Clive Martyn

Gaston looked up from the caldron and smirked. The Master slept, his fat face and wide nose pointed up to the ceiling from his favourite armchair. He put down the long wooden spoon and rested his arms, after three hours they ached. He watched as black patches appeared on the potion’s surface and condensed into … Continue reading »

The warning sounded through the government installed App on everyone’s phone. The wave of noise caused panic. Everyone on the street stopped. People fell to their knees, others screamed. Cars skidded to a halt. The cacophony of sound became deafening as every TV and radio switched to the emergency broadcast and the new loudspeakers installed … Continue reading »

Valerie’s hand hovered over the door handle. There was only one rule in the house. Stay out of the studio. Every time Alex went away on one of his gallery tours or to a retreat, he would repeat the same words. “Stay out.” She had known he was private about his art when she had … Continue reading »

Angelina adjusted her name badge in the mirror and sighed. She gathered up her long hair into a pony tail and tried to ignore the grey that had sneaked into it, along with the lines around her eyes. She had used to fill her uniform but now it hung off her. She adjusted her bra. … Continue reading »

The first flower crept slowly upwards, pushing its way through the cold and sterile regolith. Its journey monitored daily by the patient, space suited scientists. When it broke through the surface it unfurled its small, perfect leaves and turned itself to the sky. Oblivious to the celebrations around it, its picture beamed instantly to news … Continue reading »

As Dwayne was being taken down to his parole board hearing, the alarm bells started to ring. The sound moved throughout the prison as the alert was raised and distant shouting became a drawn out scream. Officer Ginalli looked at Officer Branson. “What’s happening?” The radio crackled, “All officers to Cell Block C.” “Shit!” Branson … Continue reading »

It was mid-afternoon in June but the weather was as cold, grey and wet as winter. The trees arched overhead, their delicate hands interlacing, forming a rustling green tunnel which forced the path ahead into a patch of circular darkness. The dappled half-light made the concrete between the overgrown rubbish-strewn edges and tumble down walls … Continue reading »

Gladys looked out the window from her favourite chair in the dining room. Number 46 hadn’t brought out their bins yet. She tutted loudly. “Those coloured people haven’t brought out their bins. Going to miss the collection. Again! Going to leave their stinky rubbish out on the curb. Again.” Out of the corner of her … Continue reading »

I closed my eyes. Like a stubborn child I wanted to embrace the darkness that it offered; a brief respite from the terrible reality around me – engulfing me. I didn’t want to see the hearse ahead, the words spelt out in flowers, the wooden box cradled between polished silver clamps. If I couldn’t see … Continue reading »