family
A Father’s Last Gift
The warmth of the afternoon sun washed over Jessica as she stood on the podium, diploma in hand, heart swelling with pride and gratitude. She thought of her mother, who had sacrificed everything for her and her two sisters after their father passed away. Their father had left them in debt, losing every possession they had to the company he’d borrowed from, and since then, life had been an uphill battle. But Jessica’s mother had pushed her forward, determined that her daughters would have a chance at a better future.
By Oluwatofunmi Oranaiye2 years ago in Fiction
Finding Unconditional Love in Your Life
Unconditional love. Just hearing these words may bring up a multitude of images: a devoted couple, the bond between a mother and her child, or perhaps a character from a romance novel. In today's world, the concept of unconditional love is often misunderstood, skewed by societal expectations and ideals. But true unconditional love is a powerful, transformative force, one that everyone has the potential to experience in their lives. Let's explore what this kind of love truly entails, how it differs from conditional love, and ways you can find it in your relationships, friendships, and even within yourself.
By mureed hussain2 years ago in Fiction
The Last Blink
The heart monitor emitted a constant beep, a mechanical reminder that life still persisted in that time-worn body. A trembling hand, crisscrossed with prominent blue veins, rested on the white hospital sheets. The fingers twitched slightly, as if trying to grasp a fleeting memory.
By Ulter Damin2 years ago in Fiction
Weird Barbie goes to Therapy. AI-Generated.
Scene: Therapy Session with Riley and Weird Barbie The therapy room is cozy, with soft lighting, plush furniture, and shelves filled with books and toys. Riley, the therapist, sits in an armchair, her posture calm and open. Inside her mind, Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger man the control panel, ready to react to the unfolding conversation. Across from her sits Weird Barbie—her hair chopped unevenly, face scribbled with marker, and wearing a wild mix of outfits. She fidgets slightly, her demeanor a mix of confusion, defiance, and vulnerability. --- Riley: [smiling gently] So, Weird Barbie, thanks for coming today. I understand you’re feeling like you don’t really belong in Barbie Land? Weird Barbie: [sitting cross-legged, tapping her foot nervously] Yeah… I mean, I’m not like the others, am I? They all have perfect hair and perfect lives. Meanwhile, I’m… [gestures to her disheveled appearance] this. They look at me like I’m broken, like I’m some freak. --- Inside Riley’s head, Sadness steps up to the console, her shoulders slumped. Sadness: "I know what it’s like to feel out of place. This is so sad…" Joy quickly intervenes, gently pushing Sadness aside. Joy: "Hold on! We can help her! Let’s try to focus on the positive. She’s unique! Let’s celebrate that." --- Riley: [softly] It sounds like you’ve been through a lot. You’re different, but that doesn’t make you less than the others. In fact, it sounds like you’re needed in Barbie Land because you offer something no one else does. Have you ever thought about how your uniqueness helps others? Weird Barbie: [frowning, confused] Helps? I mean… the only time anyone comes to see me is when they’ve messed up and want to hide it. I’m the ‘fix-it Barbie,’ or worse, the one they laugh at. --- Inside Riley’s mind, Disgust rolls her eyes, adjusting a lever. Disgust: "Ugh, why do people have to be so judgmental? I mean, Weird Barbie is way more interesting than those ‘perfect’ ones!" Fear chimes in. Fear: "But what if we say the wrong thing and she feels even more misunderstood?" Joy steps forward again, determined. Joy: "No, we’ve got this. Weird Barbie has her own strengths, and we need to help her see them!" --- Riley: [nodding thoughtfully] That must be really tough. You’re always there when people need help, but it feels like they don’t see you for who you really are. But I wonder… have you thought about how, because you’re different, you know things they don’t? You have a kind of wisdom they can’t get from anyone else. I think that’s why they come to you. Weird Barbie: [raises an eyebrow skeptically] Wisdom? From me? I mean, sure, I’ve been around, and I’ve seen some stuff. But that just makes me… weird, doesn’t it? --- Sadness sighs in Riley’s mind, but Joy stays persistent. Joy: "Wisdom isn’t always pretty or perfect. Sometimes it’s messy, but that’s what makes it real." Anger, however, seems less patient. Anger: "Ugh! Why do people have to call her ‘Weird Barbie’? It's so unfair! I hate that!" --- Riley: [leans forward slightly] You’re not weird
By Crystal Violet2 years ago in Fiction
Mario and Anya, two smart kids
The officer instructed Fig to stay put with the other people on dry land while they took the rescue boat back into the flooded street to pick up Fig's kids and any others they could see. Fig was worried that her kids would not respond to the help since she had told them not to open the door.
By Shanon Angermeyer Norman2 years ago in Fiction
The Cursed Reflection
I had always been fascinated by antiques, and when I came across an old, ornate mirror at a flea market, I couldn’t resist buying it. It was large, with a heavy wooden frame, intricately carved with strange symbols. The seller told me it was from the 1800s and had a history, but they refused to say more. “Some things are better left unsaid,” they muttered. I brushed off their warning, eager to add the mirror to my collection.
By Ƒนʀƙเ ฬʀเτєร2 years ago in Fiction
