Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
H<3ME
What is home? For me, home is not simply a specific place, it’s more like a compilation of landscapes paired with familiar mannerisms; the feeling of wholeness following the overwhelming realization that all is right in the world, even under imperfect circumstances. Home is both the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia, and the deep breath exhaled when all of your worries seem to melt away.
By The Wayward Writer5 years ago in Wander
A Siren Call
I don’t know how to swim. I guess that’s something I don’t share unless it’s called for because most people my age do. Like most kids growing up, I only ever stepped foot in the water with a flotation device or by staying in the shallow end. Reaching high school, I would recoil at the thought of having to learn how to swim while as far as I knew, every single student in my gym class already knew how. I mean, sure, I’d have the occasional revelation of being in a situation where the ability to move in water was necessary. And even though it actually is something I should know how to do for certain emergencies, treading water didn’t exactly sit right with me.
By Kirsy Massiel5 years ago in Wander
The Town That Time Forgot
Through the back roads of Pennsylvania, large dilapidated buildings are scattered along the sides of the desolate highway, surrounded by tall white ash and yellow birch trees. Further along this road, a white-tailed deer grazes in a wide-open field with her fawn, seemingly unphased by the occasional passing commuter. With buildings beginning to fade into the background, massive pine trees overtake any available view from the car windows. Only miles away from the destination, familiar old homes start springing into view along with the 20-year abandoned market that once housed delicious soft-serve ice cream and an array of fishing bait. More familiar the land becomes as the tiny town of no more than 6 shops situated in antique style structures is passed through, and a peaceful at-home sensation sweeps over.
By Hope Byrne5 years ago in Wander
The Rockstar in Japan
I hear the warning chime before I’ve reached the top of the escalator. Damn it. It took me forever to find this platform, and because it’s a long-distance trip, there won’t be another train to Hakuba for several hours. The rail system in Japan can be very confusing to those who can’t read or speak the language—especially in Shinjuku, which has the busiest station in the world. I don’t have the energy—or money—to try again later.
By Kirsty McManus5 years ago in Wander
Trash Can Morning
Trash Can Morning Excerpts from Queen of the Can Openers A series on becoming homeless or not! It is February 14, 2021 Valentine’s Day. It is 6:15 AM. The wind is blowing the heavy plastic bag on my backside so tight against my skin that I am sweating. I’ve learned how to live out in nature and this morning’s glory of waking up listening to the sounds of the crashing waves is heart filling. The sky is cloudy but not foggy. The sun is barely awake and beaming its beauty. There are already bodies in wet suits trying to catch a ride in from the morning waves. The waves are restless and even more active than a few days ago.
By Lynn Denise Puckett5 years ago in Wander
A Small Town in a Flyover State
It’s easy when you’re hometown is set in the mountains or on the coast. You’re blessed with the beauty of nature every day. If you grow up in the city, you get to enjoy the lights, the skyscrapers, and the endless choices of things to do and people to meet. When you grow up in the fields of a flyover state, what do you have?
By Brooke Hash5 years ago in Wander
The Book Yet to be Written
"Well, that doesn't seem like a coincidence," James Marie Scott said to herself as flames overtook the small dilapidated cottage standing before her. The heat from the blaze warmed her cheeks as she ran a hand over the shaved side of her head, flipping her shoulder-length wavy locks to the other side of her face.
By Melissa McGill 5 years ago in Wander
