family
Beneath the Tree That Watched Us
The Tree on the Hill On the edge of a quiet village named Kalwara, stood a tall, old peepal tree, alone on a small hill. Its branches were wide, its bark dark and cracked like an ancient face, and its leaves sang with the wind. The villagers called it “The Watching Tree”, because no matter where you stood on the hill, it felt like the tree was looking right at you.
By Muhammad Hayatabout a year ago in Fiction
The Quiet Freedom of No Longer Performing
There is a very special freedom in not feeling the need to prove anything. As children, we played at entertainment almost all the time, it felt like. That was about attention, validation, and adoration. This, as we chased titles, likes, compliments, and love that was conditional, at times. What we longed for was for other people to recognize us, to find us attractive, to call us ''ambitious,'' ''gifted,'' ''successful,'' ''pretty.''
By Rohitha Lankaabout a year ago in Fiction
Are We Alone? What Americans Really Think About Aliens in 2025
In 2025, the idea of aliens isn’t just for sci-fi nerds or late-night conspiracy threads — it’s gone mainstream. From Pentagon reports to viral documentaries, the question of whether we’re alone in the universe is sparking heated debates at dinner tables, on social media, and even in Congress. A staggering 65% of Americans now believe intelligent life exists on other planets, and over half think UFOs spotted by the military are evidence of alien visitors. So, what’s driving this cosmic curiosity? And what do Americans really think about little green men — or whatever else might be out there? Let’s dive into the data, the dreams, and the doubts fueling this obsession.
By Wiseword Breakthoughsabout a year ago in Fiction
The Snake's promise
A snake is always a snake.. Once upon a time, there was a rabbit hole that was a lovely place to live. The partridges crouched in their corners. And the rabbits huddled fearfully in the corners. No guest like this had ever entered their door. But the snake said, in a soft, quiet voice.
By Rohitha Lankaabout a year ago in Fiction
Phinehas Shaw. Top Story - May 2025.
Here, before us, is Phinehas Shaw, Brother, Father, Son, Uncle, Cousin, and friend to so very, very many. As I look out into the crowd, I can truly see how well Phinehas was loved or at least known. I must say, I’ve never seen a crowd this large gathered together to see just one person. I’m impressed. I didn’t think that this many people could fit inside the building.
By David E. Perryabout a year ago in Fiction
The Night Everything Changed
A short story by a 16-year-old girl Mom....Mom... please open the door....[That's what my mother said to my foster mother. Since Kiriamma is alone at home, I will go to Kiriamma's house to sleep at night....(In this story, I am Sudu)..]
By Rohitha Lankaabout a year ago in Fiction
The Church by the Road. Content Warning.
This story is an encounter that I myself lived through. This is a story from somewhere in Mabima. I shall not say what the village was. There is a big Christian church near where I am referring to. It is very beautiful. Their yard is there.'' It is on the right in the direction we are travelling. Today's tale is about this church and the graveyard. So one day I'm walking home after school. It was about 8:00 pm. Once out of the bus, the place I referred to was about 100 meters from there.
By Rohitha Lankaabout a year ago in Fiction
wonder tree. AI-Generated.
In a small village, the Oakley tree stood tall, its roots digging deep into the earth, its branches stretching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral. For centuries, it watched over the villagers, providing shade from the scorching sun and shelter from the raging storms. The tree had seen generations come and go, each leaving their mark on its ancient bark.
By zubair akbarabout a year ago in Fiction
