2004 “There’s a job going in Islamabad,” I remarked. “It would be on promotion if I got it.” My wife frowned. “Pakistan?” “Yes. It’d be an amazing opportunity. You know I’ve always wanted to explore that part of the world.” I paused. “And there are fantastic trekking opportunities in the north–you know, the Pamirs and Himalayas. And I could travel the Karakoram Highway, following the old silk routes across the high passes...

Catherine The first time I saw Isabella, I was checking into Darwin Lodge. She was sat with an older man taking afternoon tea. Short black hair, olive skin and those dark, unfathomable eyes that made my heart flutter like hummingbird wings. My hand shook as I signed the hotel form. I was exhausted after the long flight, but I didn’t think that was the reason. I glanced at the girl again as she sipped from her cup. Her eye...

1986 is a year that lingers in the memory. In January, just 73 seconds after launch, the space shuttle Challenger disintegrated. Three months later, in the little-known town of Chernobyl, reactor number four exploded, creating fear and alarm across Europe and beyond. They were both devastating events, but the reason why I will never forget that year is because it was the summer we went to the Alps. It was the year I met G...

She was shocked when the vision appeared. It had been four winters since her mate had succumbed and she hadn’t seen another of her kind since. She’d thought she was the last. The image had appeared in her mind with a clarity that shook her. Only another like her could send such a message. Their sort had been so few for so long that she had lost all hope of ever finding another companion. It had offered something she had n...

I remember the joy of your laughter as we escaped to our meadow. Up there amongst the trees and those grass-covered hills, we giggled and danced in the dappled sunlight. With those mischievous eyes you would dare me, and I would strip off my dress and, laughing with delight, we would wade into the stream, splashing and yelling as we immersed ourselves in the icy water. Afterwards, we lay on that tattered old blanket as we...

An iron fist grips my chest I release an anguished cry And terror engulfs my core. Broken, I gasp my final breath The shackles fall away And darkness embraces me. Adrift in the eternal abyss I am lost between shadow and flame Until I see a shimmer A shimmer in the void Translucent, radiant, the Veil opens Enticing me with iridescent fingers I am struck by wonder Wonder in my being As I see you, my love Waiting on the othe...

The two young girls played vivaciously in the cool water by the glade. As they splashed and frolicked, their laughter echoed around the mountain valley. The surrounding trees, comprising primarily of larch, beech, and spruce - and, of course, oak – gently whispered their approval. They were safe here. Locals knew not to disturb them. The sisters were special – as was the valley. The power and magic that resided in the tre...

I am running Running as fast as I can Heart pounding, lungs burning Scurrying through the undergrowth Frantically dodging and stepping I am frightened Oh, so frightened For they are close now So close Seeking me out But then Then there is a second A breathless second of calm Have they lost the scent? Trembling, I hide I close my eyes and imagine Imagine I am home Home with you, my love Safe and full of life Comforted by y...

It began at sunrise On that Cretan Isle Playful seductive glances From the very first moment By sunset I was caught forever In the weave of your silken net My wild, gorgeous temptress Captured by mischievous eyes Deep sumptuous pools That reeled me in and Fiendishly stole my heart Snared, I never had a chance You chose me, and I was yours My crazy, delightful girl That was just the start Of our dizzy, tempestuous journey...

I come here every day and think of you. I recall those secret, stolen moments that will forever be ours. I remember how we talked and giggled; of how we shared, and discovered each other. In that tranquil meadow, we joined and found a completeness I will cherish for eternity. Do you too remember? Do you still feel the breathless hunger and the passion; that desperate, urgent, forbidden love that made us one? You are gone...

To everyone in the room, she seemed like just a normal girl wearing Vans, bluejeans, and a red hoodie. But looks can be deceptive; the clothes chosen deliberately to conjure up that very word—normal. The volunteers saw only what they expected to see; what they were meant to see. Don’t look here—nothing to worry about; nothing unusual. Only if you observed more carefully would you notice anything abnormal. If you were a li...

Dear Reader, Nobody believed our story. But the events I relate to you below really happened. It may seem fantastic, but they do say that truth is always stranger than fiction. You can make up your own mind — I only want to set the record straight before — well, you’ll see… Our journey started one inauspicious evening almost six years ago; the seven of us unaware, as we embarked on our incredible adventure, that nothing w...

March 1995 — Kenya A Fateful Decision I’d been in Africa for nine weeks; two very eventful months. In that relatively short time, I’d already undergone a multitude of emotions, enjoying some incredible highlights and experiencing a range of unfortunate escapades. I’d started in Kenya, flying out to Nairobi on a one-way ticket with a vague plan, a guidebook, and not much else. It wasn’t my first time backpacking in the dev...

In the beginning was Chaos. And Chaos detested organisation and structure. He was roguish and full of mischief. Whenever order and logic looked likely to prevail, he would chuckle, wave his divine hand and delight in thwarting such impudence. Exasperated, the other gods sighed. How would the mortals below ever be able to prove themselves with such troublesome interference? It was always the same; the wheel turned, and man...

December 1999… I awoke about a decade ago, and had continued my exploration of America. I, however, felt an irresistible pull to the south. Unable to fight it and unsure of what awaited me, I found myself in New Orleans. Can blood drain from the face of a vampire? It certainly felt like it. Standing inside the art gallery in New Orleans, I was shocked into immobility, unable to move a single muscle as electricity surged t...