Author: William

I wasn’t even supposed to be out that late. I had just finished a double shift at the diner and missed the last bus, so I figured I’d cut through the back side of Jefferson Avenue. It’s not the safest spot, especially after midnight. Boarded-up shops, broken glass, old flyers stuck to the pavement with…

It’s funny how fast your life can flip upside down. A week ago, I was sitting in my kitchen, waiting for my son to bring me groceries like he promised. He never showed. When I called, his wife answered and said, “We can’t keep doing this, you need to figure something out.” Then she hung…

It’s the same damn car, parked halfway across our driveway again, headlights still on like it’s taunting us. Mrs. Edvardsen from across the street swears it’s “just for a second” every time. But this is the fourth “second” this week, and now my dad’s late picking up my little sister from chess club. I’m standing…

I’m a 61-year-old widow and finally booked my dream cruise. Days before the trip, my grandson had an asthma attack and was hospitalized. My daughter asked me to cancel and help with her other kids. I said no. She hasn’t spoken to me since. What no one knows is that the cruise wasn’t just a…

Every June 4th, someone puts roses on my father’s grave. For 10 years, we wondered who left them: a secret child, a lover, or an old friend. This year, I decided to wait there and finally find out. I froze when I realized we were all wrong. It was a man I’d never seen before,…

My dad and I both work at the same hospital. He’s a nurse, and I’m in social work. One day, a new nurse saw us hug and spread a rumor that we were having an affair. By the next day, the gossip had spread everywhere. Later, the HR called us in. Then, the new nurse…

My daughter (4) turns the aisle into her dancing stage, every time we’re at the store. People usually smile – until last time. An older woman gave us a nasty look and said, “Your mom should teach you some manners.” My daughter calmly replied, “Tell your husband to smile more.” I froze. My face probably…

I remarried two years ago. I treat my stepdaughter kindly, but I’ve made it clear that I’m not her mom. One day, she woke up with a high fever. Her mom didn’t pick up, and my husband was on a trip. I didn’t want to skip work so I left. When I came back, I…

My stepdaughter (16) wanted to have a pool party. I was hesitant at first, but my husband agreed that we’d cover the cost. She left her phone on the table, and I accidentally saw a message pop up. My blood boiled when I read that she was calling me “a gold-digging loser who’s only nice…

They did a test at preschool. That evening, my wife calls me with a shaky voice, saying we need to talk. Turns out, our son drew everyone with colorful markers, but he drew me in black. The psychologist’s report said I’m a tyrant, and our son is afraid of me. I asked, “Son, why?” He…

My stepmom said that once I am 18, I’ll have to pay rent. But the house we live in is mine. She didn’t know about it. So, I answered that it’s she who’ll start paying. She lost it. She hysterically refused and shouted that I was being childish. The next day, I woke up to…

When my neighbor moved in, she started bringing over homemade meals and baked goods. One evening, she handed me a container of soup, claiming she had made too much. I thanked her and dug in, but something tasted off. The next day, I noticed the soup had a strange aftertaste I couldn’t quite place. It…