Advent microstories: day 7 I can’t remember a time when I didn’t think of men as ‘other’. To me, men are perpetually unknown, something always and forever not understood. I have never expected to know what makes a man tick. As a result, my expectations of men are that they will either be captivating, full… Continue reading MY BRIEF ROMANCE WITH THE IMAGINARY SEBASTIAN FIELDS
Author: elspethalexandra
Writing things, hot beverages, fitness.
BY THE YARD
Advent microstories: day 4 I turn the brass handle and open the old wooden door. A little bell tinkles. It smells of old wood and leather, sturdy and comforting. A glass topped counter runs the length of the shop and behind it are wooden drawers, from floor to ceiling. Under the counter are long rolls… Continue reading BY THE YARD
THE KILT COMPLEX
An advent of microstories: day 3 Can I buy you a drink? White wine, is it? I’m sure we’ve met before, you know. Were you at Jenny and Tim’s wedding last year? And Eddie and Suze’s nuptial extravaganza a few weeks ago? Yes yes, I thought as much. You have very distinctive eyes, they’re really… Continue reading THE KILT COMPLEX
THE GARGOYLE WATCHER
An advent of microstories: day 2 I watch the gargoyles. I study them for any traces of movement, any change in their demonic expressions or aggressive postures. There are four of them on the church and I know them very well. I have been a gargoyle watcher for six months now. When I watch them… Continue reading THE GARGOYLE WATCHER
CHANTING CALLS
An advent of microstories : day 1 The yoga teacher is dressed in floaty linen and gives off the feeble smell of vegetables. This gives me comfort. I choose the cushion closest to the incense burner, to block the rich smell of the other participants. There is an undercurrent of stale yoga mat sweat too.… Continue reading CHANTING CALLS
Story: Jess Said Yes
Jess closed the front door behind her, and listened for sounds of her husband. She found Ian sitting silently in the living room with the television on. She took a minute to survey the room, then took herself to the kitchen and made a cup of tea. Jess leaned on the kitchen unit as she… Continue reading Story: Jess Said Yes
Story: Juno, Mother of Mars
You have eight saved messages. Message received at eight fifty two on the twenty seventh of December. Hi Dad, it’s Juno. I didn’t think you’d be awake yet. I just wanted to check that you’re okay after Christmas Day. And just to let you know that if you wanted to give me a call, that… Continue reading Story: Juno, Mother of Mars
Story: The Newshound
When the week’s final edition had been put to bed, it was normal for the editorial floor of the Clydeside News to fall silent as the grave. But today, the office gradually filled with a jovial buzz of conversation. Copy boys carried boxes of wine and poured crisps into bowls, and reporters milled around, leaning… Continue reading Story: The Newshound
Story: The Therapeutic Relationship
Before closing the door of the walk-in cupboard, Miss Wood took a final look in the mirror. She straightened her oversized purple spectacles, smoothed the front of her flowing lilac tunic and ran her fingers through her long unruly hair, feeling the static twitch against her hand, her heavy bangles dropping down her arm. She… Continue reading Story: The Therapeutic Relationship
Story: Something in Store
Every morning at five to ten, Miss Boyd would open her desk drawer and take a Yale key on a penguin-shaped key ring from a blue pen pot. Tony would watch her out of the corner of his eye from across the office. That key, Tony thought, is the key to joy and miracles. Tony… Continue reading Story: Something in Store
Tea is my typewriter 