By Sally Fitts. She woke with a feeling of dread. A subtle vibrating tension that solidified into anxiety. Scanning her body, all seemed fine. Reaching over, she fumbled for her phone, squinting to check for messages. None. She lay back … Continued
By Kerstin Lindros. I mutter some four-letter choice words, slam the car door and speed off. Growl at my passenger, although he hasn’t done anything. I make sure he’s alright under his blanket and strapped in safely. Full of envy … Continued
By David Bridge. ‘Blood will have blood,’ says Macbeth, whose meal invitations you might well avoid. I have similar feelings about the festive season and my relatives. Still, a meal’s a meal, and times in the performing arts being what … Continued
By Ian Warren. DING … HURRY HURRY … Must tell them someone happy has arrived who wants to see me! Open the door HURRY … IT’S RAYMOND! I can smell him! Quick let him in! Let him in! I am … Continued
By Abigayle Carmody. I’m hanging up my Santa boots after all these years. No more Merry Merry Happy Christmas HO HO HO for me. Magic’s gone. Kids are onto it early. Probably googling Is Santa real? on their parent’s phones … Continued
by Adrian Brookes. On Christmas morn in Camelot, as dawn was waking pale, There echoed from far dark domains a fraught and fearsome wail— A noble quest! To arms I’d sprung and bid my loyal steed Make thunder of his … Continued
By Geoffrey Gaskill. Christmas 2021 is to be cancelled. Speaking from the North Pole, Father Christmas said, ‘It will come as a shock, but it had to be done. There’s just too much unfinished business. Take COVID for a start. … Continued
FIRST PRIZE Swimming with Sharks, by Jo Curtain I have moved from the family home I (we) lived in for thirty years to a new, different space in Caloundra. As you’d imagine, packing up a house where so much living … Continued
By Kerstin Lindros Rob slumps against the faded armrest of the comfy chair by the window. He’s been still for most of the past hour. Their builder had predicted it would draw lots of moisture. The house would shift. Walls … Continued