Linda Mueller

Short stories 2024: Bittersweet Bubble O'Bill is my saviour. As I watch his strawberry, chocolate and caramel icecream face melt on the hot pavement my mind races back in time to high school. Year 9 cooking class to be precise. I had just topped my cake with strawberry cream and was taking it to the presentation table when Sally Hardes stepped into my path. Sally, the goth girl, the only one in school, long before being a goth was a thing.

She went to their bedroom and looked in, where he lay on top of the quilt in the middle of the bed. He looked as if he was just asleep so Rebecca said his name again. He did not stir. She wanted to tell them the truth but she had to try and face it herself first. One thing was certain. When the time came she was not going to hide behind euphemisms.