While John and I were celebrating our anniversary on the beach, a swimsuit-clad woman bent down and called his name. My heart stopped. Who was she and what did she want from my husband? I had no clue that day would make me cry. “JOHN… Do not leave me. John!” Suddenly waking, I yelled in an empty bed. My heart raced as I realized I was having a nightmare. Rosa here, and I had the worst dream. My husband John left me in a tropical paradise with turquoise waves and waving palms. I tried to shake my bad mood as…
Author: World Wide
My stepmom Linda was always difficult. Since her marriage to my dad when I was 10, she’s made everything about herself. At graduations, birthdays, and family gatherings, she always stole the attention. I never thought she’d wear a white dress to my wedding. Her overt suggestions before my wedding. “Don’t you think I deserve a big ceremony role?” She asked many times, fluttering her eyelids. I gently ignored her comments, believing Linda was being Linda. Sarah, my maid of honor, came in looking pale as I prepared in my suite on the wedding day. “You won’t believe this,” she drew…
Wedding day. My dad escorts me down the aisle. Everyone cheers and claps as we exchange vows. I immediately see a bunch of individuals carrying something approaching from afar. I couldn’t believe my eyes as they approached. They carried a bow-topped coffin! They carried it to the altar, placed it, and left. The entire room was dead silent. My husband’s friend stood up and cautiously opened the lid. I nearly fainted when discovering a collection of antique photos, handwritten messages, and a sealed mail inside. I was confused for a moment. The sight of a coffin at a wedding was…
Jeremy and I agreed to divide all expenditures, including rent, when we married. I learned our apartment cost $2,000 per month from Jeremy. I gave him my $1,000 portion every month, believing him to send it to the landlord. To compensate, I worked two jobs. My evenings were spent serving tables, while mornings were spent at an office. I hardly had time to sleep, but I thought it was worth it. I was saving for Jeremy and my goal of purchasing a house. Every shift, every arduous double shift, was for our future. I thought everything was normal for two…
I simply wanted to go home from work. Same bus, route, stiff back bench seat. My Adidas bag was in my lap, podcast on low, headphones on. I was thinking about dinner when this red-capped man staggered aboard the bus. His appearance was harsh. He looked exhausted after a few days. I couldn’t tell if the hands were twitching from cold or stress, eyes half closed, and jacket wrinkling He sat next to me, leaned back, and said nothing. I felt his head sink into my shoulder at the next stop. I froze. A part of me wanted to push…
First, I didn’t move when I heard the knock. Scrubbing the same cup I’d scrubbed three times in the kitchen. My hands needed something to do to distract from the thoughts that built up every evening when the home grew too quiet, not because it was unclean. The knock returned. This time firmer. I turned toward the door, my pulse pounding like when I heard footsteps outside my cell. But this was different. I wasn’t allowed guests. Not anymore. Not since leaving. Not since parole left me down in this half-forgotten area with more boarded than illuminated windows. Then I…
He was relieved to be home, yet uneasy. He felt his daughter and Jessica were having a problem. He resisted their ideas. He removed his jacket and entered the living room, where Emily was reading on the couch. She ran to him after looking up. The girl hugged him and said, “Daddy, I missed you so much!” Michael hugged her, feeling her warmth and excitement. “I missed you too, sweetheart,” he stroked her hair. “Where’s Jessica?” Emily groaned and rolled her eyes. “She’s probably sleeping.” She sounded irritated. He smiled and added, “Perfect,” leaning nearer his daughter. “Then we can…
She was thrilled and accepted instantly. She was being married today, a special day for every lady. Bridal couple exited wedding hall. As she boarded a white limousine with Michael to take their guests to the restaurant, her golden ring sparkled. An unexpected knock on the automobile window. Surprised, Emma rolled down the window. A skinny, badly clad seven-year-old girl stood there, shedding tears. She timidly offered a little but stunning daisy arrangement and said, “Miss, would you like to buy it for good luck? A few bucks is all it costs.” Emma gave the girl money from her wallet…
He had no option and no aid. Since Eleanor Thompson was alone in her apartment, the pastor suggested renting a room to the youngster. She would make money and he would sleep safely. Sharing makes life less lonely. While Eleanor spoke, Matthew slumped, lowered his head, and glanced at the floor. He could remain as a guest and leave if he didn’t like it. He could remain if he wished. Matthew was startled by her. She required no money? Was she merely giving him shelter? Even briefly? He hadn’t been helped in ages. He couldn’t believe a stranger would be…
