Goldfinches Galore

For day 243 of 365 Days Wild I spent some time drawing and painting goldfinches.
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WWP: Syzygy

We fitted together so perfectly, we three – like the Sun, Moon, and Earth in conjunction, in perfect syzygy, our friendship was an astronomical event. But now… Now our orbits have shifted. Word count: 30 (+syzygy) *** I’m a little late posting this. The few times that I’ve joined in with Sammi Cox’s Weekend Word … More WWP: Syzygy

Nomad

She could remember it so clearly: long days spent on the road, sitting in the passenger seat with her mother behind the wheel of their rusting orange car. They’d sung along to pop songs playing on loop. … More Nomad

Childhood Joys

Imogen’s hands shook as she brushed the gathered debris away from the miniature village, her reeling emotions slow to calm. She righted a fallen bench and straightened a leaning signpost. Despite her best efforts, a clinging miasma of neglect remained. The place felt… empty. … More Childhood Joys

Small Comforts

Small Comforts Cara dropped onto her bed, tugging the blanket over her shoulders as weariness pinned her to the mattress. Sleep soon began to smother her thoughts. She welcomed its oblivion after the backbreaking work of the day. The voice of the new girl jolted her back to awareness. She was tempted to respond – … More Small Comforts

The Darkness Within

The light that poured in through her window was the only source of illumination in an otherwise dismal existence. They said her harsh treatment was deserved, that her idle ways had led to an inevitable conclusion. Only she knew just how hard she’d strived to avoid such a fate. She tried not to let bitterness … More The Darkness Within

A Mother’s Grief

A Mother’s Grief “We didn’t do anything to it, Ma,” Aeliene said, a waiver in her voice that broke Shylie’s heart all over again. “We were just playing. It came out of nowhere and attacked us. Baen tried to stop it, but, he… he fell… and… and…” Shylie gathered her daughter close. Grief encased her … More A Mother’s Grief

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned Hunger gnawed, growing increasingly harsh and insistent as hours dragged by. The dish of food remained frustratingly out of reach. Finn scowled, trying again to rise. This was ridiculous. He didn’t know what she’d done to him, but the old woman was clearly deranged. “If you wish to eat,” she’d said, “use the … More Lessons Learned

The Burden of Truth

Yesterday I posted a piece of flash fiction for last week’s FFfAW challenge. As I mentioned there, I’d previously written another version that had to be abandoned as it was far too long for the 175 word limit. Well, I’ve decided to share it with you anyway. Technically, it’s still a piece of flash fiction, … More The Burden of Truth

Perfect Life

He’d tried many different jobs over the years – so many, he’d lost track – but nothing had ever inspired him to such passion. Not like this. Standing in the arena, surrounding by screaming fans: he couldn’t imagine a more perfect life. This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales. This week’s prompt is by … More Perfect Life

Promises Broken

Promises Broken The day had promised so much. Bright skies and a clear forecast meant their shift at the lifeguard station should have been pleasant – with only the usual idiots and accidents to worry them. The crystalline sea had lapped at the beach as if no dangers lurked in its depths. It was a … More Promises Broken

Artistic Representations

Artistic Representations “Will you hold still!” Pikey scowled. “You try standing still this long and see how well you manage it.” He rolled his shoulders. “How much longer?” “I’ll be done a lot sooner if you’d just hold still.” “Fine. Just hurry up, ‘fore I freeze like this forever.” Squiffle gave him a jaunty grin over … More Artistic Representations

Memories

  Memories “We’d spend hours down here, remember?” she said, gazing across at the familiar view, her memories dancing as ethereal spectres upon the sports field. They’d been such joy filled hours, packed with fun and games: skipping and jumping and turning cartwheels; running until breathless, before tumbling in a heap on the grass; vibrant … More Memories

Waiting for the Light

Waiting for the Light Tamrir huddled in the darkness, willing the minutes to slow their passage as he awaited the coming dawn. His sister’s weight pressed reassuringly against his side, and he hugged her close. The night had been long. Ridiculously so. “Is it time yet?” He started, not having realised Ameyi was awake. “Nearly,” he … More Waiting for the Light

Homecoming

Homecoming Something was wrong. Majif  frowned. He’d spent too long evaluating his enemies’ weaknesses to overlook the lack of guards on the gate. He freed his blades, fearing the worst… Reality outdid expectation. Within the walls guards and servants alike sprawled in macabre display: blood drenched and staring; throats slashed open. The attack had occurred … More Homecoming

The Search

The Search “They were around here somewhere. I swear!” Tynen scrambled recklessly over the rocks ahead, peering into each nook and cranny with almost feverish intensity. Velana followed at a slower pace, choosing each footstep carefully as she climbed the craggy slope. “No one’s found any in years, Ty. Admit it – you imagined ’em.” Her … More The Search