robspalding

Story 11 – Jenny O’Plenty

Heather was talking again, the girl just would not shut up. Eliza tried to focus on stacking the tins of tomatoes, keeping an eye out for any dented ones she could maybe hide to pick up cheap later. “I don’t know why we don’t all just go on strike over this. It’s disgraceful, really!” HeatherContinue reading “Story 11 – Jenny O’Plenty”

Story 10 – Just a Bit More

Brenda cupped her hands around the mug of hot coffee, liking the little sting in her fingers it caused. Marie was still chattering away. Brenda blew on her coffee, not from a desire to cool it down but more for something to do until her friend paused for breath so that she could actually joinContinue reading “Story 10 – Just a Bit More”

Story 9 – Unwed Mary

‘Do you believe in ghosts, vicar? I need to tell someone about what happened this morning. I’m trying to think where to start this, you know, work out what’s the most important point. I’m still a bit jumbled, my heart is still pounding. I guess, start with Unwed Mary? No, Frank, I’ll tell you aboutContinue reading “Story 9 – Unwed Mary”

Story 8 – The Witness Gallery

The Witness Gallery stands on what was once plot 62 of the Generation Ship site. Originally a mile away from the building that housed mission control, it sat undeveloped during the construction and launch of the first two ships, Venture and Wilhelm. During the construction of the third ship, Aiko, it was designated as theContinue reading “Story 8 – The Witness Gallery”

Story 7 – The Interview

Mick Maroon entered the hotel room, followed by his assistant, Alastair. He wore a cowboy hat, leather jacket over a pink shirt, which was open to reveal a t-shirt that had the neck ripped to show off his chest hair. The t-shirt was emblazoned with the cover to his band Dark Francis’ latest album, WhateverContinue reading “Story 7 – The Interview”

Story 6 – They Wait For Us

On the last day of Victor Potts’ life, he woke up alone, just as he had for the past two hundred and thirty eight days. He groaned as he sat upright, old bones aching. He sighed as he swivelled out from under his duvet and slipped his feet into his slippers. Standing up with anotherContinue reading “Story 6 – They Wait For Us”

Story 5 – A Knight in the Garden

Kerry was up to her elbows in hot, soapy water, scrubbing at the stubborn remains of the roast chicken on the baking tray when her daughter, Jennifer, called out. “Mum! There’s a ghost in the garden.” “That’s nice, honey. You play nicely with him.” It was just after four on a Sunday afternoon, would bitContinue reading “Story 5 – A Knight in the Garden”

Story 4 – The Underpass

Vicky kept her hands in her pockets and tucked her chin down into her thick coat to keep as much of her heat in as should could. The wind was sharp and cold, finding ways to suck warmth out from every inch of exposed skin. It was a cloudless night, every meagre degree of heatContinue reading “Story 4 – The Underpass”

Story 3 – Maurice and Joan

“Could you pass me the water, Maurice?” Joan’s voice was weak. “Of course I can.” Maurice concentrated and picked up the small cup of water, working hard to lift it from the bedside table and pass it to Joan with spilling any. It took a lot of work for him to manage it. She sippedContinue reading “Story 3 – Maurice and Joan”

Story 2 – Brake Lights

It had been a good gig, they all agreed. Sheena had done the most headbanging of them all and had thrown herself into the circle pits which formed. Rachel had hung back from the crush and sung along so much that she was only speaking in a hoarse whisper now. Liam wasn’t as big aContinue reading “Story 2 – Brake Lights”