Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

I Have Had a Good Life
Florence, February, 1947 The time has come for me to decide what to do with my estate. I have given up hope that my only grandson will find me, and I have seen enough excitement and pain these past few years to last a lifetime. I cannot take any more, especially after the division of this family. I have decided what I will do. I will write a note for the sum of my estate and hide it where the right person will find it, and hope that it falls into good hands……
By Anna5 years ago in Families
Raney's Day
My grandfather had left me his final masterpiece; the most otherworldy rolltop desk you'd ever seen. Secrets upon secrets lay imbued into the dark oak and stained pine with its drawers, cubbies, and nooks galore. And magic. He had recognized almost immediately after I was born that we were old souls of like fashion; kindred spirits born to create functional art. He had planted the seed early in my life to not just decorate space with things, but to build things to occupy that space, and to learn to build things in such a way that a part of your soul was left in the grain of the wood. That is the magic I was taught. I felt him still as I sat down and began exploring his handiwork.
By Daniel Pittman5 years ago in Families
Imagine suffering from extremely bad health then waking to the “BEST HAPPINESS THERAPY”
After serious complications during surgery, lying in recovery mode in hospital, the phone started ringing. Karin answered, then a gentleman proceeded to inform Karin, that she was the lucky winner in the BP raffle she had entered, with a prize of either her desired trip on the Orient Express or $20,000 was hers. Karin said, thinking this was a Hoax, YEA RIGHT and hung up.
By Karin Carter5 years ago in Families
The Best for Last
I sat drumming my fingers against the wooden chair arms, waiting in this panelled outer office for Auntie’s lawyer. The air breathed in is reminiscent of old after-shave.
By Mary Daurio5 years ago in Families
The Mystery Pack
As the clock ticked over to five on a warm summer’s Friday afternoon, twins Emily and Abby could not contain their excitement. The long weekend had finally arrived. The sisters had made plans to travel up to Sydney for some retail therapy. During the unprecedented pandemic, life had become extremely difficult. The little gift shop that the siblings owned in partnership together had endured hardship from closure. This trip was a much needed soul revival.
By Elisa West5 years ago in Families
Burnt Toast
“Darling, I think you’re burning the toast.” “Grandma, I haven’t even put it in yet! I’m still making the coffee.” I’m making breakfast at my grandmother’s house. All us grandkids are supposed to rotate each weekend to come visit and look after her for a bit, to give Mum a break. Lately though it seems like my three brothers all have something better to do, so I’ve been picking up the extra slack. Not that I mind! She’s alright, as far as grandmas go. She can be a bit fussy at times though.
By Jess Edwards5 years ago in Families
In A Year
Here I am, trying to make sure everything is accurate. So much is riding on this. I have boxes of receipts and a folder with the past year’s bank statements. None of it was as important as the little black book in my purse. Everything must match this little book of sixty pages. One of my favorite movies is Rent and the opening song never meant so much until this year. I agreed to do this. I could have said no, but I didn’t and here we are. We’re sitting in this cozy little office with boxes, a folder and this little black book waiting to talk to my grandparent’s lawyer.
By F. D. Pruitt5 years ago in Families
Where Your Treasure Is
“Okay, Ma! Show me the money! I know you're up in Heaven just waiting for us to start this hunt, so give me a sign," yells Lizzie as she slams the front door. Ruth rushes to save the picture that falls from the wall, but the glass front shatters.
By Rita Zoladz5 years ago in Families
Jean
Time had seemed immaterial since Jean passed. After having sorted through a room of her memories, records, and knickknacks I found myself in the garden. I don’t recall the steps I took to get there, nor moving at all, but I remember drinking in the scenery of the garden she had so carefully tended to over the decades. The pale light of dawn glowed purple through petals of the Clematis flowers while glints of reflected light shimmered off of the dew just below the receding fog.
By Shelby Dotson5 years ago in Families
Lone
Here we are, being stripped of another chance at living jubilant lives – a constant recurrence. Once again, we are defrauded by humans - the deceptive sirens of the earth, as were the foul mermaids of the sea. My friends and I, deemed thieves in the eyes of the federal government’s disciples, or our “caretakers”.
By Sierra Allen5 years ago in Families
In My Corner
“So, I’m dying,” my grandmother said, and her gentle laugh filled the corners of the pale pink living room. Part of me was relieved we had acknowledged it. Part of me was terrified.
By Jessica Rusick5 years ago in Families
Lost Property
It had always seemed to Anne Mary, that who or what gave out luck had been having a bad day when she entered the world. That, or she must have broken several mirrors and was reaping the consequences all at one time.
By Caitlyn E5 years ago in Families