A young man discovers that it’s not just about the money — Kamal’s phone buzzed angrily as he hurriedly pulled up outside The Medina Coffeehouse. “Counselling 3:30 pm. If you miss it again, that’s it, I’m leaving.” Another loving text from his wife. It didn’t look as though Omar had arrived yet. The only other car in the parking lot was a…

Just another day at work — Bala wiped his brow as he stood up. “I think it’s pretty sorted now,” he said to Tom, who was sitting shell-shocked next to the anesthetic machine. Earlier, Bala had walked into a cacophony of alarms as Tom frantically tried to resuscitate the patient he was anesthetizing. Together the two…

The unique power of music… — The old church had been decorated tastefully, with wreaths of white hanging upon each seat, and purple sashes arcing gracefully between them. A row of candles adorned the walls, their soft light casting flickering shadows behind the altar. Further back was the door to the dressing room, where John knew…

When the past catches up — The young boy stared blankly into Jimmy’s weathered face. Stray strands of long hair assaulted his eyes, which he made no effort to shake away, nor did he struggle against the restraints binding him to the chair. Jimmy leered down at the child, while the rest of his men surrounded…

A disquieting trip back home — The fear in my gut intensified tenfold as I entered my old room, finding it almost exactly as I’d left it. My impeccably made bed sat in the corner, the old desk and computer were where I’d left them, and the whole room smelled clean and fresh. Mum had even…

Story of a loser — Chris sipped his coffee, staring out at the stunning white landscape before him. Sara had always said that the view from Jungfraujoch was breathtaking to behold. One of the few things she had actually been truthful about. The empty seat beside him was a poignant reminder of her lies but…

Piecing back an old man’s mind — “Not eating again Neil?” Manny said casually to the wizened old man in the bed. He didn’t stir, continuing to lie deathly still. A faint rise and fall of his bony chest was the only sign that he was even alive. Stray strands of long, white hair carelessly assailed his…

A round trip — Sweat poured down the obese security guard’s chin as he dragged Nate to the solitary, metal chair in the center of the chamber. The young, sullen teen was forcibly seated, metal restraints immediately encircling his wrists and ankles. From the doorway, Victoria smiled at Nate. “Don’t worry Nate, I’ll be…

A short parable — He awoke in darkness, covered in mud and dirt. Gingerly, he sat up, wiping the filth from his eyes and brushing back his long, tangled hair. A thin streak of light softly illuminated the walls of the cave, casting dark, dancing shadows. Cautiously, he crawled through moist, slippery mud and…