Six years of dating meant she could read a man quickly. She’d been watching this one for fifteen minutes, sitting opposite her on the Tube. The signs were good: dark socks, requisite number of fastened shirt buttons, reasonably but not overly-groomed, neutral newspaper. She cleared her throat. "Excuse me..."He looked up and his eyes widened … Continue reading MAYBE NOBODY IS PRINCE CHARMING DURING HAYFEVER SEASON by Sandra Hirons
May 2024 – Flash shortlist and winners
We're pleased to announce that the judges have made their decision on our May Flash Fiction competition.. So – congratulations to the following two winning entries: 1st: Oliver Juggins – MAniFeStO 2nd: Anita Goodfellow – The Bench Your stories are published here on our website, and prize money is on its way. And well done … Continue reading May 2024 – Flash shortlist and winners
MAniFeStO by Oliver Juggins (1st place, Flash, May24)
I was born of the Inner Voice. The voice that sometimes tells you, contrary to all evidence, that everything will be okay. The voice that provides comfort in the dark; company in the lonely abyss of modern life. But it has a darker side. Sometimes that voice is harmful. It’s violent. It shocks us as … Continue reading MAniFeStO by Oliver Juggins (1st place, Flash, May24)
THE BENCH by Anita Goodfellow (2nd place, Flash, May24)
You place me in the shade of a chestnut tree where I’ll be protected from the fierce sun and the worst of the rain. Running your hands over my smooth back you breathe in the earthy smell of oak. I’m your favourite wedding present. I look out over a manicured lawn. Daisies ring my legs … Continue reading THE BENCH by Anita Goodfellow (2nd place, Flash, May24)
THE FIRST STEP by Tim Love
"Not much of a hugger are you?" says Pam. We're on her settee, watching Strictly Come Dancing, her favourite programme. I’ve heard work mates talk about it - it sounded awful. And it is.Often nowadays I hide what I really think. I've become a quieter man. It was easy with Lucy. We didn't have to … Continue reading THE FIRST STEP by Tim Love
ARRANGED DATE AT THE ATTABOY BAR by Shoshauna Shy
“Yeah, I’m just waiting, figure someone’ll turn up at my door, say they’re my kid.” My date, with his loosely-held Brandy Old-Fashioned, gives me a wry smile, one he probably practiced in front of a mirror. “Bet they’re eighteen by now. That’s when they start looking for you, right?”Sheesh. What barrel did Abby scrape for … Continue reading ARRANGED DATE AT THE ATTABOY BAR by Shoshauna Shy
A PRESENT FOR AUNTIE by Ollie Batchelor
The hairdryer was in the supermarket’s bargain aisle, between chainsaws and solar power lights. It was just what I wanted for Auntie.As her unpaid carer, I tended to her every need. I also had to listen to her incessant nagging which predictably started the moment I got home from the shops. “Where have you been? … Continue reading A PRESENT FOR AUNTIE by Ollie Batchelor
CRISPS by Rod Riesco
Every Saturday evening at eight o’clock, a child’s pale face appeared at a third floor window. The glass opened and the child would begin to drop crisps, one by one, into the street. The rats who lived in the street were highly religious. Their priest told them that God lived in the sky, behind a … Continue reading CRISPS by Rod Riesco
Cranked Anvil 