Most 18-year-olds in America are entering their senior year of high school— applying to colleges, working paying jobs, and planning for their future. With stars in their eyes and hearts full of hope, these young people do not know where …
The Dangers of Tradition by Juan Francisco Salazar
In Ecuador, the country where I come from, there is a New Year tradition called “Quema del Año Viejo” which means burning the old year. This tradition consists of collectively making a mannequin doll, and everyone does them at the …
Silent Resilience by Nick Drohan
Amidst the hum of passing cars, a figure stands alone at the traffic light on the highway off-ramp: a poignant silhouette against the urban backdrop. Clad in weathered layers that mirror the toll of time, the homeless individual embodies a …
You Should Have Asked… by Shannon Schumm
While chopping tomatoes next to a gently boiling pot of pasta, Sarah, still in her work clothes, navigates the following from her family: “Mom, have you seen my baseball pants?” (In the dryer). “Babe…are we out of mustard, I don’t …
Our Final Goodbyes by Patricia Hansen
I will never forget the day of November 21, 2018, a day that forever changed the dynamics of my family. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and I was looking forward to the gathering my family was planning. I recall …
Scales, Fails, and Mirrors by Brandon Carver
Being healthy is almost effortless when you’re young and active. As a three-sport athlete in high school, I never even thought about needing to get fit or be in better shape. With the rigorous year-round practices and games that come …
Finding Chico Suave a Forever Home by Marie Rodriguez Carrillo
One day I received a call from my neighbor Jim; he was upset. He had a family of Mallard baby ducks, and two magpie birds had killed all the siblings but one. I said, “Bring him to me.” He brought …
Choosing Secondhand First by Juliet Moore
Children are often protected by their parents from the financial realities of family life. When I was very young, my own mother and father were embarrassed by how tight their money was after they both left the Army in the …
The World Needs Survivalists by Andi Mezel
In October 2016, a friend of mine texted me to turn on the TV. A mandatory evacuation for all of Chatham County was in effect immediately. Hurricane Mathew, a category 5 storm, was hurtling towards Savannah GA. Every store was …
Parley Staff Picks: Editor in Chief, Camille Liptak
We’ve received a number of exceptional submissions, and Parley’s Editor in Chief, Camille Liptak has picked some of her favorites (in no particular order). When She Realized the Universe Was on Her Side by Lache S. Man, oh man do …