Notice to Leave (Form 12)

This is my first published attempt at flash fiction, sticking to a strict limit of 150 words. Given the subject matter, and the increasing tendency of Queensland police to try to charge activists for incitement, I should probably emphasise that this is definitely a fictional piece intended to reflect the current state of desperation that the housing crisis is causing, and that I'm not necessarily advocating arson as a political tactic (although I should note that it has previously proved effective in other political contexts). Enjoy!

The dark laneway reeked of petrol.

Sweat-soaked balaclava. Heart thrummed as gloved fingers fumbled the lighter.

Building was empty; I’d checked thoroughly. No-one would get hurt.

Whoever graffitied and torched Ray White last month had already achieved more than any protest march, election campaign or ‘homelessness taskforce’ submission…

“Evict = BURN”

Unnerved, other inner-city agencies had postponed evictions. But not Remax.

If their office flamed up too, the smoke would spread statewide... perhaps nationally.

When cops asked “who has a grudge against your business?” I’d be one name among thousands.

Footsteps.

Fuck.

Fear froze me.

Remax uniform, youngish, backpack vacuum – cleaner starting office rounds early.

“What the hell…?” Tired eyes widened, noticing the petrol-soaked rope fuse… the jerrycan and hissing LPG cylinder beside the back door.

“What’s worse?” I whispered shakily, defiantly. “Burning down offices, or forcing families onto the street?”

They paused.

Thinking.

Nodded solemnly.

And walked away.

Like I said, this is my first crack at writing flash fiction. Leave a comment and let me know what you think of it. If you've just stumbled across this page and would like to read more of this kind of work, please consider supporting it by signing up for a paid subscription.