Out of harmony

IT had been a long, hard drive. Frances had left early, hoping to get away before the rush hour – only to discover that the rush hour started earlier still. She stopped for a break further south than

THE clamour of seagulls woke Frances. For a moment, she was disorientated. Not so much in place – she knew this bedroom well – as in time. She had the odd feeling that none of the last 30-odd years ha

So, what do you think we should get Elsie this year? She’ll be a hundred and one next Saturday.” Jemma beckoned her husband over to her laptop where ‘Granny Gifts’ ranging from bird baths to potted ja

I’m forty-four, which is too old to be worrying about starting a new job,” Jessie declared, as if saying it aloud would make it true. Though she was trying not to show it, some of the gloss was being

Enough! I can’t take any more,’ yelled Erin, storming out and slamming the door. Any hope of family harmony instantly vanished along with her dream weekend relaxing in a luxurious retreat. Marching al

Marrows. Homemade jam and chutney. Fresh eggs. Friendship bracelets. “Mummy, what’s that big, stripy green thing?” Ruby’s six-year-old daughter, Violet, pointed at the large vegetable sitting on the s