THE NAIL CLUB BY MICHELE REISINGER 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 72

Funny story—before we met, Henry was dating this girl—not very seriously, mind you—who insisted—insisted—on doing everything herself. She had this picture in her head of, I don’t know, a perfect family? Crazy, right? Didn’t know the first thing about how the world really works. He dumped her, of course. Girl to girl? Don’t be naïve. Take the money. Use the money. You’ll be glad you did. Henry! We were just talking about you!

TRAFFIC STOP BY ROGER COLLINS 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 72

You’ll notice I’m unarmed. That’s a huge plus. And even though I’m unarmed, I’m pretty much indestructible. I can protect and serve even while under attack! With the authority to issue tickets. Without bigotry, I might add. I’m robotically unbiased!

HOME AWAY FROM HOME BY SHAWN LACY 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 72 

It is warm and welcoming and envelops me with the same smells and tastes and sounds and feelings of comfort. Because I am home.

Now, just 48 hours later, I am wistful—wishful for what I did not do—didn’t follow my heart thinking it was my brain—thought versus my spirit and a yearning, and now here I am—away from home and longing to go back again. 

DAYS OF ATONEMENT BY MICHAEL SERBY 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 72 ❦ 34THPARALLEL.NET

He told his wife about the strange message. “I find it interesting but also disturbing in some way that he writes to you just before the Jewish holidays. I think you should not write back to him, “ she said. “Whatever this is, it can’t be good. Maybe you should consult a lawyer. We don’t know what this man’s game is.” 

RIVER BOTTOM BY LYRA HALPRIN 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 72

We walk single-file for 10 minutes through the Johnson grass to the levee, looking forward to a swim in the river.