Phrase Writers Group

At every U3A (University of the Third Age) Creative Writing meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

This week's subject -- Evidence

Friends donated their (first) names

EVIDENCE

“The wicked witch will never know” sneered Susie, clutching their neighbour’s prize-winning strawberry plant, laden with luscious fruit. Susie stamped on the strawberry patch, giving an impression of a larger heavier thief.

Hugh was increasingly troubled by his twin sister’s antics towards Tobiah, their neighbour. Then again those strawberries looked a treat.

Meanwhile Tobiah was discussing setting up a Neighbourhood Watch. Her husband Jeremy had heard it all before. His wife was loving and generous. Could have been so different given her first marriage and subsequent experiences. The people next door seemed decent enough but somehow their young children delighted in winding up his wife.

They wandered into the garden.

“Look at my strawberries” wailed Tobiah. The centrepiece had been untidily removed, with deep footprints all around.

“Looks like your garden rivals have been at work” remarked Jeremy.

Tobiah shook her head. “No, it’s a child’s shoe size, just pressed down hard”.

She sadly shrugged. “We know who did it. Just need evidence”.

Susie and Hugh’s parents were enjoying their regular mid morning cuppa.

“The kids brought us breakfast in bed” he said. “They’ve learned what we like. And spent extra time removing the pith from the oranges. I think they’ve moved on from their time with you in the Women’s Refuge. So have I; my life started when I met you”.

She smiled. “Why don’t we invite the neighbours round for a BBQ? Lots of people in the street to chat to. Incidentally, I heard in confidence from my Refuge that Tobiah buys Easter eggs for everyone, residents and staff, each year”.

“We chose the right area to settle in” he said. “I’ll start checking local butchers for BBQ meats”.

Outside a guilty Hugh happily noshed on his strawberry.

“It’s a good life” he said. “So much better than that place we lived in with Mum, before she met Dad. Though I did love the Easter eggs. Large and gooey, yum”.

“Our neighbour would never understand” said Susie. “Lovely house and garden, husband waiting on her, everything she wants but does not need. She deserves everything we take from her. We deserve it”.

Hugh looked at his sister. She didn’t look happy. ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks’ a quote he remembered from watching David Tennant playing Hamlet.

“I overheard Tobiah and her husband the other day. They’re planning Easter eggs for the place we lived in. It’s summer, they thought it a nice surprise”.

“So she bought all those Easter eggs for us” stammered Susie.

She hugged her brother, tears streaming.

Later the twins watched some boys playing football in the street, the heavy ball repeatedly hitting Tobiah’s pristine patched-up Porsche.

“Stop that” shouted Susie, “that’s our neighbour’s car”.

The boys sprinted off, leaving the ball behind in their haste.

Susie saw Jeremy in his garden and they waved, exchanging smiles.

Then Susie sensed rather than saw Tobiah, who noted the ball-shaped hollows on her car and had a grim grin.

“At last you little brat. Heavy dents”