PAWN TAKES KING by Jonathan McLaughlin (2nd place, Prompt Mar22)

As I sat in my office, stumped over a crossword puzzle asking me for a six letter word for a legendary Greek king, my leg couldn’t stop shaking. My eyes wandered aimlessly over the six blank spaces, unable to focus, lost in my overwhelming urge – no, obligation - to finally visit my old friend, … Continue reading PAWN TAKES KING by Jonathan McLaughlin (2nd place, Prompt Mar22)

EMILY AND THE GIRLS by Alison Wassell (3rd place, Prompt Mar22)

Emily’s colleagues, not one of them under forty, refer to themselves as the girls, as in "girls’ night out", "all girls together" and "girl talk". Girl talk, as far as Emily can see, consists mainly of discussions about men; husbands, both errant and loyal, ex-husbands, potential husbands, men who are sadly not husband material. None … Continue reading EMILY AND THE GIRLS by Alison Wassell (3rd place, Prompt Mar22)

LONELINESS IS BEIGE AND TASTES OF MUSHROOMS by Emma J Myatt (1st place, Flash Feb22)

It’s a yellow Friday and I’m about to finish when I see a man in the closest aisle, prodding different packets of biscuits. His mask is the right colour and his boots have elements of December in them. He picks Bourbons and comes straight to my till. I slap on my customer grin. ‘Your smile … Continue reading LONELINESS IS BEIGE AND TASTES OF MUSHROOMS by Emma J Myatt (1st place, Flash Feb22)

TIM’ROUS BEASTIE by Charlotte Mitchell (2nd place, Flash Feb22)

Maisie Gibbins went to make banana bread and discovered that a mouse had shit in her flour. “The wee fucking bastard, it never has! Jesus, can’t I have anything to myself?” She looked at it mournfully. She was hungry and craving something sweet, but there was nothing in the house save the ingredients for banana … Continue reading TIM’ROUS BEASTIE by Charlotte Mitchell (2nd place, Flash Feb22)

ANGELA BARR TAKES EARLY RETIREMENT by Abigail Williams (1st place, Jan22)

There had been drinks at Angela Barr's retirement party. Half mugs of warm Prosecco and a shop-bought cake. 'Early retirement' was what they said, but she knew the truth. Her face didn't fit any more: liver spots apparently were not part of their brand identity. 'They're not part of mine,' she had wanted to say. … Continue reading ANGELA BARR TAKES EARLY RETIREMENT by Abigail Williams (1st place, Jan22)

WHEN THE TOUR GUIDE STILL SMILES by Hannah Retallick (2nd place, Jan22)

Paris. The city of love. Eiffel Towers everywhere, couples kissing for selfies, visitors buying fridge magnets from street sellers. It will help. Tourists crowd the ramp to the Seine, waiting for the rope to be lifted. Four people beat us to the front even though we arrived first. They don’t suffer from Britishness. ‘I told … Continue reading WHEN THE TOUR GUIDE STILL SMILES by Hannah Retallick (2nd place, Jan22)

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TOLL BRIDGE by Taria Karillion (3rd place, Jan22)

Dear Sirs, I am a hard-working, law-abiding troll and am writing to seek your legal advice regarding a recent workplace injury of a distressingly violent nature and hope that your expertise will help me to claim for considerable lost earnings after an unprovoked attack by a physically abusive customer. I am employed as a toll … Continue reading THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TOLL BRIDGE by Taria Karillion (3rd place, Jan22)

GLASS by Fiona McKay (1st place, Flash Nov21)

Push it down. All the way down. Everything is fine. I can do this. I can. It’s just a test. Mom always says that a test is just to help the teacher see if the teaching is working, or if there are gaps. The test is more about the teacher, not you. She always says … Continue reading GLASS by Fiona McKay (1st place, Flash Nov21)