Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
It's Not Over Yet
When the tiger shark made direct eye contact with me, I stepped back automatically, drawing in a sharp breath. Giant rays, and fish in every colour glided around and over the aquarium’s plexiglass tunnel where I waited. Although I didn’t understand why Caroline said to be here in this spot, on this day, at this time, I was here and completely immersed in the experience. The bright sun filtered through from above, while the blue light and ocean soundtrack gave a sense of actually being on the ocean floor. It was mesmerizing.
By Christie Hall5 years ago in Wander
How To Grow Old And Still Have Fun
You have a choice--grow old or die. Putting off that choice is highly desirable, under most circumstances. And postponing the effects of aging is certainly a good idea. The internet is rich with information about how to stay as young as possible for a long as you can. But eventually, creaking joints and fading eyesight will come to all of us.
By Evelyn Donahoe5 years ago in Wander
1111 Wishes Way
The smell of dust and old pages lingered around each corner of the labyrinthine store. Jessica ran her finger gently across the spines that lined the shelves, following their in and out pattern as her senses began to anchor and the tightness in her chest released its grip.
By Karli Golightly5 years ago in Wander
A Hand Well Played
Jamaica 1783 Jaclyn worried her lower lip between her teeth, then quickly released it. You can win this. You’ve got this. She tossed a handful of coins into the center of the table. An accident on board the ship had forced Jaclyn to take Lina’s place in tonight’s card game. The game that would change their lives forever.
By E.J. Seeley5 years ago in Wander
Cart Boy
I don’t know why it was always Florida for me, but it was. Something about it was beckoning. Maybe it was because I grew up in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes. You know, a lake beach is really not the same as an ocean beach. I can say that with certainty now. I never thought I’d stay here. Of course, I had dreams of New York or Los Angeles, but life happened for me here.
By Marissa Steinheimer5 years ago in Wander
Property of a Lady
Property of a Lady I grew up surrounded by bushland not far from the beach. The water was clear and cold for 9 months of the year, and cloudy and warm as the post christmas holidays winds and waves finally swept the cold currents away, replacing it with big surf, sand filled swirling sea and water at 21 degrees that you could stay in for hours and still feel your toes. My parents had changed our life from a city to a country one. All we understood was that we could surf more easily and wetsuits were a form of everyday clothing. For them, I realise in hindsight, it was a lifeline.
By Emma Bowen5 years ago in Wander
That's how memories are made
“Double espresso?” called the waiter, looking around the café’s patio area, expectantly. “Oh, yes please. That’s mine” Ella responded timidly, looking up from her book and raising her hand. Slightly doubting herself, she glanced around to make sure the drink was indeed hers and that she hadn’t just claimed someone else’s coffee. She felt reassured as the waiter nodded and moved towards her. Ella’s eyes followed him as he approached, stopping momentarily as she noticed an older lady smiling at her. Ella smiled back, with more confidence than usual. Something about this lady was comforting, almost welcoming. She was well-dressed with kindly eyes, and seemed friendlier than most of the strangers hurrying about the busy, city streets. Ella’s attention was brought back to her drink as the waiter placed it down firmly in front of her, before turning and heading back inside, not waiting to hear Ella’s quiet “thank you”.
By Simon Wiltshire5 years ago in Wander
A Nomad’s Notebook
Chains of marigold flowers dance in the window as the bus trundles over bumps and potholes. Glass beads and a golden Ganesha swing to and fro above the driver. Even the roof is decorated in a riot of coloured paints, all clamouring to brighten the passengers’ spirits, despite most of them being fast asleep. Tabla drums and the wistful tune of a bansuri flute play through speakers above the dreaming heads, their rhythm bouncing even more than the bus’s wheels on the uneven road.
By Sarah Hatch5 years ago in Wander
The Lost Treasures of the Stellar Lumen
"You excited for the big trip Marsha?" "Sure am Dad!" "Are all the bags ready to go for tomorrow morning sweetie?" "Just about there dear, only two more to finish packing" replied Frank who is Marshas father. As Marsha jumps off the couch and runs into the kitchen to help put dishes away, she exclaims, "Virginia here we come!" As Frank finishes packing the two remaining suitecases for the trip, he reminds Marsha to head to bed after she is done with the dishes to have a full nights rest for the long drive tomorrow.
By Emily Buehner5 years ago in Wander
PERGATORY
PURGATORY New Orleans is a city often described as European in feel. She is a master of masquerade. “The Paris of the South,” or “The Crescent City” (named for the curve in the Mississippi where the French Quarter sits), “The Big Easy,” “The City That Care Forgot” are a few of her personas. You might hear “Hollywood South” because she is beautiful and photogenic, a perfect, ready-made, film set. In many ways, New Orleans is the entire continent of Europe all jammed between the river and the lake, making life a bit crowded.
By Adele Elliott5 years ago in Wander
Where the Wind and the Leaves Play Music
One of Jessica’s favorite feelings is waking up thinking she has to go to work before realizing she actually has the entire day off. A warm, blissful sensation blossoms in her abdomen. She springs out of bed to make coffee. The weeks of rain are over. The sun is finally shining in Philadelphia, and as she turns on her kettle, she notices out the window patches of dormant blue sky, peeking through ash-dusted clouds.
By Scott Maxwell5 years ago in Wander
