fact or fiction
Is it fact or merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores the myths and beliefs we hold about our family dynamics, traditions, and if there's such thing as a 'perfect family.'
A House Made of Stars
It was ten years since Estelle came back to her grandfather’s house, her house. She was now older, much more accomplished and on her way to becoming a world renowned astronomer. But every time she thought about going back to that house, she couldn’t help but turn back into the little girl she was inside, allowing herself to feel vulnerable and lonely.
By Karolina Chojnowska 5 years ago in Families
Dear Tio Hector
My Abuelo Lucas would make the most intense faces whenever he cooked. He would make angry faces that meant he was satisfied and happy faces told he was unhappy with a particular element or flavor. The smell of onions frying and peppers baking would fill the home so deeply you could smell whatever was cooked in my hair, even the day after. He would raise his wooden spatula into the air, fanning around the aromas, absorbing them right out of the air. I would ask why not just sniff them out of the pot, but he said never to do that. He explained how the smells from the pot are much too intense and may manipulate your nose. "Always gather your aromas from the air," he would say in his broken English.
By Thalia Bello5 years ago in Families
Aunt Deb's House
It’s never easy to search through a house filled with a lifetime of adventures one item at a time. Especially when it is someone you thought you knew only to learn they lived so much more than anyone else could have imagined. It was such a daunting task to comb through layer after layer of a now soulless home. It wasn’t as though Andrew didn’t have enough going on already. Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls at those who tend to have a little rougher road than most. There is almost a strange feeling to see his great aunt’s name fully written on every letter, bill, plaque, and gift over the years. She was always just Aunt Deb to him and he never questioned what she did before the grays began to creep in and wrinkles took their hold.
By Ben Reigle5 years ago in Families
Something Amazing Happened To Meagan
The blistering sun was beaming at her face when she woke up and looked around her. Fiercely shaking, she could not feel her face! It was completely numb from the wintry weather. She glanced in the rearview mirror and spotted her frostnip nose. She felt ruined and defeated that morning. Her body was sore from sleeping in the car. It was not just another bad day for her; it was one of the awfullest moments in her life. To make matters worse, stranded outside her motel room. She had left her key inside the room and had tried calling every number that was available to her.
By Maritza Alston5 years ago in Families
When One Door Closes
I have never liked getting the mail. The trek out of my house, down the walkway, across the street to the metal box to retrieve ads and bills has always felt like more work than it is worth. Today, though, my mother called. The check was delivered. I needed to get off my lazy butt and go and fetch it.
By Brittany Teemant5 years ago in Families
A Bowl of Rice
It was contained within the home of those each who believed something different about it. After appearing out of nowhere one day it sat on the counter taking up a blueish tint on the inside and outside with a brown rim adding a hint of decor. The dwellers of this house had naturally created a hierarchy among the four of them based on the level of wisdom that they possessed and they regarded each other in this way. Each of these had their own room and their own space in which they lived and so each of them never really had a reason to communicate with one another, they simply lived side by side without disturbance until this strange appearance welcomed itself into their household. The home in which the bowl sat held four occupants. Two males and two females. All of about the same age, but two which were of a higher maturity than the other two. These two were the ones who kept the house contained and in order. Many things were not done without them knowing about it or at least finding out promptly after it occurred. So it was quite surprising that when the blue bowl filled with grains of rice appeared, these two did not know the manner in which it came into existence. These two even went so far as to ask the two less wise occupants of the household if they knew anything about the bowl, but neither knew where it came from.
By Lily Marie5 years ago in Families
Little Black Book of Choices
$20,000, that’s a whole lot of money, isn’t it? What would you do for that much money? How far would you go to make sure that money was yours? I’m guessing pretty far, am I right? I should’ve asked myself just how far was I willing to go for $20,000. I can tell you now, it wasn’t worth what I did for that money. If I could go back and change my mind; if I could only go back and tell myself not to answer the door. I should’ve never picked up that notebook. That little black notebook.
By Dominique Renee5 years ago in Families
A butterfly effect
My upstairs neighbor was a peculiar man. He was very outgoing, loved walking around in his neighborhood, and was gone as many hours as working people but never the office hours. Besides, he was retired. He cheered for beautiful women and always waved and literally applauded when we passed by his 4th-floor window. I liked him up there in his window acting all enthusiastic. If he had a sticker it would say ‘keep at arm’s length at all times.' Because whenever we would pass each other on the stairs he would grab my face and plant a kiss on my mouth if he saw a chance. I was actually really good at dodging this old but strong man. I remember times I saw him in the streets when he would cheer and tell the person that I was walking with that I was the best. Almost like a commercial shouted across the street. It would be awkward if it wasn’t so weird that it was funny. Or he came up behind me and basically jumped me to plant hugs and kisses on me. I thought I knew what was behind his strange behavior towards me, it was a simple act of kindness between neighbors as far as I was concerned. He however never got over his gratitude.
By Loukalicious5 years ago in Families
