A story is an account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment, e.g. an adventure story.
Or it can be an account of past events in someone's life or in the development of something.
A parable is a succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse that illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles.
In the Bible, a parable, especially those found in the gospels reveal something about God, about people and about life.
In the 1st reading, a story is told about the trees who wanted to anoint a king to rule over them. The olive tree, the fig tree, the vine rejected, but the thorn bush accepted.
Needless to say, the trees are asking for trouble for a thorn bush to rule over them. That was Jotham's point. Whether the people will heed that point or not, it was for them to decide.
In the gospel, the teaching point of the parable is about the generosity of God which is stated in these words: Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?
Our life story may also have many instances when we make wrong decisions and end up as losers.
But let us also remember that Jesus came for the lost, the least, the last and the lonely.
When we make the wrong turns in life and end up down and out, Jesus will raise us up with His mercy and love. Let us continue to put our trust and hope in Him.