In the bushes the sparrows busily chirrup and flit. Unconcerned by my presence. Indifferent to what shelters within the shadows. Oblivious to what is hidden and strains at the tether. Unscared even as I creep forward and reveal my trembling hands and fractured mind. Silent witnesses to an unfolding secret.

Matthew Shepherd lives in Essex in south-east England where he enjoys developing his creative writing, especially flash fiction and poetry.