The Replacements
She opened the door. She was in the same dressing gown, just with different stains. I’d heard Ginge say the half-wives had a peculiar odour, and he was right. There was a stench like runny faeces, like someone with a bowel problem. I began to worry Bodge’s repellent would not be strong enough, but I’d already said hello, already looked in Carol’s eyes. The replacement was not in view, but Carol had frozen me to the spot. “Come to rescue me?” She said. I nodded, and she backed into the house. I stepped inside. Beyond the smell, it was nice in there, like I remembered it — warm, bright and comforting. The aliens obviously liked to live well.
By Rhys Timson.