Tag Archives: animals

She’s picked up her grandson from school, taken him to the food carts, given in to his pleas to go roller skating instead of doing his homework. She watches from the bench. The strobe lights flit across her front like the ghosts of swallows. Thinking of the way they flocked in the sky, thousands ofContinue reading “Hidden Element Prize: Nightlight for the Galaxy by JR Fenn”

Diane recognized Daniel’s right hand at first sight. Palm down, the fingers slightly curled, the index finger’s nail was flatter than the others. Five years ago, he had his hand bruised after a fall on the bathroom floor. There was also the pale burn on the wrist, like a carp swinging its way through theContinue reading “New Voice Award: The Visit by Letian Cheng”

In the Welsh village of Tywydd, it was widely accepted that the weather had moods. If the sheep escaped, it would rain. If Dai the Butcher was late opening, it would snow. If Mrs Jenkins sang while hanging out washing, clouds would scatter like gossip after chapel. Nobody could explain it, but nobody needed to.Continue reading “New Voice Award: Mrs Mabli and the Weather Committee by Sharon Hier”