Young Adult
Beauty and Death
Once in a distant time, in the depths of the underworld, a realm shrouded in shadows and obscurity, Hades, the deity overseeing the departed souls, ruled with an unyielding authority. The underworld was a realm of perpetual solemnity, where the spirits of the deceased wandered aimlessly in an eternal twilight.
By LyricCoffee2 years ago in Chapters
Through the Kaleidoscope
Every color you encounter in your surroundings can be discovered in the natural world. Nearly every hue imaginable can be found in plants, animals, or minerals. However, when it comes to identifying the least common colors in nature, two key factors come into play: physics and evolution. Let's begin with the physical aspect. Colors come into existence when wavelengths of light interact with objects. Most of the colors you see outside of screens are produced in one of two primary ways.
By LyricCoffee2 years ago in Chapters
Effects of Love
Love is a complex feeling, and our brains play a significant role in it. When you first fall for someone, you might feel euphoric and obsessed with them. This initial stage, called infatuation, is driven by a brain region called the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which releases the "feel good" neurotransmitter dopamine. This makes you want to be with the person more. During this phase, you might overlook flaws in your partner due to reduced activity in the critical thinking part of your brain.
By LyricCoffee2 years ago in Chapters
The Power of Friendships
Friendships can occupy a unique and special place in our life stories. What sets these connections apart? Before we explore the scientific aspects, let's first witness a friendship in action. If I could somehow create an ideal best friend, someone embodying all the perfect qualities of my ideal match, that individual would still not measure up to Priya. She has an uncanny ability to turn any situation into a delightful experience, whether it's a chemistry lab or band practice. What I'm trying to convey is that I never experience more intense laughter than when I'm in Priya's company. She's consistently there for me, as demonstrated last year after I endured a painful breakup with Te— you know what? I'd rather not utter their name. At that moment, it felt like my whole world was crumbling, but the moment I confided in Priya, she was right at my doorstep. Despite my emotional turmoil, she sat by my side, providing a listening ear. We're always on the same wavelength; it's as though we can intuit each other's thoughts! Our conversations can extend for hours, delving into any topic imaginable. My mom would undoubtedly point out that she has the phone bills to substantiate it. If it appears that friendships formed during adolescence hold a unique significance, it's because they indeed do. Early childhood, teenage, and adult friendships all exhibit distinct characteristics, primarily because the brain operates differently during these life stages. Adolescence stands out as a time when peer relationships take precedence, and thanks to the developing brain, there are shifts in how you assess, comprehend, and connect with friends. Teenage friendships can sometimes appear inseparable. Scientists describe adolescence as a period of social reorientation, with teenagers beginning to spend as much or even more time with friends compared to their parents. This inclination to spend time with pals may result from changes in the brain's reward center, known as the ventral striatum. Activation of this region makes socializing enjoyable and motivates individuals to spend more time with their friends. Neuroimaging studies reveal that this region is remarkably responsive during the teenage years, which may explain why adolescents tend to place a higher value on social interactions compared to children or adults. Teenage friendships can also feel more profound than the friendships of childhood. This heightened connection is made possible by advances in Theory of Mind, a term used by scientists to describe the ability to understand others' emotions, thoughts, motivations, and perspectives, recognizing that these may differ from one's own. While it may seem intuitive, this ability hinges on the coordinated functioning of various brain regions, collectively referred to as the social brain. Infants begin to develop Theory of Mind at around 18 months or so. Prior to this, it is believed that they assume everyone perceives and knows precisely what they know. Although Theory of Mind was once thought to be fully developed by the age of five, scientists now understand that it continues to enhance and mature well into the teenage years and beyond. Similarly, regions within the social brain exhibit increased connectivity during adolescence compared to childhood. As a result, teenagers can gain a better understanding of their friends' perspectives, allowing for deeper connections to blossom. In the closest friendships, it can almost feel as if you share a metaphysical connection—two bodies and minds harmoniously in sync. There is even science supporting this notion! Your ability to connect with others is somewhat reliant on the coordination of actions, emotions, physiology, and thoughts, a concept psychologists refer to as interpersonal synchrony. Infants initially exhibit signs of this ability by synchronizing movements and babbling with their parents. As you grow older and spend more time outside the home, you increasingly display this synchrony with your peers. For instance, picture walking down the street with a friend. Often without conscious thought, you walk at the same pace and follow the same path. You and your best friend may not only be on the same page, but also, scientifically speaking, in perfect harmony.
By LyricCoffee2 years ago in Chapters
The Forsaken: Part VIII
At first, even Elizabeth was stunned by what happened. Lucas held the girl down, and she drank from the flask filled with holy water as he chanted in Latin. The girl’s little body went into convulsions. A monstrous scream escaped her, and like Elizabeth, a black, viscous fluid erupted from her.
By Jason Ray Morton 2 years ago in Chapters
Labyrinthine Secrets: A Detective Charlotte Everson Mystery
Chapter 1: Arcane Summons Detective Charlotte Everson was not one to be easily disturbed. His years on the force had exposed him to some of the most gruesome criminal scenes, but when the call came to him on a stormy Friday evening, even he could not prepare.
By Khalil Azhar2 years ago in Chapters
"Secrets of the Mystery Gully: Amelia's Uncommon Excursion into the Unexplored World"
Chapter 3: The Trials of Fire Elysia remained at the foot of a transcending mountain range known as the Coal Pinnacles. Its spiked pinnacles ventured high out of sight, shrouded in an ethereal fog that murmured of old mysteries. As indicated by the mysterious hints she had accumulated, it was here that she would confront her most memorable preliminary.
By home doctor2 years ago in Chapters
Chaotic woman
"A chaotic life is the result of chaotic choices" -Alafia This quote shot an abrupt woah moment when I read it for the first time through a self given reading with my oracle cards. First couple of reads, the quote was disagreeable because there was no belief of my life holding space for chaos until the definition was seen with clarity. Chaos is a state of utter confusion. That landed me exactly where I've been dwelling in, a reality of confusion. A reality of discomfort through poor choices constantly chosen.
By Azrie'l Johnson2 years ago in Chapters
