friendship
C.S Lewis got it right: friendship is born when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one!"
(1) Seeing the System Clearly
- The Shared Feeling No One Can Quite Explain - Most people do not need to be convinced that something is wrong. They feel it in rising costs that never seem to stabilize, in rules that change without explanation, in institutions that demand compliance but no longer command trust, and in a political process that feels permanently hostile yet strangely ineffective. These experiences are not isolated. They are widespread, persistent, and remarkably consistent across demographics, ideologies, and personal circumstances. What differs is not the feeling, but the explanation people are given for it.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast20 days ago in Humans
(0) Prologue: Before You Read
This series is written for readers who sense that something in the structure of modern life no longer works the way it once did, but who have found most available explanations unsatisfying. It assumes the reader is capable of sustained attention and willing to engage with complexity without demanding immediate resolution. It does not assume political alignment, ideological agreement, or shared conclusions. What it does assume is a willingness to slow down long enough for clarity to emerge.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast20 days ago in Humans
A Friend in Need
A Friend in Need – Story Number 2717 Thursday, November 14, 2024 By: Tuba Saeed In a forest, a pair of pigeons, a male and a female, lived happily on a tree. Recently, the female had laid eggs and was now sitting on them, as the chicks were about to hatch in a few days. As the hatching day approached, the female began worrying about how they would protect their chicks. She repeatedly thought that they should make some friends who could help them during times of trouble.
By Sudais Zakwan20 days ago in Humans
She Was in the Wrong
Aliza and Amara shared a friendship so close that it seemed like two souls inhabiting one body. They studied in the same class, and many of their habits were similar. The only significant difference was their approach to studies. Aliza was diligent and hardworking, putting in her best effort in every subject. As a result, she consistently secured the top positions in her class. Amara, on the other hand, was not as focused on her studies. She would manage to pass her exams but never achieved any notable academic distinction.
By Sudais Zakwan20 days ago in Humans
Smiling Through the Silence
It starts quietly. Not the dramatic kind of lonely that announces itself with tears or broken nights. Not the kind that demands attention. This is the subtle kind. The kind that slips in unnoticed and takes a seat beside you. The kind that stays, even when the room is full.
By Vikas Dhingra20 days ago in Humans
A True Friend Is One Who Helps in Times of Trouble
In a dense and lively forest, there lived a camel who was extremely proud of himself. He took great pride in his tall height, long neck, and graceful walk. He firmly believed that he was superior to all other animals in the forest. Because of this arrogance, he behaved rudely with everyone. Wherever he wished, he would walk without care, looking down on others and treating them with disrespect. If any animal dared to question or tease him, he would angrily chase them away.
By Sudais Zakwan20 days ago in Humans
The Line We Were Never Meant to Cross — Epilogue
Three years later, the darkness hadn’t left him. It had learned restraint. Aarav stood by the window as rain slid down the glass, slow and deliberate. The city below pulsed with life—unaware of the things we’d survived inside these walls. He still watched storms like they might accuse him of something. “You’re spiraling,” I said from the bed. He didn’t turn. “I’m remembering.” I rose and crossed the room, stopping behind him. I didn’t touch him immediately. That mattered. It always had. “I remember too,” I said quietly. “And I stayed.” His breath hitched. Just slightly. The old Aarav would have taken my words as permission. As ownership. This one didn’t move until I rested my hand against his back—my choice. Only then did he turn. “Do you ever miss it?” he asked. “The way it was? When I wanted you too much?” I didn’t pretend not to understand. “Sometimes,” I admitted. “It scared me. And it thrilled me.” His jaw tightened. “But I love this more,” I continued. “Because now, when you touch me, it’s because I let you.” His hands came to my waist—slow, reverent, still dangerous in their promise. The darkness was there. It always would be. But now it waited for consent. “You still undo me,” he said. “I just know when to stop.” I smiled faintly. “And I know when not to ask you to.” We lived in that balance—control and surrender woven together so tightly they were indistinguishable. Our love was not loud. It was private. Intense in ways that never needed witnesses. He never claimed me again. He chose me. And I chose him back, knowing exactly what he was capable of—because I’d seen it, survived it, and stayed anyway. The ring on my finger was simple. But the meaning behind it was anything but. It wasn’t a promise of safety. It was a promise of awareness. “I still want you like I shouldn’t,” he murmured one night, lips against my throat. “I just don’t let it own me.” I tilted my head, granting him access I trusted him not to abuse. “I want to be wanted,” I whispered. “Not trapped.” His mouth curved against my skin. “Then we understand each other.” Our love was never pure. It was conscious. We kept the darkness—not as a weapon, not as a cage—but as a reminder of how easily love can turn cruel when it forgets choice. Some nights, when the rain was heavy and the world felt too quiet, he held me like he used to—tight, almost desperate—but never past the line we drew together. And when he asked, “Still here?” I always answered, “Yes.” Because this time, staying was my decision. And his restraint— —that was his redemption.
By Rosalina Jane21 days ago in Humans
A Little Vocal Reciprocal Challenge
Introduction I think this is a good thing to try again This is just an idea I had for maybe bringing Vocal Creators closer together. I did produce this piece to add favourite creators to your profile a while back and while it got good feedback I've only seen a handful of people implement it, though I personally found it good for discovering new creators. If my friends like a creator, then the chances are I will also like their work.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 21 days ago in Humans
