I am Lila from My Brilliant Friend... or I was. In the show, two girls become friends at a young age: Lila Cerullo and Elena Greco. I, Lila was a brilliant young girl who could read and write easily at a young age, but was suppressed by the working class town I grew up in. As of today, I grew up in a better time where women have more rights, but what did going all the way through college this time actually do for me now? College doesn't mean the same as it did in the forties when not everyone got to go to school, and now it is just seen as a given.
I have not had a friend like Elena ever again. Sure, Elena lived her life based off of me, but she was always there when I needed her. The friends I have had in this life are ones that do not have much of an ounce of loyalty. Maybe because I didn't meet and stay friends with anyone as a child or maybe it is just not as much a matter of survival to stay friends with someone for that long. The first long term friend I had made me feel as if I didn't fit into her group she had already created and the second wasn't really good to me overall either. I thought it would be easier to keep friends in this later life, but there are still obstacles that stand in the way.
Everyone believes life can be better in the future with the progression and differences, but there is situations that are better and others that are worse. Love still seems conditional in these times when I thought that would change. Money still moves the mountains. Instead of calling it fascists vs. communists, now it is called capitalists vs. socialists. There is still political movements and community upset that I believed would eventually work itself out that never happened. The divide is still there, just with more civility and diplomacy. The past and the future as still one in the same in ways.
I luckily got to avoid being married off to someone out of family desperation this time. I was now weary after marrying the man who tricked me into thinking he was a good guy who then turned into the devil right after the wedding. Life with Stefano Carracci went from a beautiful dream to a nightmare pretty quickly. I have dated someone in this life who ended up being a emotionally neglecting person, but I at least had the dating time and knowledge to know he was not right for me. This time I actually waited to search and find my mathmatics loving Enzo to marry.
In my past life I was a coder for IBM, but technology has changed so much now. There is now so many applications for computers and ways of figuring out answers in an instant. My Enzo in this life is a data analyst who can make an online table for information that is stored instantly. No more searching around for the right filing cabinet. I now watch my life on the screen from Elena's point of view. How she had always fascinated after Nino, who ended up seducing married women just like his father that he hoped he wouldn't become. Did being with Nino become proof for Elena that she could be better than me in her mind after spending a life of comparing herself to me and earning her fame from her husbands family? That hasn't changed much either though, people still throw names around in order to feel like somebody. Titles still matter and people sell out. I am sad Nino got in the way of her working to fix her marriage with Pietro who seemed like he would have tried if given the chance.
About the Creator
Seashell Harpspring
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More stories from Seashell Harpspring and writers in Geeks and other communities.
What if Wicked's Ending Actually Revealed the Truth?
Whether the ending is that the "wicked witch" really is dead, she isn't dead and Glinda believes she is, or Glinda knows while she takes on the ruling of Oz, the reason for change in Oz is not fully known amongst the citizens what the full truth really was and Elphaba gets to remain under the guise of twisted tales forever. It gives way to a political message about what we believe we know may not be the full truth. There are many fan fictions and rewritten endings to the tale. I was coming across these while looking into the reasons for the choice of ending. The creation of a tragic tale of a person ostracized by society because others could not see Elphaba for her true motive, and only by the motives that others made up for her.
By Seashell Harpspring 2 months ago in Geeks
Trump’s Attacks on Iran
Tensions between the United States and Iran have once again drawn global attention, fueled by renewed political rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump and an increasingly fragile Middle East landscape. While Trump is no longer in office, his influence on American foreign policy discourse remains strong, especially regarding Iran. His recent statements and past actions continue to shape how the situation is discussed, both domestically and internationally. The ongoing Iran situation cannot be understood without revisiting Trump’s long-standing approach to Tehran—one defined by pressure, confrontation, and a belief that economic and political force could reshape Iran’s behavior. As events unfold in the region, Trump’s attacks on Iran, primarily through rhetoric and policy advocacy, have reentered the conversation at a time when stability is already uncertain. A History of Confrontation During his presidency, Donald Trump positioned Iran as one of the primary adversaries of U.S. foreign policy. His decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, marked a turning point. Trump argued that the agreement was flawed, claiming it failed to permanently prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and did not address Iran’s regional influence or missile program. Following the withdrawal, the U.S. imposed sweeping economic sanctions under what the administration called a “maximum pressure” campaign. These measures significantly affected Iran’s economy, targeting oil exports, banking systems, and international trade relationships. Trump consistently framed these actions as necessary to protect U.S. interests and global security. That confrontational posture remains central to Trump’s public messaging today. Rhetoric That Resonates Trump’s attacks on Iran in recent speeches and interviews have focused less on diplomacy and more on strength. He often portrays Iran as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, accusing its leadership of funding proxy conflicts, threatening U.S. allies, and undermining regional peace. This language resonates with segments of the American public who favor a hardline approach to foreign policy. At the same time, critics argue that such rhetoric escalates tensions rather than easing them. Words from influential political figures carry weight, especially when they echo previous policies that brought the two nations close to direct confrontation. Even without immediate military action, strong language can affect markets, diplomatic relations, and public perception across the region. The Current Iran Situation Iran today faces a complex set of challenges. Economic pressure from sanctions continues to strain daily life for many citizens, while internal political dynamics remain tense. Regionally, Iran is involved in multiple theaters through alliances and influence, making it a central player in broader Middle Eastern conflicts. Against this backdrop, Trump’s renewed focus on Iran adds another layer of uncertainty. While the current U.S. administration may pursue different strategies, Trump’s voice amplifies debates about whether negotiation or force is the more effective path forward. Supporters of Trump argue that his tough stance kept Iran in check, claiming that pressure limited its resources and influence. Opponents counter that the approach isolated the U.S. from allies and reduced opportunities for diplomatic solutions, leaving the region more volatile. Global Reactions and Diplomatic Concerns International responses to Trump’s attacks on Iran have been mixed. Some U.S. allies in the Middle East view his rhetoric favorably, seeing Iran as a shared threat. Others, particularly in Europe, remain cautious, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and multilateral agreements. Diplomats warn that escalating language can undermine ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. Even symbolic threats or aggressive statements may provoke responses that spiral beyond control. In a region already marked by conflict, restraint is often seen as a necessary component of effective diplomacy. Political Strategy at Home Trump’s focus on Iran is also tied to domestic politics. Foreign policy strength has long been a cornerstone of his political identity. By highlighting Iran as an adversary, Trump reinforces his image as a leader unwilling to compromise with perceived threats. This strategy plays well among voters who believe the U.S. should project power globally. However, it also raises questions about long-term consequences. Critics argue that consistent confrontation without clear diplomatic off-ramps risks entrenching hostility rather than resolving underlying issues. What Comes Next? The future of U.S.-Iran relations remains uncertain. While Trump’s attacks on Iran currently take the form of rhetoric and policy advocacy rather than direct action, their impact should not be underestimated. Political language can shape expectations, influence decision-makers, and affect the behavior of nations. For Iran, continued pressure may harden positions within its leadership, reducing incentives for compromise. For the United States, balancing strength with diplomacy remains a delicate challenge—one that will define its role in the Middle East for years to come. Conclusion Trump’s attacks on Iran reflect a broader debate about how powerful nations should handle long-standing adversaries. Is pressure the path to peace, or does it deepen divisions? As the Iran situation continues to evolve, the consequences of words spoken today may shape realities tomorrow. In a world already facing uncertainty, the need for measured dialogue, strategic thinking, and global cooperation has never been greater. Whether confrontation or communication ultimately prevails will depend not just on leaders, but on the choices they make in moments of tension.
By Saboor Brohi about 16 hours ago in Geeks
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler5 days ago in Interview
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