The B Word Reading time: about 2-3 minutes They found the dead badger on the side of a country lane. Miss Breeze coughed and called the field class to order. ‘The life cycle of Calliphora Vomitoria,‘ she said, gesturing with her arms, ‘commonly known as the bluebottle fly, revolves around a corpse.’ The class gawped. […]
Letters to Constance Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Mayfair: April 27, 1814 Dearest Constance, The excitement of our arrival in London cannot overshadow my continued despair that you shall miss this season. I petitioned Mama without end during our long days in the carriage, yet she persists in her view that I must present first.
flash: Letters to Constance Read More »
Weather Proverbs, Explained Reading time: about 2-3 minutes “Mare’s tails and mackerel scales Make tall ships take in their sails.” She’s studied the weather and knows about clouds which is why her lips are thin and tight. She does not want to tell him about the promotion. Tonight, she will prepare a nice dinner, but
flash: Weather Proverbs Explained Read More »
Forget Me Knot Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Peter walked around for months with a hole in his head, leaking out thoughts before anyone noticed. His granddaughter Maisie was the first to spot it. ‘Grandpa, I can see clouds in your head.’ Giggling, she tried flicking them away, which made Peter feel a little vertigo. ‘Oh
flash: Forget Me Knot Read More »
POV: YOUR BOYFRIEND IS SICK Reading time: about 2-3 minutes He was breathing through his mouth all night, nose thick, feverish, and radiating heat. So, you’ve had time to think. Chicken soup it is. You get up, get washed and dressed, and go to work. You’ve left medicine and a steaming cup of Lemsip by
flash: POV: YOUR BOYFRIEND IS SICK Read More »
Love Languages Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Forecasters failed to predict the mid-autumn blizzard, what with all the climate chaos. So the husband was late clearing leaves this year. Maybe he was distracted at work. Maybe turning forty affected him more than he thought. Yardwork was usually his love language. Once he realized his error,
flash: Love Languages Read More »
The Immaculate Heart of Mary (Steel City, 1910) Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Magda descends on Polish Hill like so much of the metal whose siren song lured our fathers and grandfathers away from their matki and motherland. Within a week, she is selling newspapers on the street corners. Within two, she has us organised.
flash: The Immaculate Heart of Mary Read More »
Letters to Einstein Reading time: about 2-3 minutes December 1902 Novi Sad Darling Albert, We had a daughter, just for a day. I don’t know whether to be relieved or to allow myself a tiny ache of sadness. My mother’s tongue is sharp with disapproval since I brought disgrace upon her. She berates my father,
flash: Letters to Einstein Read More »
Interview Highlight Reel: Albatross Island Season 7 Winner Vicki Scott Reading time: about 2-3 minutes [Day 1] Marc Fisher (Producer): Welcome to Albatross Island. Vicki Scott: Thanks! Gotta admit, I thought this competition was fake when you first slid into my DMs. [laughing] VS: I’m Vicki, a 23-year-old fitness model and eco-tour guide. I love
flash: Interview Highlight Reel: Albatross Island Season 7 Winner Vicky Scott Read More »
Spelling Things Out Reading time: about 2-3 minutes Leaving dusk behind, I slip into the library’s light. Coat on the peg, I slink into the corner. Slumped on the floor, back against the radiator, is my spot. Miss Robin, the librarian, comes over with hot chocolate and a biscuit. I leave crumbs on the carpet,
flash: Spelling Things Out Read More »