David Vernon

Thirty-seven award-winning short stories fill these entertaining pages. Written by Australian and international authors these stories explore Australian culture - sometimes funny, often poignant, occasionally unsettling, this anthology showcases the best of  contemporary short story writing. Everyone has been embarrassingly kind. When Colin died, I received flowers and sympathy and even two casseroles.
A very private person, I had not expected that living in Edenvale Lifestyle Village would be so pleasantly sociable and supportive. But I can't stay here now. -From The Underground River by Gaye SpreglewskiHe wore pants today, navy chinos. She imagined his legs as they were yesterday, bare and muscled. Too hairy for a cyclist. He probably went to the gym. She swapped his dress pants for a pair of grey gym shorts.
He is doing squats, a bar loaded with weights across his shoulders. His legs are tanned, caramel. She wants to run her tongue along the hairless patch behind his knee.-From Tarred and Feathered by Lesley DayThe sun didn't kiss Alice's skin, it gnawed her like a dog with a bone. Despite the thick, pungent layer of sunscreen that covered her, she felt like she was burning - and the flames were invisible to everyone else.
Why didn't you just tell him no?-From Burning by Helen Walker