Atomic Anecdotes: Tiny Tales, #2

By G. D. Maher

So... you still think that you have no time to read? Allow me to change your mind.

 

Volume One brought you G.D. Maher's first hundred tales, now it's time to really get down to business.

One hundred drabbles. One hundred flashes of love, loss, seriousness, cheekiness and animal magic.

 

This collection of tales of incredible breadth and depth continues to be the perfect companion for fiction lovers, who enjoy a plot twist (yes, in one hundred words!).

So...the new question is... will you plough through the hundred, or savour each delicious bite?

• Language: English
• Publisher: G. D. Maher
• Release date: Sep 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393222170

G. D. Maher

As many authors before have said, G. D. Maher maintains that reading is for everyone, and anyone who says they don't like to read, simply hasn't found a book that speaks to them. The Tiny Tales Series is a collection of tantalising titbits covering a broad spectrum of topics and genres, and as each takes only a minute to read, there truly is something for everyone, no matter how little time there is. Adamant from her teens that she was going to be a high-flying corporate lawyer, a Bachelors degree in Law was obtained from the University of West of England, Bristol. This was not meant to be however, as she found her creativity choked to within an inch of its life. Going from a world where words were used like food on a buffet; excessively and unnecessarily, to one where individual words mattered, was certainly a challenge, but a welcome one. She has a fondness for tea in all its forms, as should any self-respecting creative. When not trying to cram her thoughts into one paragraph, she loves puzzles, crafting, comedy and coastal walks (as well as a fair amount of alliteration!) She lives and works out of her adopted home in Sydney, Australia with her husband.

Book preview

1

Clarity

"Congratulations on finding the

magic lamp. First wish please."

Excellent! I wish to be... aa...

I was instantly transported

to a tiny, cold coastal village.

Where am I?

"You’re in Aa, Estonia as requested.

Next wish please."

What? I didn’t... Wow. OK. Think hard. I wish for... hmmm...

The gospel choir whilst very uplifting,

was wholly out of place in this

sleepy little hamlet.

"I said hmmm not hymn,

and I wasn’t finished!"

My bad. Last wish please.

"Goodness me! I wish you would

just let me finish!"

As it turns out, heaven is not

as cold as I thought.

2

Hands Off

"Hands off! I am sick and tired of

you always stealing my food!"

"Seriously? This is the first thing I have

ever taken from you, you tight git."

Oh really...

Yeah.

"OK... cast your mind back to being

nine, when you coldheartedly stole

the handmade cookies made by my

grandmother from my lunchbox."

Nine! That was twenty years ago!

"OK. A more recent example then.

The pilfering of the cupcake

and soda from my pack."

When?

Year Six.

Seventeen years ago is not recent!

That's not the point, thief!

It's true what they say.

What?

A greedy elephant never forgets.

3

Memories

12 September 1960

"Excuse me miss. Sorry to interrupt.

I know I don’t know you, but I know

you are very special to me."

Well, aren’t you the little charmer,

she said with a glint in her eye.

What’s your name?

Malcolm.

"Well Malcolm, consider me

hook, line and sinkered."

12 September 2020

"Your face looks familiar.

What’s your name?"

Malcolm.

"Something makes me think you

are special to me Malcolm."

She said this every time.

He responded the same way every time.

Well my love, consider me hook, line and sinkered, he replied with a tear in his eye.

4

Iron Fist

The look in her victim’s eyes said it all.

She had won.

She ruled with an iron fist.

Mercy was not in her vocabulary.

Any last words? she purred.

Exhausted from the chase her victim

could do nothing but pant, their bloodshot eyes pleading for compassion.

Very well, her frustrations growled,

as she tightened her grip and

swung down on her prey.

A fortunate burst of energy manifested, and they were able to dart away unscathed.

"You will never escape the wrath of

Queen Clarissa. NEVER!"

Oh, for goodness sake Clarissa put the stick down and leave the dog alone!

5

The Performer

9pm. Showtime. Witching hour.

This is my time to shine.

The stage is cold, but my attire

makes pulses race hot.

Leather skirt (OK, pleather), sultry

stilettos (fine, stripper heels!) and a

perfected crimson pout.

Instantly a connoisseur asks the fee.

Quick show or full performance?

Full monty of course, responds

the baritone.

His voice sounds familiar, but the

dim streetlight keeps his velvet

voice hidden in shadow.

Tonight’s stage – an upmarket hotel.

A man of impeccable class and taste.

I follow in his wake, a familiar gait.

Finally, he turns to face me, light illuminating his features.

Uncle Pete!

6

Offal

"Welcome all to this month’s offal tasting. Suppliers have been scarce, but we have some delights for you. First, we have a

meaty heart, provided