Lauren Buckeridge

Readers were asked to submit an up-to60-word short story that includes the words “armchair” and “diamond”.

Paul Kelly, Palmerston North: I arrived late. Outside the church, people chatted. “He was a rough diamond,” someone said. Another joked about his money-making ventures. Much later I went to see the family. They had moved. “About time too,” came a voice from his favourite armchair. “You’re alive!” The life insurance pay-out was substantial. He smiled, “My best scheme ever.”

Irene Absalom, Rangiora: “A blind man could catch better than you!” Dave’s career in softball failed to take off. Now, at 93, he dozed in his balcony armchair facing the local softball diamond.

Thwack! The ball soared high, over the boundary, up to Dave’s balcony, landing in his lap. Dave opened his now sightless eyes and smiled. At last. The perfect catch.

Lyn Toka, Cambridge: They just missed winning the bridge championship cup. Second prize was an elegant paper knife. He was delighted, but she was furious. “We should have won,” she spat, driving home. The police, responding to her call, found him in his armchair, the paper knife deep in his chest. “What happened?” “It was his fault. He should have led a diamond.”

Kaitaia’s Helen Yuretich is this week’s winner: She stood there, frozen, the diamond necklace spilling from her hand. “Speak,” I willed her, but she stared at the overturned armchair, petrified. The policeman repeated himself, “What’s all this then?” Her eyes flicked towards me, but she seemed dazzled by the lights. “Say something,” I prayed. Then a whispered prompt, she delivered her line and the play continued.

For the next competition, refashion a fairy tale or nursery rhyme for the modern age. Entries, for the prize below, close at noon on Thursday, April 2.