Christine has been writing poetry and prose for many years and is widely published both nationally and internationally. She has performed her work at the Cheltenham Poetry Festival and the Cheltenham Literature Festival, and pre-pandemic she regularly read on local radio. She is delighted that her story has been chosen as a winner.
I remember that Friday particularly. I’d set the table and buttered the bread ready for when mum got in. I’m allowed to do that, but she always says to wait until she gets in before putting the kettle on. I’d even done some of my homework, which she’d be pleased about. When I heard her key, I felt that happy flutter in my stomach which I always get when I know she’s home safely.
‘Hello, Sam. How was school?’ She sounded different somehow and when I looked I saw that she was smiling. She hadn’t looked this happy for ages. It made me feel good and I went over and hugged her.
‘School was fine.’ Is everything ok, mum?’
‘I’ve got a surprise for you,
