Eighteen summers

EVERYONE seems to have a favourite season, don’t they? My sister, for example, has always loved winter. She says there’s nothing to beat a cold, clear day when the ground is hard and sparkling with fr

Mum, what’s the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?” Various replies sprang to mind, none appropriate for her son to hear. “She won’t tell you,” Clare’s daughter answered sagely. “If you tell me th

As Jenny stepped out onto the platform, she smiled. It was warm enough that she wasn’t going to have to root around in her bag for her cardi. Only a small victory, but the first in what already felt l

EXCITEDLY opening slatted wooden shutters, Evie stepped on to the balcony, greeting the day. Her delicate pink silk robe was barely fluttering in the warm breeze drifting in from the sea. She smiled.

SATURDAYS were no fun when Mum was on shift. She’d made it clear that while she was at the hospital, whoever was left in the house was expected to get on with all the jobs that had to be done. Today t

NOTHING to report, Grant, except the usual niggles with the coal delivery. “Here, have a cup before I go.” “Thanks, Jim. I’m fair parched.” Grant removed his bicycle clips and accepted the proffered t