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Halloween's Comeback
This is a warm, funny memory piece that captures Halloween as both an adventure and a serious childhood mission. The details make it especially vivid: the hot-dog dinner, the candy inspection, the 1975 green Dodge van, and the Apple IIe costume that becomes increasingly impractical once the rain starts. I laughed at the Sugar Daddies line and the image of two children carrying real dumbbells while insisting they were being “realistic.” The story’s strongest movement is from childhood excitement, through the awkward final years of trick-or-treating, into the adult appreciation of seeing families recreate that same magic. The homeowner who once cried “No bones!” gives the ending a lovely turn: fear can be transformed by sharing the holiday with children. I did wonder whether the opening discussion of declining Halloween participation could be trimmed, since the personal memories are more engaging than the general commentary. Still, this feels affectionate, specific, and genuinely celebratory.
Eleanor Hart
A Twisted Tale of My Hour Alone
I really enjoyed the humor and warmth in this story. The encounter with the little snake was both unexpected and amusing, especially the idea that they both simply wanted to be left alone. I also liked how the quiet time in the park led the narrator to appreciate the people who cared enough to worry about her. The ending was funny and touching at the same time. A lovely and relatable story about solitude, perspective, and gratitude.
Rah Ayouni
A Twisted Tale of My Hour Alone
I especially liked the tip about breathing. If I were to do something like going off grid I'd keep my phone with me. Chances are it would be more than just a snake in the grass coming to bother me. I'm referring to the crime rate where I live. All in all an entertaining piece.
Barbara Stevenson
Besties
This is such a warm, wonderfully specific portrait of lifelong friendship. The play-doh sandwiches, the dramatic “I’ll move” ultimatum, and the shared record-player soundtrack all make the relationship feel lived-in rather than idealized. I especially loved that the fights are included alongside the affection—the story understands that lasting friendship isn’t about never clashing, but about knowing how to find your way back to each other. The final return to that first hand-holding moment gives the piece a lovely sense of completion, and the Dave Mason lyric is a perfect emotional hinge for the memories. Tender, funny, and genuinely nostalgic.
Adrian Chen
A Twisted Tale of My Hour Alone
The moment that stayed with me was the shift from “Are you seriously kidding me?” to the reluctant gratitude when the narrator sees all those worried messages. It captures such a recognizable tension: wanting to disappear for a little while, while also being quietly held in place by people who care enough to notice. I loved that the snake mirrors the narrator’s own need to be left alone, and that the narrator ultimately respects its space too. The humor keeps the piece light, but underneath it is a tender realization that solitude feels different when you know someone is checking to make sure you’re okay.
Ananya Mehta