Seen. Against the nearest wall a shelf had been cleared to hold the empty fish tank. Flash watched as Father lined the tank with gravel and then brought in the bucket again to fill the aquarium with water. He positioned an ornamental log in the centre then moved it to one side. He reached behind … Continue reading Pond People 15
The Humpty Verdict: a cautionary tale
A Diversion. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men cleared up the pieces and got out their pens. It shouldn’t have happened. Somebody’s to blame. An official took down every witnesses’ name. An enquiry was opened. They put out the word that they meant to investigate what had occurred. Were there warning … Continue reading The Humpty Verdict: a cautionary tale
Pond People 14
Surrounded. The water was settling but her stomach still churned, along with her thoughts. What now? There had always been someone in the pond to tell her what she should do. And to sort things out when she didn’t get around to it. Now there was only Grandad, sitting beside her on the bottom of … Continue reading Pond People 14
Pond People 13
Decisions. All was quiet in the kitchen. Molly moved nearer to the three who had arrived in the bucket before them. ‘It’s Sylva and Walter, isn’t it? How did you get here?’ The water quivered around Sylva whose lustrous scales had dulled to leaden grey. It was the youngest of the three who answered. What … Continue reading Pond People 13
Oops Again
Apologies again to those who have received a link to an episode prematurely posted. Have you ever thought to yourself, 'Nearly home' when driving late at night and awoke to find yourself bumping the kerb? (Sadly, I have) This is something similar. I think to myself, 'I'll just schedule this and go and fix dinner.' … Continue reading Oops Again
Pond People 12
Setting Out. They were about to set off from the shallows. Molly was seated behind Flo and Grandad on the larger fish. She turned to watch as Eddy settled behind Flash on the smaller one. Behind them, someone in the garden was lowering a bucket into the pond until water flowed over its rim. This … Continue reading Pond People 12
Pond People 11
Goldie. Flash insisted that he would be well enough to compete next day. Molly was unconvinced, but she was over-ruled. The tournament was rescheduled for the following afternoon. Eddy won the sharpshooting prize. It was a popular win and Molly could sense Flash doing his best to hide his disappointment. He stood a little taller … Continue reading Pond People 11
Pond People 10
Prizewinning Shot. Molly launched, issuing instructions as she swam. ‘Both teams to the surface. Anyone who can shoot, drench that cat!’ What was she doing: giving orders as if expecting everyone to jump? And they did. ‘Shoot as hard as you can and as fast as you can. Aim anywhere. Just hit it!’ All around, … Continue reading Pond People 10
Living in a field
One of my East London primary school teachers told the class that the only place we could view the horizon as a complete circle was at sea. She obviously hadn’t visited the Fens. My husband, an ex-policeman, appreciates the silence here (when the banshee winds aren’t howling around the house) and often comments on the … Continue reading Living in a field
Pond People 9
Missing. Team members greeted each other under the reeds and told each other how nervous they were. Many supporters had arrived early to get a good viewing spot and now the younger ones were getting bored and making a nuisance of themselves. Molly checked in the last of her team and sent them to join … Continue reading Pond People 9
