The following morning, she sent a message to the Sanctuary, with her apologies, she couldn’t assist that day. After consulting with Maryam, the red dress, now more blotched than ever, was removed, never to be discussed again. She had a feeling the housekeeper had sent it to the guild of dyers with a polite note, …
First part of an exercise contrasting the same place at different times of day, I didn't pay much attention to be honest... The light through the attic windows was fading, and Lana dusted her hands off on her jeans as she went to switch the overhead lamp on. The day might be nearly over, but …
As the one friend scurried out of the door, and the other looked confused, but settled happily enough when handed wine, Khalik hissed. “They don’t know the Prince is coming, it’s a surprise, don’t spoil it.” It wasn’t going to be her doing the spoiling but obedient to his request, she kept quiet as the …
Every morning, when Claudia hopped out of the shower, she checked the mirror. More specifically, she checked the message written in the steamed-up mirror. It had been there ever since she could remember. Following her through childhood and then multiple house moves. She’d learnt early to never mention it. Her mother had praised her imagination …
Archer laughed and waved to the waitress. “Another one of whatever he’s having, please.” The young woman nodded and headed to the bar, returning moments later with a cold bottle and a tall glass. She blushed and smiled at his thanks and instruction to keep the change, it was a generous tip to say the …
Khalik sat for a moment, then bounced out of his seat, rubbing his hands together. “I’ll invite him for tomorrow! Tell Maryam to cook the best dishes and find something to wear.” Lyra rolled her eyes. “He said next week. If you invite him tomorrow, he’ll think you’re too stupid to understand time. Besides, he’s …
The older woman peered at her over her glasses. “There are two things I wanted to discuss with you. The first is Christos. The subject, the true subject, of his term assignment has been brought to my attention. I’ve told him to change it or fail and be subject to disciplinary action. I will not …
A writing exercise around changing points of view within a scene. Marian looked around proudly. Her future daughter-in-law had done a wonderful job as always. The private function room at one of London’s top hotels was comfortably full of people chatting, laughing and enjoying the wonderful catering. It was a perfect engagement party. She turned …
A sequel of sorts to Unsettling Revelations Part 1 and Part 2. My Dearest Sebastian I do apologise for my delay in replying and for the bad news I’m afraid I must convey. I cannot invite you to town for the winter as we are not there. Well, when I say ‘we’, I mean ‘I’, …
“Lyra, where are you? Come here, we have a visitor.” Lyra looked up from her book and wondered if she could get away with snuffing the lamps in her room and pretending to be asleep. Khalik sounded drunk, again, and the friends he brought home were distasteful even when sober. Her door rattled, then bounced …
The DNA of Stories 