George Holds a Soggy, Crumpled A–Z

By Heather D Haigh (4th Place in the Globe Soup Drabble Competition June 2026)

Did he drive here? Why would he?

George usually keeps his maps neatly folded. Takes care of them with the pleasure of familiarity. Knows every crease. Like he knew every line, curve, and wrinkle to Louise. When anyone chided him about refusing to get a Sat Nav, Louise would say, no need—he never gets lost. 

 George could picture the futile route the infusions slogged around her body, as clearly as he knew every step of their weekly stroll around Thurcross.

 Knows, to the minute, how long it takes to walk to Saint Jude's.

Cannot imagine how he finds home.