Matthew Durban

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2025

Stories (2)

2 Stories

30 karma pts

?

“Clearpool” by Matthew Durban

Submitted to Contest #289

It was stiflingly hot in the MV Clearpool’s aft hold. Situated just above the engine room, the smell of grease, diesel and sweat was overpowering. The four men worked quickly to secure the pallet and release the derrick hook from the net. As they looked up at the retreating cables, their upturned faces blinked in the tropical sun like startled cave dwellers. “Alright Stewy,” the Bosun nudged him in the ribs. Kristiono smiled weakly. Years at sea, physical work above and below decks had given his face a wan look to match his skinny frame. ‘St...

Read story

“Struggle” by Matthew Durban

Submitted to Contest #286

Struggle. By Matthew Durban.Pat sat cross legged on the living room floor in the triangle of light from the north facing window. There was not a stick of furniture left in the house save for an old spring mattress which even the debt collection agency had rejected, and a few kitchen utensils. Strewth, they’d even taken the curtains. He sighed and rubbed his face for the upteenth time. He couldn’t quite believe it had to come to this. He always thought things would turn around in the end. ‘A mug's game’, his disappointed father had called it ...

Read story

Author bio

Matthew Durban has not written a bio yet!