Romance/Relationships
#21 – Coincidence
“Jane! Fancy meeting you here,…”
Sincerity was never one of Jack’s strong points. Jane’s cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment, her teeth clenching tight.
“Jack.”
“Won’t you introduce me to your male friend?” He laboured the word male, balancing it like a dagger and twisting it just as hard. His eyes were a mix of amusement and malice as he turned his gaze to Jane’s date. There was a pause.
“…. Steven.”
Jane’s brow furrowed as she followed her ex husband’s eyes. Stephen was shifting in his seat, eyes locking to Jack’s. He choked a yearning whisper.
“I’ve missed you.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo picture courtesy of Henry Fournier via Uplash.
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Today’s word was suggested by the magnificently named Yvonne Battle-Fenton – writer and co-producer at The Story in Lancaster and Off The Page. You can find her on Twitter @YBattleFelton.
Yvonne suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. You can too! Please do.
See you tomorrow for “Tea”
#13 – Burden
“No! ” James was angry now. Why did she keep saying that? Why did she keep insisting?
Frail fingers reached for his, grasping: weak like a child. Her pale grey eyes were begging.
“Stop it, Mother. Please,… just stop.”
A machine whirred and hissed as the old woman struggled to speak. James closed his eyes, a tear spilling against his cheek.
The forms he clutched crumpled in his fist.
“I never loved you.” Her thin voice was desperate. James turned and arranged the flowers in the vase.
Without another word, he dropped the ruined forms into the trash.
(c) Tim Austin, 2016. Photo by Daan Stevens on Unsplash
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This story is powerful to me personally for many reasons. I apologise if it causes any upset in the reading – this is the kind of thing that occasionally swims in my head.
A massive thank you to Emma Wallace – a kind and very beautiful soul – for suggesting this word. If you’ve a word that you’d like me to turn into a story, pop it in the comments or tweet it to @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
Come back tomorrow for “Archive”.
#6 – Fighting
Every breath was defiance: every kick was flung against a fate that was as cruel and cold as the depths below. Amid the mountainous swells, crashing and flailing as spray stung his cheeks, the last of the Derby PALS rolled and twisted in the grey dawn. A thousand miles away his love was waiting; a thousand miles away, a father would be welcomed home. A new day was dawning on the surging mid-Atlantic, the Laconia now settling to her bed and sleeping far below. A wedding was expected back in England: a searchlight was gleaming on the horizon.
(c) Tim Austin 2016
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#4 – Produce
“Oranges and Lemons, 60p a Pound! Get yer caulis, get yer carrots, get yer five a day wrapped up and ready! Special closing down prices! Last day, last chance! Come and get yer spuds, yer kale, yer broken dreams and bitter regrets. Don’t miss out: half price on unfamiliar cologne and hurried phone calls. Avocado at special prices! Strawberries fresh from the field. Get them while they’re fresh, get them while they’re raw, get them while tucking your daughter in, all alone for the sixth night in a row. Last day, last chance! Special closing down prices,…”
(c) Tim Austin 2016
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