Author: Emily Nguyen Le
I was only nineteen when my life split in two—before and after Philip. Back then, everything seemed simple. Philip and I had grown up together, gone to the same school, shared notes, dreams, and promises. He was going to be a doctor like his father, and I had planned to become a translator like my mom and grandmother. I loved languages; he loved healing people. It felt like fate. The summer before college, our group of friends celebrated our graduation by staying at Philip’s family country house. Days melted into nights filled with music, laughter, and stolen kisses beneath the…
Becoming my college friend’s bridesmaid was supposed to be a sweet gesture—something that rekindled our bond. Instead, it exposed her true colors. And while I didn’t plan on revenge, sometimes living well really is the best kind. Gina and I weren’t inseparable in college, but we were close enough to cry into cheap wine and microwave ramen while swapping horror stories about professors and bad breakups. So when she called me out of the blue one day asking if I’d be her bridesmaid, I thought, Maybe she misses me too. I was wrong. Gina had always been the type to dominate…
Discovering an unusual bump or lesion on your child’s scalp can be a cause for concern, especially when you’re unable to secure a prompt appointment with a healthcare provider. While it’s always best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis, understanding potential causes and remedies can provide some peace of mind and guidance in the interim. In this article, we will explore various scalp conditions, focusing on psoriasis vulgaris, a common yet often misunderstood condition. We’ll provide insights into identifying and managing scalp psoriasis at home, suggest over-the-counter treatments, and offer tips on when to seek medical attention. Additionally,…
Every day at 4:30 a.m., Claire Dawson arrived at Maple & Grain, a cozy little bakery tucked into a Portland neighborhood that was slowly giving way to high-rise condos and overpriced cafés. At 33, Claire had become a fixture—known for her flaky croissants, cinnamon rolls that practically melted in your mouth, and a calm, caring presence that lingered even after she’d left the room. But her most meaningful routine had nothing to do with what was on the menu. For illustrative purposes only Before the city stirred and the bakery doors opened, Claire would wrap a warm cinnamon bun, pour…
I’d spent a lot of time trying to win over my future mother-in-law, but she just kept resisting my efforts. She begrudgingly agreed for me to attend her dinner party, but used the event to try to control me and put me in my place. Let’s just say, things didn’t go the way she planned. When my future mother-in-law (MIL) invited me to her glamorous 60th birthday dinner, it came with one infuriating condition: I had to “do something” about one natural feature. Instead of backing down, I showed up the best way I knew how and taught her a…
When Finn’s fiancée calls off their wedding without explanation, he’s left heartbroken… and blamed. But a spontaneous trip to the venue reveals a truth far worse than he imagined. As lies unravel and guests gather, Finn steps back into the celebration he paid for… and he takes the mic. When Jennifer told me the wedding was off, she didn’t cry. She didn’t hesitate. She just looked at me across our kitchen counter and smiled. “I’m sorry, Finn. I don’t love you the way I thought I did,” she said. It was a quiet kind of devastation. There was no yelling.…
As of 2019, Rebecca Sharrock was the only Australian to have been diagnosed with ‘Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory’ In 2013, Rebecca Sharrock was diagnosed with something called ‘Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory’ (HSAM). Also known as Hyperthymesia, MedicalNewsToday defines the unique syndrome as ‘an ability that allows people to remember nearly every event of their life with great precision’ Rebecca Sharrock has had a vivid memory since she was a child (60 Minutes Australia/YouTube) This is something Rebecca has had all her life, but it wasn’t until her official diagnosis over a decade ago that she learnt why she was able…
At our housewarming party, my husband and mother-in-law made a shocking request: they wanted us to give the apartment to his sister. What they didn’t realize was that my parents had already made plans, and what followed was a revelation of betrayal, power struggles, and love—leading to a confrontation that no one anticipated. They say that the first home you buy together as a couple is where you build your future. For Alex and me, it was meant to be exactly that—a small, cozy two-bedroom apartment on the third floor, with sunlight flooding the kitchen every morning. We purchased it…
It was the first reported medical case of its kind, as officials issued a warning against the practice Anyone who has suffered chronic back pain will know how debilitating it is, and it can lead to people doing anything to find a way to fix it. But, as you’re probably aware, steering away from proper medical help isn’t advised and can end up having devastating consequences — as this Irishman found out the hard way. In 2019, there were reports of a man, 33, who took himself to hospital with what he described as ‘severe, sudden onset lower back pain’…
I found my prom dress at a thrift store for $12. But hidden in the lining was a handwritten note meant for someone else: a mother’s plea for forgiveness from a daughter named Ellie. She never read it — but I did. And I couldn’t just let it go. I’d always been the quiet kid in class; the one teachers nodded about approvingly while whispering about my bright future. But sitting in our cramped kitchen, watching Mom count out grocery money in crumpled singles, I knew that potential was just a fancy word for “not quite there yet.” And that…