'The waning magic of older rabbits' by Judith Wilson

The bright coloured handkerchiefs offer the perfect bed for mindfulness as Robbie prepares for his retirement show.

Preening in front of the mirror he runs his paws across his wrinkled face and greying fur and closes his mouth on his missing teeth.

Pushing past the young, starry-eyed rabbit in the wings, he jumps into the top hat for one last appearance.

Indifferent applause leaves him empty.

And when the Magician places him in a rabbit-sized box and picks up a sharp, shiny saw, Robbie knows this isn’t just retirement.

Now he understands why he’s never met any of his predecessors.