Bless our family wooden plaques

Hi everyone, hope you're well if you're reading this, and apologies for the long post.
I'm a white European guy (36) and have been with my Indian Fiancé (31) (originally from Kerala) for nearly 4 years now. Very much in love, and our relationship is nearly perfect when we are together. She has struggled with anxiety and depression for some time now, and it's reached an all time low now.
I'm sure you've probably guessed from the above sentence alone, but I was asked to be okay with keeping the relationship a secret from her parents and community, and I went along with this despite, honestly, seeing it as ludicrous. It was hand waived away as a cultural difference by my partner, and she was happy to keep the status quo for a while.
When we got engaged, she obviously told her parents, and the reaction was somewhat dramatic - I'm sure again, that if you're reading this, you can probably guess the events and behaviours without me going into them.
I wrote her family a letter, introducing myself and asking for their blessing, saying that I was looking forward to meeting them - this was met with further hostility. I'm a big believer in tackling problems head on, and wanted to simply knock on their door and have a conversation, but I was begged not to by my fiancé.
Life continued with its usual ups and downs, with attempts at interference by her cousins (one saying she should leave as I'm not Indian, another saying that a long-term illness I was suffering with meant she should leave me - the irony in two men who regularly cheat on their wives and families giving relationship advice about a couple they'd never met was somewhat funny), again I was begged not to say anything and I complied despite my anger at this.
I love her dearly, and would do near anything for her, and it breaks my heart to see her struggling with her mental health, things have gotten much worse recently.
Last week, out of nowhere, we had a call (she's currently in India with her mother), and she was completely broken and tried to break up with me, with no reason given. There's no other man, she still loves me, but "this is the best decision for her right now", said through sobs - I disagreed completely, I've been in enough relationships to know when things are going wrong and coming to an end, and we'd just spent a weekend together madly in love and having a great time. We spoke about getting her some more therapy, and our plans for the future etc., so this conversation came as quite a blow - I agreed to give her some time & space, and quite honestly, after this conversation I needed the same, I was so bitterly disappointed. Take away all of the family nonsense, and this is a near perfect relationship being chipped away at by utter bullshit.
I then made a decision (after consulting several of my own friends and family) - I love this woman, and I'm not giving up without a fight, if the relationship dies then at least I did what I felt was the right thing to do.
I wanted to just get the worst of her anxieties dealt with, something I should have done years ago. I decided after a few days of space, to go and meet her community at their church , and from there, I'd bring lunch around to her Dad and have a civilised conversation about everything - I didn't want her involved in the decision as I knew she'd back down and give in to fear.
I attended their service (asking for permission from the clergy to do so), was respectful, and met very many lovely people, I came away from this with an invite to a kids baptism, several phone numbers of new friends, and all around it was a great time, they wouldn't let me leave and were very hospitable. I ensured that I was humble, but was honest when asked who I knew there, and my reasons for attending (stating that my partner was worried I wouldn't fit it, and I was going to surprise her by having already been).
I then went and spoke with her father, who again, was very kind and gentle, we shared a laugh over several things, I apologised for my part in not meeting them sooner, but said that I'd had enough of the secrecy and would love to get to know the family better, and have bygones be bygones, I also apologised for turning up unannounced, that it wasn't my intent to be disrespectful and was in fact the opposite - so far so good.
My partner called me a few hours later, initially a little annoyed with me, but soon realised I was doing this to support her, and she thanked me for being 'courageous', and we reconciled, reaffirming our relationship and love for one another.
Cut to today, and again she's in massive amounts of turmoil, apparently despite the outward appearances of kindness, members of her community have been 'shaming' the mother who is hugely embarrassed by my actions (I'm in my late thirties, I don't need anyone's permission to go anywhere, nor do I think what I did was embarrassing at all), and is now exerting more pressure on my fiancé due to the shame of what I've done (I feel absolutely no shame for this). We haven't broken up, and I kept reasserting that, if we communicate, there's nothing we can't get past.
I feel that all of this is absolutely insane - I treat their daughter always with kindness, respect and love, have plans for a very wholesome future, have a great career, look after my own parents very well, etc., but I can't win for losing.
I show some guts, and its deemed as 'outrageous'. I stay quiet, and I still lose. I'm getting tired of dealing with this bullshit, I'm too old to be worried about what other people think of my relationship (that they know nothing about aside from my skin colour being different to my partners). But I do care deeply about my partner, she's everything to me.
I'm looking for advise from anyone who's been in a similar situation, my gut instinct is telling me I need to confront her mother when she returns as I feel it's about time that we all acted like rational adults about this, but I fear my fiancé is too fragile to cope with this. In the meantime, I'm trying to source a decent therapist for her, as I fear she nearing crisis point with her mental health (regardless if we end up apart, I want her to be well).
TL;DR: Indian fiancés parents and community interfering in my relationship with her, I can't seem to make any headway, advice and experience sought.
Thanks for reading friends!

Five keys to open our way.

The Pillars of Creation were assembled, resulting in the defeat of the Burning Legion, and Sargeras eventually stabbing Azeroth with his sword. That's one competing cosmic force gone.

Five torches will light our path.

The Sigils of the Eternal Ones within the Shadowlands, used to stop Zovaal, the Jailer, and stop the forces of Death from draining Azeroth's life-essence. Another cosmic force taken out.

Five lanterns, now darkened. The flame they seek will light the masters' way.

The Oathstones, symbolising how the Dragon Aspect lost their aspectral powers. Their quest to regain their powers on the Dragon Isles has allowed Xal'atath to press ahead with her plans: most importantly by significantly weakening the Titans' grip on Azeroth, as the Aspects are now empowered by the Worldsoul.

With many eyes, they will see again. They will drink, and be uplifted.
Even now, the Harbinger gathers the children of the first flesh to reclaim what was lost. They must remember their vows and serve those to whom they owe fealty. While they toil in the deep places, we will journey to the shores of dragon lands, to the blessed isle where the Worldbreaker first embraced the whispers. As one storm recedes, another rises. The torches have been lit. The secrets he buried will strike as a dagger into the hearts of his kin!

The Nerubians of Azj-Kahet drink the Black Blood of the Old Gods, evolving them into higher beings with distinctive eyes, similar to the ones seen on the Old God mural in Khaz Algar. This transformation symbolises their return to the fold, serving Xal'atath. Oh, and Deathwing's betrayal.

Deeper, deeper its roots will reach. Welcoming our embrace.

The Roots of Elun'Ahir reach deep into the world's heart. Until recently, it has been kept safe from the corrupting influence of the Void, in no small part thanks to its guardians, the Harronir. But the Void is patient.

Her dreams sing beneath the surface. Our dreams. Our song.

The Worldsoul, Azeroth, sings its Radiant Song beneath the surface of the world. But over aeons, the Void has managed to infiltrate her dreams and cloud her vision. Her song might not be what we think it is.

Rise, rise! Our Queen calls to us from beyond the Umbral Veil. She has transcended the Circle of Stars and basks in her eternal grandeur!

The time we have long awaited is nigh.
Queen Azshara has transcended what she was under N'Zoth's reign. She is more powerful than ever, and her Naga minions await her return.

The Harbinger speaks of a primal power that seeks the end of Order. Such rage can be bent to serve our ends. A hunger lost to the ages will be reclaimed. A dark heart left broken awaits the taking.

Iridikron has allied with Xal'atath. He has given her the Dark Heart artifact, infused with the essence of Galakrond.

When these things come to pass, the Harbinger will fulfill the final prophecy and complete the awakening. Only then shall our Queen return to reign over sea and sky and earth. We must make ready. Rise, rise! Soon all that was hidden will be revealed.
She will show you the way. Come... come. The hour approaches when all eyes shall be opened.

Xal'atath, the Harbinger of the Void, is about to carry out the awakening within Khaz Algar, at which point Azeroth will be covered in darkness and Queen Azshara will return to rule.

At the hour of her third death, she ushers in our coming.
When the arrow finds its mark, the last fetter will fall away.
More visions. Possible futures. She saw Xe'ra, the Mother of Light, declaring her a heretic and calling for her death. She saw her blood on Turalyon's sword. She saw Arator calling an army of paladins to hunt her down, only to fall with her arrows in his throat. She saw herself kneeling before the One Who Slumbers beneath Azeroth's waves. She saw herself killing it and taking its place, leading a throng of horrors to consume every nation.

Alleria Windrunner, the Void-Hunter in pursuit of Xal'atath, will inadvertedly cause Midnight. At least if the Void would have its way. As tragedy befalls her family, she won't have any tethers left to keep her mind from going insane. But, this is just one possibility, and one which the Void seeks. If Alleria successfully staves off the Void's influence on her, however, this won't be how Midnight begins.

The lord of ravens will turn the key.

In the end, it is Khadgar or Odyn who will usher in the Void and cause Midnight. If it's Khadgar, it is because he has been imprisoned and turned somehow. If it's Odyn, it's because he is returning in time for the final raid in Uldaz, the Worldsoul-prison.

Sister diagnosed last month. Just found out she passed. Only blessing is I got one whole day with just the two of us, and we had a great family celebration last weekend. Gone way too soon, but living always in our hearts.

wishlist link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/370NAGIQ3G8T0?ref_=wl_share
I know the biggest ask on my wishlist is the breast pump but this was the only one that worked for me with my previous children, and it would be the biggest blessing of them all but I am grateful for absolutely anything. Even if someone has this pump that they no longer use and would be willing to donate I'd be more than happy. I gave mine away after I weaned my last baby.
I’m currently 37 weeks pregnant and have been absolutely struggling to come up with the funds to get everything I need for this baby. I found out I was (accidentally) pregnant the same week I found out my husband had been having another affair. I live in a state where abortion is banned and I cannot file for divorce while pregnant. I got rid of everything after having my last baby because I truly believed he would be my last baby. I’m in the process of applying for disability because of my chronic health issues but in the meantime my only income has been cleaning my family and friend’s houses to try and stockpile for this new addition. My soon to be ex husband came back into our lives for 2 months to “work things out” and left again, has decided he wants nothing to do with this child, has offered no financial help, I’ve reached out to multiple churches and local resources. So far I have a couple packs of diapers, a bassinet, a hand me down carseat and a few breastmilk storage bags. I was hoping by this point I’d be able to have more but it seems this is my last resort. Thank you if you took the time to read this and I appreciate any and all help given!

I would like to share my family’s experience with Fidelity as a cautionary tale to others. Her account has around $2,000 in it. We have been blessed so fortunately this is not a large sum of money for us. Nevertheless, the money is meaningful and it is ours.
My wife contacted Fidelity a couple years back and they told her they could not release the funds. Little detail was provided so she assumed this was because we needed to visit a branch. As we have extensive international travels coming up and could use the money to cover expenses, we decided to finally access the funds. We called Fidelity and they informed us they could not release the money to us without a medallion signature from a person who wrote my wife a check that she deposited approximately 7 years ago. There are several problems with this situation.
First, the check was deposited 7 years ago. We do not have any contact with the person who wrote the check. We don’t know if the person is even alive or lives in the United States any longer.
Second, why did Fidelity not initiate contact with my wife when they flagged the check? If they did, a medallion signature could have been provided then.
Third, why was my wife not informed that she would need a medallion signature when she contacted Fidelity a couple of years ago?
Fourth, the manager we spoke to could only provide limited detail about this situation. She said the backroom flagged it and thus we needed a medallion signature. The manager could not provide us with any information about why it was flagged. How can you keep our money and not provide us with reasonable information on why it is being withheld?
I want to make clear that my wife are outstanding members of the community. Our credit scores are 750+, we have clean records, we have PhD’s, and a relatively high combined net worth. I have no reason to believe that Fidelity is acting in bad faith (certainty they would not steal our money), but the lack of customer service and reasonable explanation is unacceptable.

I miscarried a week before mother's day. And those who knew and I have told post Mc have been super supportive everyone has reminded me it's not my fault and it's a blessing In designing because the universe probably stopped a genetic suffering before it began. I appreciate the understanding but at the same time I hate it. I'm not the one that died. I got to feel the symptoms and experience the ultrasounds unlike my partner on the other side of the continent.
Maybe I'm just in the anger stage of grieving but as much as I appreciate everyone being understanding and I'm educated enough to understand biologically it happens. . . . I'm just angry and I wish everyone would stop trying to tell me it's not my fault. I lost the baby. I'm still alive and this child isn't. I got to experience all the uncomfortable, aggreviating, and reassuring symptoms of the pregnancy while it was healthy. It may not be my fault but it is. Not many people knew about the baby to begin with but everyone reached out to me during mother's day to let me know they were thinking about me all day. What about my partner the one of us who's dreamt of being a father since middle school? What about the baby that died in me while I got to live? What is there to think about when I'm alive and still walking around. The bleeding and cramping aside I'm healthy and fine walking around .
I'm so angry that the day I bought the first onside to share with my Man, the day I bought the tickets to go back across the country so he could enjoy the last two trimesters of the pregnancy ...is the day when I lost his child and. Yet I'm the only one of the two of us our families are checking on.
I want the anger to be over. I feel ungrateful and agitated and unworthy of the thoughts but I wish they would check on him instead of me. I wish the baby was still alive and that there was nothing to be 'thinking of' in that way.
I'm just so angry and sad!

As the world faded away into nothing but a dark void, Tom felt the only mildly familiar sensation of magic flowing like a gentle stream. It wasn’t much of a draw, but it was certainly noticeable.
“Right, best make this quick then,” he tried thinking to himself, feeling the flow peak as he did.
“Who is this? Make what quick?” an ethereal sounding female voice replied. It did sound a bit like how he remembered Joelina sounding. Though she did not exactly sound calm.
“Uhm… Hello? Anyone there?”
“Yes hello. Who is this? What must be done quick? Answer me at once!”
“It’s Tom… Is that you, Joelina?”
“Yes of course it is! Stupid dragons taking ages, I have questions for you! So many questiiioooonssss...”
“Yeah I figured that… Fire away I suppose.” Tom replied a little uncertainly as to just what he might be in for.
“Firstly! Did you read the letters?”
“I did yeah…”
“Disregard them, I have learned much since they were written! So much more yes, cursed blessed knowledge…”
“So you do know we have gone to space then?”
“What? No, I re-experienced the memory you had of the movie about the moon mission. It was evident on the second watching that it was trickery of the eye! Spaceflight is but a myth!”
“Riiight.”
“Then how have your kind visited space? And what of the gods above!? it was evident that the woman with the crystals was but a fraud!” Joelina explained with all the calm and restraint of a shoppingmall Karen
“Well the rockets to the moon, that did happen.” Tom attempted, doing his best to remain calm and diplomatic. “The movie you saw was probably a recreation… Tell me, did things go wrong on that trip but they made it home anyway?”
“Yes, do you know of what I speak? Ahr what am I proclaiming! of course you do it is your own memories, how could I forget.”
“Yea…, you watched a movie about Apollo 13 I think. Good movie, and that all happened too. Like for real happened”
“I see…” Joelina replied, sounding rather unstable. “And what of the gods?”
“We ain’t got any. Well not in space at least.”
“Impossible!”
“No, quite possible. Many still believe in gods though, but let’s not get into that too much. It’s a right old mess.”
“No, you must tell me what happened to the gods? Have they left you?”
“Well some think so, but no. I just think it all works a bit different for us. They might be a little more hands off.”
“But the churches… and these religious warriors you did battle with,” the inquisitor all but muttered to herself, sounding like she was struggling to put pieces together. “Do Jesus and Islam fight for power then? no no, they would have long since lost the battles to the ancient gods of war the teachers spoke of… though why they were always naked eludes me yeeees…”
“No, again we don’t really have gods just floating around... Could we please talk about something else? Or is that all you wanted to know?” Tom tried, hoping he really didn’t have to dive deeper into that particular subject.
“No no don’t you dare cut me off! I have seen what you talked of, nuclear fire and missiles, ships of the oceans and planes soaring in the skies. But is it not all fake? Surely it must be! It must be? It must be…”
“I don’t know what you saw… but we have ships sailing around. If you’ve ever seen flying ships like you have here then that’s fake I can assure you of that. We do have airships, but they look more like really big long balloons.”
“But we could make such vessels, or someone could from times past. If you can visit the moon then surely you can make a ship for the skies!”
“No no, we ain’t got grav oil. Or dragon essence as I guess it’s called. That means no anti gravity, and that means weight is a very very big problem for anything you wanna make fly. Planes and helicopters are how we fly. Remember how I flew to Afghanistan on a big ass plane? Or when I learned to parachute later?”
“What is parachute? is it the ham from your times doing, vacationing? what has dried meat products got to do with flying machines of battle!”
“Wooo easy now easy. I guess you didn’t get that far yet. Uhm. It’s a cloth kite you dangle from and then glide to the ground. Very good fun.”
“A cloth kite used to fly?... such strange inventions. Wait was there not a movie of with something of that nature? yeeee… there was a song. I liked that song… something something brains upon his chute. Yeesss…”
“Yeah… You’ll know it when you see it. I have one actually.” Tom clarified trying not to get too weirded out.
“You must demonstrate on a suitable occasion.”
“Yeah… I do have a question too though,” Tom replied, letting silence reign for a short time. “...Your last letter was in Danish.”
“Oh, uhm yes. I- I was having some difficulty separating what was real and what was not… I still am. Do not tell Glazz, she musten know the truth yet. She seeks to limit my excursions.”
“You’ve ended up like I did, have you?”
“No no no, the effects do indeed recede as expected, everything is in good order… But I had to know more. So so much moooore.”
“Maybe you should cool it a bit. You never know when a brain snaps. Or how,” Tom tried, confident his advice would be ignored.
“There is not time!”
“And why is that? How is it going in our beloved Inquisition?”
“Mind your tongue, human! Things are progressing, but so are our enemies. Infiltrators have been caught, traitors within our ranks are making their moves. The reemergence of Rashan, attacks on mines, keeps and a daring heist attempt at a Royal Guard fortress! The game is afoot, we cannot delay.”
“You can’t overreach yourself either. Weren’t you supposed to be winning over the rest of the inquisition right about now? Can’t do that as a gibbering mess.”
There was silence for a while more after that. “Glazz sent you a letter? What did it say?! You may not keep secrets from me- wait not… I should confiscate her arm… she cannot write with her left. Yes far better plan, avoid upsetting him. And fill her pen with invisible ink. Yes very good.”
“No, it’s just obvious to any idiot. But what about winter, won’t things slow down?”
“They should, yet as autumn progresses it has only been picking up. I hope they too are running out of time… But time for what? I must know what they are planning. They might be behind schedule. But what SCHEDULE! sorry…”
“Well you’re not gonna find the answer to that in my memories, now are you?”
“You were sent by someone. You are here for a purpose. I must know this purpose. It will help me understand. The puzzle is large and much of the box kept from me.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m here to help you guys get in gear. That’s a decades to centuries long sorta problem, not a couple of years. Sounds like this war will be in the couple of years category.”
“Then why now? Why did you arrive now?!”
“Shitty luck? Sounds like 10 years ago would have been a lot better… Oh on that note, did you hear? We found something down below.”
“No, Paulin would have told me.”Joelina dismissed, he could almost feel her turning her snout up and away from him.
“Well we opened the vault like 3 days ago,” Tom replied, quite surprised Paulin hadn’t said anything. “Wait yeah she can send you messages, no? She sent the message about what we wanted to buy too, didn’t she?... How did she do that by the way? Why didn’t you just have her ask me questions?”
“That is not for you to know, and this is not for her.”
“Really? More secrets still? Come on, tell me or I’ll let you think flying whales exist.”
“I know those are not real. If they were, you would have harvested them long ago! likely for some deranged snack… or facial decoration.”
“True, but you get the idea,” Tom persisted, feeling like this was something worth pushing for. Why would Paulin not have let her precious Joelina know?
“Very well. This does not leave your mind… In the name of, what was it called… camaraderie. Paulin is in possession of joined paper. Messages may be written down and read by anyone with similarly joined paper. Unsecured. Originally believed to be fore love letters… dastardly studs and wenches using perfectly good magic for such trivialness… simply tie the message to a rock and throw it though the window. Most peasants cannot even afford glass” Joelina trailed off, seemingly zoning out once more.
“You have magical paper that can relay written information… and you don’t fucking use it!?” Tom explaimed, not quite believing what he was hearing.
“No, we do not know how to make freshly bonded paper… only more linked to all other paper in existence…” Joelina agreed. He could almost feel her looking at the floor in shame. “But it is not as if you are infallible, why did you not bring one of these radios?”
“I uhm…”
“Why didn’t you?!”
“I forgot,” Tom admitted, thinking back to his packing days. Of all the things that could have proven useful, that one might have been his biggest blunder.
“For the love of all that is holy! You are our saviour?!” Joelina scolded, understandably so, but still.
“Hey I never claimed to be smart!”
“I have lived your dreams. That is a lie! You very much claim to be smart!”
“Fuck off, I know you are just a scared little insecure girl.”
“She died 30 years ago!”
“Well I haven’t gotten to that bit yet!”
“What in the devils do you mean?” Joelina questioned calming right down in a fraction of a second.
“I’ve only had like three proper dreams about you… wait no, not like that,” Tom blurted out as it clicked just how wrong that sounded. Joelina didn’t seem to care in the slightest though.
“Three? That is it!?” going right back to outrage.
“Yeah… Wait, how many have you had?” Tom questioned. He rather wanted to know just how much she might know about him in addition to the memories she had already picked through when inside his head.
“Several a day!” the inquisitor exclaimed in reply.
“Okay, I can see how that would drive someone a bit mad.”
“I am not going mad!”
“Did Glazz say the same thing?” Tom questioned, quite certain he was striking a nerve.
There was no reply for quite some time, Tom feeling the headache growing as things grew tranquil once more. He could feel his breath. It was rapid, and his heart was pounding. He probably shouldn’t do this for much longer. Thus he endeavored to break the silence.
“You probably should listen to her you know.”
“No! These matters are above her station!”
“Hasn’t she been in the Inquisition longer than you?”
“She has yes. But she is no inquisitor. She is a body guard.”
“Seems like she is a wee bit more than that,” Tom pushed on. He didn’t yet know how those two came to stick together, but it was clear they had been working together for decades by now. All the way since she was assigned to Harvik
“Mind your own matters, human.”
“Very well, don’t think I can keep this up anyway.”
“We have barely been chatting! Where do the dogs come from?!”
“Selective breeding for thousands of years. But I’m gonna go. Take a break, do what Glazz says… even if Jacky hates her.”
Yet more silence followed that, though it was brief and Joelina was the first to speak again.
“Fine! In the interest of cooperation I shall let you rest. Wear the earring at all times, I shall be contacting you again soon.”
“I think I’m gonna be the judge of that. I’ll put it on when I feel like it.”
“You will do as I say!”
“You need a nap and a bit to calm down. I’ll give you three days. Around noon. See yah… How do I get this thing off?”
“I’m not telling you,” Joelina grumped like a little girl. She really didn’t seem quite like herself at all today. She had been the spitting image of restraint and arrogance before. The arrogance was still there, but the restraint had certainly gone.
“Come on, do I just try to cut off the magic or is that a bad idea?”
“If you answer a question I might answer.”
“Right then… Gimme gimme gimme aaaa-”
“JUST CUT IT! Farewell!” she called out loud enough Tom’s head pulsed and then there was blissful silence once more.
“Hehe. That did the trick, right concentrate on that funny feeling aaan-”
__________________________________________________________________________________
After dinner had been rounded up, Dakota had given a brief address as to some of the news received. There wasn’t much that hadn’t already made the rounds at the tables during the dinner itself. The war had been expanding, recruitment had started in full in the cities, and if not for the rather special situation at Bizmati they could have expected their banners to get called by spring.
Rumors had it that the kingdom was preparing itself for counterstrikes the following spring, which meant training through the winter for many volunteers.
“And a lot of not so volunteers,” Fengi muttered as Dakota carried on with the address.
“You can say that twice. At least the street rats might get something to eat and a place to sleep,” Tirox the trader escort added.
“I suppose that is true. Not a bad deal in winter time… I might even have taken it.”
“But we must instead keep our minds on our home,” Dakota carried on, talking to the whole hall. “There can be no mistake, we will be a target. We will be ready. They are getting bolder by the day it seems. It is not impossible they may attempt to take our keep before the winter comes. Or perhaps they will be waiting for spring. It is equally clear their forces are spread thin. We will weather such assaults, I have no doubt. But we must keep training. We must keep vigil. We cannot afford to be surprised or outmatched. I know you will all do your best. And tonight, we have no less than 4 dragons here. So breathe easy, have your snacks and your drinks. If the weather holds soon we will be finished with the warehouse and then we may make final preparations for winter. It is sure to be an interesting one for once.”
The hall replied with a half-discordant cheer, not overly enthusiastic unlike what Dakota had likely envisioned. The talk of them possibly getting attacked even before the snow came wasn’t really that encouraging. But Dakota tended to speak her mind, and she was probably right. Bizmati keep would be a damn tough nut to crack. And to Dakota’s credit she did seem to recognize she hadn’t really managed to rile them up.
“Didn’t you hear me?” she tried again in a slightly more humorous tone. “Eat, drink, and have fun! And put those tables together, don’t want you brooding in your corners.”
That did get a bit more of a reaction, as well as some good humored chuckles. People started getting up and set about moving the tables closer together.
It was a little rude to split up their guests in the same way as they normally did. Saph carried one of the benches over to the new spot, glancing around for any sign of Maiko, but there was no sign of him anywhere.
Feeling a little miffed, she sat down with the others as Ray came back with one of the small kegs of cider looking very excited. “We should have a taste, right?”
“Oh yes please!” Pho called out, Essy giving her a slight slap on the wrist.
“This one is only for those who paid for it. You will have to do with whatever you bought. Or the ale I’m sure they intend to serve.”
“Aww man. Not even a sip?”
“Okay, maybe a sip,” Essy relented. “Oh, I should get Koko his gift.”
“You got him a gift?” Saph questioned with mirth in her voice.
“Of course, that is what people do for each other… you did get Maiko something, right?”
Saph felt her expression slip a little as she prepared to disappoint their chief people person. “No, not really…”
“All that money and you didn’t get him shit? That’s cold girl,” Pho laughed, clearly finding it hilarious.
“Oh shut up, not as if I got something for Unkai either,” Fengi added, springing to Sapphire’s defence, though it seemed like the delivery had Fengi second guessing herself as well.
Esmeralda did look a little saddened by the news, but she was far too nice to say anything. Tirox however had no such filter.
“Oh don’t worry about it, just gotta go with a different sort of gift.” The diminutive guard laughed heartily at his joke. Udanti found it quite funny as well, and Pho certainly loved it. Bo just shook her head a little and went back to a small puzzle of some sort she had been working on, on and off, for most of the dinner by now.
“So uhm… One mug each?” Ray questioned, having been left hanging at the keg.
“Oh yes sorry, just the one, this stuff is expensive,” Saph replied, holding out her mug, Ray pushing it back down.
“One moment.” And she produced a wooden mallet and one of the metal taps. It looked like one of Raulf’s, so it was probably old as faded dragonscales.
Ray gingerly placed it against the cork and raised the mallet as the table fell silent in anticipation.
With a whack the tap went in clean with hardly a drop spilled, and Ray breathed a visible sigh of relief. “Right there we go.”
There was a quick round of cheers from the table, and Ray started pouring servings.
“Oh got yours open, have you?” the voice of Balethon came as the guard came walking up to the table, mug in hand and lizard on shoulder. “You all know we are gonna have to work out who got the better stuff, right?”
“Oh does it always have to be a competition with you, Balethon?” Saph questioned. She had just wanted to enjoy the cider.
“Look who is talking… And yeah of course we do! Just think of the bragging rights.”
Ray didn’t look too thrilled, nor did any of the girls who had actually paid for the keg. The rest of the table seemed to think it was a brilliant idea, even as Balethon’s voice carried and heads started to turn as people started to mingle between the now closely together tables.
“I’ll be the independent adjudicator!” Tirox declared, not receiving much attention as the full mugs started to get passed around. “Oh come on. I’ll be fair!”
“Shut it pipsqueak, you’ll end up taking 10 rounds of tastings before you make up your mind,” Udanti scolded, though in good humor.
“I might…” the guy relented, looking to Balethon. “Ey, by the way. Did you teach the brainlet any tricks?”
“Sure, Skitters can do a few things.”
“Aside from chasing the food?”
“You know what I think he might yeah,” Balethon replied sarcastically, gently tapping the static lizard twice on the head. The lizard didn’t do much save skitter about on his shoulder to face Balethon’s head, one eye pointing in whichever direction.
‘That thing just looks so dumb,’ Saph thought to herself as Ray handed her a mug. “Oh thank you.”
“Okay, Skitters. Up,” Balethon went, raising a claw into the air as if he wanted the lizard to jump. Or perhaps stand up. “Up… come on.”
There was no reaction from the lizard aside from it jerking to the left a bit, possibly having spotted a fly or something.
“Weeeell obedience might need some work,” Udanti chuckled. “Have you tried with some food in your hand?”
“Sure, then he just tries to eat the hand. Come on, Skitters. Up!” Balethon tried again, doing the gesture once more. And this time the little lizard jumped into the air. The little legs stretched out, taking its pitiful excuse for wings with it, and it half-fell half-glided to the floor where it hit with all the grace of a 6 year old on his first lesson. The slightly fat lizard bounced once, then rolled over twice before coming to a stop, looking around confused.
“Aaayyy! That’s a good boi,” Balethon went, going to pick it up again before someone stepped on it or it ran off under the tables. “And now you get a treat.” True to his word Skitters was fed a small piece of something or other which it seemed quite happy to snap up.
Fengi leaned in to whisper to Saph. “Was that the trick or did it just get sick of staying there?”
“I have no idea,” Saph replied, holding up her mug. “Cheers though.”
“Cheers,” Fengi replied as they clinked mugs.
“Oh hang on now, wait for me,” Essy protested as Ray finished pouring her mug and started on her own, looking to the girls as she questioned “Oh, also what about Jacky? Should we wait for her?”
“Who knows how long that will take?” Fengi replied, holding her mug impatiently.
“I’m sure she won’t mind. She is with Tom. We’ll let him have a mug as well,” Essy added with a reassuring nod, looking up to the high table. “Oh but we are missing Lin!”
“Oh right yeah she paid too… I can’t remember, did Edita chip in?”
“I don’t think so,” Sapphire replied, shaking her head as Essy got up to go fetch Linkosta. Balethon decided to take her place, a big grin on his face.
“So what else is going on over here?”
“Oh not much, hellooo little guy,” Pho went, trying to give skitters a scritching. In exchange he tried to eat her finger. “Oh… I mean I guess it doesn’t hurt.”
“Oh yeah, he can’t hurt a fly… well he can, but nothing more.”
“Shame he won’t get any bigger either,” Udanti added, nodding sagely. “Would have made a good rat hunter.”
“Nah… toe hunter though. Also where is the ale at?”
“Oh Raulf and Wiperna are getting ale and some of the bubble beer.”
“What is bubble beer?” Udanti questioned, tilting her head.
“Oh you’ll love it,” Saph interjected, waiting patiently as she saw Essy and Linkosta returning to the table out of the corner of her eye. “It’s an ale but it’s all fizzy.”
“Riiight… I’ve heard of fizzy beers before.”
“Oh yes, but this one is so much more fizzy.”
“It’s light and almost springlike.”
“Light ale? You mean for kids?”
“No no no. Just trust us it’s good.”
“Right right, I trust you,” the archer replied, looking to Essy and Linkosta, who seemed to be looking for a place to sit. “Should we not just put two end to end rather than this scrunching up business?”
“Yeah we should… Right get the craftsman table over here then. We don’t wanna have to smell the guards,” Saph called out, holding up her mug.
“Hey! That was uncalled for,” Balethon protested as Ray passed a mug to Linkosta. The girls all raised their mugs and had a sip, not willing to wait any longer. They all smacked their chops a little, looking down at the golden liquid. It was slightly fizzy too… and it tasted like the brew of the gods themselves. Ray was looking at them all visibly tense with anticipation and perhaps a twinge of fear.
“Ray… You have not disappointed,” Saph declared, nodding her approval, a smile creeping onto her face once more.
“Oh this is the best drink I think I’ve ever had,” Fengi added, taking another gentle sip.
Ray looked visibly relieved, her expression changing to one of ecstasy as she too took a sip herself. “Oh it’s even better than I remember. I’m glad you liked it.”
“Like it?! I love it!” Fengi cheers, Essy giving an appreciative nod to Ray before looking to Lin.
“Sooo?”
“It’s very good… Do you think we could try and cool it down a little? Imagine this cold.”
“It is often served cold, yes,” Ray confirmed, nodding her assent.
“I’ll go get the powder!” Saph called out, getting up. “I have got to try that.”
__________________________________________________________________________________
The strange ethereal world that had seemed so all-consuming started to quickly fade. Holes grew as light and reality started seeping in, sounds and noise starting to build around him. “Oom-Tom… Tom, are you okay?” came the familiar voice of Jacky as his eyes shot open and he blinked a few times as he returned to reality proper.
“Yeah yeah, I’m here… That is trippy, but hey, I think it worked.”
“How many fingers?” Jacky questioned, holding up her hand.
“4. Clear as day.”
“Pheeew. Okay look around, anything strange?”
Tom obeyed, sitting up a bit straighter and glancing about the room. “Nnnnn, nope all good. Just like last time I used one of these.”
“Right, good. Now what did she say?”
“Oh a bunch of stuff… mostly we chatted a bit about how she’s going a touch mad. Even Glazz thinks she’s falling apart at the seams apparently. She was also not happy I wanted a break.”
“Oh don’t tell me you have to do this every day from now on?”
“I said she had 3 days to get ready to try again. Hopefully she’ll have her case worked out by then.”
“Here’s to hoping… also how is your head? Does it hurt?”
“A bit, it’ll go away I’m sure.”
“Right,” Jacky replied, looking at him skeptically. “If it gets worse, tell me. But dinner was served a while ago I think. And I’m hungry.”
“Me too, let’s go.”
__________________________________________________________________________________
Well then, Joelina got her chat. She seems fine... I am sure she will continue to be a steadfast ally, within the walls of the inquisition for many weeks to co- I mean years, definetly years.
As always I hope you enjoyed the chapter, if not you know who to blame. I promise I won't cry to much if you tell me what was wrong... I promise.
Not really any news, other than fuck me I'm a busy boi, luckily I found the time to keep up with the writing yet, hopefully things will quet down soon so I can get back to begin a bit further ahead.
Untill next time, take care
Wiki and Art Gallery If you can't remember who someone is, want to read any of the side stories of fanfiction, or you just wanna watch some of the cool art that's been made for the story. Patreon If you want to help get more cool shit made consider joining the Patreon, you also get chapters two weeks ahead of time. HoH Subreddit if you want more stories from the HoH universe or are interested in writing something for this funny little world. Discord if you wanna have a chat about the story or just hang out First Previous

Hello all! I’m a big Charlotte Dobre fan, and a long time lurker in the community. It took some time for me to work up the courage to post this story, but I feel as thought I am finally ready to share.
So a bit of background. I had this friend group of a few women throughout my high school and college years and into my adult life. They were all like sisters to me and we got along well. Most of these friends I made in high school, such as Kate and Mary, two of the friends this story involves, but one, whose shall call Lauren, which this story now revolves around, I had had since kindergarten. We were the quintessential childhood friends. I was even her maid of honor in her wedding; we were that close. However, this story does not involve her wedding which was by and large lovely. This story takes place a few years after the fact.
Now, I know I am a people pleaser. Because of my nature, I look for the best in people almost to a fault. As such, I was bullied more than once growing up and while I stood up for myself when it was blatant, sometimes I wasn’t able to do so when it was the more insidious, backstabbing sort of bullying. I have also been bad with social cues my whole life (ADHD can do that) so I was often blindsided by backstabbing since I never even knew I had angered the person in question. Because of this, I used to encourage people to be brutally honest with me, and perhaps therein lies some fault of my own. In any case though, looking back, I realize now that while things hadn’t always been bad, at some point, my friends, specifically Lauren had stopped treating right. They were always sarcastic people and even proud of this fact, but sarcasm and being downright mean have a veeeeeery thin line between them. I cannot recount everything they said or did, but I can recount some. They yelled at me for silly jokes (I made a TAZ joke during a DND session Lauren was running and she about ripped my throat out), they would often ignore or give me silent treatments, and I was gaslit in the regular by Mary, especially.
I often left our hangouts feeling not so great about myself and eventually tried to bring up my hurt feelings a couple times. It did not go well, resulting in fights and threats to the friendship that would only calm when I apologized.
I should also take time to state that this group, specifically Lauren and an extended group of her friends that I was becoming acquainted with, would often find someone who did something “problematic” and would unceremoniously ostracize and cut them off, dubbing them as “toxic.” However, when this started I was so deep in, I didn’t question it, assuming I didn’t know the full situation. I, in passing, would worry it might happen to me eventually, but pushed away that fear, believing I was a good person and so were they, so that wouldnt come to pass. How wrong I was.
Anyways, to the day in question. I went into our shared Discord group, just to browse and chat since I had some extra time on my hands. Now, I want to preface this with the fact I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual, and I identify as a Christian in large part. I noticed that day, they put up a meme in the group chat insulting Christianity directly. I did not find it funny, but I kept my cool and messaged Kate, who originally posted it, that I was a Christian, and while she did not mean anything by it, I was sure, I wanted her to please take it down. Instead of apologizing, acquiescing, or anything like that, she mercilessly ripped into me, back up by all the others, except Lauren, who was offline the time. I immediately felt bad for rocking the boat, but luckily, my dear sister Mags was there and helped me stand my ground, checking my messages before I sent them, so as to make sure they were coherent and not too emotional (she did this with my blessing, just so everyone is aware).
After a while of Mary gaslighting me and Kate just being straight up mean, Kate comes out with “I can’t worry about what offends you. That’s not my problem.” I in turn tell her she is echoing the sentiments of the alt right, which in turn makes her demand an apology for calling her a N**i or she’ll block me. I never used that word, but I hold my ground and say “I can’t worry about what offends you. That’s not my problem.” Then summarily block her.
By now, I’m in tears, like uncontrollably sobbing. My sister comforts me and eventually I calm, though I am still horribly depressed. The drama has not yet abated though, for soon I realize that Lauren has deleted me from the DND group chat I shared with her, Kate and a few others. I message her right away and she states that I was mean to Kate and she thought it best that I was kicked out of the group. I ask her if this is her way of cutting ties with me and she says unless I apologize, then yes. I refuse to apologize and though I am horribly sad, we bid each other goodbye and I believed amicably part ways.
Cut to a couple days later. I noticed that on Facebook, mutual friends of Lauren’s and mine are unfreezing and even blocking me. I have no problem dea what is happening, but put two and two together and realize that Lauren must be talking s**t. I message a mutual friend and she confirms, saying she doesn’t want to associate with someone who could do that to Lauren. I have no idea what “that” is or how Lauren was even hurt by me since she had wanted to part ways, we did so supposedly amiably, and she hadn’t even been PRESENT during the initial argument. I am horrified and here’s where I might be the ahole. I went into panic mode and message every mutual friend of outlet, telling them not to believe her in an attempt to salvage these “friendships.” Instead of support, an onslaught of hatred and vile messages invaded my inbox, telling me just terrible things. I won’t recount them here, but I was bawling by the end and had to leave work early that day since I was in such a terrible mental state. Needless to say, I unfriended all and block most of our mutual friends-turned-flying monkeys.
That was largely the end of it. A few more messages passed between Lauren and me, consisting of me both apologizing for the knee jerk message, but also damning her. She called me abusive and said I was an awful friend. I eventually blocked her number.
It’s been a couple years but I am still hurting from this incident. I am on the mend, thanks to therapy, my remaining friends and loving family. I work everyday to leave it behind me, but I still have to wonder.. Am I the ahole?

Every summer I see a few families wandering around downtown on a Monday, not knowing that our huge attractions (Art Museum, Imagination Station) are closed on Mondays. Just a reminder that these places will welcome you on a Monday:
National Museum of the Great Lakes next to the Glass City Metropark. Great museum and interesting ships docked there, including a tugboat and a lake freighter.
Glass City Metropark has some outdoor art elements, including some new glass spheres by the Pavillion with optical objects inside them. Also hammocks suspended over the river, gigantic rope swings, etc.
The Toledo Zoo, with its own small but excellent natural history museum (mammoths, fossils, that sort of thing).
Middlegrounds Metropark has an exhibit of local history plaques under the Roundhouse, and there's great viewing of a busy railroad bridge and the High-Level bridge from comfy benches at both ends of the park.
The Oliver House next to Middlegrounds is a historic building with several restaurants. Wander around and look for all the antique beer stuff (ask where that lobby/staircase is -- there are several entrances).
The Heights rooftop bar on the river opens at 4:00. The view is spectacular. You can go out on the balcony. It's worth a visit if you're already parked downtown.
Am I missing anything?

(Hi Charlotte I’ve been a fan since I was young and finally had the courage to talk about a wedding I’ve been to and Yeesh…it was insane. Also sorry I’m advanced English isn’t my first language I’m using google translate and my girlfriend for help)
I 18F have a cousin that is not much contact in our family. We’ll call her Spears. Spears as I can describe we even the family started to put Brat in her first part of her name was. A brat. The story takes places in my age of 10 years old still getting use to life but understanding that there was some sweet, sweet drama. I came to the wedding with my whole family to a large garden area and with a building that was holding cake, sweets, and even hot chocolate. (I spent most of my time with hot chocolate) the day was pretty normal the vows went well and everyone was happy and well, at least I thought they were. I wasn’t here for the show but I heard lots of screaming from the building outside but I assumed they were all excited about something. My dad took a video and showed me years later (bless that man for being my father he’s a great guy) and apparently spears was made that her husband was doing the part in the wedding where he reaches under her dress to gain the wedding band, she said it was a perverted thing to do and no guy should do that to any woman. The funny thing is though that she actually wanted him to do that months before the wedding! She was luckily called out by one of her bridesmaids about it and how she and her were excited for him to do that and spears got all red in the face as she was caught in a lie. (Note: spears can’t lie for shit unless she can channel all that anger at the right timing) so she played it off as a prank on the husband and left it at that. Hours later I was here for this one. I was getting hot chocolate and put a bunch of sprinkles in and was about to walk away and got get a cookie. That’s when Spears starts screaming and asking literally everyone who took a her special cookie for her and her husband. I didn’t don’t worry but it was actually one of the younger kids there ((Side note: the wedding wasn’t supposed to have kids under 10 as she was around me and my family the most she assumed all 10 year olds were calm, no I’m just not sociable and usually prefer alone time) someone lied and it was shown that a parent brought their 7 year old kid there and he had to go to the bathroom but spears decides to keep the bathrooms locked because she didn’t want anyone to “Have too much fun” in the bathrooms. I can understand this part for her to freak out actually I would to but this is when the fun part comes in. Spears dad, my favorite horror loving uncle was looking upset and apparent I heard this from family members when I was a bit younger, the wedding costed most of his life savings ever since the bridal shower for buying all the gifts and stuff and decorations. Turns out even the garden was so expensive that he had to borrow money from friends. Spears heard this and shrugged it off by claiming he get more money if he wants it’s not her problem because as a father he’s supposed to spoil her. She has a brother by the way she’s not an only child she’s just spoiled rotten. My grandfather got to the uncle to get him to stand up for himself and that’s when the bride just leaves the entire wedding. Full on leaves and doesn’t come back. The husband kept asking where she was and no one knew until it was realized she left, turns out she was tired and wanted to head home to start over her wedding next week! The sheer audacity she had to think weddings can be started over and tried again was hilarious to me. Since then her and her husband left the family to be far away and haven’t been heard from again, not even from my uncle. Mind you I don’t think anyone cares enough but sometimes I actually wonder if the spears and her husband divorced, I dunno how that guy managed to handle spears for her whole life but he did and I hope he does we

My older cousin has been in and out of different MLMs for most of her adult life, and I consider it a blessing that she’s never asked me to “join her team.” Her most recent venture is Isagenix.
I got married last month, with RSVPs due at the beginning of March. She waited until a week past the RSVP date to decline her invitation, even though she and I had spoken about her plans to attend the wedding as recently as February. I stood as a bridesmaid in hers, and ours is a pretty small family so I was hurt. I muted her on Instagram until I had more time to process.
Cut to the weekend of the wedding, I’m tapping through stories during some down time just to see my cousin posting from Ocean City, celebrating becoming a “Crystal Manager.” As it turns out, the Isagenix conference was more important to her than my wedding! I had come to terms with her decline, but finding out the reason why felt like someone ripped the wound right open again.
F*ck MLMs and their brainwashing “business” tactics. I hope my cousin comes to her senses soon 🤷🏼‍♀️

Link to original nosleep post:
https://www.reddit.com/nosleep/comments/1bsb26v/i_found_a_set_of_blank_cassette_tapes_at_the_junk/
What began as an innocent adventure, had ended in the loss of our innocence.
But the journey wasn't over yet. Somewhere... out there in the fog, were five more bodies and a killer. A killer that, according to the tapes that I'd found in the junk store, was responsible for eight deaths, and now a ninth...
...My friend Mike.
"If you're listening to this, you've found the first three bodies. To find the fourth, fifth, and sixth, look for the island in the marsh, and proceed to the dock on its easternmost side. Not far from it, you'll see a pile of stones. Remove the stones, and beneath them, you'll find the next three bodies. Once you find them, switch to tape six."
CLICK.
I took the headphones from around my ears, placed them back around my neck, and began to relay the instructions to Jess.
But before I could even finish what I was saying, the fog had cleared, and my friend had already spotted the very location of the next burial site.
"The island!" Jess called out, pointing to a forested mass of land that stood out in the distance from the marsh's otherwise flat horizon.
—
After traversing another hundred yards or so of muddy terrain, something that, by now, Jess and I had both become quite accustomed to, we finally reached the dock.
We had spent most of the walk in silence, still unable to comprehend what we'd seen back at the wrecked boat, and still unsure who exactly to blame for Mike's death.
But after climbing up onto the dock and following it to the very mound of stones described on the tape, Jess finally spoke.
"The faster we move these rocks, the faster we find the clue, and the faster we wake up from this nightmare."
I didn't know what to say, so I just started grabbing stones and tossing them to the wayside as fast as I could, as my friend joined in and did the same.
We'd cleared out all but two of the rocks, when suddenly, Jess stopped what she was doing, and simply stared at one of them.
"What's wrong?" I asked, before she proceeded to turn the stone around and reveal the letter "N" carved into it.
"It's one of the clues." Jess said, as I found the letter "E" carved into the other.
Remembering the first two clues we'd found, I spelled out each of the four letters that we'd discovered.
""J" "A" "N" E"" I said, throwing the rock away.
"But who could that be?" Jess asked, doing the same with hers and revealing the spot on the ground where the next three bodies were buried.
"I don't know, but we'd better keep going." I said, as I began to dig in the dirt, already huffing and puffing from exhaustion.
But Jess put her hand on my shoulder and urged me to stop.
"Wait. What's the point?" She began, "You already know that they're down there. Why dig them up? Haven't you seen enough dead bodies for one day? And we already have the clues. Just play the next tape."
She had a point, and I was much too tired to argue, so I switched tape "5" for tape "6", called Jess over to share my headphones, and pressed play.
CLICK.
"If you're listening to this, it means you've found the fourth, fifth, and sixth bodies. That of a family. A mother. A father. And their child. Guilty of perpetuating the myth of familial love, and instilling in their offspring, the very values that keep that myth alive. Should the child have gone on to live to old age, it too, would either have become like the widow, or left one behind. To find the seventh and eighth bodies, switch to tape seven."
CLICK.
I did as the narrator suggested, and switched tape "6" for tape "7."
CLICK.
"If you're listening to this, you've found six out of the eight bodies, and are ready to search for the last two. To find them, simply follow the path into the woods, until you reach the old cottage with no windows, and knock on the front door. The man who lives inside will welcome you in, and take you to the last two graves."
CLICK.
—
We'd been following the path through the woods for some time, when we finally arrived at the old cottage, its exterior windowless, exactly as the tape had described.
Jess and I walked up to its front door and stood there for a moment, both shaking in fear.
These tapes found their way to you, not us. They chose you. You were the one who was meant to get us into this mess, and you are the one who's meant to get us out of it. Reminding myself of what Jess had told me after we'd met the old fisherman, I worked up the courage to go on, knowing that something terrible was very likely waiting for us inside the cottage...
...And knocked on the door.
After less than a minute of waiting...
...Someone opened it.
Contrary to my expectations, he was a rather short man with a bald head and a boyish face.
"Welcome. Come in, come in." He said, gesturing for us to enter, his high-pitched voice counterpoint to the ominous one that I'd heard on the tapes.
It can't be him. I thought to myself. Plus the tapes referred to the man who lived in the house in third person, not first.
—
A few minutes later, Jess and I were sitting inside the home, warming our ironically cold bodies by a fireplace that our host had started for us.
"Are you the killer?" I asked, wasting no time.
"A killer of what?" The man squeaked, answering my question with one of his own.
"People!" Jess added, "The ones buried out there in the marsh."
"There's people buried out there?" He replied, "That's news to me."
"Then why'd you ask... of what?" Jess asked.
"Well, a man has to kill all sorts of creatures to survive out here. Birds, squirrels, even mice. Speaking of which, you must be hungry."
He stood up, walked over to a door in the back of the room, and began to open it.
"Wait!" Jess called out, "What's in there?"
"Dinner." He replied.
"Let us come with you then." I insisted.
"Very well."
—
Upon stepping inside, the man reached for an old string light switch.
I gripped Jess' hand, fearing the worst, but when the dim bulb turned on, hardly emanating any light into the dark room, I could see that he wasn't lying...
...Hanging there on hooks, were all sorts of creatures. Birds, squirrels, and even mice, just as he described.
Jess and I both took a step back, clearly disgusted by the dinner options, when the man laughed.
"Oh, come on. Meat is meat, and you said you were starving. Now, I'll cook them up, just take a seat over there in the corner." He said, pointing to the shadowy corner of the room.
Despite her better judgment, Jess looked into the darkness, and did as he suggested.
That's when I heard her fall to the ground, and start screaming.
"Jess!" I called out, as the man laughed.
He simply smiled at me and pointed to the darkness. "Go on, take a look."
I backed away from him, took a step into the shadows, and looked down, to find a pair of side by side graves, each dug deep into the dirt, and one currently occupied by Jess.
"You said you weren't the killer!" I cried out to him.
"I lied," He replied.
"But the voice on the tapes?"
"Oh him? He was just a guy I hired to record them. Told him the tapes were for a game."
"Our friend died because of those tapes!"
"Did I kill him? Or did curiosity?"
"He said he saw you, and you left him there to die."
"Indeed I did, but only because he wasn't supposed to be there. None of you were supposed to be there. Or find the tapes in the first place."
But wait, Jess said I was chosen to find them. But if not me, then who?
"Jane!" I called out, remembering the clues. "Who's Jane?"
"She was the one who was supposed to find the tapes. I would tell you to listen to the last cassette, to hear the full story, but I'm afraid you won't have a chance to do that. Anyways, as I was saying, the tapes were meant for Jane, as was the grave your friend is standing in. But..." The man continued with a smile, "...You two will do."
That's when suddenly...
...He lunged at me, in an attempt to tackle me into the other grave.
What transpired next happened too fast to comprehend, but the next thing I knew...
...The man was lying there at the bottom of the other grave, his eyes wide in disbelief...
...As the broken, rusty tooth from the bear trap that I'd taken with me to remember Mike's death, protruded from the killer's neck.
And as he lay there dying, his body writhing, blood pouring out of it, I reached down into the second grave and helped pull Jess up to safety.
She gave me a great big hug, and we both stood there shaking for a minute, before I removed my headphones, held them up for us both to share, switched tape "7" for tape "8," and pressed play.
CLICK.
"If you're listening to this, you've found the last two bodies in the marsh. That of myself, and my dear Jane. A pair of lovers guilty of the most tragic love of all... unrequited love. Myself, with nothing but love to give, and Jane, having given all her love away to another. And if you must know how I lured her out here, you have to understand our bond over the macabre. Our fascination with disappearances, cold cases, and unsolved mysteries. Surely if Jane made it this far, she found the tapes that I'd left for her in the store, and couldn't resist the call to find the bodies in the marsh. And after making her way all the way out to me, here we'll lie, unrequited lovers meant to die apart... united in death for all eternity."
CLICK.
"What the-" Jess said.
"Um." I replied, gripping Jess even tighter, my wounded arm, wrapped in my plaid shirt, draped around her shoulder.
Now that the journey had ended, and after all we had gone through, the thought of finally kissing Jess right then and there crossed my mind, but before I could...
...She called out. "Hey, Tyler."
"Yeah?" I replied.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"What?"
I turned around to find, of all things, another wooden box, resembling the ones we'd found at the first couple burial sites, just lying there on the floor.
And after crouching down to pick it up, I opened it to find, not another clue, but instead...
...Eight more tapes, wrapped in a flimsy old rubber band, just like the ones that I'd found in the junk store.
"Let's not listen to those." Jess said.
"Definitely not." I replied.
—
A few days later, as news of Clinton's reelection flooded news headlines, my town did their best to keep what happened under wraps, and held a private funeral for Mike.
As a reward for us finding the serial killer, and his eight bodies, the police withdrew any charges associated with the meddling that Jess and I had done, out there in the marsh, and kept the first set of tapes for themselves.
Unbeknownst to anyone else, Jess and I kept the second set, and ironically, buried it behind our house, in the town where the marshland is so expansive that it was named for it. A town that we got married in, had kids in, and still live in to this day, making humble livings, and keeping as far away from the marsh as we can.
To this day, whenever we pass the spot on 139, where the bend of the road meets the sharp turn sign, we think of Mike, and keep our eyes on the road, careful not to look out into the marsh, towards the scarecrow, or the boat, or the island.
Oh, and that basketball season that Jess had a good feeling about on the night that we set out on our adventure... is still the worst season on record for the boys in green. I still tease her about it daily.

My (32M) mind is a complicated place. I was "saved" at about 13, always went to youth group and church growing up (presbyterian/nondenominational). Living on my own I didnt always go to church but started attending a church regularly several months before meeting my wife (30F, this was 7 years ago). She was raised catholic but their family didnt actually go to church much more than 1-2 days a year. She liked going to church with me. We did various groups together and on our own during our 3 years dating and typically attended Sunday service. We did premarrital counseling through our church and our location pastor officiated our wedding just before the pandemic started.
Something seemed off with the Lead Pastor and his wife, who was also a Pastor at our church did a online AMA style sermom before things started to open back up. They had a awkward falling out where she left the church and they broke up without much public explaination. At that point we started seeing the Lead Pastor as a little ignorant/egotistical in a idk who I offend validate how good my jokes are kind of way. Being more liberal leaning, my wife didnt feel comfortable with some of their policies returning to inperson services so we started to explore other options. My wife was furloughed from her job for a while but eventually we moved about an hour away to support her new role. Her long distance bff who unfortunately has since somewhat broke up with her (somewhat my fault) helped in the research until we finally settled into the church we go to now.
My wife has volunteered 1-4 times a month with young kids ministry (brave for helping the terrible twos) for over 5 years and is sometimes judgemental that I have not taken an equal initiative to donate my free labor. Theyre opening up a location near us and shes passionate about helping with launch team. Ive tried a few serving areas here and there but never really got connected in that way.
All that background, probably time to get into our beliefs. My downfall was probably about when I discovered street epistemology, made popular by Anthony Magnabosco. Upon trying to back up the beliefs that I held for so long (bad news and good news gospel) I found that I didn't necessarily have good evidence to justify my faith in the Christian God. I absolutely did not want to become more agnostic/skeptic as it was rather critical to be accepted/approved by my wife and birth family. After all, I had brought her to the Christian faith and she was passionate about being equally yoked where I could lead our family. My sister and brotherinlaw who we are close with are strong evangelicals who had planned to become fulltime missionaries in India or China but thankfully for various reasons theyre still living in the same state. While most of their network would encourage this leap of faith I think it puts my wife and I as well as our parents in a weird spot.
I hate falling in the middle of what should be issues of the utmost importance that I should have clarity on. As a smart guy I feel dumb for not quite getting it. I don't really feel comfortable, if I'm being honest, identifying as a Christian or an Atheist.
Reading through "our beliefs" on my churches website for example my response is typically how do you know that or what do you mean by that. Not sure if most definitions of God can really be proven or disproven. Sure most Christians will pivot at some point to well thats where faith comes in but to me it does not seem like faith is in any way a valid path to Truth as you can believe literally anything based on faith. While doubts and questioning can be healthy for some but it never really results with any better understanding for me.
So thats just kind of where I'm at not that its where I want to be. I wish I could lead my wife spiritually. I wish I could understand what I dp not with any sort of certainty. Due partially to my mental illness (bipolar) I dont always wake up in time for church. I try to suck it up and go with my wife as it is important to her that ww prioritize church. Last week she had gone by herself after volunteering where the sermon was on tithing. She came back wondering if we would get more blessing by giving more to church with the sentiment that shes not where she expected to be at this point in our lifes. She gets worried about getting older or the possibility of further infertility issues. Seeing families, baby dedications etc reminds her at least subtely how we have been unsuccessful in conceiving. I think we'd make good parents but obviously having fundamental disagreements can be hard. With most important relationships (my wife and God) i wish I didn't have thoughts/beliefs in disagreement with theirs but I don't know if we can really "choose our beliefs".
So what can I do to improve my marriage and be more confident in my Christ affirming beliefs in alignment with our church? Can anybody relate? Thanks for reading my rant/woes hope everyone is happy and healthy on this fine Monday.

First: https://www.reddit.com/HFY/comments/14vo5lb/troublemakers_deaths_pity/
*previous:* https://www.reddit.com/HFY/comments/1cqxbp3/troublemakers_triple_cross/
......
Caz didn't remember blacking out as she smashed through the wall, Valkyrie armor absorbing most of the blow. All she knew is that when she opened her eyes, she was moving faster than ever, throwing herself over obstacles and around corners as that massive emitter slung blinding pulses of light at her, but she wasn't stupid, it could hit her anytime it chose; They were herding her like livestock. Caz kicked off one wall of an alleyway, then the other and landed on the roof, never breaking stride as she leapt from crumbling rooftop to crumbling rooftop like she had wings, one arm protectively clutched to her chest to protect the remote. Jumping down a level she sprinted across the lower roofs, circling back around to try and retrieve her Huntress, When a Block-90 sailed through the air towards her. She caught it, Barely registering the name Dahlia engraved on the slide. She didn't need to see the troublemaker's guardian specter as a weighted chain sailed through the air from nothing to knock aside the emitter of a Geknosian spec ops' laser rifle. Caz instinctually aimed, and fired Dahlia, The soldier reeling back as a .30 caliber Durasteel slug slammed through their faceplate.
A soldier appeared in front of her, swinging a war gauntlet at her face. Sliding between their legs she put a round through their taint at point blank range to bring them to their knees before putting another round in the back of their helmet as she stood, never breaking stride.
Her muscles stung like hornets and her breath burned like fire, but she couldn't help but let loose a feral laugh as she slid, jumped, and vaulted through the rubble of the ruined village. The Dahlia barked, a spec ops soldier crumpling or flinching to swing their rifle from the shimmer in the air right in front of them so Cassius could drive a Kama into their throat. She didn't see charlotte anywhere, and despite the betrayal and stabbing of Remin, she couldn't help but be concerned for the girl. Another spec ops appeared in front of her, she slid around them, putting five rounds in their back armor, only for them to turn around and deliver a haymaker straight into her mask.
She felt her nose break as she slammed into the roof, momentum halted by the brutal hit as the remote flew from her hand. He reyes watched it sail through the air and fall.
Fall.
Fall into the waiting, ring bedecked hand of Drake. A shiver ran through the air as Drake pocketed the remote, a black, tattered spartan's cape flowing about his shoulders. But unlike every other time he'd lost consciousness and returned, it was like he had lost power this time, in a matter of fact, it was like he'd been drained of it. But the way he held himself was so much different, there was a sparkle in his eyes as he drew his sword, helmet flying into his palm as he snugged it on. The rings glimmered even as they absorbed so much of the light that hit them that they appeared as silhouettes.
There was a sudden change in the spec ops as they focused on Drake, she watched them gather into small groups, forming fire teams as the metal buzzards above turned to focus on the lone man. The words that fell from Drake's lips were like the first rumbles of thunder before a deadly monsoon.
"I haven't felt this scared since I was in the arena... And you have no idea how excited that makes me!"
...
Charlotte would not let the darkness of her mind claim her again. She tugged and pulled at the threads of her consciousness, fighting her older sister for control of her own body. But her older sister pulled back harder, tugging the knife taut against someone's throat. A shock of pain, a shock of cold and she was forced to let go. For a moment, she and her older sister were one. She could feel her older sister's fear, fear of punishment and reprisal. A tough mask hid the fragile being beneath that so desperately cried for freedom but feared what it could mean. All charlotte could do, was push in her determination to be free again to her older sister before they separated again.
But this time she was not alone in the darkness, The soft sound of penny whistles and old war drums followed a man in furs and carrying an odd metal tube attached to a stock. His presence felt like an open field under a night full of stars that stretched on forever, or an endless calm ocean where you stood on a steady boat, the world as your oyster. But there was also something scary about it, like the ability to do anything was both curse and blessing. But when the man softly set himself down beside her, he also sat with her sister, letting them face each other, speaking with a soft twang she could only describe as old country, the man chuckled.
"I reckon you girls both want the same thing, and with the lord as my witness, I'm here to grant you that wish."
He held out his hands to either of us.
"Let us pray to the lord our god that he may deliver you from the lands of egypt and into the promised land."
They both took his hand, and bowed their heads as he recited a few ancient prayers. Charlotte felt a burning in her soul, a lightness that replaced the oppressive dark with a field of beautiful flowers, just like home. Looking to big sister sylva, she could see the fearful, broken look in her eyes, but also a spark of determination as the man picked up his percussion cap rifle and walked away, the sound of pennywhistles and drums following him as she tearfully, but strongly took her older sisters hand.
"Do the right thing."
As she pulled her hands away, the remote was left in her hand. Charlotte could feel the smile behind Sylva's mask as she tossed the remote, watching it turn into a swallow that flitted off as fast as it could.
...
Death slammed a palm against the wooden doors, bursting them open like they were old and rotten as he stormed into Conquest's throne room, scythe slamming against the stony floor as Drake stood off to the side. He felt an odd sensation, like he was only as strong as a human could be, like he had no power left.
And it was like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He moved slower, hit softer, and got hit harder now, he knew that, but it excited him to actually be able to fight!
Death stopped a few paces from conquest, who was lacksadaisically sipping from a clear goblet as servants played soft music from a corner and served her wine, either chained to their instruments, or dragging a heavy weight by their ankle or equivalent. Drake looked on in grinning anger, teeth grinding together as he observed the degrading spectacle. Death collected himself slightly, no expression visible on his skull face as he spoke in a voice like nails on a chalkboard.
"I heard that you used a soultrap, Conquest. Those were banned during the eight thousandth pantheonal convention, but I heard you used one on my chosen here."
Conquest snorted into her goblet before spotting drake and tensing so hard the goblet shattered.
"So what?! your little monster breaks more rules than I could dream of breaking!"
Death glanced back at Drake as the swordsman leaned casually against a pillar, gripping two rings menacingly with a manic grin of rage directed at conquest. The god couldn't look the mere mortal in the eyes as Death raised a calming skeletal hand.
"He breaks universal rules, supposedly unbreakable ones... and admittedly, I'm not sure how the fuck he does it. But we all agreed that soul traps are both inhumane, unfair, and straight up bullshit. It says that in the fuckin rulebook, Verbatim. If you want to fight my chosen, you'll do it in Yovun's arena, per the five thousandth convention. I don't want a war amongst the gods Gul'vak, but it seems you do..."
Conquest straightened upon the utterance of her true name, a low growl coming from her throat.
"You know nothing about what you speak of Human! Do not lecture me about rules!"
Heat mirage appeared around Death before he took a deep breath and simply said.
"Drake, if Conquest wants to break agreed upon rules... I guess I can turn a blind eye just this once. Go wild."
The room rumbled as two rings hit the ground, disappearing into black smoke so they could be summoned back without issue. Conquest stood, grabbing her hammer from thin air. But then two more rings clinked against the ground as Drake exploded with power, surging forth on black wings wreathed in pale flame. Conquest flinched and screamed.
"ALRIGHT!"
Drake stopped the lethal thrust inches away from Conquests fearful face, the hammer tumbling to the ground as Drake summoned the rings back onto his hands. He'd wanted to drive alexandros through her heart. But he could wait, as he turned around, rage broiling in his heart as he forcefully cooled it, this was not his world, it was the world of gods and primordials. It would be wise to follow their rules. Conquests voice was faux-strong as she shakily snarled.
"I'll follow the godsdamned rules... just keep that Thing away from me."
Drake felt a smile come to his face, pride swelling in his chest, this was a different kind of power he felt as he joined Death's side fearlessly. At the drop of a hat, he could make the greatest enemy of his people grovel at his feet. But, taking a deep breath, he pushed the feeling away, knowing now how the high priest felt every time he cracked that whip against a young Drake's raw back. How dangerous getting addicted to that feeling could be. He'd enjoy it for now, but he also made a solemn promise to hold back any chance he could. To show the mercy he never received.
Death swept around, beckoning Drake.
"Come, young warrior, I sense that your friends need you."
Drake was shaken from his thoughts as he rapidly joined Death's side.
"How do you know?"
"Old john brown has finally selected a chosen. For a god of liberty he has a lot of deference to the big G."
"Who's the big G?"
"God, used to be kind of a pompous bastard really, but he's grown on me."
"Nothing you just said makes sense to me."
"To You."
Death clarified confusingly.
...
Drake looked over the gathered Geknosian spec ops, noticing Charlotte's pummeled form leaning against a pile of rubble, chest weakly rising and falling. Cataclysmic rage burned in his heart as a blaster bolt burnt across his chest with his first step forward. He wouldn't need to remove a ring for this, he wanted to kick ass old school style. He took each bolt as they came his way, burning his flesh and charring his armor. But the pain was like a drug, his blood running hot with battle-lust as he called out.
"Take a breather guys! they're all mine!"
Drake picked up speed, charging through the flashes of laser bolts even as they burned his skin and charred his flesh. As his foot hit the ground, he felt them running with him, the warriors that made up the liquid iron in his blood. From the first Hoplite to his father the Warmonger. A million souls crying out for revenge as he planted a flying double footed kick to a spec ops soldier's breastplate, bringing them to the ground and sliding the blade of his sword into the gap between their neck and chest armor, purple blood spilling out as he brought the sweeping cut up, striking the chin of another's helmet before driving the point of his sword directly into their throat. He dove out of the way as a laser bolt obliterated the ground where he'd been standing, herding him into a ring of the spec ops.
Good, just where he wanted to be, up close and personal. He danced through the circle of death, blaster bolts intended to harm or kill splashing against other Geknosians in blinding flashes as Drake carried himself through the barrage on dancer's feet, the steps he'd practice with Cassius allowing him to strike freely. Each strike flowing into another, seamlessly switching between single handed and two handed grips as he leapt up, monkeying onto a spec ops soldier and stabbing his sword's blade into the gap between neck and shoulder all the way to the hilt. Leaping towards another with a manic grin as he saw fear in the eyes behind the visor before the helmet went flying with the head still inside it. Suddenly a Geknosian in ornate armor appeared in front of him, thrusting a saber for his throat.
Drake let the blade skitter off his helmet's faceplate, returning a slash that was parried with a strong low block. Steel rang, clashing and clamoring as the two danced back and forth. One thinking they were meeting their prey in honorable battle, the other fighting like a rabid, enraged beast that had been backed into a corner. The saber snapped under a particularly vicious blow, the Geknosian general just able to register surprise before Drake separated his head from his shoulders. Blood pumping, skin burning as the headless corpse slumped down by his feet. He looked around at the spec ops who still had their guns raised and trained on Drake.
"Grack this! I don't wanna die here!"
One shouted, Drawing Drake's attention as they threw their blaster to the ground and slammed down on their knees, putting their hands on the back of their heads. Drake looked around at the clearly hesitating spec ops and through his manic, uncontrollable grin he called out.
"Anyone else not want to die?!"
Slowly, ever so slowly the remaining blasters were lowered, then tossed to the ground as the two metal buzzards hummed frantically away. Seeing Caz limp to his side with her railgun, he put his hand on her forearm as she tried to raise it to point at the fleeing aircraft.
"Let em go."
"But they just tried to-"
"Some must live to spread the word."
Caz looked up at him for a moment, confused, before a spark of realization lit up her pain filled crystalline eyes as she looked at the surrendering spec ops.
"Prisoners..."
Drake nodded and flicked the blood from his swordblade before wiping it clean on the dead general's crotch flap.
"Prisoners."
He confirmed, looking to charlotte as she slowly clambered to her feet, swaying weekly as she clutched her head. Drake let his smile fall and fade before saying.
"who else needs medical attention."
"everybody but Cassius and Destrier as far as I know, including yourself dumbass."
Drake chuckled and nodded, getting an odd look from Caz as he stated.
"I'll be fine, I'll just pop off a pinkie ring for an hour when we get home."
Caz sighed and helped Drake support the badly wounded Charlotte to the forge building.
"somethings changed about you, and it's not the lack of power."
Drake chuckled and simply responded.
"I don't know, I just feel... better, all of a sudden. Fightings fun again."
"I'm not sure that's a good thing, Drake."
Drake chuckled softly and helped get Charlotte into the forge building without responding.
......
Part 107: will be linked here upon release.

Hi friends it’s me(32 nb) again back after another weekend with my person(29 m) and my meta(25 nb) to gush!!
Saturday we were originally supposed to go to the tulip festival out by where they live but it closed early for the season so we just ran errands instead and then ended up at a brewery drinking beers in the sunshine. We decided we want to get matching tattoos and have a revenge trip to the island since me and my meta both went with our exes and had not great times.
Our hinge was at a party with some friends for the evening so my meta and I stayed home to hang out! We’re both into National Geographic and they just got a subscription so we had lots of cool things to look at, and we made a really nice dinner. My meta is definitely more introverted than our hinge and while I LOVE our group dynamic, I also really love getting to spend one on one time with them and getting to know them better.
Saturday night turned into a surprise sleepover(I had planned on going home) which honestly has happened the last like 4 times I was over so I’m thinking I should just keep a set of things there at this point. Sunday morning we had breakfast and they packed me a lunch and drove me to work on their way to do Mother’s Day things with their families.
Historically we haven’t seen each other super frequently(only 3 times total in 2022!!! Life happens and also I moved farther away that year) but last year me and our hinge made a goal to see each other once a month and were pretty much able to do that. Last summer my meta and I started talking and are now close and so we try to spend group time pretty frequently(while also making sure I get one on one time with each of them). This year we got off to a bit of a slow start(again, life happens) but saw each other twice in April, have plans 4 of the 5 weeks in May, and already have plans 3 times in June.
This month we also get to celebrate a birthday together for the first time in our three year relationship and I am SO excited!! It’s the one thing we haven’t gotten to do yet so it’s kind of a milestone for us.
Every time I get to hang out with these two I come away from it feeling SO happy and fulfilled and like I’ve truly found my people. They put so much thought into little things and small gestures(keeping the cameras off bc I have severe paranoia about being watched, sending me home with new syringes bc we’re all on T together and I had just run out and they had just ordered more, making two batches of potato salad bc I have an allergy to one ingredient in the recipe, the list goes on) and it makes my heart so so warm. I feel truly special and blessed to be a part of their life together!!!

I (37 F) had my niece (26 F) over last summer. She flew in from the States to stay with my (40 M) boyfriend and me in Europe. When I heard that she was finally coming I was really excited as I haven’t seen her for many years. I decluttered, cleaned and tidied up the guest room and even decorated it with the things she likes, incense, nice colors, little wooden boxes and gem stones.
After she arrived, all was well for the first few weeks. After that I begun noticing that she would keep to herself more, just sit in her room (the guest bedroom) for most of the day. She would wake up very late in the day, about noon and would always be in a bad mood. We always offered breakfast, said “good morning!” with a big smile and tended to her so she would feel welcome. I mentioned mornings because she seemed to be more irritable then. She would just stare with a pissy look and sit far away from us. Now with the hygiene: she doesn’t shave which is a personal preference I have absolutely no problem with, but she bathes once a week and doesn’t put deodorant because she believes it causes cancer. But it was summer and she’s a big girl who sweats a lot. My boyfriend and I began to notice that the whole house started to have a sweaty, oniony smell. We tried to explain to her that it’s summer, we all sweat and smell and if she could please apply some deodorant. She refused and got defensive. We dropped the subject.
All this continued for some weeks to the point that we had to buy Lysol to spray around the house and my boyfriend is allergic. The worst part was when she was sitting in the car with us and we had to literally hold our noses and roll the windows down.
Well, a month later we planned a 10-day vacation in Greece and invited her to come with us. We thought that the change in scenery would motivate her and lighten up the mood. Oh how wrong we were! The same motif: she’d wake up late in the day to the point where we had to shake her awake or else she’d miss all the plans we had (cruises, sightseeing, taverns, the beach). She would be extra irritable and even shout at us. The last straw was when we went for a mini hike to some old monasteries and she got so pissy with us she decided to stay at the gate and not come with… She was even moaning about the fact that the European girls were so pretty and slim and why can’t she be like them meanwhile she always requests to buy instant ramen, sweets and sodas…In the end I was so done with this childish behavior that I told her “look, we invited you here, I paid for your tickets, make sure you’re fed, that you’re having fun and you show no respect to us, only complain and act aggressive toward both of us, for no reason! We asked you to put on deodorant as it’s a hygiene problem and you can’t even do that! Do you think we’re your personal servants? You don’t even clean up after yourself or help us with any chores!” (I understand she was a guest, but if I was a guest for MONTHS at someone’s house and my whole stay was funded by them plus my vacation, I would at LEAST clean up after myself and wouldn’t make a mess…)
All this drama took place by the end of the holiday and when we got back home she changed her tickets and flew back home early. I can’t believe she acted like this, she was never satisfied with anything, we took her to so many beautiful places, done so many nice things, tried to include her as she was always waking up late, and she accused us of alienating her, disrespecting her and trying to control her even though she did that to herself by staying in and playing video games. Back home she lives with her mother. Last I saw her was 15 years ago and she used to be such a nice, happy kid… I don’t know what happened to her between then and now as we never talked about very personal stuff, just exchanged memes and talked about job stuff and guys she liked. I feel like she has depression coupled with something else.She doesn’t speak to me anymore and she didn’t even say thank you for all we did for her. Not to mention I spent about 4K on her for the months she stayed with us…
So AITA for telling her she smells bad?
UPDATE: I forgot to write that I sat down with her at some point and we talked about hard times but she didn’t tell me what happened to her (if anything) to be emotionally distressed. I had major depression, alcoholism and unaliving ideation in my 20s and it was as if I was looking at myself. I tried to give her some pointers for therapy, ways to analyze her own negative thoughts/ stop them in their tracks and advice on how to cope with some things that I have similarly experienced. I told her I was having cognitive behavioral therapy twice a week for many years and was introduced to an antidepressant which was suitable for me after trying some. So visits to the psychiatrist every month. My life significantly improved and I learned not to torture myself. But she said she doesn’t believe in therapy and is totally against taking medicine. I feel like I can’t do much… She does not communicate, my family does not have a good relationship with her mother and everything she does is always someone else’s fault, she shifts the blame to them. She has a big problem with authority and strange ideas about life (i.e. that “people are not supposed to have a job, traditional jobs are slavery to the ‘System’ “). But even so, I can’t believe she did not feel bad about how she behaved.

I know this title sounds bad, but I will soon explain my reasoning for feeling this way. I am a 14-year-old female, and for the past two years, I have hated my 5-year-old brother. I never always hated him. When he was younger, he was the sweetest thing in the world and was like a blessing and a light to my depressing life, I used to take care of him, feed him, and change him, I used to do everything for him. We were best friends, but, as time went on, I started noticing some behavioral patterns that both concerned and disgusted me and my little sister, who is nine years old.
My sister noticed it first, as one day she out of the blue HATED him, He was around 3–4 years old, and I think that's when it started. She started pushing him away and hurled insults at him. The entire family, including me, was baffled and did not understand why all of a sudden, she hated him so much. Every time I'd ask her why she hated him, she would never answer, or she would also push me away too, so, I thought that she was just mad that she was no longer the family's baby or something but, I could not be more wrong.
One day my sister came up to me and told me that my brother has been displaying some inappropriate behaviors towards her and, she doesn't know how to tell my parents, I was shocked and hurt because I was also a victim of sexual harassment and was almost got taken advantage of when I was around her age and, the thought that it's possibly happening to her and by a person that I also cared about, hurt me. So I told her I believed her and started paying close attention to my brother and started to see all the things that my sister said he did to her.
He would try to look under her skirt; he would take her pencils and put them up his butt, then try to touch her with them; or he would put his hand up his butt, close his eyes, stick his tongue out, and start... I don't even want to talk about it, and one day I woke up in the middle of the night and saw him standing there watching her in her sleep. He's so disgusting, and I was so confused as to how I did not notice this earlier. He would do it when my parents weren't watching and when he thought I was not watching, and over time, his behavior got worse.
My sister and I decided one day to tell my parents what was going on, and of course they did not believe us, They did not believe me and blamed me when I told them what happened to me, so I don't know why. I expected them to believe my sister, they also blamed her because she wore "too many dresses around him.". So it got worse and he started doing the same things to me.
Note: My brother is on the spectrum, and they, especially my mother, will go on to use it as a way to pardon all his misdeeds.
One day he tried to look up my skirt, and my mother saw it, but instead of disciplining him, she blamed me and told me that he's "experimenting" and "curious" and that he has problems, and we should be more considerate. My relationship with my mom is already not that great and this just made it worse. I hate when people use being special as an excuse to pardon people's terrible actions, not only is it invalid, but it also has a negative connotation for others on the spectrum. I've also spoken to some online, and they told me this is not normal.
Now that my brother sees that my parents are on his side, he no longer hides it, he now would take all his clothes off and sit next to you and just touch himself while calling your name so you could look at him, and he would try to touch you afterwards. This has led to me and my sister beating him up many times, and every time we would, he would laugh. We are frustrated and tired, and what's worse is that our mother sees nothing wrong with it. She is always telling people we are abusing him but not telling them what he is doing, and even if she did, they would see nothing wrong with it either.
He's just so disgusting, and I hate him, my sister and I have our own room, which we share together, and we would stay inside there just to not see him. He would try to get in and when he did he would hide under one of our beds or try to pee on us. One day I looked through his tablet and I saw photos of me and my sister and other girls in his class. He also gets really violent now. Everyone makes it that me and my sister are crazy and over reacting. He gets everything he wants and is spoiled.
This morning I woke up and saw him hovering over me nude, I kicked him to the wall and he started screaming and ran to strangle me, I kicked him again really hard then he digged his nails into my skin, then my mom came and took him away, I hate him so much, I don't know what's wrong with him, it's like a demon switched their kid with my brother. I some times wish my mom aborted him. He's so weird and creepy. Am I wrong for feeling this way?

Back story: 1st time poster, wife (30f) and I (35m) been together 10+ and married 4 years, 1 beautiful child, living away from family or any support. Lived in multiple countries but settled down in 1. Wife thinks my priorities are different to what she'd expect for the family (3 of us).
My wife and I have been together for many years and have had a stable relationship throughout. We've always had our qualms but managed to work through them amicably and end up loving eachother again. I've never been an intimate person and have had 1 long term relationship before this, my wife has a traumatic past and isn't intimate either it's never been an issue but all I've always felt is that I am the only one pursuing or even instigating any intimacy. We still managed to be blessed with a beautiful child who is excelling in all aspects with regards to schooling growth and the important things a child should be doing.Our child loves us both equally and we both adore the child. However my wife and I are disagreeing on more things and more often(me hanging out with friends, I'm usually considerate and don't come home at stupid hours However I have gotten carried away once or twice and came home after 3am). She always threatens me with divorce and really degrades me. She throws monetary things in my face yet I'm the chief financial provider. She has done things which were financially effective to the whole family but takes them for granted. As I've said she's threatened divorce multiple times but for the first time I feel like I agree. I've always tried to fight against splitting and give reason but this morning as she ranted at me I just felt like " ok fine then that's what we'll do"
I don't want to be separated from my daughter but guaranteed that's what she'll do cos she knows that's what will hurt me most. She's mentioned visitation rights but made it clear that I will never have full custody. She is between jobs and I've been in the same company for years and have a good rep and position.
I love her with all my heart and have always just thought it's normal to argue with loved ones every now and a again to clear your chest.
I just feel so bad for agreeing with her and saying ok we're done!

Hello guys, my boyfriend and I want to rent a house together soon, and his cousin is a realtor. My boyfriend, I’ll call him back, quit his job a year ago and started being a personal chef, but his family doesn’t know that yet and his parents are more traditional and wouldn’t approve of the career choice as of yet.
I don’t know anything about what goes on in the real estate process of renting a home,but I know you need to show credit score & salary to be approved, but if we use jack’s cousin as our realtor in renting, will she see his info? Jack’s credit score is a bit below average. He doesn’t want his realtor cousin knowing his info like salary/credit score as she may tell his parents he doesn’t work at his 9-5 anymore and he’s not making that much yet. She has a big mouth and we would love to give her the commission in the rental, but we do have another friend who knows the truth that we can also use as our realtor if need be.
I’m an artist and my parents give me a monthly allowance (I’m very blessed) but I was going to have my mom co-sign for us on the house since I don’t technically make that much. We just don’t want his cousin to know any of jack’s finance or employment status. Could that be avoided?