Snapshots of the Apocalypse

In these dark, witty short stories, Katy Wimhurst creates off-kilter worlds which illuminate our own. Here, knitting might cancel Armageddon. A winged being yearns to be an archaeologist. Readers are sucked into a post-apocalyptic London where the different rains are named after former politicians. An enchanted garden grows in a rented flat. Magical realism meets dystopia, with a refreshing twist. Advance Praise: - Irenosen Okojie, author of Nudibranch and Speak Gigantular - Emma Kittle-Pey, author of Gold Adornments and Fat Maggie. - Anna Vaught, author of Saving Lucia and Famished. - Petra McQueen, founder of The Writers' Company ' - Dorothy Schwarz, author of Behind a Glass Wall and Simple Stories about Women. Ticket to Nowhere "Destination?" asked the woman in the railway ticket office. She had pink blotchy skin and dark bags under her eyes. "Nowhere," I said. "Single or return?" "Can I get an open return for the next train?" "Not during peak hours." I sighed. "Okay, single then." I had no idea how long I would be in Nowhere, but had taken a few days off work, anyway. "That'll be £35." "For a one-way ticket to Nowhere? That's a complete rip-off!" "Take it or leave it," the woman said flatly. "Nowhere's the cheapest destination on offer. I can do Elsewhere for £44 or Somewhere for £52. We have a special offer to Everywhere for £99, which includes free vouchers for a Nirvana milk-shake and Armageddon hamburger." "I need a ticket to Nowhere." I opened my purse and handed over the money. "When does the next train leave?" "In five minutes from platform three." I took the ticket, picked up my suitcase, and followed the signs to platform three. Pacing resolutely, I was conscious of the click-click of my high heeled boots on the floor. It was dark outside apart from the dim lamps that lit the platform at intervals. A lonely half-moon was hovering high above, and I turned up the collar of my woollen overcoat.