humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
the window triptych
I often lay on the floor, watching the clouds drift imperceptibly, imagining the earth turn gently. Looking out through the windows positioned over three walls of my living room-turned-bedroom on our third floor London flat, all I see is the wide-open sky. I have come to cherish working on the floor while looking out at the sky, it lends a groundedness to an otherwise surreal sensation of floating above the world.
By Lavanya Mane6 years ago in Humans
The Ruin
The light coming through her Samsung Galaxy photo app wasn’t nearly as bright as real life. She kept looking up over her phone at the dilapidated old building and back down to her phone. It wasn’t the same. Why bother taking a picture if it wouldn’t capture exactly what she saw? Putting her phone in her back pocket she sighed heavily and turned around to her best friend. He was busy making duck lips. God damned selfie queen.
By Amanda Lyons6 years ago in Humans
The Light
As Brianna wiped off the sweat tickling her nose for what seemed like the hundredth time that day while out shopping, she stopped at the familiar intersection just like the day before. She had made this trip a lot and this time was no different. Brianna took out her new crystal fingering it while letting the chain dangle down her pale wrist. While holding it up to the sunlight to help the amethyst charge she admired the facets inside the clearish purple beauty. It almost looked smoky inside. Just then she felt something tickle her nose again. Blast this heat! And this hat! She placed the necklace carefully back into the little brown bag getting a waft of sage as she did so. Momentarily hanging the bag off her wrist, she ripped off her wide-brimmed black hat she just had to have because that's what Stevie Nicks wore. It was a clumsy thing but she managed to stuff it between her legs as she took the hair tie from her other wrist and attempted to tame her wild red mane.
By Amanda Lyons6 years ago in Humans
The silver lining outside my window
It’s 12:37am at night, I haven’t been to bed yet and as I lay here for the millionth time since we moved to Edmonton 8 months ago, I suddenly notice the faintest lavender scent from the multi surface antibacterial cleaning solution of the steam mop I went crazy with earlier, while giving the whole apartment a deep and thorough scrub down (I’ve been known to get a bit clean-freaky from time to time), and as I look around me, surrounded by the satisfying and weirdly comforting scent of cleanliness, I can’t help but admire, with a bit of pride I confess, the masterpiece that I consider our apartment’s decoration to be.
By monse cordero6 years ago in Humans
GENUINE LOVE IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC
My dear friend, Before you ask me, I am well. I’ve been home for a while now, wasting time between news, mostly bad news, Netflix and social media, hiding from this serial and sadist killer that can’t be seen, called Covid-19. I’ve been shielded between my walls, guarded from the outside world, secured in my own quarantine, enjoying my family, my loneliness and my life while being closest to death than ever. I won’t lie, I love me too much, so I stay inside, I can’t love like you do. I’m not brave enough to go outside when the world is in the middle of this chaotic time, where everyone is afraid of everyone else outside, and designer masks are the new fashion look and social life is refusing social groups.
By Maria Aduke6 years ago in Humans
Her New Prospect Boyfriend
She looks at her without a sign of getting' scared. Until, her mom started throwing their utensils. She was starving but she knew that she couldn't eat now that her mother starts making a scene, again.🤷♀️ She had been like that since her grade school. She put her food on the fridge that she has prepared for her dinner.
By Emlyza Studio6 years ago in Humans
Light after Dark
Ever since she was a little girl, she's dreamed of the day she would get married. It was the next big chapter of her life, and there was nothing that could get in the way of that. She works hard in everything she does, works extra hours to make some extra money for her big day. She quickly rises to the top, and in turn, starts helping others she works with feel comfortable in a new environment. She comes into work with a headband, ponytail, pearl earrings, tumbler of coffee, and a smile even if she's exhausted. She goes about her morning of getting the restaurant ready for opening, even if it means waking up before 5. She's quiet at first, still waking up, going through a routine she's completed hundreds of times. Starts the teas, the coffee, the ice cream machine, the lemonade, sets down chairs, cleans counters, prepares the cash till. When her coworkers come in, she greets them warmly, and rushes over to hug her friend. She prepares them a coffee, just the way they like, perfect each time. She wants to make sure her friends are happy and ready to give today their best work. She wants today to be a good day. Throughout her shift she never acts as a superior. She makes sure her coworkers have everything they need. In between cars, she slides up next to her friend and can't help but tell of the new wedding plans she and her fiancé have made. Her friends have been involved and have heard every stage of the planning. Her excitement is infectious. A year before she tells her friends of how she thinks today is the day he will propose. She tells her plans of how she and her mom are getting their nails done. The next day she comes running into the restaurant when it's still dark outside and proudly displays her left hand. Her friends can't help but squeal in excitement as they see the most beautiful engagement ring on her fourth finger. She even lets them take turns trying on her ring. She begins to make Pinterest boards of springtime weddings, gathering her ideas for her special day. She tells her friends of expensive wedding venues, ones that she loves but can't afford, until one day she comes in and tells of how she and her fiancé found the perfect place. The summer goes by, and she continues to work extra shifts, all while balancing a full-time student load. She wants to be a doctor one day to help children in need. She does it all so that come May, she'll be ready to say, "I do". She tells her friends one day how she found the most beautiful dress in the world, and how she managed to get in on sale. But she makes them wait to see this dress. "Soon" she says. "May will be here soon and then you can see it". She tells of the light blue heels she plans to wear, with the ties in the back, for her something blue. She tells of the flowers she hopes to have for her spring wedding. Weeks go by and she tells them of the struggle of getting the wedding invitations out on time. Her friends wait in eager anticipation to see the invitations and quickly block off the wedding date in their calendars. They've been part of almost every step of the planning, and there's no way they would miss the big date. A beautiful spring day, the second week of May. Alas, fate had its own plans. She sadly tells of how her bridal shower is moved a month but keeps hope that the pandemic would be over in time for her wedding. She never loses her joy. Finally she gets the news that groups of people aren't allowed to gather. She sits down quietly, crying, wondering what she can do. Everything had been perfect, and now, everything went bad. She talks with her parents and her fiancé. The disappointment is visible. She can't help but cry. But she wants everyone there to celebrate this joyous day. So after going back and forth about dates and plans, she and her fiancé settle on having an October wedding. She kisses her fiancé, excited for their new date. She tells her friends how the plans have changed due to these unforeseen times and how she hopes they can make it in the fall. A new eagerness comes to each friend, and while they are sad all her plans for a spring wedding have changed, they can't wait to gather together for a wedding she deserves so much. Rather than continue to be sad, she pours herself into her work, quickly adapting to the changes that come to her restaurant. She sends funny pictures of her mask, but she’s proud to be part of a place that genuinely cares about keeping the public safe. She always puts others needs above her own, and this proves to be no different. Even with the majority of her face covered, her customers can see her joy shining brightly through her eyes. She wants to spread light in the midst of such darkness. Because that’s just who she is. She is light. She is an optimist. She believes in the good that is possible. And this is what makes her unique. No matter what adversities come her way, she adjusts her ponytail, and says “Bring it on”. This is why she deserves to have the wedding she’s dreamed of having since childhood. This is why her family and friends will wait until October to gather with her in unity to see her start the next big adventure of her life. This is why they all wait. This is a girl who deserves nothing but the best. And this is why she will get her moment. So thank you to the restaurant workers who are pouring themselves like this girl into their works. Thank you to the workers who are willing to make sure others are happy and fed. Thank you to them who put on a bright smile even though they face their own disappointments. Thank you to the unsung heroes who think they play such a small role in our world. Thank you. There will be light after dark. And they will be rewarded for all they do.
By Jenny McWilliams6 years ago in Humans
