family

Family unites us; but it's also a challenge. All about fighting to stay together, and loving every moment of it.

Bad Girl House
The following Spring we were still renting the small house in my grandparent’s neighborhood. Early one calm sunny morning, I heard a knock at our door while I was getting Jessica dressed. I didn’t think anything of it. It could have been a Girl Scout selling cookies, or a neighbor who needed help with something. It could have even been my grandpa stopping by while he was taking a walk. It turned out to be anything but the everyday occurrence that I figured that it was.
By Kathy Sees5 years ago in Humans
The great melting expanse
Guitars like fighter jets in a giant vacuum blare in the empty caverns of her home. A ribcage with feet and a smile dance in a light pitter-patter behind the woman--an occasional scream, an off-beat clap. Wind puffs up the edge of bank papers on the cold, splintered floor. Empty cans of tuna, a miniature fridge with mayonnaise, a small jar and a computer remain. And the ribcage, she dances and laughs.
By Andrew Martin Dodson5 years ago in Humans
The Nest Egg
Jacob never knew he was sitting on a nest egg. Years bouncing around trying to make ends meet while climbing the corporate ladder. Finally making a decent salary and yet he still couldn't find that sweet spot for financial stability. His father always told him to create and protect a nest egg. No matter how much money you made, you had to have that damned nest egg. But every time he started to build it; something came up and ate every last bit. The new roof. Medical bills. A new car. Now this pregnancy and remodeling the house for a "proper nursery." And all the while, that little black book sat in a box in the attic. The only real legacy left by his father. A wasted inheritance and a waste of space.
By Russell Morgan5 years ago in Humans
Return it to Sender
What good are twenty thousand dollars, when it means you have lost everything? What comfort will it bring to me to spend it? Or save it even? I'm not even quite sure what I could truly change with it. I can't call him back to me. I can't turn back loss.
By Brittany Hrafn5 years ago in Humans
Z U R I
The Whitfields were known for one thing and one thing only, their massive vineyards in Columbia Valley. From sparkling wine to a nice merlot, “W” wines was a household name. It was the standard when it came to wine selections and pairings. Zuri Whitfield could not find her family’s legacy any more daunting. As an heir to the family business she detested the idea of one day becoming the head chair, directing board meetings and securing ad placements to keep the brand alive. Sure, she enjoyed a glass of wine as much as the next person. She just wasn’t so in love with the liqueur that she wanted to dedicate the latter part of her life to it. At 28 years old, she had other dreams. To which her family weren’t privy to. If she shared with her very “traditional” parents that she wanted to study the art of interior design they’d laugh. No need to present the idea, she knew of her father’s response already.
By Alexandria Hall5 years ago in Humans
Treasure Hunt
It had been a rough two weeks. Since receiving the phone call that my dad was in the hospital, I had been busier than any day I had been at college. Mom had died six years earlier from cancer and as the only child, it fell to me to take care of Dad.
By Christina Grim5 years ago in Humans
Ana's Farm
I never really knew her. She may have been my mother, but she had been gone for many, many years. So, how have I found myself in this house, the only relative left, to do with what I will? Imagine my surprise when I get a phone call from a man I have never met, telling me she is no longer with us. My mother, someone I barely knew, left me everything she owned. Her house, twenty thousand dollars, and all her belongings. At least, that is what the lawyer said. It took me a week, but I have finally made it out here. My job has kept me so busy back in the city that I barely had time to do anything for myself. Although it was a pain to come out here, I am grateful for the break from the hustle and bustle back home.
By Julie5 years ago in Humans
Ivy
The second bit of bad news came at 6:11am. Good news seldom arrives at this hour; only births and deaths. Most people haven't even started their morning routine yet. I, on the other hand, had already been awake for hours.
By Cassandra Mathews5 years ago in Humans
The Shoebox
The Shoebox by HOLLY LE DU They say that you have to know what you want before you can get it. Abby trudged up the snow-covered walkway of her parent’s house, a 19th century faded grey and white 2-story, picking up a brown paper-wrapped package left on the porch.
By Holly Le Du5 years ago in Humans
The Time Will Come
I felt a deep connection to William from the moment I met him. He was the retired, village teacher, that everyone knew and deeply adored. His endless joy was effervescent. I often wondered what force within him could possibly power that level of happiness, given all he had endured. Now in his 90’s, he peacefully awaited the end of a life fulfilled with a “knowing” that I could not comprehend.
By Carrie Podsednikova5 years ago in Humans
Dance with the Devil
Ruthie felt excited, but vaguely queasy at the same time. She had packed the kids off to bed, made sure the sitter had everything she needed, and laid her false trail. The year was 1991 ... and it was way easier back then to keep prying eyes away from your secret business. Ruthie liked her secrets.
By Gillian Lesley Scott5 years ago in Humans
All about her
“You can’t have her, I won’t allow it!” Mr Blanchet said imperiously, sitting behind his ornate oak desk. I stand before him, defiant. My name is Reynold, and I am in love with Louisa Blanchet, daughter of the local timber merchant Charles Blanchet. He thinks he runs this small town with his millions, but tonight he is not getting his way.
By Alan Ograzden5 years ago in Humans