A bicycle bell chimed in the distance, jolting Jarrad awake. His body wriggled in the sand, as his eyes adjusted to the evolving, crimson rays of the morning light. Nearby was a lake, bordered by a public path, lush parkland, and extravagant housing. Jarrad knew the place, but why was he there?       Something scratched… Read more

‘Really got yourself in a pickle this time.’  Silence. Dan could not believe it. Not again. ‘I thought you were over this obsession?’  Brett shivered. His wet clothes stuck to his skin, and the wound on his leg throbbed. Dan offered Brett his jacket. He declined. ‘Things didn’t go to plan, alright?’ ‘They never do.… Read more

Shorefronts faded from view as a sprinkle of water sprayed from the ocean and onto Marcas’s arm. He didn’t flinch, his mind distracted by two objects – a stamped, unopened envelope flapping around in his left hand, and a pair of shoes tied to the edge of the rail at the stern of the boat. ‘You care for a slice of… Read more

      ‘Brad broke up with me.’       Gemma expected her two friends to overreact. They didn’t disappoint. Domino, Ellie’s cat, jumped across the coffee table and onto Gemma’s lap. His paws wrapped around her left leg and gently massaged her skin.        ‘Crappy excuse no doubt?’ Brenda never held back.        ‘Give you at least… Read more