THE UNSAYABLE by Alison Wassell (2nd place, Flash May21)

Three o’clock. In fifteen minutes, Jen can release thirty children into the custody of their parents. Today they are, so far, all unmaimed. She begins to relax. Too soon. Tilly tugs on her sleeve and points to her cheek, which sports a new, angry scratch. The child’s teary eyes accuse Jen of failing to keep … Continue reading THE UNSAYABLE by Alison Wassell (2nd place, Flash May21)

SHINDIG by Letty Butler (1st place, Apr21)

Ursula is in her usual fireside spot languishing in her own flesh, whilst reading an old Argos catalogue aloud to Boggo. He can’t hear her because he’s in the galley doing something revolting. She squints at the silver clock and wishes she could tell the time - she wants to know how long it will … Continue reading SHINDIG by Letty Butler (1st place, Apr21)

THROUGH THE RUSTING GATE by Rosie Morris (2nd place, Apr21)

Jake’s mammy always wove the most wondrous tales, carrying him on the magic carpet of her imagination to kaleidoscopic worlds far beyond the everyday. Through her, he became an intrepid explorer, roaming enchanted lands, befriending fantastical creatures, performing the bravest of deeds. She made him an intergalactic adventurer: he discovered planets, soared through space and … Continue reading THROUGH THE RUSTING GATE by Rosie Morris (2nd place, Apr21)

THE COUNTER by Chris Cottom (3rd place, Apr21)

You love clacking the abacus beads across their frame, counting off the nights until Father Christmas comes. You like the red ones best, the top row. The enemy are the blue ones, next row down. You play French and English, dead soldiers to the right, last-man-standing always a red-blooded Englishman. You envy Griffin when he … Continue reading THE COUNTER by Chris Cottom (3rd place, Apr21)

THE MOST FASCINATING WOMAN IN THE WORLD by Andrew Boulton (1st Place, Flash Feb21)

When it became clear she truly was the most fascinating woman in the world, everybody wanted to be near her. And, because she genuinely was a fascinating woman, and hadn’t simply been mistaken for one, she could think of nothing worse to be than fascinating. At first, it was intrusive but never especially dangerous. People … Continue reading THE MOST FASCINATING WOMAN IN THE WORLD by Andrew Boulton (1st Place, Flash Feb21)

LET’S NOT by Colette Coen (2nd place, Flash Feb21)

‘There have been times,’ she stopped reading the magazine article, ‘when I’ve thought about it.’ ‘Of course,’ he said, and she’s glad he understands. ‘Me too.’ ‘Oh,’ came out of her mouth without warning – she hadn’t expected this response. It was an unequal marriage after all – she had the money and position, while … Continue reading LET’S NOT by Colette Coen (2nd place, Flash Feb21)

NIGHT TERRORS by John Biglands (1st place, Jan21)

I push my head around the edge of the door. It’s eleven o’clock but he isn’t asleep. He’s lying on his bed, ramrod straight, staring up at the ceiling. His eyes are wide, shining circles in the half-light of his bedside lamp. He turns his head towards me and his body jolts, as though a … Continue reading NIGHT TERRORS by John Biglands (1st place, Jan21)

THE RESPITE by Barbara Kuessner Hughes (2nd place, Jan21)

We had no choice but to ram in the front door of Flat 27. Our procedure is that one person enters first in case of an ambush. I’m thankful it was my turn. I saw a giant bubble, its silvery surface throwing colours around like a celestial disco ball. At first, I thought it must … Continue reading THE RESPITE by Barbara Kuessner Hughes (2nd place, Jan21)