Shadows of the Past Beatrice Atkinson delicately dusted the spines of battered Dickens volumes as the postman rapped on the glass door of her little bookshop...
Wheres the cheese? The hard one, that I bought especially for the salad? Alice muttered absently, rearranging a half-empty jar of pickled onions and a solitary...
Now Theres a Chance to Live Margaret stood at the edge of the grave, watching as the coffin was lowered into the earth. The November wind...
The caring home Andrew awoke exactly at 7:00. Not to an alarm, but as the room gently brightened, simulating a sunrise. The curtains drifted apart soundlessly,...
Mum, its us your children Mum She looks at them. Emily and David have known nothing but hardship all their lives. Emily long ago lost hope...
Youre not really my husband, Arthur The old woman sat by her husbands bedside, pressing a damp cloth against his feverish forehead. Arthur, Ive always wanted...
My husband always used to say I wasnt feminine enough. At first, it was just passing remarks that I should wear a bit more makeup, put...
Ah, that grandmother of mine, married again and upset the children! As usual, on weekends I drove up to Mum’s house. Shes 78 now and has...
The wedding was only a week away when she told me she didnt want to marry. Everything had already been arranged and paid forthe venue, the...
My husband never cheated on me, but years ago he stopped being my husband. Seventeen years together with my husband. We met when we were young,...
Where Happiness Begins “Mum, look what I’ve managed to do! I worked so hard! And my art teacher said he...
Family Trials You know, I dont think Ive seen Olivia this happy in years. All those long stretches of loneliness,...
I placed the final plate on the table and stepped back, surveying my handiwork. Twelve settings. Twelve wine glasses. Twelve...
Auntie’s Exit Youre not going in that, said Victor, not even bothering to look over his shoulder. He stood by...
Everyone always deceived her brother, yet it was Ava who felt truly betrayed The telephone rang in the middle of...
Shards of Friendship Marthas key rattled in the lock as she returned home after a long, bruising day. She slipped...
Tuesday evening started just like any other. I put the kettle on for a cup of tea, the radio murmuring...
17th March I never quite imagined my life would be like this. Tonight, the memory is vividand painful. The echo...
I didnt leave my husband because he cheated on me. I left because, on a quiet Sunday evening, he was...
Mum, why dont you move in with us? Why should you be on your own all the time?: Mrs. Margaret...