I didn’t even believe in that kind of stuff. But I was falling apart, and desperate people try strange things. I had lost track of how long it had been since the breakup. Or maybe it hadn’t been that long. Time didn’t feel real anymore, just the same thoughts looping endlessly in my head. Work was worse: every morning I sat in front of the screen hoping some task would pull me in, save me. But it didn’t. Nothing did. I do...

When I first saw Olivia's ad, I was scrolling through an online platform for odd jobs and random meet-ups. I had started browsing those listings more regularly lately—because I wasn't the most social person and had been feeling increasingly alone. I had recently decided I should try being more open to meeting people, to push myself into new situations. The ad stood out immediately, detailed and assertive: “I'm looking for...

You surely know this guilty feeling when you have to wake up early the next morning but still scrolling through your endless Instagram feed, watching YouTube videos or Twitch streams at 2am at night. It had that exact feeling, even though I was also enjoying the content. I was watching ‘@benguin’ design some game cards. A goofy name, a portmanteau of Ben and penguin. Ben is also kind of a weird person, but I really like w...

Claire had always been a bit of an enigma to those around her. She carried herself with a quiet confidence, and her words often had a way of cutting through the air with a sharpness that belied her sweet tone. This was especially true with Jacob, a friend she often found herself bemused by. Today, sitting in a cozy corner of the café, Claire had a peculiar idea in mind. The café was bustling, but Claire and Jacob had foun...

She was sitting on his chest, her long hair falling like curtains around their faces. She leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a soft, slow kiss. "Are you sure you want to do this, love?" Her voice was a gentle whisper, as soothing as a lullaby. "Remember, once I sit down, you can't change your mind." He nodded, a silent confirmation of his consent. A tender smile bloomed on her face, her eyes sparkling with affection....

In response to my squirming, Claire lifted herself slightly, hovering just above my face. Her voice was firm but gentle as she spoke, "Look, I want you to stay still. I want to enjoy my evening. Just calm down. It can't be that bad." Her words hit me with a mixture of embarrassment and realization. I had been moving too much, disrupting her comfort. I had to remember that this was a shared experience, not just about my en...