Bad habits
The Forgotten Melody
Sophia had always been drawn to the old piano in her grandmother’s house. It stood in the corner of the dusty living room, untouched for years. Its once-polished wooden surface had dulled, and the ivory keys had yellowed with age. Yet, whenever she visited, she found herself tracing her fingers over the keys, wondering about the stories they once told. Her grandmother, Margaret, had passed away a week ago, leaving behind a house full of memories. As the only grandchild, Sophia had the responsibility of helping her mother clear out the home. She wasn’t particularly sentimental—until she found the piano. On her last evening in the house, Sophia sat down at the piano, pressing a key experimentally. The note echoed softly, filling the empty room. Then, without thinking, she played a melody. It was a tune she had never learned, yet it felt strangely familiar, as if buried deep in her soul. That night, she had a dream. In it, a young woman sat at the piano, her fingers dancing over the keys, playing the very same melody. The woman’s face was blurred, but Sophia felt an overwhelming warmth, as if she knew her. She woke up, heart pounding. The next morning, while packing away old belongings, she discovered a small wooden box tucked away in a drawer. Inside were faded letters tied with a blue ribbon. Carefully, she unfolded one and began to read. "My dearest Claire, Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. Our melody lingers in my mind, though my fingers have not touched the piano in years. If only the world had been kinder to us…" Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. Claire? She had never heard of a Claire in her grandmother’s life. As she read through the letters, a story unfolded—one of love, separation, and loss. Margaret and Claire had been inseparable in their youth. They had met at a music academy in the summer of 1953, bonding over their love for the piano. They had written "Claire’s Melody" together, a piece that reflected their love. But society had not been ready for them. Pressured by her family, Margaret had married a man chosen for her, leaving Claire and their music behind. Sophia felt tears prick her eyes. Her grandmother had lived an entire life with this secret, carrying the weight of a love lost to time. Determined to honor her grandmother’s past, Sophia searched through the house for more clues. In a box under the bed, she found a photograph—two young women sitting at a grand piano, laughing. On the back, in faded ink, were the words: "Margaret & Claire, Summer ‘53." Sophia sat at the piano once more, placing the letters and the photograph beside her. With shaky hands, she played the melody again, letting the notes carry the emotions of a love that had never faded. As the last note rang out, something incredible happened. A deep sense of peace washed over her, as if her grandmother’s soul had finally found rest. Sophia knew what she had to do. A few weeks later, she recorded "Claire’s Melody" and uploaded it online, along with her grandmother’s story. The video went viral, touching hearts across the world. Days later, she received a message from an unknown sender. "My name is Emily. Claire was my grandmother. Thank you for bringing her story back to life. She never forgot Margaret." Tears streamed down Sophia’s face. Love, she realized, never truly fades. It just waits to be heard again.
By Hridoy Hasan2 years ago in Confessions
The Last Letter
James Carter had never been particularly close to his grandfather, Richard Carter. The old man was quiet, reserved, and kept most of his past to himself. James had spent summers at his grandparents’ countryside home, but even during those visits, Richard never spoke much about his life before marriage.
By Hridoy Hasan2 years ago in Confessions
FEAR IN THINKING IS THIS ABILITY OR ILLNESS
In a bustling yet lonely city for a man named Benjamin, his life is filled with uniqueness that is difficult to explain to others. Since childhood, he has realized that his mind does not work like most people. His memory and understanding of the world are so sharp, as if his brain is an infinite storage, recording every event in detail that is impossible to forget. He can remember meetings 10 or even 30 years ago, complete with seconds, hours, and words spoken, as if it all happened yesterday.
By Benzamin2 years ago in Confessions
Rituals, rites and rumours: how women claim power in Zimbabwe’s informal gold mines.
Many men on artisanal or small-scale gold mining sites are uncomfortable working with women in their syndicates because of this commonly held cultural belief, that women “pollute” the sacredness of the mining space.
By Viona Aminda2 years ago in Confessions
10 ways to practice self-love on Valentine's Day
Here are 10 ways to practice self-love on Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day is often seen as a time to celebrate love with others, but it’s equally important to take a moment to show yourself some love. Self-love is about recognizing your worth, being kind to yourself, and practicing habits that nurture your mind and body. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on your own terms, here are 10 thoughtful ways to practice self-love that can leave you feeling rejuvenated, empowered, and appreciated.
By Ramesh Mahato 2 years ago in Confessions
An ode to being lost in life
Because when you just dream about it in your heart, work hard for it and believe in the universe to perform its magic, it conspires in the best-designated ways to make your dreams come true. I have always believed in the higher power, something beyond the fathomable vision of the human eye that beholds us, ties us to our purpose and protects us in times of uncertainty and dejection. It is comforting to know that some mighty and divine force beckons us in moments of need and sometimes all we need to do is let go and have faith. Life in its truest mirth often transcends through the truces of rationalisation and delusion, through the light of knowing exactly what to do and under the traces of pretence which hides the scariest part, not having a single clue as to where your life is going.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Confessions
Breaking Down the Question: "Are You One of Those Feminist Types?" and My Truthful Answer
I experienced being watched long before I understood what feminism meant. I came to see that there was a persistent, ravenous gaze on all women. It establishes the boundaries between right and wrong, specifies the moral patterns a girl must exhibit, and reaffirms our core beliefs. Such surveillance has the peculiar quality of quickly turning inward, turning you into a voyeur of yourself. I spent almost my entire adolescence performing what I thought was most attractive.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Confessions
Millennium Puzzle Pieces
Kai sat cross-legged on his twin bed in his mom’s cramped Brooklyn apartment, scrolling through apartment listings on his laptop. Most of the units were wildly out of budget or looked like they’d collapse in a strong wind. But even the overpriced shoeboxes were tempting compared to where he was now.
By The Kind Quill2 years ago in Confessions
Marriage and Regret: Exploring the Reasons Behind a Common Question
Marriage is often seen as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, but for some, it can become a source of regret. This emotion, while difficult to confront, is not uncommon. Understanding the reasons behind marital regret can help individuals and couples address issues and potentially find a path forward.
By mureed hussain2 years ago in Confessions
Learn from Your Mistakes: The Art of Growth and Wisdom
Learn from Your Mistakes: The Art of Growth and Wisdom Life is a never-ending journey of learning and experiences. Along this journey, mistakes are inevitable. Some may be small, easily forgotten; others may seem monumental, leaving a lasting imprint. Often, we find ourselves blaming, ridiculing, or undermining our worth due to these mistakes. However, mistakes are not signs of failure; they are stepping stones toward maturity, growth, and wisdom. They are the foundation upon which we build our understanding of life, steering us toward better paths and brighter futures.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Confessions
