Diversity: A Colourful Collection of Short Stories

By Monique Gliozzi

Diversity is a delightful collection of short stories taking the reader on a charismatic adventure mixed with suspense, drama, and even humour.

A close shave with death in The Twin, a humorous account of the stubborn character in The Mask, the romantic and comical rendezvous of Burning Love, the ghostly memories of the El Caballo Inn, and so much more!

Gliozzi's exploration of diverse themes invites us to experience and acknowledge the colourfulness of life itself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Oct 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228831235

Monique Gliozzi

Born in Dublin, Dr Monique Gliozzi, a graduate from the University of Western Australia medical school, has a keen interest in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She works as a psychiatrist in Perth, with ties to the UWA School of Psychiatry, where she has had a role as a Senior Clinical lecturer. Her love for teaching has granted her a nomination for an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.Monique also holds an interest in aviation. She trained at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, where she obtained a commercial pilot licence. Following this, Monique completed her instructor rating and is now working on a casual basis as a senior flight instructor.Monique has only recently rekindled her passion for writing starting with the fictional thriller, Foresight.

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Diversity

Copyright © 2020 by Monique Gliozzi

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-3122-8 (Hardcover)

978-0-2288-3121-1 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-3123-5 (eBook)

Disclaimer

While some themes in this book may be based on real events, the following stories are fictitious. Certain long-standing institutions, public offices and agencies are mentioned, but the characters involved are entirely imaginary. Any resemblance to actual persons living or deceased is entirely coincidental.

Diversity is a delightful collection of short stories taking the reader on a charismatic adventure mixed with suspense, drama and humor.

There is something for everyone in this collection. Whether it’s a close shave with death in The Twin, a humorous account of the price of stubbornness in "The Mask, the power of romance in Burning Love or the ghostly memories of The El Caballo Inn", Gliozzi’s exploration of diverse themes invites us to experience and acknowledge the colorfulness of life itself.

Other Published Titles by Monique Gliozzi:

Foresight

Hunted

Vestige

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my gratitude to the following people who have helped me create and publish my first and subsequent novels, including Diversity:

Alexandra Davies, my editor, who taught me the art of simplicity for the creation of suspense.

Tim Lindsay, CEO and founder of Tellwell Publishing, Philip Gray (publishing consultant), Katie Hennessey (marketing consultant) and their team who have worked tirelessly on all four projects.

Ruth Callaghan, a dear family friend and journalist, who pointed me in the right direction during my journey as an author.

My French brother in-law, Count Patrice Cognard and his wife Countess Maria Claudia Cognard, for their unique ideas regarding the promotion of my work.

My parents and Goddaughter Dalia, for making this latest project a real adventure.

Finally, to all the avid readers of fiction who continue to inspire today’s authors.

Thank you!

Monique

Dedication

To my family, friends and avid readers

With love

Quote

In truth we talk only to ourselves, but sometimes we talk loud enough that others may hear us.

—Kahlil Gibran

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

Acknowledgments

Dedication

Quote

Burning Love

The El Caballo Inn

Roller Girl

Operation Snowflake

The Gondolier

Parasomnia

The Unimaginable

Bargaining With Death

Strapped To A Handsome Stranger

The Villa

The Mask

Exposed

The Twin

A Smart Move

Chicken Little

Bird Of Paradise

A Peculiar Refreshment

Pkv-20

The Good Samaritan

Inspiration

The Expectation

The Weight Of The World

Champagne Cocktail

The American Singer

A Simple Poem

Burning Love

Sal paced himself as he jogged his usual fifteen miles on a fresh autumn morning in San Francisco. After seeing both his parents succumb to heart disease due to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, he concluded that exercise was key to staying in good physical condition. Reaching the gate of the small cottage he was renting, he habitually took note of his pulse rate. Perfect! he thought, satisfied with its steady characteristics.

Then, on the small porch, he noticed a parcel leaning against the front door. Sal knew exactly what it was. After picking it up, he read the label: Mr. Salvatore Cometti. Its postal marks were from Japan.

Finally, the long-awaited traditional Japanese frying pan had arrived. Excited, Sal let himself into his home and made a beeline for the kitchen, where, with the aid of scissors, he opened the package.

He carefully placed the frying pan on the counter then stood back in awe. It was rectangular in shape, made of iron and with a smooth base. The wooden handle was light brown, complementing the long chopsticks that accompanied it. Sal had seen a video on YouTube on how to prepare tamagoyaki, a fluffy, multilayered Japanese omelet. It was something he’d been wanting to make for Yui, his Japanese girlfriend of four months. Reaching for his iPhone, he called her.

Hi, Yui, he greeted as soon as she answered. How are you?

Well, thanks, and you?

Just great. Remember that special frying pan I ordered several weeks ago? Sal asked.

Yes.

Well, it’s here! How about I make tamagoyaki for you tonight? he asked, hoping Yui would accept the invitation and share his enthusiasm. She did, and, content with the outcome, he was left with the task of arranging a romantic evening. He reminisced about how they had met. Yui had arrived late for a cooking class where both were trying to learn the basics of French cuisine. Sal stood alone at one of the tables, so instinctively she buddied with him. A brief smile and softly spoken words were all it took for a connection.

There was plenty of time to prepare, but he wanted this night to be magical and unforgettable, so after checking the weather forecast for the evening, he decided they’d dine on the small balcony of the second floor.

Sal studied his reflection in the mirror before placing the final touches on creating a romantic ambience. He’d set the table on the small balcony and was opening a bottle of chilled Kyoto sake when the doorbell sounded. His heart fluttered.

Welcome! he announced, embracing her. Come in. He took her hand and led her to the kitchen. Yui looked stunning in a traditional kimono.

I thought I’d dress up for the occasion, since you’re using traditional Japanese cooking utensils, she giggled. Sal moved toward her and kissed her on the cheek. She blushed.

You look absolutely stunning, he complimented. Sake? he asked. Yui nodded.

They drank in silence, listening to the soothing music of Enja, a collection of tunes that he had carefully chosen for the evening.

Ok, he said after a moment, let me start by making a quick salad for us before making the omelet. Yui watched as he skillfully used the chopsticks to make dinner as he’d seen on the video clip. She poured them both another round of rice wine, feeling very blessed that they’d met. The music filled an already harmonious atmosphere, leaving little room for words.

"Voila!" Sal announced with a French intonation. After sliding the omelet onto the chopping board, he divided it in half and placed each piece on a separate plate, garnishing it with spring onions and shavings of pickled ginger. Yui helped him carry the food to their little paradise on the balcony.

Here’s to you, my sweet, and to the magical omelet pan, Sal toasted, raising his small Japanese porcelain cup. Yui smiled back, acknowledging his efforts.

It’s delicious! she remarked on her first mouthful. They ate and made small talk, until, having finished the meal, Sal proposed they climb onto the roof and watch the stars.

Here, let me go first then I can pull you up, he volunteered, climbing the tiny rusty ladder bolted to the side of the house from the second floor to the rooftop. Now, they sat side by side, arms around each other, enjoying the serenity and celestial view.

I bought some green tea ice cream, but the night is young so I figure we can have that later if you wish.

No rush, she replied dreamily. Several minutes had passed when Yui suddenly became distracted. Do you smell that? she asked, tilting her nose upward and sniffing the air.

Yeah, I do. It’s your perfume, Sal replied, moving in for a kiss.

I’m serious. She pulled away from him. It smells like burning rubber. Yui got to her feet.

I don’t smell anything. It’s probably nothing.

I’m serious, Sal, she repeated, more firmly this time. There was no point arguing, he could see, so he helped her back onto the balcony. Once inside the cottage, Sal knew Yui was right – something was amiss. A haze filled the air. Cautiously and with trepidation they moved toward the kitchen, terrified by the unfolding scene.

A rip-roaring fire had engulfed almost the entire kitchen, its high flames crackling and blocking the entry to the living area. Black toxic smoke traveled through the house. Coughing, Sal and Yui hastened back to the balcony where they gasped for air.

What the hell happened? she asked, catching her breath. Did you leave the stove on?

No. I mean, I don’t think so.

Sal pulled out his iPhone and dialed 911, noticing smoke starting to creep up the side of the building as he explained the situation. After a few minutes, reassured help was on the way, he turned to speak to Yui, only to find that she was curled on the ground, her porcelain complexion now sallow.

Yui! What’s up? He shook her, but barely got a response. The smoke was getting thicker on the balcony.

Shit! he