family
The Message That Came Too Late. AI-Generated.
Start The phone buzzed quietly on my nightstand, and I almost ignored it. Almost. Something about a notification at 2:17 a.m. feels wrong. You don’t get texts this late unless someone is drunk, desperate, or… something worse.
By Arman Malakabout a month ago in Fiction
Echoes in Her Eyes
I was staring at my aunt’s photograph again, the one I always kept on my desk, the one where her eyes seemed to hold both fire and sadness, when a strange pressure filled the room as if the air itself was listening to my thoughts. The light from the window bent strangely across her face, catching in her eyes like trapped sparks, and the room felt tight, as though the walls had inched closer. Dust floated slowly in the air, frozen in place, as if it were afraid to move. I whispered her name, wondering what she felt on the day she chose to stand up for herself and for all Iranian women. The world around me shattered into silence. The silence rang in my ears, loud and absolute, swallowing every sound I had ever known.
By Audrey Sabetfardabout a month ago in Fiction
The Art of Caregiving. Honorable Mention in Instructions Included Challenge.
Step 1: Patience is a Virtue Your loved one may be in a bad mood, driven by frustration, pain, or depression at being in their current state. This is normal, and expected. As their caregiver, it is up to you to boost their morale, which can be done with positive affirmations and/or physical gestures of love; e.g. hand holding, back rubbing, showering with praise. Note: keep in mind that too much praise can be detrimental. The path to healing has no participation awards, and there are times when a firm yet gentle hand is needed. These occasions may coincide with doling out medication, feeding, and attempts to foster independence. If you have the luxury of being in a hospital/institutional setting, extending patience to the facility's staff is a must. They cannot be everywhere at once, and there are other patients on their rotation besides your loved one. In rare cases where staff members seem especially inattentive, it is considered polite to refrain from wringing necks and spouting verbal abuse. The general rule of thumb is the kinder you treat the staff, the friendlier and more helpful they will be to your loved one in return. This is harder to achieve for many people in a caregiver role, but over time the self-inflicted wounds from chewing one's own tongue to hamburger will heal given sufficient time. Your patience and nerve will be tested at all times. It is of vital import that you remain calm, supportive, and flexible, so that you can cater to whatever needs your loved one may have. Additional restraint may be required if your patience is repeatedly taxed, and not met with the appreciation you feel is deserved. Overall, however, the bulk of your patience will usually be rewarded.
By Natalie Grayabout a month ago in Fiction
Getting out of the house can be hard
"Come on Jack, wake up. It's 7:30 already. You'll be late. Don't you wanna have breakfast?" "Mmmmm." "Yeah I know, you probably stayed up till 2 again, playing that stupid game. Whatever, you're not 12 anymore. You do you. But don't say I didn't try when they kick you out of school for too many missed classes."
By Paul Finglabout a month ago in Fiction
Rule 1: Don't Worry. Honorable Mention in Instructions Included Challenge.
Taylor, Thank you so much in advance for your help! I really appreciate it. Dave won't appreciate it quite as much but don't worry. That's rule number one. The rest are listed below. Again, thank you.
By Raine Nealabout a month ago in Fiction
An Instruction Manual for Keeping Your Child Alive:. Content Warning.
Author’s Note This story contains references to childhood trauma and a parent’s experience supporting a child through recovery, including moments of emotional crisis. The focus is not on graphic detail, but on a family’s survival, vigilance, and the quiet, ongoing work of caregiving.
By Stacey Mataxis Whitlow (SMW)about a month ago in Fiction
