Epilogue
The Hidden Staircase
It was the summer I turned fourteen when I discovered the hidden staircase in my grandmother’s house. I’d been staying with her for a few weeks while my parents traveled abroad. Her home was an old, creaky Victorian tucked into a quiet street at the edge of town — the kind of place where the floorboards groaned under your feet and every cabinet had its own story. I always had the feeling that the house was watching me.
By Mysterious/Cool Style10 months ago in Chapters
Advice From My Younger Self
Story for Vocal Media: If I could sit down with the younger version of myself — the wide-eyed dreamer full of fire, fear, and a little too much pride — I would tell him a few things. Not to scare him, not to change his path, but to offer the kind of perspective only time can teach.
By Mysterious/Cool Style10 months ago in Chapters
Lessons I’ve Learned From Rock Bottom
There was a time when I thought I had everything figured out. A decent job, a predictable routine, and a handful of people I thought I could rely on. But life has a funny way of teaching lessons — often in the most brutal, unexpected ways.
By Mysterious/Cool Style10 months ago in Chapters
Toxic Friends to Avoid
Friendships are essential for emotional support and personal growth, but not all friendships are healthy. Some individuals bring negativity, manipulation, and emotional strain into your life, draining your energy and damaging your well-being. Recognizing toxic friends and understanding their behavior is crucial to maintaining healthy relationships. In this piece, we will explore the different types of toxic friends to avoid.
By Muhammad Hidayatullah10 months ago in Chapters
30 Pet Loss Sympathy Quotes to Bring Comfort After Saying Goodbye to Your Beloved Companion"
Pet loss sympathy quotes offer gentle comfort when words fall short and hearts are heavy with the grief of losing a beloved companion. A loved pet's death is held in the most intimate parts of our hearts. What we share with our animal companions is substantial—and the loss feels similar to the loss of a family member. During these grief-stricken times, comfort can be challenging to find. A way for us to move through this sadness is to share words that capture the love and memories we have of each other. So here we've collected some pet-love sympathy quotes that can help you make it through this difficult time and allow you to show some compassion and support.
By Owais Ahmed10 months ago in Chapters
Weighted Choices
She sat on the edge of the dock. The lights across the city flickered in different areas from the rolling power surges. Fires danced sporadically in the streets. But here, at the dock, you couldn’t see that chaos. She looked up at the low laying clouds and it was just a gorgeous shifting light display rippling on the bottom of the ever-constant stratus clouds. The Washington coast was forever covered in clouds. She thought about the last thing Meimei had said before the radio communications fell. If she could get “to the middle of nowhere” they would meet up, and “bring a fanny pack”. Melody’s infectious laugh crackled out over the sound. She loved her little sister and really hoped someone would make it there. She had waited to long out here, trying to help these people.
By Maili Paul11 months ago in Chapters
Letting Go of Fear, Welcoming Freedom
Introduction Fear is one of the most powerful emotions that can control our lives, limit our choices, and prevent us from reaching our full potential. It whispers doubts into our minds, holds us back from taking risks, and convinces us that we are not enough. But what if we could let go of fear? What if, instead of being held captive by our anxieties, we could step into a life of true freedom? In this article, we will explore how to release fear and welcome the freedom that comes with self-acceptance, courage, and trust in the journey of life.
By Muhammad Awais11 months ago in Chapters
