Tannenbaum

It's dark and magical, with no light whatsoever apart from the colourful glisten of tiny lights. I sit on the floor with my knees raised, and fantasise about the miniature fairy perched on top coming to life. As in a festive film, I could secretly befriend her, and steal some of her valuable time for myself. I am absolutely certain that we will have so much in common, kindred spirits, in fact. Now, though, I notice that she is nothing more than a doll, a trinket, a decoration, and that this was all in my head. No, it's not the fairy but the tree himself who is coming to life, gradually sprouting limb-like tufts, and slowly, but very surely approaching me.

A man walking his dog

Going for a stroll, a man and a dog.
As the weather worsens, the dog's lead gradually disappears, and before the man's very eyes, the dog becomes a floating, flitting plastic carrier bag. It continues to follow him attentively, and the stroll is continued.

In the garden, in the garden

Monday
Girl: There are two foxes in the garden, there are two foxes in the garden!

Tuesday
Girl: There are two foxes in the garden, there are two foxes in the garden!

Wednesday
Girl: There are two foxes in the garden, there are two foxes in the garden!

Sunday
Girl: There are two children in the garden!
Boy: You're fox-mad, you are!

I took their flack

They crept in behind me. I was intimidated by them as they were bullies, so I let them go ahead with their business, party business. Drinking business. Laughing business. Being sick business, all over the floor and the walls and the entire place. Cat business, many many forbidden cats. But I let them. I had no choice. I knew it would all end in tears.

And it did when she returned, fuming, and I had no choice but to claim them as my friends. I made their excuses, I took their flack. And they left, elated and floating in party business, while my world crashed down. They had forgotten their cats, though, and to clean up the sick. She and I scrubbed with soapy sponge as the cats of all shapes and sizes (lots were as small as insects) rubbed against our ankles.

Then the ringleader of those who meant business returned, pleasant and apologetic, which I accepted graciously. Until my beloved pet mouse was grabbed, and its feeble head torn from it's tiny body.

'Just to let you know what will happen to you if you damage or lose any of my miniscule, or otherwise, kitties'.

The Manager

The Manager takes the stage. The office workers are the audience. The Manager delivers a long, inspirational speech. But he is mute. Noone can hear him and nothing is coming out. Yet his disciples cheer with passion at every pause. The muted Manager demonstrates his silent plans, projections and figures. At the end, he grins successfully. The audience look to each other, enlightened. It's time for the big one, the last hoorah! Everyone claps and roars with cheer. But their applause is inaudible. All gone.

A Kiss

A boy and a girl sit on the sofa, kissing passionately, but not making any physical contact apart from with their lips. In the girl's hand, clutched tightly, is a disposable razorblade.

A night at a four star hotel