True Florida Stories
Odds and ends Some items tell stories, shaping the past and future. October 24, 2025 | story by Layne Knoxillustrations by Delia Rose Sauer This story is from Atrium’s Spring 2025 magazine, which released April 2025. Pink Teddy FORT LAUDERDALE — Expecting a new baby, Lee Sterry was certain he’d leave Britt’s, a discount department store, with just one thing. A teddy bear. But should he buy the pink or the blue one? That was the
Through the clicking of tickets printing and sizzling of onions cooking, a crisp ring ring ring cuts through the air. To soothe the shrieking melody, I cut across the kitchen, tagging close behind the worker who’s been tasked with training me. … Read moreOld habits dine hard
After two days wading through knee-high mud, Rogelio Fernandez watched his Timberland boots disintegrate. With waterlogged pants and bare feet punctured by thorns, he pushed forward, knowing he couldn’t turn back … Read more800 miles
Después de dos dÃas atravesando barro hasta las rodillas, Rogelio Fernández vio cómo sus botas Timberland se desintegraban. Con los pantalones empapados y los pies descalzos heridos por espinas, siguió adelante, sabiendo que no podÃa regresar.​ … Read more800 millas
It’s an overcast morning, leaving shore
as he stumbles onto a cage of bones,Â
carrying nomadic weightlessness.Â
He feels the “smooth, slippery, cheating … Read moreJack