In the Moors (36 page)

Sandy totalled up on her calculator and told me the damage.

“Holy water, Sabbie, you can't spend all that!” said Gloria.

I grinned at her. “Just watch me. I haven't finished yet.”

“A jar of pickles?” said Sandy “I've got some nice preserves.”

“Have you still got any of your chicks?

She must have already sensed that something was up with us—something we were quietly congratulatory about—because she returned with half a dozen yellow cheeping balls of fluff. These were not day-olds, but half-grown chickens, possibly already part of her larger flock. “These are on the house,” she said.

I didn't argue. It felt right and proper. If it hadn't been for Sandy, I would never have found Kissie and Pinchie. We were in this together, even though she knew nothing of her role.

Sandy helped us load the boot of the car. The wrapped venison sat snugly against the cornucopia of veg and fruit.

I nestled the box of chicks in my lap. They were packed in well, almost unable to move about, but it wouldn't be long before they'd taste the freedom of my back garden.

All the way towards Bridgwater, I sat with their warmth heating my thighs and the sound of their cheeps like a song in my ears. A sort of love for my new charges grew in me until it gurgled into my throat, tasting like warmed milk and honey.

The End

© Andy Chittock

About the Author

Nina Milton holds an MA in creative writing, works as a tutor and writer for the Open College of the Arts, is a prize-winning short story writer, and has authored several children's books, including
Sweet'n' Sour, Tough Luck,
and
Intergalactic Holiday
.
In the Moors
marks her debut with Midnight Ink.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank all the shamans who opened a door into a magical but tangible world and allowed me to walk through.

I would also thank the Bristol Women Writers, especially Gail, for their unremitting support, and the cops in my life—James, Sharon, and John—for their advice.

Most importantly, I'd like to thank my agent, Lisa, the best writing buddy a girl can have; and my husband, Jim, for being the fulcrum of my life.