Regions | JOYLAND

The Nudists

Anna Prushinskaya -

Shelly Bowman had to save her mother from the nudists. One summer day Shelly’s father informed her that Margery Bowman, who previously had been best...

Norse Gods, Venice Beach

C.E. Hyun -

Once I was a god, and I had many brothers. Thor, god of thunder and protector of humankind; Vidar, god of silence and revenge;...

Buddy

Daniel Lanza Rivers -

NuBot arrived on a Monday. A custom model designed by a specialist out in Appalachia, she had Bluetooth connectivity, a soft nest of auburn...

Franny

Cynthia Arrieu-King -

I’m stuck Googling Franny’s name every six months on my hometown newspaper’s obituaries site, checking to see if she’s died yet. I haven’t returned...

Kombucha Mother

Fawn Parker -

Hank is starfishing, Girls Gone Wild!-style, in bed. The Tenant goes in to wake him up through the warmth and body-stench of the room....

Ewwrrrkk

Souvankham Thammavongsa -

The summer I turned eight, my great grandmother showed me her boobs. Mine were just about growing in. I was hoping they weren’t noticeable....

Veneers

Nicole Boyce -

Amanda Thompson needed a root canal. But first, she needed a cleaning, so Kelly sat alone with her in the office, prodding at her...

Crossover Potential

Sarah Wambold -

The parishioners were lined up ready to take their shots at us. From the edge of the casket they let loose their opinions about...

Haley

Josh Emmons -

Forty miles southeast of Philadelphia, Michael owned a large Dutch Colonial house on twenty acres with a pool and private beach access, which he’d...

Dog

Tasha Coryell -

The dog did not bark or play fetch. Instead the dog liked to climb on things. The dining room table,...