Daniel opened his bleary eyes to the mellifluous reverberation of his piano in the dark. It was a song he had not heard in a long time, but then, that was not the kind of music he usually played. He lifted his head to look at the bedside clock, which told him it was half-past […]

“What are you doing here?” The voice made Isabel jump. Looking behind, she found Brandon’s eyes trained on her, a deep frown on his brow. She had not heard him enter the barn, and her cheeks flushed at being caught. “Why are you here?” Rising from the floor, she discreetly tugged at the hem of […]

“Stop bouncing, Brandy. Dammit!” Nathan screeched exasperatedly. “I can’t fix your collar if you don’t stand still.” “I can’t wait to see her.” Brandon kept shifting his weight from one foot to the other, crumpling the necktie in his hand. “The town will hear her sing for the first time today. I can’t wait.” He […]

“They look morose,” Keith commented as he gazed at the four singers on the massive stage, who somewhat lacked the usual energy and enthusiasm. Looking up from the console, Isabel slid off the headphones. They had arrived in Dublin the previous night. For the next five days, they had performances, interviews, and rehearsals lined up, […]

Their Southwark apartment smelled of roses. Isabel watched Brandon clean up the table after dinner, before carrying the near-empty bottle of Zinfandel to the bathroom. She followed him to find several scented candles surrounding the hot tub, the light bouncing off the walls and creating a golden halo. In the quietness, she could hear her […]

She bit her lip, trying and failing to blink back the tears. “I’ve never vented like I did yesterday,” she murmured. “When I woke up at the crack of dawn today, I felt lighter than I ever have.” A small shiver ran down her body. “You’re a patient lad putting up with my baggage.” Taking […]

Isabel quietly held Brandon’s hand as they approached the Hawks Well Theatre. He looked down at her, and felt her stiffening by his side. There, in a spare room, the auditions were being held for the music concert. It was an annual concert, a talent platform for the local children. He had performed there in […]

Sundays were always the busiest at the restaurant. Not only did people come there to eat but also to meet friends and have a laugh. Since the opening hour, they had already sold a multitude of hamburgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and coffee. And it was only half-past ten in the morning, with the rest […]