short-story – Alisha Dempsey

April 7, 2026

Short Story: Fifteen Minutes

Fifteen Minutes I’d waited ages for that night – a general hum of excitement started in my local book group on Facebook, and soon we’d organised a small event. It’s nothing many people would call ‘interesting’ – one of my favourite authors was releasing a new book, Anna, so I’d posted trying to gauge general interest.…

Short Story: ANNA

ANNA She awoke, dreary, on the towpath of a wooded area, her hands and shirt stained with blood. Anna wearily made her way to an upright position, careful not to topple over. She was weak – and she had no recollection of how or why she was here. The young woman donned her weekday work…

Short Story: The Black Canvas

The Black Canvas As I push aside the heavy, oak door, I hear the creaking of the hinges attempting to support its weight. The mid afternoon sun cascades into the room like a floodgate opening, and particles of dust are kicked up by the slow draft of wind that joins it. The scent of decay…