Di's entry:
She was cold, wet, scared and hungry. Her search had taken all day yet she was still walking – searching in the freezing night rain for a dry place now they had thrown her out. Her belly was dragging down, heavy under its growing weight. Although her first pregnancy, she knew her time would be soon and longed for a safe place to rest.
Looking up at the night sky, she caught sight of lighted windows just across an open field. Oh how she wished she was indoors and out of the lashing rain. Afraid, but driven on by nature’s command, she headed for the light.
As she was crossing the field, Brother James had begun lighting the chapel candles ready for compline. He moved slowly on his old legs, taking time to go through the familiar ritual. Eventually all was completed to his satisfaction and he nodded to the empty oak benches as he backed out through the door to the sacristy.
The wall to his right was flanked by tall oak cupboards, one door standing slightly ajar. Brother James knew the hinges were a little lax and that door would often swing open, so he put his hand out ready to close it. A rustling sound within made him stop. Rats? He mouthed a short prayer for heavenly assistance as he opened the door further to peer inside carefully.
Looking down, he could just see the mother and, keeping close, her mewing kittens nestling in a fallen robe. The diminutive tabby cat looked up at him unable to move, her ears erect and her eyes wide in terror.
"How did you get in here?" the man said quietly. She knew from his voice, its tone soft and kind, that her tiny family would be safe.
Christine's entry:
I smile fondly and slow down as my cottage comes into view. My three city girlfriends – who frown on my rural isolation – are coming for lunch. How can they possibly fail to be seduced by the tranquillity, the views, the wildlife?
I put the fresh strawberries from the farm shop on the kitchen table and take the dish of canapés into the lounge.
As I set it down on the coffee table a creepy sense of restless agitation makes me turn round in alarm. I stare into a pair of puzzled, unblinking, steely eyes. For one out-of-time moment nothing makes sense and I’m seized by an icy panic.
Then common sense kicks in.
I put on a conciliatory smile and move slowly towards the big, black bird perched on the fender of my fireplace.
“How did you get in here?” I purr. “Don’t be frightened, I’ll help you.”
Another cautious step, and I bend down – hands outstretched. It blinks once, shedding its traumatic stupor, flaps its wings and takes off. I stumble back, showered with a chimney’s worth of soot. The crow hits the window, lands heavily on the windowsill, knocking over the gardenia, scattering compost.
A trail of soot and droppings marks its flight-path. I rush over and open the window.
“Get out!” I yell. But the crow dives back towards the fireplace, unconvinced by my friendly overtures.
I change my scarecrow tactics. Flapping my arms, I circle round the room, trying to usher it towards the window. I shake soot out of my hair and eyebrows and spot the bird on the bookshelf – watching me.
Seething with fury now I grab the poker and whooping savage war cries I lash out at the loathsome bird, ignoring the wreckage, intent only on winning the raging battle.
The doorbell rings.
Tara's entry:
My bad mood lifts as I climb out of my car and see Tina waiting for me in the doorway. She’s smiling, and if I’m not mistaken, she’s done something different with her hair.
“You look beautiful.” I say, kissing her and gently pushing her in the direction of the bedroom.
“Hey, slow down.” She laughs, firmly removing my hands from her body and leading me into the lounge instead.
I swallow the stab of disappointment and decide that it’s ok. I can wait. A few minutes anyway.
“So, how was your day?” she asks, genuinely concerned as she hands me a beer then opens one for herself.
I’d love to confide all about my day, but just don’t have time. If I’m not home by eleven tonight, there’ll be trouble. And because I left work late, it’s almost ten now.
“It was ok.” I mutter, “Come here, and let me hold you.” I’m aware that I sound like a desperate teenager, but just want her to hurry up.
Tina throws back her glossy, dark head and laughs good-naturedly. Finally, she comes to sit next to me on the sofa. I try to avoid looking over her shoulder at the clock. I’m aroused and ready for action. It’s only when I’ve taken off my trousers and shirt that I realise Tina is acting more coyly than usual tonight. She’s still fully clothed, a strange smile playing on her lips. God she’s sexy. I close my eyes and wait for the sweet seduction to begin. Nothing happens. After a few moments, I open my eyes again, only to find myself looking straight into the eyes of my wife, Emma.
“How did you get in here?” I splutter.
“Didn’t you expect me to have keys to my sister’s house?” Emma replies caustically.
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