Showing bravado
"I can do better than that," he thought, eyeing the successful founder on stage. But the weekend was almost over, and it was time to organize his office shirts by color and fabric.
"I can do better than that," he thought, eyeing the successful founder on stage. But the weekend was almost over, and it was time to organize his office shirts by color and fabric.
"You just won the Nobel Prize!" "Probably a mistake." "You cured cancer!" "A fluke." "You're levitating!" "Random quantum fluctuations." "You're too humble." "Others are humbler, I'm sure."
"We'll give you a raise and more vacation," the boss said. "That's it?" "Better health benefits, too," the boss added. "That's it?" "A company car and expense account," the boss offered. "That'
"We've lost sight of our goals and our unity," the boss announced after waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Eye rolls and sighs filled the room. "Oh, here we go again," someone muttered under their breath. "Another load of BS
"Walk a mile in my shoes," she said. "Then talk." "Try running a marathon in mine first, then talk," he retorted. "Climb a mountain in high heels. Then talk." "Swim across an ocean in cement shoes. Then talk."
"Alright, listen up everyone! I've got an incredible idea that will take our company to the top!" "Oh, hell yeah! What he said!" "Right... so, about the implementation timeline..." "We'll crush it!" "And what about the budget.
Hey, Can't make it tomorrow. Head's exploding. Puked. It's everywhere. Pretty sure I'm dying, but I'll try not to haunt the office kitchen. Sorry for being a waste of space and salary. Send thoughts and prayers.
He spent days glued to his computer, absorbing every fact about the company. He practiced answering questions until he could do it in his sleep. When the online interview finally arrived, he logged in, confident and ready to impress. Then, as the interviewer's face appeared on the screen,
Tap, tap, tap. They type "DeluxeCupcakes.com." Nope, taken. "SweetTreats.com." Taken too. Frustration builds. "ArtisanCupcakes.com." Also unavailable. Their cupcake shop idea starts to crumble. Then, a surprise: "TacoTruck.com" is available! They snag it. The cupcake plan changes to tacos.
They stayed up all night preparing to say no to the new business idea. When they walked into the meeting, their boss said, "So, when do we start on this new business?" They looked at each other, then replied, "Yes! Let me skip to the good part
I'm an okay employee, I guess. I do my job most days, but sometimes I slack off. I've been late a few times, but traffic was really bad on those days. I try to finish my projects by the deadline, but sometimes I procrastinate too much.
The interviewer asked, "As you look back on your journey and how far you've come, what has been the key to your success? I'm sure you must've put in the hours, done the research, knocked on doors, slept on streets, read books, attended
"I painted the entire house, boss, just like you asked!" he said with a grin. His boss walked around the house, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "You painted everything? The windows, the doors, the mirrors? Even the family portraits?" "Well, yeah, you said to paint
"Our project uses the 'new ideas through teamwork' framework," he said. She raised her hands. "Stop! Not everything is a framework!" "See! The 'push back then give in' framework!" he said proudly.
"Excuse me, could you answer a few questions for a survey?" "A survey? What's the cost?" "It's free!" "Free? What's the catch?" "No catch, I assure you. Just a simple questionnaire." "I know
"I'm so stressed," he said. "Rest comes after retirement," she replied. "I can't sleep at night." "Sleep comes after retirement," she insisted. "I'm unhappy." "Happiness comes after retirement," she continued. He felt
She complained about the noise from his apartment. He turned down the volume, but she still heard it. He stopped the music entirely, but she still heard it. He stopped walking around, but she still heard it. He packed his bags and moved out, but she still heard it. As
"I have this amazing idea!" he said. "It's everything I believe in. Imagine a world where we could..." On and on he went, describing his vision, his hopes, and his dreams, almost out of breath by the time he finished. She listened quietly. After
"Yo, I just scored this sweet coupon for buy-one-get-one-free on these mega packs of ramen noodles. I'm telling ya, a penny saved is a penny earned, bro!" "For real, dude? You're gonna waste your golden years counting coins like some old geezer? Nah,
"I can't believe what you've done," she said, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Do you have any idea how serious this is?" He hung his head, unable to meet her eyes. "I wasn't thinking
A leader had an idea: "Create a website showcasing our products." The designer told the developer, "Create a website showcasing the products, but make sure to highlight my groundbreaking designs." The developer told the marketer, "Showcase the products and those 'groundbreaking' designs, but
He knows he shouldn't compare himself to others, but he can't stop. All he sees are people who have more than him, never those with less. It's like a sickness inside him, this jealousy. At night, when the world is quiet, he lies awake,
You’re in the zone, and I mean really in the zone. Everything is just clicking, and you're solving problems left, right, and center. You're all like, "Bam! Take that, complex situation!" and "Pow! Eat my dust, tricky problem!" You're
"I need to lose weight." "Why? You look fine." "I get tired just walking up the stairs." "So? Everyone gets tired sometimes." "My clothes don't fit like they used to." "Maybe you're just buying the
"I should schedule it as late as possible, so they think I worked late," he wondered, staring at the draft on his screen. "But what if someone responds immediately and I don't respond? I can just say that I crashed right after sending it."
"I followed the framework to a T, called the customer, did everything by the book. And this is what I've got to show for it," she said, holding up a half-assed PowerPoint. The boss grinned, "Great job following the process! Your dedication to the framework
"Remember when our company was just a small startup? We were so agile back then," he said. "Now that we've grown so much, things have gotten way too comfortable around here." She nodded. "Oh, absolutely! Health insurance, paid time off? It's
"I've got an idea for..." "Whoa, easy there. You can't just charge in without a plan. That's how you get ambushed." "We just need a few engineers to..." "Oh, so now you're talking about sending
"My fortress is impenetrable," the man declared with unwavering confidence. "No enemy can breach these walls." "What if a spy, disguised as a wandering traveler, opens your gates in the middle of the night?" his companion asked. "And what if an enemy poisons
"Who wants a 'special price' on something that's overpriced?" the salesman asked. "Us! Us!" the crowd cheered enthusiastically. "Who wants a deal that never expires, but we'll tell you it does every single day?" he continued. "We
"Sup." "Sup. What's this meeting about?" "No idea, man. It's been on the calendar since 1962." "So, why are we here?" "Dude, it's on the calendar. Gotta show up." "Right, right. Rules are
"Wasn't that movie absolutely incredible?" "Are you serious right now? I can't believe they massacred my favorite book like this. My entire childhood, my foundational worldview, has been shattered into a million pieces. I feel betrayed, like everything I ever believed in was
1. Wake up 2. Make coffee 3. Check email 4. Scroll through social media feed 5. Check off items from todo list to feel productive 6. Add "create a todo list for creating better todo lists" to todo list 7. Create a todo list for creating better todo
Option A: "The high-paying job that you loathe." Congratulations on picking golden handcuffs and triple-ply toilet paper. Your tears fall in a big house, but you often think about how much peace of mind you've given up for extra square footage. Option B: "The fulfilling
"Listen, man, no matter what I say tomorrow morning, you have to wake me up. I'll probably try to get out of it, saying I'm too tired or whatever, but don't let me. I'll even say 'I know what I
"We're screwed. The deadline is almost here, and I don't know what to do. Help me out here," said the first guy. "Dude, what if we break the project down into smaller tasks and divide them up? Or maybe we can ask for
"I was thinking, what if we start a business that rents out goats for lawn mowing?" "I have a domain for that." "And then, a service where clowns deliver your pizza." "I have a domain for that too." "Also, a gym
"Seriously, I want your honest, unfiltered feedback. It's the only way I'll improve," she insisted, her eyes wide with determination. After a deep breath, he began, "Alright, if you're sure. First, your presentation lacked a clear structure, which made it difficult
"I’m interested in the all-inclusive package. It says 'unlimited everything' for one flat rate, right?" "Correct! Unlimited everything. However, 'everything' excludes the essentials. Those are extra." "Essentials? What essentials?" "Should you need to actually use the service, that&
“What’s the purpose of your life?” they asked. “I want to save the earth,” came the earnest reply. “How?” they asked again. “Well,” began the ambitious plan, “I plan to drive my gas-guzzling car across countries to protest against fossil fuels. I’ll use thousands of plastic water bottles
“It’s unsettling, isn’t it? To question your own actions, wonder why you did what you did.” “Why did you do it?” “Do what?” “You know, what you were just talking about.” “I was quoting an Instagram post. I thought it sounded deep.”
He stared at the pile of laundry, wondering, "Why aren't my clothes magically clean anymore?" He opened the fridge to find it full of ingredients. "Wasn't there a time when these things would just... become dinner?" He glanced around the unkempt house,
"Hey, you left your wrapper on the counter again." "Oh, sorry about that. There, all better." "It's not just about the wrapper though. That's just a symptom." "A symptom of what?" "This is a pattern, a cycle
"Ugh, did you see her latest post?" "The one without any filters, right?" "Seriously, how dare she flaunt her real skin texture like that? Doesn't she know better?" "Clearly not. I almost gagged when I saw those pores." "And
“How is it?” he asked, his anticipation barely contained. "It's good," she said simply, continuing to eat. "Good?" He couldn't hide his astonishment. "I fermented vegetables overnight for that tangy depth, marinated the meat for hours to infuse every fiber with
“Imagine, just for a second, that beans aren’t the post-apocalyptic currency of choice. What then?” “Impossible. What do you propose?” “Like, I don’t know, toilet paper.” “Toilet paper? That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Who would value toilet paper over beans in a world
"Bro, I don't eat meat anymore. It's not natural," one said with a nod. "That’s nothing, bro. I don’t even cook my food. Eating raw is how nature intended," the other countered, puffing out his chest. "Bro, that? I
The genie, with a flair for the dramatic, boomed, “I am here to grant your wish, mortal. What is your heart's deepest desire?” Our guy, scratching his head thoughtfully, replied, "Well, I was kinda hoping to be just mildly better at stuff." The genie paused, confusion
“Wanna bet?” he challenged. “On what?” she countered, already dreading the answer. “That I can quit betting anytime I want.”
"Can you believe they're making us work three days a week now? I read somewhere that in the old days, people used to work four, even five days straight!" she exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief as she sipped her coffee. "Really? Five days? That
"Alright, let’s do it. We’ve talked about it for months now." “Absolutely, I’m all in. After you.” “After me? No way, you said you’d go first. Plus, you’re the one who kept saying how easy it would be.” “True, true. But considering your
“Let’s add a feedback button.” “Yes, but what if it not only collects feedback but also analyzes the emotion behind the text and changes color accordingly?” “Okayy...” “And if the feedback is positive, it automatically prints a thank-you t-shirt and mails it to the user.” “Okayyy...” “Let’s have
"Why should I share my extra bread?" the Villager asked, eyes darting between the gathered figures. "In giving to those above, you secure your place and protection within the realm," Feudalism declared, its tone solemn. "If you give a little, you're part of
"Did you just hear that?" she asked, tapping her fingers on the table. "Hear what?" he replied, looking around. "That buzzing. It's been going on for hours." "I haven't heard anything." "And this chair. Why does it
Okay, both grandmas have been ‘dead’ for ages, can’t dig them up for excuses anymore. Dentist, dentist is solid. But, didn’t I already have a ‘root canal’ two months back? How many dental emergencies can one guy have before they start getting suspicious? Maybe a car breakdown? But
"The numbers don't line up with our initial hypothesis." "Yes, it's clear our prediction was off." "So, what's our move? Do we adjust our hypothesis?" "No, we find new data that supports it."
With a single ’no,’ she regained the strength lost to a thousand unmeant yeses.
"Why do you keep looking back?" "I look back because you stop." "Maybe if you didn't turn around every five seconds, I'd walk more consistently." "And maybe if you actually kept up, I wouldn't need to turn
Listen, I’m here, struggling to keep my eyes open, battling the kind of tiredness that’s more than just physical — it’s a deep, soul-level exhaustion. And in this state, there’s something crucial I need to share with you, something that could change the way you see things,
"Have you noticed what's lacking in your presentation?" "No, what is it?" "Why don't you take a wild guess?" "I'd prefer if you just pointed it out." "Did you even consider the feedback I gave
"What if we're actually asleep when we think we're awake, and our real lives are just the dreams we can't remember?" he wondered. "Bro, that's crazy," the other laughed. "What if our whole existence is just a
"I'll never love again! She was my everything, and now she's gone," he cried out, the pain of his breakup raw and all-consuming. The narrator interjected, "His heart will break three more times after this. Each will teach him something vital about love.
"Priority boarding?" "More legroom?" "Access to exclusive airport lounge?" "Guaranteed first off the plane?" "Travel insurance?" "Customized in-flight oxygen blend?" "Personal mini-fridge?" "In-flight announcement shout-out?” "Would you like to reconsider your answers, you cheapskate?
"And then, they stumbled upon a path never seen before," the room was so quiet, you could almost hear the collective heartbeat of the audience. They leaned in, eyes wide, hanging on to his every word as if it were a life raft. With each twist and turn
"Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!" the world cheered, hearts aflutter. "Single," they snapped back. "National Pet Day! Show your pets some love!" the world exclaimed. "Allergic," they sneered. "Let's give thanks on Thanksgiving!" the world suggested.
First, "He must be incredibly wealthy," and just like that, the number dropped by half. "Great with kids and definitely wants them," and the number halved again. "Must love to travel," she declared, and millions more vanished. "A gym enthusiast," she added,
"Hey, I'm available at 12 PM tomorrow. Does that work for you?" "Can't do 12 PM, how about 4 PM?" "4 PM is out, maybe the next day?" "Next day's packed for me. Any chance for a
He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Did you hear about him? With the daughter, no less!" Her eyes widened. "No way. Him? But he's so—" "Exactly," he interrupted, a knowing look crossing his face. "And there'
The moment a stranger’s foot dared to cross their invisible line, the air instantly thickened with tension. An ominous hush fell over the group, a signal that the boundary had been breached. “Who’s there?” they’d call out, their voices cutting through the silence like a warning shot.
He hid in a corner, eyes locked on her. No one saw him; he was a pro at hiding. He followed her everywhere — home, online, you name it. He knew her schedule by heart. Her online life was an open book to him. Every post, friend add, and like, he
"You've got to see this place," she bubbled into the phone. "There's a fridge in my room! And it's not just a little one—it actually has a separate section for freezing!" "Is that so?" "Yes, and
“Always conduct thorough research before diving into any venture,” he stated firmly. “Thorough research, got it,” the mentee repeated. “Keep your personal and business finances separate to avoid disaster,” he continued. “Separate finances, understood,” the mentee echoed. “Networking is key. It’s not just what you know, but who you
“I’ve risked more, navigating us through treacherous waters,” the first claimed, his voice laced with entitlement. “60% is hardly enough for my efforts.” Laughing bitterly, the second retorted, “And who deciphered the maps, huh? Who solved the riddles that led us here? My share deserves to be 60%.” Back
"Have you seen the new guy? He’s early enough to actually be on time." "Yeah, and his daily update emails are something else. Detailed accounts of everything he's achieved." "And those weekly milestones he sets for himself, then meets them!" "
“I’ll give you what you want, not because you deserve it, but because you’ve backed me into a corner.” “And I’ll accept, not because I like it, but because it proves I’ve outplayed you.” “So, we have an agreement.” “We do.”
She held him as he cried, whispering, “I’d take all your pain if I could.” Her words, earnest and full of love, floated into the void and found an unseen ear. The next morning, as he stumbled, she felt a sharp pain in her knee. Confused at first, she
He opened his laptop. "We really need to tackle the declining sales," he said, pointing to a graph. She was looking at an interior design website. "I'm thinking the office needs a redesign for better workflow." "We’re losing market share fast,"
"It’s over." The text broke his heart and yanked him back through time, undoing the ring in his pocket along with their bright, shared future. "You're fired." His boss's words made him slump, undoing the pride of his recent promotion and
He strides into the office, black turtleneck and all, a self-proclaimed embodiment of Steve Jobs. His latest project is his magnum opus, a product that'll redefine the industry. He places the laptop on the table and, without a word, brings out a hammer. "It needs to be
He swats her hand away as it dips into a jar. "No, that's for college." She tries another, but he swats again. "Swimming." She moves to a third jar. He's quicker this time. "Piano." Her eyes dart to a fourth
She continued her quiet litany to the baby boy, who lay cooing in her arms. “Men don’t get hurt, they brush it off,” she whispered. “Men don’t rely on others, they’re self-sufficient.” She smiled down at him. “Men don’t talk about their feelings, they keep it
"What if you take over the whole department?" he suggested, his eyes full of enthusiasm. "You could solve all our problems!" She nodded vigorously. "There's so much to do," she replied, her mind buzzing with possibilities. "I can't wait
Every single day, for years, he'd bolt into the office and frantically hit 'refresh' on the latest layoff forums. "Who's getting the axe today?" he'd wonder, his heart racing with each new post. Meetings were the perfect cover. While others
He's at this job, right? It pays a lot, but feels like a trap. Every day, he suffers. "Life's tough," he tells his colleague, who's got that worn look, saying, "Yeah, man, life’s tough." He continues, "The job&
"I'll always be there for you," she had said, not fully understanding the weight of those words. Now, they affect her every decision, a constant reminder of the bond she can't break. Each job she considers is measured against this promise. "Can I
Working from home has its perks, but tonight feels different. He's usually logged off by now, but with appraisals looming, he decides to stay online longer, showing that he's dedicated, even after hours. It's just him, his laptop, and the quiet hum of the
"Hey." "Out of the blue. Let me guess, you need a kidney or something?" "Close, need you to go out of your way to do me a favor." "What's in it for me?" "If you don’t, I’ll
"Keep pushing me," he hissed, "and I’ll disappear. You’ll never see me again." “Oh, yea? Well, then I’ll start spending all your savings on extravagant vacations,” she retorted. “Fine,” he replied, “then I’ll donate all your designer clothes to charity.” “And I’
He paced the room, his mind racing. "This can't just be it," he said to himself. "There has to be something more, a lesson, a reason." He couldn't accept that he had simply made a mistake, that the hurt he felt was
It was something tedious, but the due date was so far off, it might as well have been in the next century. So, I said, "Sure, I'll handle it," without a second thought. Why bother with the hassle now when it's something future me
I found myself asking everyone, "When's your little bundle of joy coming? You're not married? Hey, no time like the present, right? Kids are a blessing, man. You've got to join the dad club!" Everywhere I went, whether it was the office,
God, in all His glory, decided to impress her with the wonders of His creation. He began by pointing out a tiny insect crawling on a leaf. "Behold, the intricate design of this creature, each part perfectly crafted." She yawned and shrugged, "Seen it already. Insects are
I open my eyes, chock-full of hope. “Starting today, I'll eat better. No more junk food. No dessert when I'm already full. No ordering in when there's perfectly good food at home.” “Starting today, I will exercise. Every morning, a brisk walk or a
Whenever I reach the milestone, a voice inside me whispers, "Why not push a little bit more? A little bit more can't hurt." It's a seductive thought, enticing me to keep going. My heart, restless and insatiable, often overrules the logical part of my
He walked into the doctor's office, feeling slightly off. The office was quiet and calm, the air tinged with a sense of professionalism. "Well, a headache might suggest several things - dehydration, stress, or maybe a migraine. And a runny nose? Likely an infection, like a common
He pressed pause, stepping away for a break from work that felt necessary. Early on, every phone call sent a shiver down his spine, a reminder of a time when he was always on call. But the familiar voices on the other end didn’t make any urgent demands. His
In a small, dimly lit room, a man cradled a newborn, his newborn, feeling the weight of the world in his arms. The baby was helpless, completely dependent on him for everything. Overwhelmed by his new role as a father, the man was seized by a surge of panic. The
Sitting at my computer, I filled my cart with diapers, my mind swirling with thoughts of a world on the brink of collapse. I was determined not to be caught off-guard. The notion of facing a crisis without enough diapers was unacceptable. As my cart grew, I wondered if these
"Look at you, treacherous stairs," I muttered, glaring at them with a sense of defiance. The stairs were a looming threat in my home, a danger that I felt compelled to guard against constantly. "You're not so sharp now, are you?" I'd
The air crackles with rage as they stand face to face. "You just don't listen!" she accuses, her voice sharp with frustration. "I am listening right now!" he counters loudly, pointing out the obvious irony. "That doesn't count!" she snaps
He’s sleek, full of potential, but he looks lonely, like he’s longing for companionship. "He needs a friend," I think. Almost as if I'm responding to his silent plea, I get him an add-on. It's just a small thing, but I sense
As I click 'buy now', my heart races with excitement. I've just purchased something new, something I've been eyeing for weeks. I imagine the sleek, shiny thing in my hands, its cool surface and the promise of new experiences. At the sound of every
I played my first hand with confidence: "I care a lot, like a whole semi-truck full of care," I boasted, picturing a gigantic truck brimming with care. Your eyes widened slightly, but I knew you were just warming up. "You wouldn’t even begin to understand the
I realize I’m not alone. Bright lights pierce the darkness of my room, their sudden intrusion sending waves of panic through me. The accompanying whirring noises are disorienting. I am turned and adjusted as if I am a specimen. I scream, my cries echoing in the room, but they
Alright, let's get straight to it. Having kids is really hard, way harder than anyone tells you. Nothing prepares you for waking up every two hours in pain to feed a crying baby. And each cry, it's like a dagger straight to the heart. Friends, hobbies,
I was lying in my crib with a plan brewing in my tiny mind. The house was quiet, everyone asleep. I started with a low, grumbling cry, just enough to break the silence. Slowly, my cries grew louder and more persistent, like an alarm bell in the night. I could
He was a strongman, an unyielding force. His strategies were bold, leading teams through high-stakes decisions. His firm voice settled disputes with a single statement. His charisma lit up rooms, his assertiveness turning conversations in his favor. But then, his beloved had to be taken to the hospital, and he
As soon as I was born, I was universally cherished, a tiny beacon of new life, hope, and possibility. Every gaze that fell upon me, from the doctors to strangers peeking into my crib, was filled with wonder and kindness. I was celebrated for simply being. But as I grew
It's a strange feeling, looking at these scribbled ambitions – lose weight, learn a new language, travel more. Funny, he didn't do any of that. Yet, there's no sting of failure, no bitter taste of unmet goals. You see, this year unfolded in ways he
I've been on this journey for nine months. Standing in the hospital, my mind is spinning. Should I choose an epidural or go for natural birth? What about a C-section? Was it safer for my baby? These questions kept bouncing around in my head. I heard so many
I gave this project everything, working non-stop night after night. I didn't just double-check every detail, I triple-checked it. I didn’t settle for anything less than perfection. Launch day dawned, and the first wave of feedback started rolling in. It was incredible, a sweet payoff for all
I’ve made promises – to be there for every milestone, to support through every challenge, to share in every joy. These commitments, made to those who depend on me, are sacred. They are what drive me, fuel my every day. But there’s this nagging thought, an irrational fear that
"Honey," I exclaimed with a grin, "I think I’ve nailed it!" I was on a mission to gift my unborn child a name so unique, so unheard of, that it would definitively become a part of, if not their whole, personality. No common names for
As he finished his drink, he found himself facing a dilemma: to litter or not to litter. Holding the empty cup, he contemplated, "If everyone else is doing the right thing and keeping the city clean, surely my one piece of litter won't matter." He glanced
The little girl's brilliance was undeniable, casting a spell over everyone around her. Her parents watched her, eyes wide with wonder, as she effortlessly solved puzzles that stumped children many years older. They couldn't contain their pride, often remarking in hushed, excited tones, "You'
He is the king of an immense empire. His power, vast and unchallenged, stretches across lands and seas. His enemies, try as they might, cannot stand against him. As he sits on his throne, he commands legions that shape the very fabric of the realm. The battlefield before him is
The room was dim and filled with strange objects. She stood in the center, her eyes gleaming. She approached me with tools that glistened ominously. My heart pounded in my chest, fear gripping me like icy fingers. With a wicked smile, she started her work. The drill whirred, and I
In the twisted new world, work's value was measured not by its impact or quality, but by how much attention it grabbed. Offices became more like stages, each worker an actor in a relentless performance. The genuine art of work was replaced by a show, a spectacle where
In a dimly lit conference room, the glow of the screen cast a soft light on attendees, some peering from their Zoom boxes, others physically present. He stood at the front, thoughts racing. "This is it," he told himself. The presentation started, and a hush fell over the
Not smart enough for a good job, not kind enough for a great love, not strong enough for a good life, he looks at his existence through the lens of self-doubt, and it confirms everything. Around him, his friends radiate success, their lives seemingly flawless. Their confidence is unshakable, their
I can see you’re a bit hesitant. Maybe thinking it's out of your price range? Nonsense! Let me walk you through just how easy it is to make this beauty yours. First off, who needs cash these days? We'll set you up with an instant
Every morning, she receives a reading from the machine. This reading is her private barometer, predicting her mood for the rest of the day. A bad reading casts a long shadow. The streets outside her window feel narrower, the sun less bright. Her smiles are forced, her interactions tense. The
"We're not pregnant, she is," I used to say, wondering a man's role in all this. After all, it was her body changing, not mine. Then, overnight, everything about me started to bug her. The sound of my breathing, how I moved in my
Kiddo, You're not even here yet, and everyone's already busy preparing for your arrival. You're going to be treated like royalty, that's for sure. But here's the thing – I've heard that newborns are pretty self-destructive. It seems you&
He used to be a corporate gladiator, thriving in an arena of suits and swivel chairs. He wasn’t afraid to take a stand, even if it meant losing his job or facing disgrace. This guy right here was fully dedicated to doing the right thing: for the customers, for
"I'm destined for bigger things," his inner voice assured him, standing defiantly against the soulless machinery of his nine-to-five. "This is where I take a stand," he believed, the thrill of a new side project igniting a spark within him. "At least I
Mr. Early wasn't going to work until he was too old to enjoy financial freedom. No, no. Mr. Early was the king of frugality and a master of penny-pinching. He scrimped and saved, living his life in a spreadsheet, until the bottom line read: “Congratulations, Mr. Early, you’
No, no, no, I've napped too long. Now I won't sleep on time tonight, and I’ll be all groggy and unfocused at work tomorrow. My boss will definitely notice. He'll think I'm slacking off, and then, he'll hand me
He was an invincible titan, looking down upon those who wished for do-overs, for second chances. He was sure he wouldn't change a single life decision, not in a hundred years, not in a thousand. Death wouldn’t be able to weaken him with regret and sentiment. No,
He's done it, he’s finally climbed the next rung on the corporate ladder. The fresh leather creaks under his weight as he plops down into his new chair. Spinning in his chair, a soft voice inside whispers, ‘Now what?’ He waits for a reality-changing revelation, some perceptible
In the quiet hours of the night, she often lies awake, her mind a sea of contradictions about the man sleeping beside her. "Why does it irk me so?" she wonders, staring at the ceiling. He is a good father, attentive and caring. But his part in creating
He is the picture of average. His face, his walk, his entire being is so ordinary that you'd walk past him without a second glance. However, the average man has a secret. Whenever he touches his phone, he feels a surge of power, a rush that he never
He was molded by his mother's teachings to be an upstanding, honorable man. “Be the change,” she would whisper, her eyes holding a thousand untold stories of suffering. Then, the honorable man met his wife’s father, who, adhering to tradition, offered a dowry far beyond his middling
He’s said it now. He never meant to, really. It just slipped out. Now, it's out there, and there's no way to reel it back in. This lie, his lie, wasn’t born out of malice. It was a knee-jerk reaction, a panicked attempt to
Mild-mannered and ambitious, he was surprised when his boss said, "You're doing great, but you need to work on your visibility.” Eager to improve, he began making small changes, speaking up in every meeting and arriving early at the office. Unimpressed, his boss reiterated, "You need
"Later," she said practically, sitting in their modest living room. They were an average couple, conscientious and rational, choosing to be responsible before taking the leap into parenthood. He, a man of the modern era, was supportive of her autonomy. Besides, he wanted them to enjoy their youth.
In the beginning, there were two. They were inseparable, sharing secrets under starlit skies and dreams over morning coffee. In moments of difficulty, they were each other's sanctuary, and in a world full of change, they were each other's constant. Then there were three. One chose
"In a few years, I'll be the boss," she dreams, her mind full of career plans. But she decides on a brief pause, just enough to ensure her little one gets the best start. As he goes off to school, she’s his cheerleader, cheering him
He's at that tricky mid-career stage, always thinking about the future. The same old daily grind at work is starting to make him lose interest. Around him, he sees everyone rushing towards popular career options, like a herd following a trend without much thought. He's not
"I'm not like them," she would think with a hint of resignation. She wasn’t wired to be one of the settlers. "I can‘t take the easy path life offers me," she would say, "I want to feel alive." She was
He started his startup with a fire in his heart. "I'll show them," he thought, turning away from everyone's advice, convinced that he alone knew the path to greatness. But as the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, that fire began to
She sits quietly, her world narrowed to the baby inside her. Small, precious, yet so far from her arms. She longs to hold him, to touch him, but all she can do is wait, feel his tiny feet, and hope. Her love is big, her fears even bigger. Is she
The blank textbox is white, large, and empty. "How do I start?" I wonder. "What if it doesn't make sense?" I worry. "Should every story have a neat ending?" Life isn't tidy, you know. It's all mixed up,
He’s sitting at the table, cards in his hands, eyes locked on the deck. He feels the possibilities, a pulsing current under his skin, as the dealer slides the next card. Yes, yes, that next card is going to be his, for sure. The card flips. His heart leaps,
Why not buy a house? It's what adults do, right? Nothing screams ‘I’ve made it!’ like a three-bedroom with an open kitchen. At the sales office, the salesperson has his charm cranked up to ten. He shows me glossy brochures with happy families in perfect homes. The
Okay, I understand the science of cold showering, how the fear triggers the fight-or-flight response, makes the brain sharper and all that jazz. It’s great in theory, as long as my mind, the one narrating this, can overpower my body’s instincts. So, I’m there, all pumped up,
I look at an old, crinkled photograph, and in an instant, I'm whisked back – a small child again, cradled in his mother's arms. Her soothing voice fills the room, hushing the world around me. Her gentle sway rocks me, the rhythm like a heartbeat, steady and
I've always been captivated by the idea of the world starting over. I picture a raw and primal existence where it's just me against the elements. I imagine waking up to the sound of birds instead of traffic, hunting for food in the forests, and sitting
As I hit ‘post,’ a piece of me sails off into the vast ocean of the internet. The immediate aftermath is a rush - the dopamine kicks in. Likes, comments, shares begin to trickle, quickly turning into a blazing stream. It’s exhilarating. Every notification a pat on the back,
They're like shadows, always with me, holding my peace of mind hostage. Just a sound, a smell, or a word, and I'm back in those heart-wrenching moments, overwhelmed by fear and doubt. Regret weighs heavily on me. Why was I there? Why did I make that
I'm writing to you from a place that's kind of tough, but I keep thinking about what our life is like in the future. Are you the strong, amazing person I dream about? Have you carried the weight of everyone’s expectations? You know, I say
”Everything happens for a reason,” I tell myself, trying to inject some hope into the echo of bad news. ”I'll be stronger because of this,” I continue, my voice growing firmer with conviction. The thought that this mishap is actually a blessing in disguise is strangely comforting. The
Body: "See that cake, brain? We need to eat it right this instant! What if this is our last chance for food? We could actually starve! This is crucial, a matter of life or death – eat it NOW.” Brain: “Hold on, body. Are you really concerned about running out
His shiny new car, my latest tech toy; his promotion, my job switch. Every move demands a countermove. I’m not sure about where I’m going, and I suspect he doesn’t have a clue either. So we both look at each other, engaged in this silent dance, each
My day at work starts with a bang. There’s a big shake-up in office politics. I chuckle, imagining her reaction, knowing she’s as clued into this saga as I am. She’s great at guessing why people do things, like a detective. Lunchtime brings a text from my
I stand outside the bathroom, nervously tapping my feet. She's been in there for what feels like an eternity. I try to distract myself by examining the pattern on the tiles, tracing the lines with my eyes until they blur. Finally, the door creaks open. She steps out,
As I meticulously scan another nutrition label, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. Living a health-conscious life has become my second nature. Every item that goes into my cart is low-carb, high in protein, and bursting with essential macro nutrients. It's a well-oiled
You had so much potential, you know? Realizing it could have changed all our lives. But here I go again, calling you selfish for not living up to that potential. I guess that's a bit selfish of me too. I hate that I don’t miss you. I
The world wasn’t fair, I knew that. I knew that the invisible societal structures weren’t designed to benefit me. I broke the rules, not out of malice, but out of a deep-seated belief that the system was flawed, that it needed someone to challenge it. My rebellion was
I can picture it so clearly: all my friends huddled around the ultra high-definition TV, laughing and cheering. We're lounging on plush, cushioned seats, the latest console glowing in the corner. I can hear the collective gasps, see the fists pumping, feel the breaths held. So, I swipe
I run, my breath ragged, heart pounding. Every turn I take, they're there. I can't see their face clearly, but their presence is unmistakable. I duck, swerve, and twist, trying to lose them. Their eyes, void of emotion, follow my every move. It's like
“If this is the end, why can’t it be quick?” I wonder out loud, my nose running like a leaky faucet. “Please,” I whisper to no one in particular, hoping for some relief from the blanket of ick. “I won’t neglect my health again,” I whisper to the
"Getting that promotion isn’t just about ticking off tasks; it’s about changing the game," my boss says, eyeing me as if to underline every word. "You're diligent, you're committed, but it's about more than just hard work. It'
"Hello," he says. "Very good morning." Grr. Another spam call. I slam ‘end call’ with the force of a thousand suns. I want it to hurt, but I feel no satisfaction. I’m sure he’s already calling the next victim. I’m left there wondering,
Doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Spoiled for choice, pint-sized me daydreamed all the super cool adventures he would go on as an adult. In a crisp white coat, I’d be the doc handing out band-aids and curing cancer. Or maybe, I’d be a superhero-lawyer, standing against injustice everywhere. Ooh,
Funny cat video. Ah, that’s cute. Swipe. There’s that influencer again. Latest skincare ritual. Swipe. A dance mix. Feet tapping unconsciously. Swipe. My friend sent a meme, something about...who cares? Double tap. Heart it. Text from best friend: "Had a really rough day. Can we talk?
“If I could go back in time and change one thing, I’d be on top of the world.” The thrill of that thought is intoxicating. Because on the golden path, life is fantastic. I’m always in the right place at the right time saying the right things to
I see food on my plate, a roof over my head, and pride in my mother’s eyes. But, it will get taken away. I know it will all get taken away. So, I shake my fist at the boogeyman of misfortune and I scream, “I am not afraid!” But,
I’ve been telling myself all day: “I can do it. I should do it.” It’s on today's list. But who would really know if it got pushed? I’ll probably do it better when I’m fully into it anyway. “Relax,” I tell myself. “You’ve
I creep towards the door. "Here we go, the big reveal!" My hand grasps the cold handle, a shiver of anticipation running down my spine. The fridge door swings open—ta-da! ‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’ I think, my hopes deflating like a sad balloon after
Leg day. The mere thought sends shivers down my spine. "Legs of steel," I whisper, rallying my spirits. "Let's forge them." The squat rack stands like a medieval torture device. I brace myself. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,"
"Are you aligned?" A group of suited figures launch into the trivialities as if they're deciding the fate of the universe. "Sure, but are you aligned?" comes the snappy retort, infusing a sense of urgency into the conversation. "And how about that? Are
“Ding! Ding! Ding!” The alarm went off early today and my heart skipped a beat. Flight day! I was up and calling a cab before I could even rub the sleep from my eyes. The cab ride to the airport felt longer than usual. I kept checking the time every
"Come on, sleep. Just...sleep,” I murmur to myself. Tensing every muscle, trying to relax. "Maybe flipping the pillow to the cool side will help?” I think, doing just that. "Am I thirsty?" I look for the water bottle and I curse, "Damn it, the
“Eye on the ball,” I remind myself. My living room transforms into the pitch, and I can smell the grass, feel the sun. I’m in my lucky spot, imaginary bat in hand, as the pacer begins his run-up. "Footwork’s the key," I coach myself, the bowler&
My ancestors heard a leaf move and ran for their lives, not knowing whether it was the wind or a lurking tiger. For them, safety was a clear-cut concept – escape danger, find shelter, survive. But now, it's different, more complicated, less about what’s out there and more
First of the month. “What’s up, Richie Rich?” I joke to myself, staring at the salary credited text. “A new phone? Maybe a bigger TV?” I wonder, but then settle on upgrading my laptop—a necessity, I convince myself, for someone as ‘professional’ as me. Then the texts start
“Those day traders won’t know what hit them,” I tell my reflection with a determined nod. I’m pumped, ready for the kill. The charts gleam. First trade, I pounce, and it nosedives. “That’s just mean,” I mutter, shaking my head—it’s just a bad start. I
I plop down at the restaurant, my stomach’s making all sorts of noises, and I go through the menu. “Yup, yup, yup,” I’m thinking, ‘cause everything looks amazing. I’m ready to feast. Waiters come and go, each one looking like they might be bringing my order. I
“Are you coming?" My friends are all asking. They're getting ready to head out, waiting for me to say I'll be there soon. But I just shake my head and text back, "Nah, you guys go ahead." I'm not sure why
"First!" I announce to the empty office chairs, a small victory to start the day. It’s going to be a good one, I can feel it. My keyboard goes tap-tap-tap. “They’re going to be wowed,” I say to myself, as I beam at the progress on
Another year, another birthday. Honestly, the whole thing feels kind of stupid. People making a fuss because the calendar says I’m a year older. I glance at my phone, dreading the well-wishes. Don't need any of that fuss. Grown-ups shouldn't be all caught up in
My inner voice is usually kind. It reassures me that I'm good enough and, when things don't go as planned, makes up a fictional story where I'm the hero. Usually. Unusually, the voice becomes an agent of chaos. It spirals, highlighting every flaw, real