Word of the Day: 星
hoshi - star ( sometimes planet too )
I guess, even if the class assignment to learn about infertility treatments for a Japanese couple sort of pissed me off, at least it let me know where I stand on the topic: I definitely don't want children.
A part of that statement makes me sad, because I think it comes about from not feeling safe in this world, like women not wanting children means that the enviroment is not supportive of those thoughts. I mean not always, there is rape and other cultural practices around procreation but, generally speaking for an egg/sperm to take, the couple needs to be healthy and not stressed out. I don't know anyone nowadays who fits that description.
Also since it hasn't been like a life long dream to have kids either, I guess I need to calm down and allow myself some room to allow for the possibility that, there will be people ok with that, and that I am not being pressured to have kids really. No one can force that of me, luckily. Also it isn't a requirement.
It is just hard to stay objective of a topic that triggers me. One of my favorite tarot card readers finally updated so, I am wanting to listen to them before going to take a shower.
I have to say though, I feel more centered right now, maybe it was thanks to Keely. I was able to sort of rant to someone about some of the things that I am dealing with. I do that here but, it is different having someone in front of you, telling them stuff.
I heated up some more baos since I am drinking and getting a little sloppy. I manage to take a shower and get dressed but now I only have an hour and a half before I leave. I don't know if I have time to do both homeworks right now. I will at least try to get one done so it isn't completely lost.
Being sort of wobbly from the alcohol isn't bothering me as much as getting hot does. I am wearing a sweater and it is now too hot to wear. I am almost wanting to put on the air conditioner. I think the expense is worth the comfort for now.
I will work faithfully on my math after I am done with this story but I feel like I need to just sit at this computer for a bit, doing something less stressful for a while to trick my mind in staying sat here.
I filled my timers with 90+ minutes so it should be enough to have a proper study session so, I want to use it properly.
I'm annoyed even looking at my math homework. Also I know that I will need to make sure to make the most of that index card so I need to spend like at least 3 hours going through my notes to find the information I need to save on there.
Eating some protein made me feel a bit more energetic so I am grateful for that. I am not looking forward to doing math, or like I still need to take the book out or flip to the pages I need to. I mean I am just copying the answers from the back of the book so it isn't actually too bad in reality but, I think it is the added worry of also needing to study properly after Japanese class so, I think I need to just enjoy the car ride there and back. Probably take a nap in the car.
About the Creator
Kayla McIntosh
Personal tell-all pieces: Word of the Day and Jail Journal. Secret poet on the side. ( I don't use Ai to write any posts, everything is done manually. )
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions


Comments (6)
It’s refreshing to hear someone speak honestly about not wanting children without guilt or apology. You’re right feeling safe supported, and healthy should be the baseline, not the exception.
This felt so real and honest, Kayla. The way you tied everyday moments — studying, food, even getting ready — into a deeper reflection about choice and pressure was beautiful. It’s refreshing to see someone speak so openly about not wanting children without shame or defense. There’s strength in your vulnerability, and it’s comforting to read someone being this genuine about figuring life out in real time.
Amazing work.
This piece reminded me that we don’t heal by forgetting, we heal by understanding.
Good 👍😊
I appreciate how you connected personal choice with broader cultural and emotional pressures. You captured a very real generational tension between autonomy and expectation in such a grounded way.