Who is Alan Parker?

Alan Parker is the central character and narrator in “Riding the Bullet.” Alan is given a ride by a ghost during which Alan is pressured to choose which of them — him or his mother — the ghost should take with him. Alan is on his way to visit his mother in the hospital after she suffered a stroke when he has this strange hitchhiking experience. Alan tells the ghost he should take his mother in death. Because his mother gave him so much, Alan feels guilty for choosing himself over her. Alan, however, is given nine more years before his mother dies. He cherishes these years but can never forgive himself for the choice he made.