Gender identity freezes my heart, resulting in deep thinking and shallow, painful cuts. Confusion and uncertainty serve to magnify my desperation for answers. What am I? Not knowing which way to turn, I look upwards shouting: “I love the sunshine.” The sun’s neutrality calms my anxieties. Liberated, I chase my[…]
As usual her oncologist was running late. Most of the chairs, polished by hours of nervous shuffling, were occupied. No eye contact made, no words shared. The suppressed atmosphere, hanging over the area like a damp sea mist, seemed to make time slow down. If only. Time was something Anne[…]
The surgeon’s stern expression prepares me for his analysis. His words, “It’s touch and go”, drill deep and sharp. Avoiding his eyes, I ask if I can see her. “Only briefly. Sorry.” He walks with me along the quiet corridor. Swaddled in stiff white sheets, she sleeps peacefully. Months of[…]
His voice was loud and authoritative. Threatening. Stevie and I hunched down on the damp grass and offered our naked legs. The dirty old rope cut deep into our skin, as we were ruthlessly lashed together. I noticed a fair-haired man march past, expertly spinning a gun on his middle[…]
I am very happy with the sign. The yellow E at the end is a bit squashed in, but not to worry. You can still read it. Peter would have been very proud of what I’d made, if not a little surprised. Anything to do with paints and woodwork was[…]
I step back and cower behind the dark folds of the dining room curtains, holding my phone at the ready. Across the road, a group of hooded youths are quickly carrying out their plans.Just one word with the police and I would bring about a sudden end to their wanton[…]
He’s over 60 and still skips down the street. He plays hide and seek and throws tennis balls. Once, in a mall, he shouted, ‘steady, go’ and raced off, passing several bewildered shoppers. I don’t want my Granddad to change. Next time I’ll be ready when he says ‘go!’ Published:[…]
They walk towards each other, her smile filling the shortening gap. They have nothing in common. Old enough to be her grandad, young enough for bedtime stories. They don’t share the same skin colour or culture. They don’t share the same religion or history. But, when they’re side by side,[…]
There was so much screaming last night. Far more than usual. It was really difficult to get to sleep. I wished I had the same cloth ears as Little Ted, who was snoozing next to me. It all started after Dad came through the front door, slamming it. Mum’s words[…]
Deep in the Bavarian forest, Tamdorf lays perfectly still. His pained, heavy body is forcing the early spring growth back into the ground.New life is still developing around him as his old life wilts away. The numbness in his trapped legs is successfully fighting off some of the most intense[…]