Katie
#65 – Threatened
Spit was raining over the bald man’s chin, his mouth a snarling mask of fury as he waved his banner high.
Katie watched as the man passed, the police cordon holding she and her brother from creeping closer. Her wide eyes marvelled at the sight, flinching as the mob screamed their hate.
The bald man caught sight of her brother’s uniform and stopped.
“Iraq?”
Katie’s brother nodded.
Though no more than a twisted joke, Katie watched as the two men raised their fists.
When the condolence letter arrived two weeks later, Katie rose her fist too.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo Image by Benjamin Faust via Unsplash.
Continuing the story of Katie, first seen in the tale “Tea” – dedicated to the wonderful Devika Fernando. Click here for each part of the story so far.
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Suggest your own One Word Story by popping it in the comments or tweeting it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
#37 – Mercy
“Mercy! Mercy!”
Katie was laughing through the pain, bent over the side of the bed, her arm twisted behind her by her brother.
“Who stole the cake?”
Her brother twisted his wrists again, the burning friction raking her skin. She laughed into the mattress.
“I stole the cake! I stole it! Get off!”
“See, that wasn’t so hard.” The boy released her and bounced onto the bed. Katie thumped him in the chest.
“Well I couldn’t let the Nanny eat it, could I? Not after what you did to it.”
Her brother shrugged.
“I was just encouraging her to leave.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image courtesy of Annie Spratt via Unsplash.
Today’s word was suggested by mother, grandmother, writer, activist @ae_wylie. You too could have your word made into a story! Just pop the word in the comments below or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory
This story is related to my earlier story “Tea”.
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A new short story every single day – come back tomorrow for “Mortal”.
#22 – Tea
The air swam with the scent of Rose Water and Jasmine, a million aromas spiralling on the breeze. The lush green rows of the plantation bathed in the Indian sun, a hundred pairs of feet sinking into the fertile dirt. Madhu smiled at the day, snatching leaftips from each bush and watching the women toiling the field. Beside her strode an English girl, her pale skin pinking in the sun. Madhu grinned across.
“Remind me” she asked, “What brought you to India, Katie?”
The English girl stroked the swastika tattoo on her wrist, her reply shy and quiet.
“I ran away.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash
Hit that follow button below (if you’re on WordPress) or like the OWOS Facebook page. Oh, and share it on Facebook and Twitter
Today’s word was suggested by the wonderful Devika Fernando – best-selling romance and paranormal fiction author and hugely generous friend of OWOS project. You can find her at devikafernando.com or on Twitter at @Author_Devika
Devika suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. I welcome new suggestions: what will yours be?
I’ll see you back here tomorrow for “Seasick”!
One Word, One Story 