Competition Thirteen Shortlisted: Quizmaster by Richard Hooton

QUESTIONS. The fewer Jessica can answer, the more they come.

Back when life was greener, he’d carved “Gaz loves Jess” into an oak with a penknife. She’d thought it terribly romantic. Now she worries the bark is scarred forever.

They met when Jessica poured him a Stella during quiz night. Gary made her laugh, made her sing, had all the right responses. Insisted on walking her home. Jessica let him in. Gary stayed. Then whisked her overseas to secure love locks to the Pont des Arts bridge, way before it became overbearing.

They’d curl kitten-snug on the futon, her legs tucked under his, and consume his favourite game shows. She’s sunk deeper into the foam, beneath the weight of him. Questions mounting. ‘Where?’ ‘When?’ ‘Who?’ His face hardening with every wrong answer.

It’s impossible, Jessica thinks, to pinpoint the exact moment when daylight turns towards darkness.

What to do?

Ask the audience? There’s only Smudge, who observes the explosions from a safe distance with a scientist’s gaze and treads just as softly around their home.

Gary sprawls. Jessica inches forwards. The futon creaks. Gaz is inked above her heart; Jess is scrawled on his bicep in a black font.

Phone a friend? Jane got too fed up at being let down. Claire’s too busy. Jessica hasn’t the words for Mother.

That new regular. Who took a shine to her over coffee. He didn’t pry. How do you discover without questions?

50/50? Toss a coin, let fate decide.

Jessica perches on the edge, like a kingfisher on a stem. The questions relentless, harder, more searching.

‘Why are the lifelines so limited?’ she asks. Gary just smirks.

That new guy’s a different equation. Seems sweet, easy to talk to. The way he looks at her.

What if he has answers?

Born and brought up in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Richard Hooton studied English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton before becoming a journalist and communications officer. He has had numerous short stories published and has won or been listed in various competitions. Richard lives in Mossley, near Manchester.

Image by Simon from Pixabay 

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