Very short stories #27

This weekend was when the clocks went forwards in the UK, marking the start of British Summer Time. It seems only a couple of weeks ago I was having to mind ice on the pavements while walking to work. But we’ve had snowdrops and crocuses and now daffodils, so I guess spring really is here 🙂

With more frequent commuting to work, I’m reading more books. Perhaps I’m also getting better at picking books I stick with through to the end. Here are my reviews since last time.

Death in Delft: (Master Mercurius Mysteries, #1) by Graham Brack
Kingdom of Thorns: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling by Katherine Macdonald
Juniper Bird: A Novella by Patricial Correll
Mary Bennet and the Bingley Codex by Joyce Harmon
Tuyo by Rachel Neumeier
Riviera Gold by Laurie R. King

And now for a few very short stories from last November.

curious

“Typical,” grumbled Bob to his mates. “First night out for months and our house was burgled.”
“Bummer,” said Jim. “You’d been going on about it for ages.”
“Got all our cash. What are the odds?”
Andy stroked his fat wallet. “How curious. I was out last night too.”

frozen

As his partner arrived on the snowy hilltop, the warrior scowled. “I’m frozen! What kept you?”
“Them.” The panting thief waved at the pursuing mob. “They have flaming torches as well as pitchforks. I’m sure that’ll warm you up.”

excited

After strapping himself in, the pilot smiled indulgently at his passenger. “Excited?”
“Ooh, yes! It’s my first flight in a two-seater.”
“What a coincidence. Mine too.”

vote

Dismounting, the warrior opened the saddlebags. “Split three ways?”
“No way. I took the greatest risk,” said the thief.
“Huh,” said the mage. “Do you know how much Haze of Invisibility components cost?”
“Guys, I get the casting vote,” said the horse, bolting.

pine

Years after his abrupt disappearance, a letter arrived. It simply read, “Don’t pine for me.”
My spine chilled. Not only at the knowledge of my new address, but it must have been sent from beyond the grave.
I should know.

miniature

“Wow!” The thief’s eyes were avid.
“Miniature people?” The warrior stooped.
“Ornaments, silly. In gold.”
“Odd how they’re stood there on the rug.”
The thief stepped forwards. “A pity to melt them—”
“Hey, that one looks like you! Oh. Where’d he go?”

aroma

He poured. “Cream?”
“Beware!” whispered the aroma of bitter almonds.

That’s all from me for now. For those of you who have Easter events coming up, I hope they go well 🙂