Hello, and welcome to Drabbletober. This is episode 25, for Friday the 25th of October 2024.

5 Phoenix Court

by Elizabeth Guilt

As Mara leaves the station, she can smell smoke. She hears the sirens before she's halfway up the hill.

She checks the little group huddled on the pavement. The Barries, the Patels. The old man from 2 is sitting on the wall, the new couple are holding their screaming baby. Mrs Delamere is still in Egypt.

Everything she owns is burning. Piles of unread books, cupboards full of childhood treasures she can't give away, wardrobes stuffed with vintage clothes. Letters from old lovers, inherited paintings, paperwork, electronics, furniture...

In the flickering light, Mara dances. She has never felt so free.