Restitution

Colin Bridges and his wife Nancy sat on their horses surveying rich grasslands that not long ago had been dry desert. Once or twice in a generation weather pattern collided to produce that perfect storm series filling dry creek beds and rivers and providing hundreds of miles of flooding in this interior heartland of Australia. Most of central Australia being under sea level and normally … Continue reading Restitution

Sidney’s Coming of Age – Chapter 2

Facing the Challenge It was six months later, and student giants took note of these changes too. Sidney was still the city slicker softie to them but his change in body and confidence had them pondering their next move. The spokesperson approached him. “Bill wants to wrestle you at lunchtime, but I told him city kids are softies so he shouldn’t approach you or your … Continue reading Sidney’s Coming of Age – Chapter 2

Family Business – Chapter 3

Succession Plan Audrey and James were in their final year having commenced August and looking forward to finishing May next year and as it was customary to take time travelling abroad for a while before settling down to a career for those in the upper class of society James decided to use that transition period working at the Stewart plantation. His enthusiasm for that line … Continue reading Family Business – Chapter 3

Family Business – Chapter 2

Happy Celebration James was lost in thought as he pondered what he’d just said to Audrey’s father. Life in plantation production had been furthest in his mind when he came to spend thanksgiving with Audrey and her parents, but it looked appealing since visiting the citrus plantation briefly. His father had expectations he and his siblings would join his organization which consisted of engineering and … Continue reading Family Business – Chapter 2

Family Business – Chapter 1

Thanksgiving Cynthia Stewart busied herself around the kitchen organizing for the upcoming thanksgiving celebration with family. Her husband Albert tried his best to stay away from her during preparation for this event as she seemed to have no end of things for him to do on her husband-do list. Not that there was any serious tension between them. They’d been married now for a very … Continue reading Family Business – Chapter 1

Family in Crisis – Chapter 3

The Spy At the end of the second semester Zaid prepared to escort a batch of exchange students to Vanderbilt University in consultation with university administration and those who’d been student escorts in the past. He’d made copious notes as this was to be a venture, he had no prior experience with. The past months had been discouraging with no communications from his love Galisha … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 3

Family in Crisis – Chapter 2

Family Retribution “You want me to travel to the US?” Zaid sat in the chair with his mouth open in surprise processing what had been said. His friend smiled in recognition this would have been the last thing Zaid expected and waited patiently for Zaid’s response. “I’d welcome the opportunity sir though this being my first trip to the West I’m naturally nervous.” “All part … Continue reading Family in Crisis – Chapter 2

Life After Grief – Chapter 2

Happy Reunion “Cyn this is Pat Dermody. Your resort administration has directed me to your home, and I’ve been ringing the doorbell but no answer. Are you inside or out walking? They could not find you at the administrative center.” Cynthia laughed. She was pleased to hear Pat’s voice. Pat had been her bowling partner for several years before Pat’s husband was transferred to another … Continue reading Life After Grief – Chapter 2

Life After Grief – Chapter 1

Cyn’s Unhappy Retirement Cynthia had moved to the retirement resort soon after the death of her husband. They’d been married for fifty years, and that celebration had been graced by the attendance of family and friends they’d worked with and known for most of their married life. Knowing her husband Steve was soon to enter the final stages of cancer had cast a pall over … Continue reading Life After Grief – Chapter 1

Conflict on the Mountain

Manu sat at home thinking over his options. He was reluctant to leave this house his ancestors had put together collecting stones lying about in abundance in the rain channel. Most times a gentle stream supplied them with their drinking water and washing and cooking needs but when seasonal deluges hit these hills it became a raging torrent of water that scoured banks revealing stones … Continue reading Conflict on the Mountain