Recommended by Christopher Soucy

Slice of life goodness! I completely relate. My alarm songs always become hated by my wife because it’s the sound that forced us out of bed.

There comes a time in every dad’s life when he feels the pangs of separation. Not in location, in heart. Kids can only be kids so long. They can only see you unblemished for so long. There is a quiet tragedy that plays out when you find yourself desperate for your kid’s attention. Bittersweet. Like the best candies.

A touching story worthy of the Twilight Zone. Rachel Feeny-Williams is on an amazing roll with incredible and impactful shorts.

Meeting the parents is always nerve racking experiences, but when faced with intense prejudice it is unbearable. Luckily, Rachel Feeny-Williams deftly navigate the scene with humor and wit.

We are not only what we hold onto but what we let go of. This sweet examination of a family in the throes of facing the inevitable turning of time speaks volumes to anyone who has had to clear out the house of a loved one. We keep such strange reminders of the past, as if it will protect us from the future.

This is a fun, funny piece that truly makes you feel for poor Peter. He gets a bum wrap. Enjoyable read throughout, would be a hoot to watch!

Magical and full of whimsy. The premise alone is worth the read, but it’s the uncommon friendship which launches this piece into greatness. Do yourself a favor and read this gem.

Another brilliant piece by Scott Sickles. An effortless foray into corn dog etiquette, relationship revelations, and the calculated assassination techniques of close friends. Fun, funny, and a nice break from present woes.

How many times has the world ended in your lifetime? Robert LeBlanc’s work is an ode to Generation X and the things we’ve endured. A reminder that this is indeed the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper.

This is a introspective piece that shines a light on the generations who are actively trying to refit their understanding of gender and sexuality to accommodate a more accepting society. Sometimes issues make perfect sense but are met with dire resistance. Nora Louise Syran presents a teacher who has been teaching 30 years and has a heartfelt philosophy of how to treat the newest generation as they define themselves.