“If my dog isn’t welcome, then I’m not going.” That was the topic sentence of a post I read recently on social media. Then the post went on to extol their dog’s virtues in great detail. I’m all for loving our pets, but this statement annoyed me like a mosquito in the ear. Let me ...

Read Parts 1-6 Chaos and cacophony. “Dee? Are you okay?” Eddie’s voice penetrates the solipsism. “Dee!” My eyes flicker open to Eddie holding the detached call bell in his left hand, his mouth gaping and face pale. His chest rises and falls through his scrubs. “I’m alive,” I fumble. “Who did this? The night nurse ...

Read Parts 1-5 **Content Warning:** This story contains depictions of and allusions to the abuse of vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities, LGBTQA+, and children of abusive parents, and may contain content that some may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. “Michael.”   Gasping awake against the dim light and my heart gallops. My ...

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 **Content Warning:** Contains allusions to emotional and psychological abuse at the hands of a maternal figure.