Author: Rodei My
The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted from Marley’s Diner, the only restaurant on Maple Street that still offered lunch for under ten dollars. Inside, sixteen-year-old Ethan Parker sat at a corner table, his stomach growling louder than the hum of the old ceiling fan. It was Friday—his favorite day—because it meant he could finally afford a warm meal after a week of skipping lunch to save money for his mother’s medication. Ethan worked part-time at a car wash after school. His mom, Linda, had been struggling with chronic back pain since the accident that took his dad two years…
After ten years of marriage, I discovered my wife had been seeing my brother. His ex sent me a photo of them kissing. At first, I just stared at it, refusing to believe it was real. But it was—and once I accepted that, I knew nothing would ever be the same. When she became pregnant, I knew the child wasn’t mine. That’s when everything exploded into a full-blown family disaster. Her mother stopped speaking to her, and after a huge argument, my family cut her off completely. She and my brother were left on their own, isolated from everyone. She…
The rain beat against the windows of a small apartment in the city, echoing the storm inside Isabelle’s heart. Six months pregnant, she sat on the cold floor, listening to her husband Marco’s low, intimate voice in the living room — the same tone he once used only for her. Isabelle had given up everything for this marriage — her thriving career in pharmaceutical research, her savings, her independence — all to help Marco build his clinic. Together, they had dreamed of healing communities and raising a family grounded in purpose. But success had changed him. Or maybe, she realized…
When you see a bug inside your home, most people either want to k-ill it or throw it outside. But, did you know there is one insect that you probably should keep inside your home that can actually help keep your house clear of other insects? Meet the insect Scutigera coleoptrata, more commonly known as the house centipede. These insects may look extremely intimidating and creepy to most people, but they do plenty of good inside your home. House Centipedes: Creepy but Kinda Cool House centipede has 15 pairs of legs, two well-developed eyes, and two long sensitive antennae to…
I spend most of my days caring for my grandkids while my son and his wife are at work. It isn’t always easy, but I do it out of love. When they invited me to join them on a family trip, I thought it was finally my chance to rest a little, to be cared for instead of always being the one doing the caring. I was genuinely excited. But the moment we arrived, my son-in-law turned to me and said, “So, what’s for dinner? You’re not expecting a free ride, are you?” I wasn’t sure if I should laugh…
I never thought my own child would take me to court. After my husband passed away last year, his will clearly stated that everything — the house, the savings, the investments — would go to me, and that our son, Jake, would inherit after my passing. It was meant to give me security in my old age, something my husband had always worried about. I never imagined that same act of love would tear our family apart. Jake had always been a good son, but after his father’s death, something in him changed. He quit his job, said he wanted…
David Parker had dreamed of this day for years—the final interview for a position at one of New York’s most prestigious firms. But fate had other plans, forcing him to choose between ambition and compassion on a crowded Manhattan street. It was a bright Monday morning when David stepped out of the subway, adjusting his tie. At twenty-four, he was about to attend the biggest interview of his life—an analyst role at Hamilton & Co., a top investment firm. Months of preparation, sleepless nights, and mock interviews had led to this moment. He was early, striding confidently down Fifth Avenue,…
A man who has won the lottery a staggering 14 times has explained the somewhat simple math he used to beat the system. Your chances of winning the lottery are actually pretty slim – well, one in $302.5 million for the Mega Millions jackpot, to be precise. As a result, it is highly unlikely any of us will win a massive fortune in our lifetime. However, Stefan Mandel has managed to claim the jackpot a whopping 14 times, which is actually incredible considering playing the lottery is a game of luck. Well, Mandel doesn’t see it that way after ‘simple…
Skin irritation is one of the most common problems people experience, regardless of age or skin type. Redness, itching, burning, or dryness can appear suddenly and cause real discomfort. Fortunately, with the right care and understanding, most forms of irritation can be reduced—or even prevented altogether. Common Causes of Skin Irritation Skin irritation can be triggered by a variety of factors. One of the most frequent causes is contact with harsh chemicals found in detergents, soaps, and cleaning products. Even certain skincare or cosmetic items may contain fragrances, alcohol, or preservatives that inflame sensitive skin. Environmental Factors Environmental changes also…
Have you ever noticed the small pocket sewn inside the front right pocket of your jeans? It’s too small for your phone or keys—so what’s it really for? Surprisingly, that little pocket has a long, practical history that dates back to the 1800s. The Original Purpose That small pocket is officially known as the “watch pocket.” It was first introduced by Levi Strauss & Co. when jeans were designed as durable workwear for miners, laborers, and cowboys. During that era, men often carried pocket watches, which were delicate and easily scratched or lost while working. To solve this problem, Levi…