A tailor and a goldsmith were traveling together, and one evening when the sun had sunk behind the mountains, they heard the sound of distant music, which became more and more distinct. It sounded strange, but so pleasant that they forgot all their weariness and stepped quickly onwards. The moon had already arisen when they reached a hill on which they saw a crowd of little men and women, who had taken each other's hands, and were whirling round in the dance with the greatest pleasure and delight.

I creep into the back of the church, hoping that no-one will notice me.

The church is decrepit and cold, decay dripping from its pores. My eyes focus on the coffin, perched there in awesome desolation. Was it only three weeks . . .

IT’S coming up to a year since I first met Joseph.

I had been briefed of course, all terribly top secret, but when I entered his room I had no idea what to expect, this was new territory for me – and for everybody else of course.

by Patrick O’Connor

DAN slumped down on the seat next to the old lady who was staring keenly out towards the vast expanse of green grass.

He didn’t think he’d ever seen grass cut so neatly, laid out in precise, differently shaded squares.

The Perfect Date

by Patrick O’Connor

“OH my God! Oh my God!”

That was Claire’s usual reaction to most things. Even if someone brought her a cup of coffee she would exclaim loudly: “Oh my God, that’s so nice. Oh my God, thank you.”

Having a Laugh

by Patrick O’Connor

HE was falling. Not flying, falling. No wings, just outstretched arms desperately seeking something to hold on to.

Below him was a big black hole. He was falling towards it and he was screaming. Screaming so loud that he thought his lungs would burst. But the fall went on and on and there didn’t seem to be an end to it.