Jay Mandal, prolific writer and best-selling author of Precipice, continues to experiment with the short-short story. This one is simply called "Relax." Jay Mandal is from southern England. After grammar school, he joined a City bank and worked in Europe. He’s written over one hundred and fifty short stories, some of which are to be found in the collections ‘A Different Kind of Love’ and ‘The Loss of Innocence’; and two novels – ‘The Dandelion Clock’ and ‘Precipice’. Jay’s books are available from Bewrite Books at www.bewrite.net and from the usual outlets.

Relax by Jay Mandal Word Count 183   “Relax!”        “Someone might see us.”        “We’re not doing anything illegal.”        “I know, but …” Jamie sighed. “Can’t we go somewhere?”        “Your place?” Sam suggested.        “My sister’s boyfriend’s there. What about yours?”        Sam grinned. “You’re already here.”        “Idiot!”        Sam aimed a kick at a Pepsi bottle. “You know I’ve told my parents about you?” he said casually.        “Oh, my God! What did they say?”        “They were cool.”        “And?”        “They asked when they could meet you.”        Jamie looked down at his feet. “My parents don’t even know I’m gay. It never seems the right time to tell them.” They left the cover of the trees, and began walking towards the café at the far end of the park. At this time of the evening it was shut, but some of their school friends were hanging around outside.        “Well, if it isn’t the Lone Ranger and Tonto!” one of them said as Sam and Jamie approached.        “Jamie’s come out at last,” joked another.        Sam told them to drop it.        “Hey, it’s cool.”        Jamie looked at Sam. His eyes told Sam maybe it was time after all.     The End

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