Suze dropped the black sack of Grandpa’s clothes next to an empty machine, fishing for coins in her pocket. She’d rather spend four dollars getting the old clothes clean than buying lollies on the way back from the salvo’s. Grandma’s volunteering stories about smelly garments dumped at her charity shop remained with her. It would … Continue reading Worn With Years
A young woman stepped onto the podium. She was petite and wiry, with luscious black locks and green eyes that swept the room knowingly. Dressed in navy jeans, Havianas and an off-the-shoulder chiffon shirt, she made casual elegant. A female version of Maddox. Her cheeks were a little redder, perhaps, with a sheen of sweat … Continue reading The Eulogy
Someone had let loose a ripe one. The air was thick with it. I looked out over the chaos and sighed, then set to work searching through the bodies for the culprit. “Whose child is this one?” I called out, swinging the offender through the air by his armpits, steaming buttocks as far from my … Continue reading Ella’s Party
It’s hospital month, apparently. One weekend with my sister who sliced her finger, the next with my daughter struggling to breathe (bronchiolitis, poor thing). I’ve now visited seven hospitals in the Perth metro area this year, four in the past two weeks. That’s a record for me. The problem I have with hospitals is the … Continue reading Hospital Time
Sunday. We are at a family picnic. The sun is shining, the birds are warbling, the water at the dam is sparkling, but too cold to swim (probably for the best). Snags are sizzling on the BBQ. Children are laughing as they crunch sticks and leaves and gumnuts beneath bare feet. Toes scrunch in dirt. … Continue reading Ouch-ocado
