by Annie Percik
Also shortlisted in the 500-word short story competition were: Sharon Boyle, East Lothian; Michael Callaghan, Glasgow; Kevin Cheeseman, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire; Kath Delaney, Lancaster; Alyson Hilbourne, Penrith, Cumbria; Sophie Holland, Bristol; Vanessa Jarrett, Lymington, Hampshire; Kerry Jeffs, Framlingham, Suffolk; Pat Metcalfe, New Mills, Derbyshire; Alexandra Nicholson, Weymouth, Dorset.