The public swimming pool is one of the loneliest places I know. I swim daily in the chilly water, ignoring the splashes and muffled cries of delight vibrating in the air. After my swim I torture myself by sitting in the cold stark cubicle listening to the distorted voices and the disconcerting laughter coming from … Continue reading My daily swim
The visitor
As I glanced out of my parent’s lounge window my entire body stiffened. As I watched the tall figure with a familiar walk close the front gate and start to walk the short distance from gate to door, I clasped my hands tighter around the glass of champagne I’d just been handed. How he held … Continue reading The visitor
Christmas comparisons
I was a Christmas snob. I hold my hands up and admit it. When I decorate the Christmas tree in my home, I want a finely tuned display of pure blanched shades of champagne baubles, polished glass ornaments and stark white lights accompanied by rows of fine gold beads. Some may see a cheerless bland … Continue reading Christmas comparisons
We met at a friends party
Ben and I went on our first an only date about ten years ago. We’d met at a friend’s party, it wasn’t a conventional meeting, far from it. No eyes meeting across a crowded room or love at first sight. The man I’d been dating for a few weeks had left the house warming party … Continue reading We met at a friends party
A proper goodbye?
My trembling finger hovered over the bin icon on my phone. I had to delete his number for my own sanity. Why am I doing this to myself? I threw the phone down, his contact details still intact. I rolled onto the still warm side of the bed where he’d slept last night. I inhaled … Continue reading A proper goodbye?
A gift of shimmering snowflakes
“Calm down,” I hear David trying to bring a sense of serenity to Christmas morning, knowing he was regretting downing the left-for-Santa sherry after all the Guinness he’d drunk last night. I heard him sigh; the children were in frenzy of excitement by the time they were allowed downstairs to see what Santa Claus had … Continue reading A gift of shimmering snowflakes
All it took was a few lingering looks
“But, I…..miss…..him,” Lizzie’s sobbing had started again. It had been a week since Ben had broken off their engagement and we’d had several days and nights of tears. “I don’t understand why….” She grabbed another tissue and wiped her hot pink face, her tears freefalling. I topped up her glass of wine and then took … Continue reading All it took was a few lingering looks
I’m not a violent person
I’ve never hit anyone before, not even as a child, not playfighting or in childish frustrated anger. If you were to ask any of my family, friends, or colleagues they’d say, ‘Heather wouldn’t hurt a fly, she’s too soft.’ I’m now sat waiting alone in a cold sterile office, it’s serenely quiet. The only noise … Continue reading I’m not a violent person
RSVP my delicious plan for revenge
The wedding invitation had arrived early in the new year, the swirling rose-gold words inviting me to join Craig and his future wife for their planned nuptials in July. I immediately accepted only to change my mind the next day, this continued all spring and well into summer, my mood as changeable as the weather … Continue reading RSVP my delicious plan for revenge
Hygge for one
I exaggerate a shiver as I snuggle further beneath the safety of my duvet. I wiggle my toes and stretch them towards the now cooling water bottle. No matter what work-related crisis I’ve had to endure or when the constant barrage of media peddled bad news I’ve consumed gets too much, I always find refuge … Continue reading Hygge for one
