WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE
‘A Woman, a Dog, a Walnut Tree…
Flash Fiction by Vanessa Couchman
The harder you hit ’em, the better they be.’ Thomas took another swig of ale and
belched. ‘But we don’t have a dog or a walnut tree, so I have to make do with you.’
He chuckled, drawing back his lips over blackened teeth.
Margaret sighed as she prepared their meal. It always started like this. The first
tankard made him merry. The second damped down his good humour and he cast
her glowering looks. After the third, she had to watch out for his fist, which thudded
into her head when she least expected it.
At the market, Ruth had come up and searched her face. ‘Where did you get that
bruise, my love?’
Margaret pulled he "