Uncle George lived in a tall white house, with a fig tree orchard out the back. When we visited, he would make ice cream sundaes from scratch, layering vanilla ice cream, almonds, homemade chocolate sauce, and topping with a maraschinoRead more…
When you come back
Ten years ago we watched the violent pink light of a rocket disappear into a crimson sky from the creaky porch of our parents’ home. We knew then that you’d be leaving us soon. That the blazing trail of aRead more…
The Penguin and the Albatross
She waited for him in her car and watched his long legs lumber down the driveway. It had only been a few days since she last saw him and she felt nervous. She didn’t know what to expect; would heRead more…
Get me away from here, I’m dying (Pakenham)
This new family that mum had romanticised in her mind, was a rough enmeshing of two fractured groups of people who should’ve stayed away from each other. It consisted of Mum, my alcoholic stepdad, my shard-smoking eighteen-year-old brother, my stepdad’sRead more…
Stirring the batter: an anxious child bakes a cake
A story about women, cooking, and emotional deprivation In my childhood home the kitchen was forbidden. What went on in there to create food was somewhat of a mystery to me. I was aware that pots and pans were involvedRead more…