Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Freedom's Flight
Freedom’s Flight “Just keep moving," she thought as she shifted the grocery bag from the cart to the trunk of her sedan. "One more meeting, and I can call it a day and have a quick meal." She had eaten nothing and knew that she needed nourishment despite feeling little desire for food. After returning the cart and settling into the driver's seat, she finally succumbed, rested her head on the steering wheel, and sobbed. The memory of her mother’s early morning words washed over her in waves; the tears that she had held all day finally fell unchecked down her cheeks.
By Tamra Walker5 years ago in Families
Alone or Lonely
Alone, Sara sits in her grandmother's attic. Tears flowing as she reflects over her life and the past year that led her to be in this moment. With so many people out of work and so many loved ones dying, 2020 had been a hard year for everyone. Sara is feeling like she can not catch a break.
By Kristy M Sorrow5 years ago in Families
What We Write Within
Mira was snoring softly. She was huddled down on a folding chair, her legs tucked up under her oversized jacket, the tips of her shoes poking out. The pile of snoring 15 year old earned several amused glances before her grandfather nudged her awake.
By Daniel Schroeder5 years ago in Families
Alterations
Rachel 2005: 53" (height), 25.2" (right arm), 25" (left arm), 24" (waist), 26.5" (chest) Rachel ran her fingers across the blue arches of her mother’s handwriting, tracing the indents each loop made on the page. She pictured her lanky, fifth-grade self with one arm outstretched as her mother extended a tape measure from fingertip to shoulder with a ballpoint pen balanced between her lips. Her mother’s right thumb and forefinger would press into the nearest tick mark while she let the other end of the white plastic float down to write out the measurement.
By Isabella P5 years ago in Families
Little Black Book of Choices
$20,000, that’s a whole lot of money, isn’t it? What would you do for that much money? How far would you go to make sure that money was yours? I’m guessing pretty far, am I right? I should’ve asked myself just how far was I willing to go for $20,000. I can tell you now, it wasn’t worth what I did for that money. If I could go back and change my mind; if I could only go back and tell myself not to answer the door. I should’ve never picked up that notebook. That little black notebook.
By Dominique Renee5 years ago in Families
A butterfly effect
My upstairs neighbor was a peculiar man. He was very outgoing, loved walking around in his neighborhood, and was gone as many hours as working people but never the office hours. Besides, he was retired. He cheered for beautiful women and always waved and literally applauded when we passed by his 4th-floor window. I liked him up there in his window acting all enthusiastic. If he had a sticker it would say ‘keep at arm’s length at all times.' Because whenever we would pass each other on the stairs he would grab my face and plant a kiss on my mouth if he saw a chance. I was actually really good at dodging this old but strong man. I remember times I saw him in the streets when he would cheer and tell the person that I was walking with that I was the best. Almost like a commercial shouted across the street. It would be awkward if it wasn’t so weird that it was funny. Or he came up behind me and basically jumped me to plant hugs and kisses on me. I thought I knew what was behind his strange behavior towards me, it was a simple act of kindness between neighbors as far as I was concerned. He however never got over his gratitude.
By Loukalicious5 years ago in Families
Argentina
My expectations? Shattered. My dreams? Deflated. My heart and soul? Finally full. Let me explain. I’m Argentina. A few months ago, my father passed away to no one’s surprise. He never really took care of himself, but after several stints with homelessness and addiction, who could blame him? My other family members had cut ties with him so long ago that I was one of the only people who even knew, or cared, about his death. I mean, he named me when I was born. “Argentina”, I always guessed, was his pick because it was his favorite place he ever traveled. I was a total “Daddy’s Girl”. I could never stay mad at him even though he was never the best father.
By Alayna Cate5 years ago in Families
Dear George
Chrissy jumped in response to a loud thud. The noise was Nate hitting a brick wall, literally; a wall that needed to be removed to allow access for Bucky’s wheelchair. It was certainly not like the other walls, that readily crumbled under the blows of the sledge hammer. Nate and Sonny were puzzled as to why a wall would be bricked in. Even more curious was a small wooden window in the midst of the brick. When the men cut through the wood an undersized room was revealed. The siblings stood in silence for a moment, baffled at what was before their eyes. Behind the wall was a sparse room containing a desk, a chair, and an old Kerosene lamp.
By Christine Kuehn5 years ago in Families
Lost Then Found
I first landed in his weary hands as a stocking stuffer, almost an after-thought of a gift. The other presents needed to be plugged in, turned on, ruled by a complex set of operations. By contrast, within my sleek, black covers, I was holding an invitation for the soul. I was fed by the human heart and by marks that spoke volumes or cried quiet tears.
By Sung Uni Lee5 years ago in Families
