The Listening Zone

A compilation of fourteen amusing stories involving A Brief Misunderstanding.

A FRIENDLY HOLIDAY by Nina Tucknott

A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK by Pat Hopper

Sophie?s husband had an accident in the middle of fitting the kitchen: ?It?s a nightmare. Kitchen units everywhere and the water?s turned off?? Soon as her carpenter parent is on the way. Again things are not all they seem.

THE ONLY GIRL FOR ME by Lynda Wakeling

It?s the office party; Kate, Head of Personnel meets Marc Reid, a shy young man who does not fit in with his raucous office mates. What a shame he is going home to a Mrs. Reid. (But she isn?t his wife!)

A HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN by Nina Tucknott

With a bit of nudging from their toddler, Jake, Tim and Em decide to have another baby. But there will be extra expenses. Tim seeks a Home Improvement Loan for a family extension and, ?Who says fertility treatment can?t come under that heading??

A BRIEF MISUNDERSTANDING by Elizabeth Carr

If he does it once more, I think I?ll? Joanna is infuriated by her husband?s irritating habits and is determined to have it out with him. But he has some comments of his own to add!

A DAY TRIP TO PARIS by Joan Stanley

Ron?s country wife expects everyone to be up early and ready to enjoy the day. Ron?s ideal day starts much later, and today the children are quoting his energetic mother-in-law, Zelda, as the authority on everything. Zelda took her grandson to Paris and now she promises to take the much younger Poppy on a day trip to Paris. With the eventual co-operation from a ticket-clerk the outing takes place, but Paris it appears is not in France after all!

THE ORANGE BANDANNA by Pam Weaver

Cassie?s bizarre dress sense is a source of acute embarrassment to her friends. How can they get Cassie to change her wardrobe? Romantic ending.

BIRTHDAY BLUES by Pam Weaver

Nicky is very upset; her husband has forgotten her birthday and she thinks he is seeing another woman who he wants to introduce into their act. ?To stay at the top, you?ve got to stay ahead of the game...? ?Come on in, Phyllis!? ?Don?t you dare bring that trollop in here.? But Steve wasn?t listening. He opened the lid and took out the life-sized ventriloquist?s dummy.

BUBBLE by Susan Wright

Nicola takes in two kittens, Bubble and Squeak. Rob is against the idea and a bit jealous. That is not their only source of contention and he walks out. When Bubble goes missing Nicola asks for Rob?s support and a reconciliation ensues. A romance.

GOOD GIRL by Joan Stanley

This amusing story looks at the special relationship between a tomboy teenager and her lady-like great-grandmother and some generation differences. ?I?m too old to ?get with it? now.?

?Not you, Gran, I bet you weren?t a square when you were my age.? Remembering some of the antics she got up to behind her chaperone?s back, Gran blushed?

COUNTRY ROADS by Elizabeth Carr

Driving home after evening class Helen found she was being followed. Any moment the car following her would come alongside and force her to stop and then? but it kept up the same steady speed behind her. Was the car going to run out of petrol? Would she make it home?

GREEN TEA AND WORMS by Elizabeth Carr

This story is of a young woman who is irritated by her elderly, Chinese neighbour?s need to chat when all she wants to do is relax after work. Tonight the old woman has prepared a meal, and she feels obliged to accept. Much to the young woman?s surprise she enjoys the meal and invites the old woman back. Next time there would be no obligation.

TERROR IN THE AFTERNOON by Pam Weaver

Fear reigns in the street. Stacey is terrified of being caught as she sees each of her friends being captured. The afternoon is a great success. ?This has been the most exciting Paint Ball attraction I?ve ever been on.?

COMMUNICATION by Joan Stanley

Physicist, Mat announces to his senator, ?We?ve received signals, we?ve had a reply.? He is researching extraterrestrial communication. Much to Mat?s disbelief his senator instructs him to hush it up. Mat argues his point and agrees to check his facts. The source of the signals turns out to be a much nearer to home.