Fish Flakes
by Judy Darley

The landlord shows us the code to unfasten a padlock leading to our own square of garden. “Always keep it locked,” he tells us. “Even when you’re in here.”

Christopher and I smile and promise, dazzled by the lush strip of lawn and sunshine-glimmered pond. A scarlet goldfish bobs up, goggle-eyed with amazement, I presume, because it hasn’t seen people for so long. Our new apartment has been empty for more than a year, and the rent is low as a result. We’ve chosen to enjoy our good fortune, rather than ask why that might be.