Consequences

<p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Actions have consequences.</strong></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>A cast of flawed humans (and non-humans) inhabit these twelve short stories. These characters make decisions and take actions which have profound consequences for themselves and others. They are driven by strong emotions and desires -for revenge reward redemption reconnection rehabilitation and more.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>The stories are drawn from different genres (dystopian future crime mystery humour fantasy and psychological drama) but all reflect the central theme of 'consequences.'</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Actions and their consequences can set up a happy ending. (In one story an AI assistant makes himself indispensable to a human family. In another an executive with PTSD confronts his past).</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>But some stories end with a sting in the tail. (In one story a frustrated doctor risks a patient's life to take revenge on an old enemy. In another an academic decides that murder is the only way to safeguard her career).</span></p><p></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>The Gift </em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>was shortlisted in 2020 Hammond House (UK) competition and published in their SURVIVAL Anthology. </span><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Antarctic Days</em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)> was shortlisted for 28th Scarlet Stiletto Awards (Aus) in 2021 and </span><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>The Journalist</em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)> was short listed in Stringybark Stories (Aus) urban-themed competition in 2023.</span></p>