There is an inexplicable splendour
There is an inexplicable splendour to the situation we find ourselves in, teetering on the edge of catastrophe and revelling in the brevity of our heyday. Now…
Mostly Harmless
88 stories written on Ficly, 2009–2012, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0. Their page on ficly.com
Prideless Prejudice
“I propose that Mr Lee was fervent! Desperate! Having lived alone on the streets for so long, the prospect of human company in the form of Miss Stephanie…
The Kindness of Strangers
A year ago, Timothy would have adjusted his chair to sit in line with the coffee table, directly facing Charles, perhaps over a chess set or a few stacks of…
Method Acting
He told me to think about the process as though in exactly one years time I’ll be starring as myself in a stage musical of my life, and I have to do some…
In The Spirit Of Christmas
A decent bottle of sherry, a posh-looking box of chocolate biscuits and a wicker basket of winter-flowering begonias. Peter surveyed this perfectly respectable…
Silence, Paused
Shelley emerges from her office on the mezzanine overlooking the college’s study area and is taken aback by silence. The utter lack of noise seems to betray…
A True Professional
Mike was getting good at his job now. At first, he’d always wanted to stay and gloat - it wasn’t enough to throw in a petrol stained rag, and a lighted match…
I Think You May Have Missed The Point Of This Website
In the life of every struggling businessman, there comes a time when all hope is lost, and you will try anything to rescue the endeavour you were once so proud…
The Time-Torn Man
“It was a dark October night when I first heard the tale of the Time-Torn Man. Some say he had a name once, other than that one, but if he did it was lost long…
Despair
For a long time, she was still. Legs crossed, hands in her lap, the young woman sat on the grass and didn’t watch as the clouds moved slowly overhead. She…
I'm Not Sure Whether I Believe In Fairies...
Some say there is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt - and none knew this better than Tangle Beamweb. Every gnome, imp, elf, wisp, leprechaun, troll…
Death, Debt, And A Dastardly Observation
“And that, Jasper Francis, is why you will die today!” This clichéd utterance asserted in the minds of all present that this latest in a line of delusional…
When Murder Sleeps
Sometimes in the police force, there is nothing quite as terrifying as a map. A map covered in photographs, character profiles and little red dots - every one…
Same Shoes
Watching her pull the black stilettos on, James realised they were the same pair she’d worn to the party last year. They were her favourites. _Nobody’ll be…
Dinner For One
I had to use Uncle Tom’s pocket handkerchief to wipe down my knife, which seemed rather tasteless, but the turkey was beginning to get cold, and my was it…
Real Estate With Bite
As hooded figures ushered her into the grand chamber, Miss Fiona Stoker knew that she was in for it this time - she was a failed realtor. The cavernous space…
A Very Magenta Mid-Life Crisis
“Tom, why are you wearing a bowler hat?” “Amanda! I henceforth wish to be addressed as Quentin. Do you like the hat? It’s magenta!” And so, Amanda presumed…
Every Bridge Has One
It was the kind of bridge that looked like it had been there forever, and like it would never go away. Damp tendrils of moss tried to force their way between…
Checkmate
The two old men sat in the shadow, at the bench between the paddling pool and the climbing frame. The only game being played in the park was chess. “Stuck?”…
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Repulsive Hooligans?
Once, there was a little old lady called Edith. She had wispy white hair, a kind, wrinkled smile, and a bubblegum pink handbag; the kind filled with bits and…