Walton Merritt

The hall where everything still waits I missed my train. Not because I was delayed—just hesitated.

The landing smelled of boiled cabbage and old wiring—that familiar evening scent seeped through door

The air was thick that morning, not just quiet—taut, sticky, like the pause before a storm.

**Monday, 15th March – Before It’s Too Late** Edward sat on the bench at the bus stop, watching cars

Shadows in the Kitchen When Oliver found a slice of pear cake on the kitchen table for the third time—one

Stevens arrived at the factory when winter’s first frost gripped the air. No one knew where he’d come from.

In the Crowded Nest “Emily, don’t make a fuss—just squeeze in a little. She’s your own sister,”

**The Fur Coat** — Well, I’m off… Emily. — Go on, then. — I’m leaving, Emily, d’you hear? — Just go

**The Inevitable Choice** Emily flinched at the sharp shout: “Oi, you little pest!”

The Window Where No One Waits Anymore He didn’t sense it at first, but deep down, something felt off—like