Stoke
Stories
The following stories were submitted to our sister website, toowrite.com. They were written by people from Stoke or are about Stoke itself.
The Ageing Process
Author:
A Riley
of Stoke
She felt tired all over her frail old body. Yes, she was old, no getting away from the fact, but she wished they wouldn't keep referring to the ''Ageing Process''.
Read the full story here
Why?
Author:
Kenn Griffiths
of Stoke
I watched in disbelief as he entered the house. Moments later a black taxi arrived and carried him away. Realising that he'd defected, I rang off a volley of shots, but to no avail.
Read the full story here
Imagine
Author:
June Burnett
of Stoke
At the Christmas party John wrote a short version of Cinderella. I was the only girl with the courage to appear in a black basque with a pink nylon negligee and a pair of directoire knickers over my own, which I was to lose on the palace steps.
Read the full story here
Anthony's Story
Author:
David Hughes
of Stoke
During the two years of tests, anyone of them could have proved that I would not be a suitable donor, which is why I didn't tell Anthony what was happening, because if I had, and I then got turned down as a donor, Anthony would have known that that was a death sentence for him.
Read the full story here
Tummy Bugs
Author:
John Statham
of Stoke
Prescriptions were written... drugs purchased... pills administered... and within a few days my new wife was no longer wondering if she would have to phone her mother-in-law to tell her that a few days of honeymoon had been fatal to her dearly beloved son.
Read the full story here
Sermons In Kerbstones
Author:
John Statham
of Stoke
It had to be a dismantling job, though it was not clear at first whether it would be the front porch or the chandelier that would have to give. The priest seemed to favour pulling down the doors, fearful for the safety of his glittering prize. His lay advisers waved pliers and screwdriver, less keen on demolishing the fabric of the building.
Read the full story here
Why Me?
Author:
E M Hatfield
of Stoke
Days and years flew by I stood out in all weathers. The worst time was November - I dreaded it. My spirit went down with the darkening days. I sighed with relief after Christmas, as I did not have to put the children across the road in the dark.
Read the full story here
A Self-Defeating Task
Author:
Patricia Sweet
of Stoke
I believe in mind over matter, but now I have to learn a new motto: never mind, it does not matter. Surviving from one feed to the next becomes the focus of my attention. I worry over how much milk she has consumed, how can I tell? My actions are centred on her, my timetable centres on her needs, her demands.
Read the full story here
Height Of Summer
Author:
Toby Penn
of Stoke
The summer was in its most vivid and devouring prime, it was only during this twilight period that we gained freedom from its ferocity and unyieldingness. I stepped lightly to avoid the sprinkled sunlight, hugging the shadow of the wall as if it were a protective cloak that I could cover myself with and feel safe.
Read the full story here
The Offer
Author:
Smiling Malcontent
of Stoke-on-Trent
A sudden depressing blow to your future is a tough thing to take at the best of times but having Dostoevsky’s Demons sardonically grinning at you in the reflection from your computer screen makes it just that touch harder to take.
Read the full story here