The Lives of Strangers

A Collection of Stories from Storyoftheweek

THE STORIES vary in length and style to suit the time available to read and the mood you are in. Page numbers of the print edition are shown here to help you determine the length and reading time. The settings range from seaside towns to a Maltese spa and Egypt. The people are in different financial and social circles with different viewpoints and beliefs. It's time to meet some strangers, like George, man or cat, Raymond struggling with his sexuality at three stages in his life, even a Gestapo officer with a conscience, who acts on it. And then there's the unexpected speciality of the house. See if you can find him. The big question I like to ask is 'What would you do or want to do in their circumstances?' If you disagree with a viewpoint or action or if a story feels a little strange or uncomfortable, I want you to question yourself and your views. That sort of challenge doesn't happen in every story, some are sentimental, others just meant to amuse. Why not set aside a time each week and choose a story you have time to read and suits your mood. Think of giving this book to loved ones with the same advice and they may find the time in their busy lives to think kindly of you as they read. CANDIDATES A new teacher is to be appointed. Beth is a parent -governor who uses her unique gift to ensure that the right decision is made. CHOSEN A brief insight into male fantasy that ends when reality bites. EMMA The only thing people notice about Emma is her very odd hairstyle. She sits aloof outside the boss's office and is never invited into social circles of her colleagues. Only when it is too late do they find out why. GRAMPS Gramps personifies dignity in old age. Belinda marvels at the positive effect he has on her children and others as he keeps craft skills and the character of the fishing village alive in his workshop and café. JOE'S LAST CHANCE When Joe retreats to the healing waters of a spa in Malta for a winter break he feels he is on his last legs, but before long he seems to become an unlikely toy boy target for a series of women. MARNIE BEYOND DAHAB Marnie discovers too late that her Egyptian lover must give priority to his family's needs. MIDNIGHT ON THE BRIDGE It's been a long time since Iris left the village for city life, but on the day she returns she receives an intriguing invitation and takes a risk. MOODS' WINGS Jacko lives rough by the sea on the cold of the Lancashire coast with nothing but Mutt and freedom in his otherwise shitty life. Then a stranger intervenes. SEEING THINGS Susan thinks that Don is a backroom computer geek until she opens the newspaper and sees him in a car with a woman sprawled across him. SUMMER DOESN'T MEAN MUCH ANYMORE A reluctant Gestapo officer is instructed to take one action too far for his conscience. THE LIFE OF RAYMOND Raymond is tempted towards something alien to his nature. Or isn't it? Scenes of trepidation, duty and acceptance are set in 1955, 1960 and 2010. THE RETURN OF GEORGE It begins with a noise in the garden and ends with the need to prove the ability to live alone at home. TWO BY TWO A brief tale of a second wives' club.