When the Forsters moved in next door, I hoped we’d get along. Their family—husband, wife, and 10-year-old son—was typical. Initially, everything was well. A courteous wave and nod. But everything changed quickly. Danny, the dad, was bad. He acted like he owned the neighborhood, making us blessed to reside near him. The former owners of his house were nice, and we silently agreed on the shared yard. There was no barrier between our properties—just a wide, natural lawn. That was OK till Danny arrived. My wife and I tried. We welcomed them, invited them to the community BBQ, and gave…
Author: World Wide
I had no intention of stopping. My phone was at 5% and groceries in the backseat. BUT I spotted him lying by the curb, head barely up, ribs exposed, and one ear bent like it was torn long ago. I got close but he didn’t run. He stared at me like he knew I wouldn’t hurt him. His legs shook when he tried to stand, and when I squatted down, he limped over and fell into my lap like we’d known each other forever. That was two weeks ago. Despite his lack of vitality, I named him Mello. He follows…
I was nervous because it was my first week back at work after maternity leave and I hadn’t slept more than four hours. My husband texted, “My mom and dad are stopping by tonight,” and I nearly broke down. I was informed without question or check. They arrived at 6:12, her arms full of casseroles I never asked for, his eyes searching the living room like he was rating the bookcase dust. I pretended to smile. She started right away. “You’re still nursing? He’s skinny.” “You returned to work already? Six years at home with my boys.” Every sentence had…
I was merely supposed to deliver groceries. My mom gave me bags of soup, apples, and that odd grainy bread Grandpa hates but usually finishes since she was worried about them eating enough. I didn’t knock. Keys have been mine since I was twelve. I entered expecting to hear the news or Grandma grumbling about her puzzle pieces. I heard music instead. Real music—not soft jazz or classical. Stevie Wonder. The floorboards hummed loudly. There they were. Grandma in her old house dress and fuzzy socks, Grandpa in basketball shorts and an unmatched button-up. Just dancing. Actual dancing—not slow swaying.…
Granddad’s big white-frosted cake with “95” candles was melting in our presence. Crowded living room. Cousins, uncles, and neighbors absent for years. Someone had worn that tacky party hat over his hearing aids, but he didn’t mind. He appeared little in that huge recliner, wrapped in his beloved brown cardigan. But his eyes were piercing. Sharper than at his 90th. As usual, we sang off-key and overly loud, and everyone leaned in with their phones to catch his candle blowing. He did it then. Granddad raised his right hand slowly. Not wave-like. Scratching and coughing are forbidden. It was slow…
Six months ago, I was arranging a nursery and choosing cloth or disposable diapers. I had no idea my life would change twice. It started with a mild thigh pain. I thought it was pregnancy-related, like sciatica or pinched nerve. It worsened. I endured it when my daughter Liora was born to cherish every minute with her. I was captivated with baby fragrance and small fingers. However, the discomfort intensified. Rocking her one morning was unbearable. I finally got scans. The doctor entered with that face. Who says, “this isn’t going to be easy.” An aggressive, rare soft tissue cancer,…
I never imagined my children turning against me. Life may prove you incorrect in the worst ways. My spouse died, so I downsized. I acquired a little, enough-for-me house after selling the family home. I trusted my kids, Ethan and Vanessa, with the money since I was bad at paperwork. They promised to manage everything. Not knowing that managing everything entailed placing my home in their names. I returned home to a “For Sale” sign in my yard. I considered it a mistake. It wasn’t. It was sold out from under me. Ethan remarked, “The market is hot, Mom,” which…
I was 17 when my neighbors invited me to the Caribbean for the holidays. They wanted a nanny for their five- and seven-year-olds. Simple deal: 10 days at an all-inclusive resort. I would care for the kids for seven days and nights in their room. $500 and three days to myself were my reward. Perfect, it seemed. I worked two days and took one off, repeating. No problem, I thought. The resort included snorkeling, paddleboarding, and ziplining. I listed everything I wanted to do on my spare days and imagined myself lying on the beach with mocktails in the sun.…
I had two children and inherited a nice home from my grandma when I married Dan for eight years. I thought we were happy until Dan cheated. I once pardoned him. My second divorce was filed before he apologized. I owned the home, our 50/50 finances were clear, and Dan requested I accept full custody since he didn’t want “the responsibility.” It was cruel but uncomplicated. Dan vowed to leave by the weekend when everything was settled. I gave him space by taking the kids to my mom. I entered a nightmare when we returned. We lost our flowery wallpaper!…
