Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

Ivy: Dull dull dull dull dull dull dull dull dull dull dull dull dull. Posey: No, you're not. Ivy: Not me! The flowers. I planted all these carnations months ago and I thought they'd be colourful and ...