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A total of 27 entries were received. While I was not particularly looking for something short and snappy, a few entrants rambled on a bit with unnaturally long sentences. Murder and Divorce were popular topics and that was fine, but my eyes glazed over when I read the third suicide tale. The following seven entries, in no particular order, make the Shortlist and go forward for final judging.
First Meeting by Rose Moulding
The Jump by Susan Jane Jones
Hopeless by Tracy Fells
Puppy Love by Graham hawes
Perfect Murder by Sally Jenkins
The Wedding Dress by Jayne Fallows
Aliens by Mike Jackso
The three winning entries, in no particular order, are as follows:
THE JUMP by Susan Jane Jones, Warwickshire
"We're in this together, no going back?" Danella nodded, Shaun gripped her hand and closed his fingers round hers extra tight as the duo held their breath and each others gaze preparing for the inevitable. Regardless of the aftermath, counting loudly, "one, two, three." Splash - screams followed by giggles as the gigantic puddle soaked the pair, drenching brand new uniforms, as muddy water trickled down their feet.
PERFECT MURDER by Sally Jenkins, West Midlands
The barbiturates had made him sleepy so Edgar didn't resist as Celia forced the lethal weapon between his ribs. There was a gurgling noise from within his throat as she hit her target and his head lolled backwards on to the arm of the settee. George would provide her alibi and, after a suitable time, they would marry and splurge Edgar's life insurance on holidays and high living. No need to worry about fingerprints - the fatal icicle, sharpened to a piercing point, would have melted long before the police arrived.
FIRST MEETING by Rose Moulding, Birmingham
Today I am going to meet his parents. Nervousness bites at my body as I smooth down my dress. "Your son has given me a new lease of life," I say when we meet. I touch my hand to my chest, thinking of the lung that beats beneath, and whisper a thank you as his coffin is lowered into the ground.
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