Iain Kelly's Blog, page 25

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT

‘I beg your pardon?’ I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard. Who did this impertinent little person think they were? ‘I was just wondering if it wasn’t best to just admit we got it wrong?’ ‘Who are you?’ ‘Erm, I’m Nigel Billingsworth.’ I waited for him to say more. ‘Public Relations Assistant.’ Another pause. ‘Culture … Continue reading WITH ALL DUE RESPECT

THE BRIDE’S PARENTS

Agnes was getting all the sympathy. Each friend that popped round to see her with flowers and fruit and chocolates gave Archie the same look – a shake of the head, a sigh and raised eyebrows. True, Agnes had her ankle strapped up and needed crutches to get around (although Archie was sure she was … Continue reading THE BRIDE’S PARENTS

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINNESOTA

He blew breathe from his mouth and watched the vapor drift away. His gloved hands were shoved deep into the pockets of his coat and his chin hunched down under the scarf wrapped around his face. He stamped his feet and the soles of his boots crunched on the frozen ground. ‘Anything?’ the receiver crackled … Continue reading INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MINNESOTA

THE ROAR OF THE CROWD

Hushed anticipation. He lined up the free-kick. This was it. His chance. He pictured it in his mind. The flight the ball would take as it left his foot. The swerve and arc that would send it right into the top corner of the goal. The net billowing and straining to contain the power. A … Continue reading THE ROAR OF THE CROWD

THE VACCINE DILEMMA

‘It’s a paradox, this vaccine. I don’t trust them, I don’t want to get it. But the only way I can stop them controlling my life is by letting them inject me with it.’ ‘That’s not a paradox.’ ‘Yes it is. The only way I can stop them controlling my life is if I do … Continue reading THE VACCINE DILEMMA

PARADOX

Two new hips and knees. A hair transplant. New skin. A bionic liver. A new kidney. My third heart. I went through the list in my head. Immortality came at a cost. There wasn’t much of my original body left, the one I was born with. But looked the same as I did when I … Continue reading PARADOX

THE OPPRESSED

The rain poured down. It was freezing. We stood around waiting. There came the fanfare and we all looked towards the balcony. He appeared, his arm raised, a smile on his face. He was surrounded by acolytes, the same people who had days ago been denouncing him on all media outlets. ‘Hail to the King! … Continue reading THE OPPRESSED

THE TRITE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS

10.57 – Pitch Meeting. Christmas Marketing Strategy for a leading supermarket. ‘Right, let’s hear your ideas.’ ‘A time to be with loved ones, especially this year.’ ‘A bit obvious.’ ‘Great food. Good times.’ ‘Very trite.’ ”Helping You Save Their Christmas’. You know, the parents are superheroes saving it for the kids.’ ‘Stealing Santa’s thunder a … Continue reading THE TRITE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS

BLACK WIDOW

She had spent the entire afternoon lying in the sun. She had chosen her most provocative bikini, the one that left little to the imagination. Her long, bronze legs shimmered. When she lay on her front she undid the strings of her top and let them fall to the side. She had seen him watching … Continue reading BLACK WIDOW

THE RACE

Rain batters off the window. I lie in bed listening to it. It is my favourite sound, until I remember I have to get up and go out. I get up and pull on layers of clothing. Definitely a day for a hat and jacket and gloves. Then into the car, with just a piece … Continue reading THE RACE