Milan – The ego hit and other memories

Note: Milan was a real person I knew in my twenties but I have changed his name and some other details out of respect for his memory and out of fear of being sued by any living relatives unbeknown to me. 😉 Milan was a painter. His parents were Slovakian, immigrants to Australia after WWII. …

She said, he said

Blake had been directed to meet with the CEO of the Department of Community Services at 9 a.m. sharp. He arrived early and saw Tarnie, her PA, clearing away the detritus of the previous afternoon’s after-work-drinks session. These sessions were notoriously attended by those still ambitious or naïve enough to not realise that every word …

Grumps and India

As the rain bucketed down on the tin roof, Arfer, the German Shepherd, let out a slight woof and headed for the front door. Nicholas launched himself slowly from his armchair and responded to the insistent banging. As he opened it, his grand-daughter, India, barged through, almost knocking him over with the backpack on her …

Vivid memories

This is a revised version of a story I originally posted almost a year ago. ‘If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is: Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro' narrow chinks of his cavern.’ From William Blake’s poem, ‘The Marriage …

Sister doing it for herself

Anna had made several calls to her sister and left messages, without success. Finally Gemma answered. ‘Hi, sis. What’s happening?’ Anna paused and took a deep breath before saying ‘Mum’s gone.’ Gemma’s vocal fry voice responded ‘Oh my God, when?’ ‘Not that it matters but a couple of hours ago.’ Gemma, seemingly shocked, said ‘What …

The Devil is in the deal

This piece was written for the Six Sentence Challenge, with the prompt word of 'deal'. Galatians 6:7 (modernised for gender equity)  ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a woman soweth, that shall she also reap.’ Harper, with her companion in tow, knocked confidently on the door that displayed a brass name plate …

Karen finds salvation

This piece was written for the Blog Battle Challenge, with the prompt word of 'precious'. Karen trawled the internet constantly, often feverishly, in search of evidence that the world was conspiring to bruise her soul at every turn. She was rarely disappointed and lived in a constant state of distress, a state she lamented to …

Maximum nebulosity

The is piece was written for the Six Sentence Challenge, with the prompt word of 'nebulous'. “Stan, this campaign speech simply won’t do, with all these references to targets for economic growth, employment levels, CO2 reduction, home ownership rates, let alone how we are going to handle foreign relations.” “But, with respect, Prime Minister, these …

Max did something

This piece was written for the Six Sentence Story Challenge, with the prompt word of 'train'. Note: This piece departs from my usual humorous approach to these challenges. As Max watched his son-in-law, David, board the train and then boarded himself, he knew two things for certain; they would both be dead soon, because David …

The conspiracy conspiracy

Transcript from One World Government meeting held in Zurich, 9 August 2021, sensationally published by Wikileaks. President Frilled-neck Lizard presiding. President: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Our first item of business is the Conspiracy Conspiracy. Your report please, Q. Q: Thank you, Mr. President. As you know, Phase 1 involved creating my follower base of conspiracy …