Overheard – Written by Isabel Joely Black

“I only asked you two questions… No, I don’t care… You have to earn trust. You can’t just do all of that and then expect me just to trust you.” They’re arguing again upstairs. This happens a lot: the voices through the ceiling. “Y’know, when I came into this marriage, I prayed… and I believe [...]

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Jane Doe – Written by Sarah-Clare Conlon

It took days for the crime scene to be discovered, by a passing cyclist. By then, leaves from the lime trees lining the bridge had half covered the rigid body, with only a peek of pink epidermis peeping out from under autumn’s scarlet and jessamy blanket. Peeling back this burial shroud, the forensics officer revealed [...]

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The Beat Off, My Heart – Written by Benjamin Judge

I don’t even like balloons. I loathe them. I am allergic to their powdery edge. I gag at the thought of the smell of them. My ears start to bleed when I hear that pitching squeak. But he likes balloons you see. And I like him. Oh diary… If only he would notice me. My [...]

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Falling On Stones – Written by Julia Farrand

In that moment before the toe of her shoe made contact with the edge of the brick, she knew that there had been a choice, and that at that moment billions of atoms were rearranging themselves into the shape of the universe that she believed she lived in. She went down hard onto the stones [...]

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Never Eat Anything – Written by Jez Green

Never one for obeying rules, Gregory couldn’t help but challenge anything he perceived as an attempt to control a particular aspect of his life. Many called him a conspiracy theorist or just plain mad, but he was convinced that The System had devious ways and means, and that most other folk were completely in its [...]

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Lions Not Yet Available – Written by Tom Mason

The wind and rain are passionate tonight. So much so that Sebastian dances in my hand as I parade across the greasy streets. He jives in the evening gale of Market Street, switching to a tango as I stride down Oxford Road before honouring the Royal Northern College of Music, on our right, with a [...]

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Cheated – Written by Larner Caleb

D.S. Richard Rainey checked his text. m8, wouldn’t normally ask but can u do my shift 2night? Ellie really poorly. No hesitation. Gav was his best mate. And he’d do anything for his Goddaughter, Ellie. Seven hours later, Rich was asked to sit in on the interview. “Spanish, see. Nothing dodgy. Kinda film I rent [...]

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Music To Her Ears – Written by Larner Caleb

The words danced on the page. Hah! What a cufking cliché. Despite the profanity, obviously inherited from the older ones in his class, it was quite a smart emotion for a seven year old. But dance they did. No miskate. Disco here. Cheeky little rumba there. Often, words would turn up, hear music and jsut [...]

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