Tag Archives: neighbor

JO WITHERS: Neighbourhood Watch

It happened occasionally, stray balls, wayward kites, but today was relentless.

Baubles in her birdbath, puddings thrown into petunias, tinsel in her tulips.

Angrily, she marched next door, demanded an explanation.

Guiltily, her neighbour’s boy confessed to everyone: “I hoped she’d come. She’s alone on Christmas Day. Can she stay?”

Jo Withers writes short stories and poetry from her home in South Australia. She wishes everybody a safe and happy holiday season.

Mr. Burnett picks up his newspaper from his doorstep, scans the picket-fenced street, then retreats inside.

He’s a respectable, decent man, I remind myself.

His wife, Helena, hasn’t been seen for several months. Visiting her sister in Wyoming, apparently.

This is suburbia. We go about our day, no questions asked.

Mark Towers writes children’s books, short stories and poetry.