Through the fug, I look up at the multi-coloured squares of fabric pillowing down from the ceiling of my basement bedroom den. I float and swirl from the joint. Battling the haze, I become aware of my arm being softly stroked.Phillipa and I have been soulmates on our course for nearly three years, not that we see much of each other. She misses more lectures than she makes, but she is a great study mate, her raw intelligen...

 I was feeling sore, maybe that’s why I left my bedroom door ajar. I knew I didn’t have her, wouldn’t have her. A mere plaything to be erotically toyed with, but not to be let inside her.It was exciting leaving the door an inch open. Seonaid was only in the next room of our shared house. She was the only one likely to notice. Certainly the only one likely to understand. She had been crying for three weeks now, ever since...

Hello, Jane here. It’s Saturday morning and I’m running round as usual doing all the old dears’ hair ready for their weekly big night out. Mrs Jordan is 92 and I have just put her under the dryer and she has fallen straight asleep. I need to keep on top of all my hairdressing appointments today, as Mr J is coming to visit tonight. The text message came in yesterday, fancy a visitor? And I do fancy this particular visitor...