Walton Merritt

**The Puppy** Tom and his mum lived alone. His father existed, of course—though Tom didn’

The bus jolted over potholes. The driver swore under his breath, swerving around water-filled craters

**A Second Chance** “Jean, are you heading home?” Her colleague Emily tapped impatiently

**Diary Entry** *You know how he looks at you? With love and pure admiration,* my daughter said, clearly

Do you know how he looks at you? With love and admiration, declared her daughter, rather pleased with herself.

“Did she leave her child with me?” A wave of dread shot through Valerie, leaving her hot

Oliver sobbed when I mentioned the baby might not be his—I told him, *”At least it’

It was a dreary Tuesday morning, the sort that makes everything feel a bit more burdensome than usual.

Once upon a time, in a derelict cottage at the edge of a quiet English village, a young woman took up

“You’re a monster, Mum! People like you shouldn’t have kids!” Emma had always dreamed of