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Short Story

The Ladybird

Jackie Griffiths tells a tale of innocence and mortality.

A few russet leaves flutter to the ground on the autumn breeze. Jae holds her little girl’s hand tightly as they walk together on the pavement. The child’s long, straggly blond hair ripples in the wind, her cheeks flushed pink. Suddenly she stops in her tracks and bends down to inspect something on the ground. “Look mummy,” she declares, pointing her finger, “a ladybird crawling.

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