A womb of one’s own: please stop asking when I’m going to get pregnant

CW: Pregnancy and associated issues

My womb hasn’t done much in its (relatively) young life. It has shed its walls at random times and with great abandon, causing me to either consume sickening amounts of Dairy Milk or to collapse on the Tube, depending on how violent it’s feeling. Apart from this, it’s done basically nothing. However, the older I get the more and more often I’m feverishly asked about the future plans of my womb, as if it’s Jennifer Lawrence and an exciting new film project is on the horizon.

My womb is not Jennifer Lawrence.

A Girl and A Gun: what is it about femme fatales?

“All you need to make a movie is a girl and a gun” – Jean-Luc Goddard

CW: Violence against women

Sardines: a short story

A first for the Jar Belles; we’re pleased to publish a piece of short fiction by Alison Graham.

Sardines

Ffion’s eyelids hinged open with a shake of the shoulders.

“We’re not moving,” came the explanation, whispered.

“Well, that’s observant of you.” There was a slight dehydrated fracture to her voice.  

“I mean the train isn’t – I’m a light sleeper.”

“I’m going to wake the others.” Their eyes were again hinging open, pupils rather than lids; the dark of the compartment was incomplete, but the closeness of the cold outside gave it fullness.