since he’d been made fully, unambiguously cognizant of Nelson’s indifference to him, delivered in Nelson’s now gratingly languid voice. Despite, amongst other things re-analysed … Continue reading THE DOWNPOUR DOWNFALL OF IVO JONES by Anna Giangiordano (3rd place, Prompt Jun22)

THE WALL by Mandy Wheeler (1st place, Flash May22)

The Man picks at the wallpaper. He wants to get underneath it, to bring the whole lot off in one.'I thought you might like …'A mug appears.'Thank you,' the Man says, still looking at the wall.'Do you think you should …?’ his son says, ‘I mean … the new people … ''The new people are … Continue reading THE WALL by Mandy Wheeler (1st place, Flash May22)