DECEMBER 5 2013: FESTIVE CLEANING? Or HUMBUG?

DECEMBER 5 2013: FESTIVE CLEANING? Or HUMBUG?

Helen Laycock

Dead Silence

Cappuccino, effusive with froth, from a permanently gurgling machine

He was such a grouch.

            Sitting in that wing-back with his broadsheet whilst she padded around in slippers… shushing her as she struggled to emit the tiniest spritz of Pledge… tutting as she slapped the cushion she wished was Harry. Those grooves between his eyebrows like sunken staples…

            The corners of his mouth looked as though they had been caught on fishing line.

 Agnes brandished the duster feverishly across the mantelpiece and sang. Loudly.

            Whoops!

            Once she had picked up the pieces of the urn, Agnes watched Harry swirl inside the drum of the vacuum cleaner.

            ‘Bloody racket!’ she mimicked.

About the Author

Helen Laycock has written two contrasting collections of short stories: Peace and Disquiet and Light Bites she is working towards compiling three more. She also has work included in: One Word Anthology.

One of her stories recently reached the shortlist of the final three at The Ryedale Book Festival and she has enjoyed success in many other writing competitions, both for short stories and poetry. Helen also writes children’s fiction and has completed eight mystery/adventure books for 7 – 12-year olds. These and books of humorous poetry for both adults and children can be found on her Author Page. Helen Laycock has had several pieces featured on CafeLit.

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