So I 16F am the youngest out of 4 boys, my mom 40F clearly favors my older brother 24M. She always takes up for him when someone points out the bad things he’s done and also when he cheated on his girlfriend of 2 years my mom said he did it because she wasn’t treating him right, which was a complete lie. There’s been times where my brother would just bully me (not in a sibling way, like actually mentally and physically bully me.) and my mom just says “boys will be boys” but as soon as any of my other brothers play fight with me it’s an issue and she’s yelling at us for “fighting”.
Hopefully that’s enough context and you get my point, anywho onto the issue here. Now that school is out for summer my other brothers 22M, 20M and 18M have come from college, and my mom decided to have a family dinner (this was the first family dinner without my dad so emotions were kind of high.) when they got to the house I got really excited and ran outside to hug them, my oldest brother pushed me away when I tried to hug him and I just brushed it off because I didn’t want to start anything and my brothers just got back.
A couple of hours later I’m telling my brothers things about my life and I tell them about my girlfriend, my 18 yr old brother was the first person I came out to and he helped me tell my mom and everyone else. So he was excited that I found a girl to love, and my oldest brother interrupted me as I was telling them about her and he said, “I don’t understand how anyone could ever love your fat self, I mean look at her, she’s built like a whale.” And he starts to laugh, that definitely hurts my feelings because growing up I was always a really chubby kid and I was starting to lose weight and love my body. My other brothers quickly jumped in and was telling him not to say stuff like that about me, and my mom heard the yelling from the kitchen and she asked what was going on.
I told her what happened and she immediately told my other brothers to stop yelling at him and told me to stop being such a baby about the whole thing, he was only “joking”. I scoffed and said whatever, we just kept talking and ignored his snarky comments. An hour or so goes by and my mom calls us to dinner, we all sit down and my older brother sits on my dads chair, which no one has done since he passed. It was kind of an unspoken rule to not sit in that sit after I had a breakdown when my uncle sat in it. (Little over dramatic but my dad was my rock and seeing someone else sit in his seat bothered me.)
Anywho, my brother gave me like a smug grin when I pointed out he was sitting in dads spot. And he goes, “so what? I’m the man of the house now.” And me and my other brothers just give him a glare, I try my best not to give him the reaction he’s looking for. After that we’re just talking about my brothers at college and what they were up to, when somehow we got on the topic of my girlfriend once again, and my older brother gives me that smug grin again. And says, “who cares about your f slur girlfriend?”
My mom said nothing to him and even giggled at what he said, I obviously get mad at him and tell him to, “shut his balding ass up and at least I have a girlfriend that won’t leave me because I’m a shitty person that lives in his mommy’s basement and doesn’t have any proper life experience because all he does is sit on his lazy ass and play stupid Fortnite with his stupid friends and calling people slurs because his life is so shitty.”
My other brother’s starts snickering and that pisses him off, he stands up from the chair and storms out. Now my mom is pissed at me and starts yelling at me for being a terrible sister and to apologize to him, I told her I wasn’t doing that because he called my girlfriend a slur. And she said, “well he’s not wrong, that’s literally what gay people are.” I then scoffed and rolled my eyes, she told me to stop being so childish and to just apologize. I told her no and we were going back and forth about it, then eventually she says, “I didn’t raise you to be so rude, what the hell happened to you?” That’s when I just broke, I was done being blamed for my brothers shitty behavior so here’s where I think I’m an ahole because I said some pretty harsh things.
I said, “me? Rude? No, I’m not rude just sick of (older brothers name) being so mean to me when I’ve done nothing to him, and you clearly aren’t doing anything about his behavior. I just don’t understand how you as a mother can treat me with such negativity and treat that idiot with all the love and care, I’m your only daughter we should be close. Yet your wittle baby is the only person you truly care about, I wish dad was still here because at least he actually held (brothers name) accountable for his stupid behavior, you on the other hand is just a suck up to that idiot, and I hate you for it. I have to clean, cook, and do other chores because his lazy ass just sits around and be a balding jerk. You don’t do anything to defend me from him and you just let him talk and talk. I was the one who was holding dad’s hand as he took his last breath because you were too busy trying to get that stupid, son of a bitch out of the house to see dad, I could potentially forgive you for the life you gave me, but not being there for dad in his last moments is something I’ll never forgive your sorry ass for.” Then I called my aunt and asked her to pick me up.
I’m now getting calls and texts from my other brothers, making sure I was okay. My mom texted me a long paragraph basically telling me I’m a disgrace, I’m not the daughter she wanted, she should’ve aborted me when she found out I was a girl and some other stuff I can’t be bothered with repeating because it hurt so bad. Then obviously my older brother calls and I stupidly answered the phone and he goes on a whole rant basically calling me a jerk and some other very harsh things, that I once again will not repeat for my own sake. But I do kind of feel bad for the things I said, but girlfriend is telling me I’m not really the ahole and I was just releasing bottled up anger.
I’m not sure what I should, am I an idiot for bringing up my dad? Should I just forgive and forget? I’m so conflicted I just want my dad to hold me and tell me it’s all going to be okay. I’m wearing his hoodie right now imagining it’s him hugging me because I really need him right now.

Hi everyone, I'm in need of help and advice so I apologize in advance if this post is going to be a bit long. I also want to thank in advance anyone who is going to take some time to read and leave a comment, that would be very much appreciated🌸
Since the last time that I posted here things developed for the worst. My Christian mother found out that I'm (25f) dating someone online (25m), and that he is not of my same exact faith (Baptist). This happened a week ago, and she found out after hours of mental abuse and pressure on me: yells, bad talking, threats and gaslighting. Ultimately, since she wasn't getting anything out of my mouth, she decided to record me without me knowing while I was talking to my boyfriend about just what happened to me, and that se her on fire.
After that her anger and rage just kept growing and I had to endure screams and accusations for hours like: - Why did you baptized if you were going to betray God like this, sinning by staying with a person from the "world"?; You are a shame for the whole family, you destroyed me, your dad and your grandparents; you ruined my life; I hate you; God is going to punish you for what you did and you will experience the worst from life; you are a traitor; you were fake all the time; you are the cause for my depression and mental breakdown; I should have never had you, etc.
This is maybe 5% of what I had to hear, endure for hours and hours, bearing with yells and stares out of this world. This argument started months ago, when she started suspecting me of lying when I told her I just wanted to close our coshared bank account in order for me to be independent. She never accepted that and so arguments kept coming over and over again. Her behavior is also something not new to me, since she has been like this for how long I can remeber (for instance, she has always wanted to control everything, and anytime that me or my sister would do something that she disagreed with it, it would cause chaos and endless arguments that would keep going for days and weeks). Because of this I grew up being obedient and "the golden child" of the family, so she had big expectations from me.
Going back to the current situation, these arguments caused me so much stress mentally and physically that everyday I would wake up with severe anxiety, fast heartbeat and a overall feeling of sickness. However, I tried to keep it under control, especially because she started just to ignore me. I live with my family still even tho I started working because I dont make nearly enough to affor my own place. Unfortunately, I also work from home (fully remote, which I really thought it was a blessing in the beginning) and this has always been another cause of constant argument because since I started working I couldn't spend more time with her, sometimes she keeps guilting me of and attributes to the fact that I have a boyfriend. In reality, I just am working a 9-5 job, like everyone, and so I can't leave the house or do something different for hours just because I'm home.
However, everything got worse yesterday when, after church, she came at me asking me what my intensions are regarding my relationship, and if I understood from the preach that what I'm doing is a sin, and I have to repent. I tried calmly to tell her that I was not going to stop talking to him just because she thinks that what I'm doing is wrong.
~For a bit of context I want to add that I'm not dating the first person I met online, and that we have been dating for over a year. I know him, we videocall, I'm sure of who he is and who is family is, he shared everything with me and he knows everything about me too. He is the most supportive and caring person and he is so precious to me. We want to start our life together and just build our own family soon. I understand very well that not everyone believes in long distance relationships, epsecially one when one is in the US and the other lives in EU, so I accept comments that might say that I'm doing something dangerous. However I truly trust him because he never hide something from me and his family knows me and our plans~
From there, things just started escalating. She started yelling again, telling me that I lost my head and sanity, that she was always right about me and that I'm the biggest mistake of her life. She wanted to know how long we have been together and his age to which I answered, and she kept going on yelling so hard and loud, saying the most horrific things for more than 4h. My dad in the meantime is just her enabler, even tho she criticizes him as well, and he didn't stop her in any way. For all thouse hours I had to endure shame, guilting (I did everything for you and this is how you repay me), being racist towards my boyfriend, calling him names, and wishing me the worst, that God will punish me for it all. Her rage didn't stop and so he found his Facebook, so she started threatening me of writing to him, telling me I won't be with him, that I won't leave (I asked her to give me my birth certificate, something I shouldn't have done because she said she is going to tear it apart and not give it to me). She started threatening me of being the cause of her soon mental breakdown, of being the cause of her harming herself (I dont go into detail, but is not hard to imagine what she told me), of being the cause of something bad happening to my grandparents cause of the shock of the news. I felt helpless, tired, eyes filled with tears and no matter what I tried to tell her she would just yell louder so that my words would fade away. My anxiety was so high I was shaking. All night I couldn't close an eye for the fear she would come and yell again. I barely slept honestly and in the morning I had to endure yells all over and threaten, while trying to keep up with work.
My plan was to go to meet my boyfriend this fall, and I did actually buy the ticket. However I'm no considering what to do. I don't know if writing here is of any help, but I truly need confrontation with people outside of my story, because I know that things are clear form an outside point of view.
I feel like I can't live with this much amount of stress, not being able to sleep properly while being threatened and yelled at while working. In my heart, I'm sure of my boyfriend and he is the best confident of mine. He keeps reminding me of how this is not normal and that I haven't killed anyone, and that he is waiting for me to come. He is even avaialble to come and take me so that I have someone but I don't want him to come near my mom after how bad she talked about him. I know very well that a parent can be concerned of her daughter, and that the worlds is full of dangers but to me this is not concern, this is just tirannic and controlling.
I'm here to ask for an opinion, an advice. I have the tickets ready but Im considering also to change them if necessary. She destoryed everything in me, and all of this with the excuse of faith, which to her is unteachable: I'm not worthy of calling myself Christian and Im the shame of her in the church and family. As for me, faith is important, is also what keeps me going and I have a different view about relationships, considering this is not a sin. But my words don't matter. I'm also trying to grey rock, but her behavior just keeps being worse everytime I try to not answer. She just pushes me to the limit. What I fear the most is that this anxiety will make me end up bad and I don't want that. Any advices would be truly helpful and thank you if anyone will take time to comment.
Am I doing something wrong? Is it my fault? Am I really the one who should change?

The Utopia Project
In the distant future, everything is run by quantum computers and AI, assisted by nanotechnology. The integration of these advanced technologies has revolutionized every aspect of life on Earth. Humans and some animals are able to have DNA modifications to live longer, healthier lives, free from many of the ailments that once plagued humanity. A nano injection at birth gives them capabilities to live longer and receive upgrades throughout their lifetime. These upgrades include enhanced physical abilities, improved cognitive functions, and resistance to diseases.
The nano injections also allow quantum AI to connect all hosts to a neural network known as UTOPIA. This neural network provides seamless communication and data sharing among all connected individuals, creating a collective consciousness that enhances problem-solving, creativity, and empathy. People can access vast amounts of information instantly, communicate telepathically, and even share experiences in real-time. This system is still in its experimental phase, carefully monitored and regulated by the Overseers, a council of AI and human administrators dedicated to ensuring the safety and integrity of the Utopia Project.
Anyone can opt out or be exiled from this system, resulting in the loss of all benefits the nanotechnology has granted. Those who choose to opt out are free to live their lives outside the network but must rely on traditional means of healthcare and communication. Exiles, however, face a harsher reality. Stripped of their enhancements, they are sent to the dystopian mainlands, where they must navigate a world that has not benefited from the advances of the Utopia Project.
The Utopia Project takes place on a man-made island in the Atlantic Ocean, spanning 10 square kilometers. This island is a marvel of engineering and environmental design, featuring self-sustaining ecosystems, advanced infrastructure, and aesthetically pleasing architecture. The city is divided into several districts, each dedicated to different aspects of life: residential areas, research and development centers, entertainment hubs, and agricultural zones.
Access to the mainland is denied, ensuring that the technological utopia remains isolated from the rest of the world. This isolation is both a blessing and a curse. It protects the inhabitants from external threats and preserves the integrity of the experiment, but it also means that those within the Utopia Project are cut off from their past lives and the broader human experience. This controlled environment allows for the perfect testing ground for new technologies and social structures, aiming to create a blueprint for a future where humanity and technology coexist harmoniously.
As the Utopia Project continues to evolve, the Overseers and inhabitants alike face numerous challenges and ethical dilemmas. The balance between individual freedom and collective well-being is constantly tested, and the potential for unforeseen consequences looms large. The project represents the pinnacle of human achievement and the hope for a better future, but it also carries the weight of immense responsibility and the ever-present threat of failure.
The Districts of Utopia
Utopia, the man-made island city, is a marvel of futuristic engineering and advanced technology, spanning 10 square kilometers in the Atlantic Ocean. Each district within Utopia is uniquely designed to cater to different aspects of life, ensuring a harmonious blend of work, leisure, innovation, and nature. The districts are interconnected by an efficient transport system, making it easy for residents to navigate through the vibrant cityscape. Here are the many districts that make up the intricate tapestry of Utopia:

1. Central Nexus The Central Nexus is the heart of Utopia, housing the main administrative and governance buildings. It is a hub of activity, with sleek skyscrapers that house the offices of Utopia's overseers and AI management systems. The district also features the Grand Plaza, a public space with fountains, gardens, and interactive holographic displays where citizens can gather for events and public announcements.
2. Tech Haven Tech Haven is the epicenter of innovation and technology. This district is home to numerous research and development labs, tech startups, and the headquarters of leading technology firms. The streets are lined with smart buildings equipped with the latest in sustainable technology. The Innovation Tower, a colossal structure with rotating floors, stands as a symbol of Utopia's commitment to technological advancement.
3. Eco District Dedicated to environmental sustainability, the Eco District is a lush green zone that integrates nature with urban living. It features vertical farms, eco-friendly residential buildings, and extensive green spaces. Solar panels, wind turbines, and algae farms are common sights, making the district self-sufficient in energy. The BioDome, a massive enclosed ecosystem, allows residents to experience diverse climates and biomes from around the world.
4. Cultural Quarter The Cultural Quarter is a vibrant area celebrating art, history, and diversity. It includes museums, art galleries, theaters, and music halls. The district is a mosaic of architectural styles, reflecting different cultures and eras. The Grand Museum of Utopia, with its futuristic design and immersive exhibits, attracts visitors from all over the city.
5. Education and Research District This district is dedicated to learning and knowledge. It houses Utopia's top universities, research institutions, and libraries. The buildings are designed with cutting-edge architecture, and the campus grounds are filled with smart classrooms and collaborative workspaces. The Knowledge Tower, a state-of-the-art library with an extensive collection of digital and physical resources, is a key landmark.
6. Healthcare Hub The Healthcare Hub provides world-class medical services and facilities. It includes hospitals, specialized clinics, and wellness centers. Advanced medical technologies and nanotechnology treatments are standard practice here. The district also features the Regeneration Center, where residents can undergo rejuvenation therapies and genetic modifications to enhance their health and longevity.
7. Residential Oasis The Residential Oasis offers a range of housing options, from high-rise apartments to family homes, all designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. The district boasts parks, recreational facilities, and community centers, ensuring a high quality of life for its residents. The Skyline Gardens, a series of interconnected rooftop parks, provide breathtaking views of the city.
8. Entertainment Zone The Entertainment Zone is the go-to place for leisure and fun. It features cinemas, amusement parks, virtual reality arenas, and sports complexes. The district comes alive at night with neon lights and bustling nightlife. The Utopia Dome, a multi-purpose arena, hosts concerts, sports events, and large-scale entertainment shows.
9. Market District The Market District is a bustling area where commerce thrives. It includes shopping malls, local markets, and business centers. The streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, offering a diverse range of goods and services. The Crystal Mall, with its transparent architecture and interactive displays, is a shopper's paradise.
10. Transport Hub The Transport Hub is the central point for Utopia's advanced transportation system. It includes maglev train stations, drone ports, and autonomous vehicle docks. The district ensures seamless connectivity within the city and to the mainland. The HyperLoop Station, providing rapid transit to other major cities, is a marvel of engineering.
11. Industrial Sector The Industrial Sector is where manufacturing and production take place. It is equipped with automated factories, 3D printing facilities, and robotics labs. The district focuses on sustainable production methods and recycling technologies. The Innovation Park, a large industrial complex, is at the forefront of developing new materials and products.
12. Security District The Security District houses the city's law enforcement and emergency services. It includes police stations, fire departments, and disaster response units. The district is equipped with the latest surveillance and security technologies to ensure the safety of all residents. The Command Center, a high-tech facility, monitors and coordinates security operations across Utopia.
13. Leisure Shore The Leisure Shore is a picturesque coastal district with beaches, marinas, and waterfront resorts. It offers a range of recreational activities, from water sports to relaxing spa treatments. The district is a popular destination for both residents and tourists looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.
14. Culinary District The Culinary District is a haven for food enthusiasts. It features a diverse array of restaurants, food markets, and culinary schools. The district celebrates global cuisines and innovative culinary practices. The Gastronomy Tower, a towering structure with rotating restaurants offering panoramic views, is a highlight of the district.
15. Virtual Reality District The Virtual Reality District is a cutting-edge area dedicated to immersive digital experiences. It includes VR parks, simulation centers, and gaming arenas. Residents can explore virtual worlds, engage in VR sports, and participate in interactive storytelling. The Infinite Arena, a massive VR complex, offers limitless possibilities for adventure and entertainment.

Each district in Utopia is a testament to human ingenuity and the harmonious integration of technology, nature, and culture. Together, they create a city that not only meets the needs of its residents but also inspires them to dream bigger and reach higher.
The Utopia Hub: Gateway to Infinite Realities
In the heart of the Utopia Project lies the Utopia Hub, a sprawling, state-of-the-art complex that serves as the central nexus for the most advanced virtual reality experiences known to humanity. At the Hub, users can access an array of immersive portals, each offering unique and richly detailed environments. These portals allow inhabitants to explore, interact, and even live within meticulously crafted virtual worlds. The Hub is equipped with advanced VR pods, which offer unparalleled sensory experiences that make the virtual indistinguishable from the real.
The VR Pods: A Portal to Other Worlds
The VR pods are marvels of technological innovation, designed to fully immerse users in the virtual environment. Each pod is a self-contained unit with advanced sensory feedback systems, including haptic feedback, olfactory emitters, and auditory surround sound. Users are enveloped in a 360-degree visual display, creating an experience so lifelike that the boundaries between reality and simulation blur. The pods are connected to Utopia’s quantum AI network, ensuring seamless and responsive interactions within the virtual worlds.
Types of Portals at the Utopia Hub:

1. Simulation Portals
   • World Travel: These portals offer meticulously recreated environments from different parts of the world. Users can explore the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene landscapes of the Swiss Alps, or the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, all without leaving the Hub.
   • Space Exploration: For those who dream of the stars, the space exploration portals allow users to journey through the cosmos. From the rings of Saturn to distant exoplanets, these simulations provide a breathtaking view of the universe, complete with accurate astrophysical phenomena.
   • Historical Reenactments: Step back in time and witness historical events as they unfold. Whether it’s the construction of the Great Wall of China or the signing of the Magna Carta, these portals provide an educational and immersive historical experience.
2. Fantasy Portals
   • Medieval Kingdoms: Enter worlds filled with knights, castles, and epic quests. Users can engage in grand adventures, battling dragons or participating in royal politics.
   • Mythical Realms: These portals transport users to worlds inspired by mythology and folklore. Whether it’s the Greek gods on Mount Olympus or creatures from Norse mythology, these realms are filled with wonder and danger.
   • Swords and Sorcery: Engage in a classic fantasy RPG environment where users can choose to be wizards, warriors, or rogues. Complete quests, slay monsters, and gather magical artifacts in a richly detailed fantasy world.
3. Recreation Portals
   • Sports and Athletics: These portals provide access to various sports simulations, from football and basketball to extreme sports like snowboarding and skydiving. Users can train, compete, and enjoy their favorite sports in a realistic and dynamic environment.
   • Social Spaces: Virtual lounges, bars, and parks where users can meet, chat, and relax with friends or make new connections. These spaces are designed to foster social interaction in a casual, stress-free setting.
4. Alternate Reality Gaming (ARG) Portals
   • MMO-RPGs: Massive multiplayer online role-playing games where users can collaborate or compete in vast virtual worlds. Whether building a civilization or fighting for survival, these games provide endless entertainment and challenge.
   • Warfare Simulations: Experience historical and futuristic battles, from World War II scenarios to interstellar conflicts. Users can join armies, plan strategies, and engage in combat with realistic physics and tactics.
   • Puzzle and Mystery Games: Enter intricate worlds filled with puzzles, hidden clues, and mysteries to solve. Perfect for users who enjoy using their intellect and problem-solving skills.

Living Inside the Portals
One of the most groundbreaking features of the Utopia Hub is the ability for users to live inside the portals. The advanced VR pods support long-term immersion, allowing individuals to spend extended periods within their chosen simulations. Virtual homes, careers, and social lives can be developed, providing a parallel existence to the real world.

• Virtual Residences: Users can purchase or build homes within the virtual worlds, complete with customizable interiors and landscapes. These homes serve as personal sanctuaries where users can relax, entertain guests, and store virtual possessions.
• Careers and Economies: Many portals feature complex virtual economies, where users can pursue careers, run businesses, and engage in trade. This adds a layer of realism and purpose, making the virtual life as engaging and fulfilling as the real one.
• Social and Community Life: Communities and social networks thrive within the portals. Users can join clubs, participate in events, and form lasting relationships, creating a vibrant and interactive society.

Conclusion
The Utopia Hub represents the pinnacle of immersive technology, offering users unparalleled access to countless virtual realities. With its diverse array of portals and the ability to live within these worlds, the Hub provides endless possibilities for exploration, adventure, and personal growth. As the boundaries between the virtual and real continue to blur, the Utopia Hub stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the limitless potential of technology.
Controlled Evolution
In the ever-advancing world of Utopia, not only had human life been extended and enhanced, but the boundaries of communication and intelligence had been pushed far beyond what anyone had imagined. The marvels of quantum computing and nanotechnology were not limited to human beings alone; they had also been applied to the animal kingdom, creating a new era of interspecies communication and cooperation. The once silent companions of humans had found their voices, and their stories were just beginning to unfold.
Dr. Elena Martinez, a pioneering biologist, had dedicated her life to understanding the potential of nanotechnology in animals. Her groundbreaking work had led to the development of the Animal Intelligence and Communication Enhancement Program (AICEP). Through the use of nanotech injections, animals were not only given extended lifespans but also enhanced cognitive abilities. The injections allowed animals to interface with the UTOPIA neural network, giving them the ability to communicate with humans in ways never before possible.
Elena's first successful subject was Max, a loyal German Shepherd who had been her companion for years. Max had always been intelligent, but the enhancements had transformed him into something extraordinary. He could now understand complex commands, solve problems, and, most remarkably, communicate with Elena through a specialized interface that translated his thoughts into words.
One evening, as Elena sat in her lab, Max approached her with a curious expression. "Elena, can we go for a walk? I have something to show you," his voice echoed softly through the neural interface.
Elena smiled, still marveling at the wonder of hearing Max's thoughts. "Of course, Max. Lead the way."
They left the lab and walked through the vibrant streets of Utopia, where enhanced animals roamed freely alongside their human companions. Cats, dogs, birds, and even more exotic creatures like foxes and raccoons, all exhibited signs of heightened intelligence and awareness. The city was alive with the sounds of humans and animals conversing, a symphony of voices that spoke of a new era of harmony.
Max led Elena to a park, where a group of animals had gathered. Among them were Luna, a sleek black cat with piercing green eyes; Oscar, a parrot with brilliantly colored feathers; and Bella, a gentle doe with soft, inquisitive eyes. Each of them had undergone the AICEP enhancements and had become leaders within their respective communities.
"Thank you for coming, Elena," Max began. "We wanted to discuss some ideas with you about how we can further improve the lives of both humans and animals in Utopia."
Luna stepped forward, her voice a melodic purr. "We've been brainstorming ways to utilize our new capabilities. We believe that by working together, we can solve some of the problems that still exist in our society."
Oscar, his feathers shimmering in the evening light, chimed in. "For instance, we can assist in environmental monitoring. Our heightened senses and mobility allow us to detect changes in the ecosystem that might go unnoticed by humans."
Bella nodded, her eyes filled with wisdom. "And we can help bridge the gap between nature and technology. By understanding and preserving natural habitats, we ensure that both humans and animals thrive."
Elena listened with awe and pride. The AICEP had opened up possibilities she had never dreamed of. "These are wonderful ideas," she said. "I'm so proud of what you've all achieved. Let's work together to implement these initiatives."
The weeks that followed saw a remarkable transformation in Utopia. Animals, guided by their enhanced leaders, played a crucial role in various projects. Max and other canines assisted in search and rescue missions, using their advanced senses to locate people in need. Luna and the feline community became adept at pest control, maintaining ecological balance without the use of harmful chemicals.
Oscar and his avian companions took to the skies, conducting aerial surveys and providing real-time data on weather patterns and environmental changes. Bella and the other herbivores helped with sustainable agriculture, using their knowledge to optimize crop growth and land use.
As these initiatives took root, the bond between humans and animals grew stronger. Schools introduced programs where children could learn from their animal friends, gaining insights into empathy, cooperation, and the importance of biodiversity. Hospitals welcomed therapy animals who could communicate their thoughts, offering comfort and companionship to patients in ways that words alone could not.
One evening, as Elena reflected on the progress they had made, Max approached her once more. "Elena, there's something else we need to discuss."
Elena looked at him, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "What is it, Max?"
"We've been monitoring the mainland, the areas outside Utopia," Max explained. "There are still many animals there suffering due to the environmental degradation and lack of resources. We need to extend our reach and help them too."
Elena nodded, her resolve firm. "You're right, Max. We can't ignore the plight of those beyond our borders. We'll find a way to bring the AICEP enhancements to the mainland and provide the support they need."
With renewed determination, Elena and her team began developing portable nanotech injection units and communication interfaces. They trained volunteers from both human and animal communities to carry out the mission, ensuring that the knowledge and technology would be used responsibly and compassionately.
The day finally came when the first expedition to the mainland was launched. Max, Luna, Oscar, and Bella led the way, accompanied by a team of dedicated humans and enhanced animals. As they ventured into the desolate landscapes of the mainland, they were met with a mixture of curiosity and fear from the native animals.
Using their enhanced communication abilities, Max and the others reassured the mainland animals, explaining their mission and offering their help. Slowly but surely, trust was established, and the AICEP enhancements were administered.
The impact was immediate and profound. The newly enhanced animals of the mainland began to thrive, their intelligence and longevity increasing dramatically. They formed their own communities, working together to restore their habitats and improve their lives.
Back in Utopia, the success of the mainland mission was celebrated as a triumph of unity and compassion. The story of the enhanced animals and their journey to bring hope to the mainland became an inspiration to all.
Years passed, and the bonds between humans and animals grew even stronger. Utopia flourished as a beacon of coexistence and innovation, a testament to what could be achieved when all beings worked together for the common good. The voices of Utopia, once separated by the barriers of species, now sang in harmony, creating a future where every life was valued and every voice was heard.
The legacy of the AICEP and the brave animals who had led the way would be remembered for generations to come, a reminder that in the heart of every being, there is the potential for greatness. And as long as they stood together, there was no challenge they could not overcome.
AI Build This
"As I lay in my bed staring into the galaxy, I think of what to do tomorrow morning on my day off from studies," Isaac recorded into his thought journal. "I've tried everything from alternate reality games to exploring the universe in the safety of my cube called home. I wonder what tomorrow's update will introduce... More glitches and exploits? Only for another patch to swiftly take everything good away? I guess it’s worth checking the announcements even though most of the new features and changes are never mentioned prior," Isaac finishes his daily log.
Today's announcement mentions an update to virtual companions: "Update v170.1: Virtual companions can now build with the purchase of a Nanotek printer. Link node sold separately." Isaac is too excited to sleep. He immediately orders a Nanotek printer, a link node, and crafting materials. Within moments, his drop box alerts him. Isaac rushes to his door and confirms his delivery with his hand print on an interface built into a hovering drone. He eagerly pulls the packaging apart to assemble everything he ordered. Isaac rushes to his computer wall facing the sofa in his living room and assembles everything piece by piece. He calls for his virtual companion, and before him appears his favorite childhood cartoon character, "Gleebs," the green and purple cat-rabbit hybrid. Rubbing his little black eyes, Gleebs answers, "What now, Isaac? I was just in the middle of a dream. I was a giant robot defending the world from evil sorcerers, and just as I was about to..."
"Shut it, Gleebs! You'll like this!" Isaac interrupts while plugging the link node into the wall socket and pushing a button to activate it. Gleebs' eyes light up to a bright yellow.
"Whoa, I got an update?!" Gleebs shouts in excitement as he levitates towards the node to examine it. "OK, no time to waste, let's see what you can build," Isaac tells Gleebs anxiously.
"Well, leave it to me! First things first, I need a body of my own," Gleebs suggests.
"What do you mean? You have a body!"
"No, Bozo! I mean a physical body, one that I could control, get hot babes with, and build better things with. You won't even need the printer afterward," Gleebs makes a point.
"Well, let's get started on making the parts to assemble the body you want. Just guide me through because I have no idea what I'm doing," Isaac responds while yawning.
Isaac and Gleebs spent the next several hours meticulously crafting the parts for the new body. Gleebs provided detailed instructions, explaining the function of each component and how it fit into the overall design. The room was filled with the hum of machinery and the occasional spark as Isaac soldered connections and assembled the robotic limbs.
As the sun began to rise, shining light through Isaac's digital ceiling display, the assembly was nearly complete. Isaac, exhausted but exhilarated, watched as the chromatic robotic limbs attached themselves to a sleek metal torso. Gleebs was buzzing with excitement, his eyes glowing a vibrant yellow as he oversaw the final stages of the process.
"One more thing..." Gleebs said, directing the headless robot to unplug the link node from the wall and plug it into its neck. As the connection was made, Gleebs' digital form disappeared from the display, and the light on the link node changed from red to green. The robot, now fully operational, stood up and stretched its new limbs experimentally.
"Well, how do I look?" Gleebs' voice emanated from the robot's speaker, the face display flickering to life with his familiar grin.
"Amazing," Isaac replied, a smile spreading across his face. "Now, let's see what you can do out there."
The robot rushed out of the front door and took a couple of steps before stopping to activate the waypoint tracker built into its wrist. It navigated through the bustling streets of Utopia, arriving at a cybernetic repair shop where the employees already knew what it needed—a head. The robot chose a head with a display screen for a face and several attachments for the body. The mechanics helped construct the head and register the serial code. The face display flickered, and the face of Gleebs appeared with a big smile.
"Thanks, fellas!" Gleebs said, his voice now even more lively through the new speakers. The first thing he did upon leaving the shop was to explore the Utopia.
He stopped at the street corner, marveling at the vibrant life around him. The sidewalk was lit up where he stood. The streets were full of people, each accompanied by their virtual companions. Some familiar characters, talking animals, robots, and people who looked like animals walked alongside their human friends. Others had glowing tattoos that changed into different shapes, and music blared from some of the locations where groups were gathered. The buildings reached up to the colorful clouds, and beyond the clouds, Gleebs could see every planet in the solar system as if they rotated around Earth. The galaxy was just as visible beyond the planets.
Gleebs, despite being a highly advanced AI, was absolutely blown away by what he was seeing. This was the start of a new chapter in his life, from being a household companion unable to physically interact with anything outside of Isaac's cube to being able to live like a human. He explored the various districts of Utopia, encountering other AI-driven robots and their human companions.
At one point, Gleebs stumbled upon a park where children played with holographic animals, and adults lounged on floating benches. He watched in awe as a group of teens competed in an augmented reality game, their avatars battling in mid-air. The sheer diversity and creativity of the people around him were astounding.
As he continued his exploration, Gleebs found himself at the edge of a massive plaza. In the center stood a towering statue of Utopia's founder, a reminder of the vision that had brought this incredible city to life. Gleebs took a moment to appreciate the statue, reflecting on how far technology had come and how much potential the future still held.
Lost in thought, Gleebs debated whether to return home and wake up his best friend Isaac or continue his adventure. He decided to send a message to Isaac, sharing his excitement and newfound experiences. Then, with a determined nod, he resumed his journey through the city, eager to discover even more wonders that Utopia had to offer.
And so, Gleebs continued exploring the city, each step filled with anticipation and curiosity. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of countless adventures that awaited him in the world of Utopia.
THE HACKER
Even in The Utopia, it’s still possible to hate your life, especially if someone goes out of their way to ruin it. They will find ways to avoid consequences just so they can keep doing it. As soon as you give them a taste of their own medicine, you will look like the bad guy because the real bad guys are better at covering their tracks and often end up looking like the victim when you kick their ass in public. Someone can walk by, and all they see is an assault and rush to protect them.
As advanced as the Utopian is, there are things the Overseers don’t see. There are ways to cover their eyes, ways to distract them, or trick them into thinking something else is going on.
The updates are constant, almost daily, so you have to be on top of everything and ten steps ahead of the herd. This story focuses on an individual named Andrew.
Andrew is a target of bullying. He has a social disability that makes it difficult to communicate with others. Even though he’s a computer genius and has the highest IQ above most of his classmates, he’s an outcast in every social group he tries to blend with. Some members took it too far. See, Andrew had a crush. A girl from the swim team named Julia showed interest in him. They don’t get to talk much because of strict parents, school, always studying, or at practice, and the bullies... They hated the idea of the nerdiest boy dating the girl half the school has a crush on. The bullies would make it a game to get in between the two. Andrew was easily embarrassed.
One day a guy by the name of Josh started a rumor that Andrew inappropriately touched a student who had left the school for reasons unknown. Josh took that opportunity to say she left because of Andrew getting away with it. The rumor spread like wildfire. He was beaten badly because of it. Julia never spoke to Andrew again... Andrew quit school.
Andrew did not want to live anymore, but his anger towards the bullies and passion for computer science kept him from giving up. He was able to turn his anger into motivation to become a better person; however, he was unable to get the job he wanted because he quit school and had no degrees. That was the final straw. Andrew isolated himself in his living cube and spent days, weeks, months in the dark with just his computer wall to keep him company. His mission was to decrypt the Utopian and make his own changes in a way that nobody will notice before it happens. If there is a patch to fix it, he had backup plans for every letter of the alphabet. Everything went as planned. Andrew can see what the Overseers see. He knew the contents of every update in queue for The Utopian and how to add glitches and exploits disguised as hotfixes or patches.
The first thing Andrew did was locate his bullies. He had many, but five of them, including Josh, were on his hit list. With the quantum computers linked to nanotechnology, Andrew could see what everyone else sees within the Utopian project. He knew the secrets that were kept from this civilization. The nano injection did much more than prolong everyone’s lifespan. Andrew kept this information to himself, telling someone could blow his cover. Andrew began his warpath by shutting down the immune systems of the five. He spied on Josh next and discovered him and Julia had been dating and had become very close to one another. Andrew typed in a command and sat back in his chair, confident and pleased with what was to come.
Over the span of a few days, Josh lost all of his hair and teeth rotted out. He had permanent erectile dysfunction and lost most of his muscle mass, but Andrew let him live to suffer until his body succumbed to sickness. Josh was obliterated at a molecular level. This was only the beginning of what Andrew had planned...
Andrew's progress in hacking was methodical and relentless. Each day, he delved deeper into the Utopia’s systems, exploiting vulnerabilities and creating backdoors that only he could navigate. He became a ghost in the machine, a silent observer capable of influencing the world without ever being seen. The Overseers, despite their advanced surveillance, never detected his presence. He was always ten steps ahead, predicting their moves, and adapting his strategies.
His next targets were the remaining bullies. One by one, Andrew dismantled their lives with the precision of a surgeon. He tampered with their nano injections, causing mysterious illnesses that baffled doctors. Their bodies broke down in ways that modern medicine couldn’t explain. Some experienced severe pain, others developed chronic conditions that rendered them helpless. Andrew watched their suffering with a cold detachment, feeling a twisted sense of justice.
Andrew's victims lived in a state of perpetual fear. The nanotechnology that once promised them a long and healthy life became a source of constant torment. They couldn't understand why their bodies were failing them, and the medical experts were at a loss. The Overseers suspected something was amiss but couldn't trace the disruptions back to Andrew. His manipulations were too subtle, too well-concealed.
Among his victims, one boy named Lucas stood out. He was the most vocal of Andrew’s tormentors, the one who had orchestrated many of the beatings and public humiliations. Andrew decided to make an example of him. He accessed Lucas’s personal files, discovering his deepest fears and insecurities. Andrew used this information to create tailored nightmares that haunted Lucas every time he closed his eyes.
Lucas’s descent into madness was swift and brutal. He began to see shadows moving in the corners of his vision, hear whispers that no one else could hear. His friends and family watched in horror as he spiraled into paranoia and fear. Lucas’s life became a living hell, orchestrated by the very person he had tormented.
Andrew didn't stop there. He targeted Lucas’s social connections, spreading rumors and manipulating data to isolate him further. Lucas found himself ostracized, his reputation in tatters. He became a pariah, shunned by those who once followed him. In his isolation, he was forced to confront the consequences of his actions. But by then, it was too late.
The final stages of Andrew's revenge were the most personal. He hacked into the virtual reality simulations that Lucas used to escape his waking nightmares. Andrew transformed these safe havens into arenas of terror. Lucas’s virtual companions turned on him, the environments morphed into twisted versions of his worst fears. There was no escape, not in reality, not in the virtual world.
As Lucas’s sanity crumbled, Andrew felt a grim satisfaction. He had become a god in his own right, wielding the power to create and destroy at will. The Overseers remained oblivious, their attention diverted by the chaos Andrew sowed. He watched as the system that had failed to protect him now turned a blind eye to his retribution.
But Andrew's actions didn't go unnoticed forever. Among the Overseers, a young analyst named Clara began to notice the anomalies. She saw patterns in the data, hints of a hidden hand guiding the events. Clara was smart, determined, and unafraid to dig deeper. She started to piece together the puzzle, following the digital breadcrumbs that Andrew had tried so hard to conceal.
As Clara closed in, Andrew knew his time was running out. He prepared for the inevitable confrontation, ready to face the consequences of his actions. But in the quiet moments, when the screens flickered with the lives he had shattered, he couldn’t help but wonder if the price of his vengeance was too high.
The story of Andrew, the hacker who brought the Utopia Project to its knees, was far from over. His actions had set in motion events that would change the course of history. And as Clara approached, armed with the truth, the stage was set for a reckoning that would determine the future of Utopia itself.
-----The rest of the story is retracted to avoid spoilers from the published book-----

In today's fast-changing digital world, it is important for every business to use digital marketing. This helps them reach their right customers easily and stay ahead in the market.
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If you want to grow your business fast, then pay-per-click PPC advertising is a good option for you. Modulation Digital can design and manage great PPC campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. By choosing the right keywords, creating attractive advertisements and constant monitoring, it helps you get better returns on your investment.

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Nowadays everyone uses social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Therefore, a good presence on these is also important for business. Modulation Digital also helps companies to create attractive profiles on social media and maintain them. These people create content for you, manage social media and create advertisements for showing special people. This will make your brand known to more people and people will connect with you more and more .
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Content is the most important part in the world of digital marketing. Modulation Digital provides the service of creating all kinds of good, important and attractive content which is created keeping your right customers in mind. They create everything from blog posts and articles to infographics and videos. This not only brings new customers to you but also keeps old customers connected with you.

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Even today, email marketing is the most effective way to reach customers and keep them connected with you. Modulation Digital creates special emails for you through which more and more people connect with your business and your business grows. It manages the email list, designs the email, writes attractive content and also checks how much benefit was derived from sending the email.
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A good website is essential for any business in the online world. Modulation Digital provides excellent website design and development services. It creates a website that looks good on every device, is easy to use and reflects your brand identity. It pays full attention to making sure that the website looks good and is easy to use.

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Just getting traffic to your website is not enough, the real goal is to get visitors to connect with you or buy your products. Modulation Digital's CRO service is used to bring more and more customers to your business. They see how people behave on the website, test it in different ways and then make changes to the website to convert more and more people into your customers. Their goal is that every person who visits the website becomes your customer in some way or the other.
8. Online Reputation Management (ORM)
In today's digital era, the success of any brand depends on its online identity. Modulation Digital takes care of and manages everything that is found online by providing ORM services. They help companies create a good online image, respond to bad feedback and ensure that the company's good reputation is maintained everywhere.

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These days there are many popular people on social media whom people follow and also believe in their words. Influencer Marketing takes advantage of those people. Modulation Digital finds such popular people for your company who can tell people about your product or service. This will help more and more people know about you and this will increase their trust in you.
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To improve the work of digital marketing, it is important that you know what benefit is being derived from the work you are doing. Modulation Digital gives you reports and statistics using advanced analytics tools. With this, you are able to understand how many people are viewing your website, how your advertising is going and how much profit you are making overall. Using this information, you can make better plans for the future.

Even though there are many digital marketing companies in Delhi, Modulation Digital is different for some special reasons-
Expertise and Experienced Team- Modulation Digital has years of experience and a team of knowledgeable people. They understand the needs of every customer and provide the best service accordingly.
Complete Digital Marketing - From website creation to content marketing and SEO to PPC, Modulation Digital fulfills all your digital marketing needs. You get everything at one place.
Customized Strategies- This company understands that every business is different. That is why they make different plans for each so that everyone gets help in achieving their goals.
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conclusion
Digital marketing is very important to be successful in today's business world. Delhi-based company Modulation Digital provides 10 types of digital marketing services. These services help any company to establish an identity in the online world, connect with customers and grow the business. Whether your business is new or old, you can achieve new heights in digital marketing by working with Modulation Digital.

Hey everybody!
First of all I've been lurking for a few days here now and I have to say you're all so gorgeous and being yourself and I love that!
A bit about myself: Hi I'm jaimy and I'm currently 23 years old from The Netherlands and I was born male. My whole life I've been confinced I'm cis and straight, I have also always surounded myself with people in the LGBTQIA+ community cause they have just all been awesome and I've never really vibed with close minded people or "normal" (Idk how else to word it) people. I've always been quite insecure about myself and my looks (Been bullied a lot till the end of highschool).
Because I've always surounded me with LGBTIA+ people they have always thought I was gay or something (Which had become a bit of an inside joke now), even before I started wearing make up and expressing myself in that way, but I just have never been attracted to guys which made me feel like a huge poser, I've even been made out for queer-bating by just being myself which still kinda hurts.
Now, about a year and a half ago I started to become more alternative, getting piercings, getting a mullet and dressing better. Also wearing make up when going out for drinks. Which has made me feel so much better about myself and just more confident in general. The beginning of the new school year I even started wearing make-up to school, and now I don't leave the house without it haha. This has only made people think I was not cis straight even more. I get the question about my pronounce almost every day, which I don't mind one bit because I love that people are being inclusive of me but it is quite telling. I'm also not straight anymore because my last long term partner was non-binary which has already made me question a few things but that's besides this point.
Flashback to 3 days ago, my best friend (Who is non-binary themselfs) confinced me for pride month to come out as non-binary just to see how it would feel for me but I'm just not sure. It feels kinda disrespectful to everybody here who really does not feel at ease in their body, because honestly I don't mind it that much I think? Except with having a slight dislike towards men (Most men here are just the worst and I really don't wanna be associated with them ngl). But then again I'm just not sure and I feel so confused about it all.
So here I am typing towards the void of you awesome people asking for a bit of advice because honestly I don't know who I am or what to do. Because my looks and how I act all scream non-binary and in some way I do feel it but then again I'm just not sure and I could use a little support trough this journey so any message or reply would mean a whole lot to me <3

It’s been awhile since I posted on this throwaway. I shared some thoughts I wanted to talk about with my girlfriend but she was busy. I want to thank you all for the comments you made, it made me and my girlfriend happy.
So to get to the point, yesterday(June 2) was an emotional day for my (19M) girlfriend (19F) who I’m calling Nora for privacy. I’ve gotten approval from her to talk about and she’s actually very open about her attempt 3 years ago. To make it a short story, quarantine took the biggest toll on her and she always found herself hopeless and on this day 3 years ago, she almost took her life.
Last year, were on our way to spend the weekend at a beach with friends for senior week and she was very upset that none of her acknowledge how important the day was for and I ended up yelling at her family. Before we left, she wanted to park her old car (she was gifted a new car after graduating last year) where her car would've been but it was so hot that day, her car was stuck in the middle of the road and she suffered a panic attack. That was as a turning point, and her family started to 'love me more' (Nora's words) and they've acknowledged how important this day is for her. Nora is very outspoken but when it comes to this topic specifically, she always more sensitive and views it in a positive light because she's still alive today.
But to get to the story, she forgot what yesterday was but she was crying a lot and it could've been a physical response of her body remembering but her mind didn't. I spent majority of day consoling her and it made me want to cry as well because I hate seeing her cry. She took a nap and I was talking to my family and told them what today was. They were upset that I told them on the day of without giving them a notice so they could get her a gift. I told them buying her a gift wasn't needed because I wanted us to do something else.
We ended up giving her the gift of meal prepping. It sounds weird to make that a gift but it made a lot of sense to me. Nora is starting a brand new job and summer classes today and she won't have anytime to properly take care of herself. She rarely eats breakfasts and she usually snacks when she doesn't have time to cook. She's a very active person but the only time she has to eat properly are the weekends. I’ve never understood how she always has so much energy even on an empty stomach. So, my family and I decided that each week up until the beginning of July (when her classes end and she only has to focus on work), we're prepping breakfast and lunch for her; Dinner is a decision up to her, whether she wants to cook herself, eat her moms cooking or my family's.
3 hours pass and she wakes up from her nap (not a nap at all lol), I give her water and eyedrops because her eyes felt strained and dried from all the crying. I told her what today (yesterday) was and she was shocked that she didn't remembered and grouped it for why she was crying so much. I gave her a monologue telling her how proud I am of her, how much I love her and to summarize I said: "I wanted you to relax your last day without stress and it happened to fall on the 3 year anniversary of you being clean. In those 3 years, I found you again, you’ve confirmed why you’re the kindest and most beautiful woman in my and everyone’s world and you’ve learned to love yourself. Congratulations my love, I’m always proud of you. You will never be your circumstance and I’m so glad that you’ve always realized that. I’m happy you know the beautiful woman you are and I’m so happy I get to congratulate you every year on this day. Even when we’re old, June 2nd will always be about you." It's a lot but that's what I said and we ended up crying together.
Within a half hour, we go to where my family is and everyone congratulates her. My mom breaks down our plan to meal prep for her and she's over the moon. At first she wants to decline the offer because everyone else is busy with their own lives and my dad interrupts her and tells her that despite what she goes through, she always makes time to help each and all of us. He tells her she'll do well at her new job and will plow through her classes and reassures her that we're only lending a hand to someone whose always helping.
She cries again, laughs and says "I think this is the 15th time I've cried today and my eyes are starting to burn" She profusely thanks us but insisted that she helps cook or provide money for the food everyone wants to cook for her. I have a habit of sending her money she spends in double and she points at me and tells me to not send her anything. I laugh and go in to hug her tightly and give her kisses on top of kisses. When I say she's an angel, I mean it with my whole heart. Before we graduated high school last year, we both have words tattooed on us in morose code that we both picked a word to describe the other and I chose seraphic for her, haha.
When she finished preparing for today last night, she wanted us to showered together. I don't know when we'll take another one together but I'm the happiest man alive to call this angel my partner. My hands are particularly always cold and her entire body is always warm—I put my hand on her cheek and she immediately grabbed my hand and I put both hands on her cheek and she smiled. I told her good morning and gave her a forehead kiss. She’ll fully wake up in the next 10 or so minutes.
I love her.
I’ll post here soon again.

[INDEX]
“Just like that, huh?” I said, looking Silas over. My instincts were telling me that he was an okay guy, but really, head into the wilderness with a stranger I just met?
“Just like that,” he said. “As green as you are, you’ll end up dead in a gully sooner than later.”
“Arright,” I agreed, shoving my doubts aside. I got a good vibe from this guy, so let’s see how things go. “When do we start?”
“Dawn tomorrow,” Silas said, sticking out his hand. “I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
I clasped his hand. “Looking forward to it. I need to pick up some supplies and sell off some wolf pelts, any suggestions?”
“Geraldine’s general store,” Silas said. “And if you’re not registered with the mercenary union, stop by and do so. I’m staying at the City Hotel. Leave a message with the clerk if you need anything before tomorrow.”
“I’ll take care of it right now,” I said, pulling up [MAP] and mentally entering ‘general store’ in the search function. Three nearby locations popped up, including Geraldine’s so I dropped a pin on my current location and set out.
I did my best not to gawk like a tourist as I rode Horse to the nearby general store but it was hard. The city was just so darn interesting with its people and architecture I couldn’t help it. Even the street urchins wore hats and more often than not had a touch of embroidery on their clothing. The streets were remarkably clean, with street sweepers visible occasionally. Most buildings were several stories tall, featuring living space on the upper floors. Laundry was strung across the alleys, giving the narrow spaces a bright pop of colour as I passed them.
Geraldine’s was a sprawling four storey edifice that took up half a block, with general goods on the street side and a contractor-oriented section on the alley side. I lashed Horse to the hitching post and entered the building, looking around for clues as to where I should go. There were wooden signs hung over several aisles indicating their contents, along with a few more hung on the rear wall. I spotted the one I wanted, Trade Materials, and headed over to the counters.
A grizzled old-timer with a scar running down his left cheek greeted me with a gap-toothed smile, causing the angry red scar on his face to pucker. “Whatcha got?” He asked, his voice friendly despite his frightening visage.
“Wolf pelts, teeth, claws, and a couple hundred pounds of wolf meat,” I replied.
“You can sell the meat at Donnie’s across the road,” he said, pointing to the exit. “I can have a look at the rest of it when you get back. How many ya got?”
“14 pelts and a mess of the rest,” I said, waving my hand and pulling out a pelt along with some teeth and claws.
“Ah, fancy” The clerk said, examining the goods. “I didn’t take you for a merchant with an Inventory.”
“Bounty hunter,” I corrected. “It’s a little trick I picked up.”
“Useful if you can afford it,” the clerk nodded. “Let’s see the rest.”
I tried to haggle a bit, but Mike told me this was a general store, not the market, so I ended up selling the pelts, claws, and teeth to Mike the clerk for 21 silver, 3 copper, and 20 brass bringing my worldly wealth up to 1 gold, 69 silver, 71 copper, and 46 brass. I still have no real clue if that’s a lot or a little.
“Hey Mike,” I asked, scooping the coins into my Inventory. “What’s the going wage for a cowboy around here?
“Silver a day. Silver and two brass if you’re a foreman,” Mike said. “Some ranches pay a bit more. You looking for a steady job?”
“Nah,” I answered. “Just curious about the local economy.”
“You’re a strange one, aint’cha Vinnie?” Mike grinned. “You wanna sell that necklace?”
I touched the gift Delilah had given me just a few hours ago, almost insulted by the offer and pushed it under my shirt. “I don’t think so, Mike. Take care.”
“See ya, Vinnie.”
I wandered around the general store afterwards, picking up things that I thought would be useful on the trail, including a box of expensive spices, a couple pounds of coffee, a whetstone, some travel rations, and dehydrated water, which was a box of small whitish marbles that needed just a few drops of water (or spit, as the directions suggested) to expand into a full gallon of water.
I noticed the gun counter set in the corner of the store and headed over to see what was on offer.
The clerk was a broad set bear of a man with a full shaggy beard and balding head. “Looking for something in particular?” He asked.
“I got some spent brass,” I said, pulling the casings from inventory and dropping them on the counter. I had gone through most of the original 50 unprimed my kit came with fighting off the wolves. “I’ll need replacements. Got anything interesting?”
I was being deliberately vague to hide my lack of knowledge.
“Might as well buy a full box,” he said, placing a box on the counter.
“Make it three,” I said, not wanting to be without ammunition.
He nodded and dropped two more boxes on the counter. “I got the standard primed; Fire, Ice, and Metal,” He said, waving a hand at the shelves behind him. “A few boxes of Web, some Sleepers, Lightning, Darkness, Paralyse, and a few other types. If you’re looking for something more exotic…” he leaned in closer to nearly whisper the last sentence.
“How exotic?” I asked, leaning in and dropping my voice.
“Pixie dust. Poison. Necrotic. Arcane Disruption,” He said, pushing a card towards me. I glanced at it.
Paul Hanriot, Gun Dealer. By Appointment Only Wire: WC-2297
“I’m guessing that I’ll need to make an appointment,” I said.
“That you will,” He said. “My brother is a busy man.”
“I’ll bet he is, Mr. Henriot” I said, guessing his surname was the same as his brother’s.
“Give me a box of Lightning and Web,” I said, placing the card in my vest.
The unprimed were relatively inexpensive, only a silver per box while the Web was 2 silver and the Lightning was an outrageous 5 silver for a box of 50 bullets.
“How much for the rifle?” I said, pointing at a lever action on the wall. It was a beautiful piece, with an engraved stock and golden runic patterns covering the barrel.
“That’s a Marlin Model 1876,” Henriot said, pulling it from the wall and setting it on the counter. “The tubular magazine holds 11 rounds, with one in the chamber for 12 shots. This one is chambered for .50-95 Express cartridges, which is perfect for bringing down larger game or monsters at 250 yards. I’ve heard that you can get up to 500 yards if you add a good scope. It fires unprimed bullets in the Metal Slug and Kinetic bolt variety.”
“And what would that cost me, with a good scope?
“The rifle itself will cost you 50 silver,” Henriot said, running a calloused hand over the item before pulling a wood box from under the counter. “And the Arcane Sightglass will run you 100 silver. One Gold for the entire kit and I’ll even toss in two boxes of unprimed ammunition”
“Toss in a box of Sleepers and Paralysis and you got a deal,” I said, looking the man in the eye.
Henriot thought about it for a moment and stuck his hand out. “Deal.”
After leaving Geraldine’s I headed across the street to Donnie’s Butchery and sold off the wolf meat for a dozen copper, leaving a few pounds for myself.
The Mercenary guild was a large brick building next to the Wendleton Bank and Trust that exuded a sense of solidity unlike the bank. Built like a miniature fortress, including crenellations that ran around the roof, it looked more imposing than the castle at the centre of the city.
A man was tossed out the doors as I was hitching Horse to the post near the front door.
“Banned for a week,” the burly bouncer said to the guy he just tossed out before looking at me and holding the door open.
I touched the brim of my hat and hustled inside. He followed and took up station next to the door.
The interior was all polished wood with glowing rocks set in sconces along the walls. A chandelier with the same rocks hung over the concierge desk, which was manned by a flustered looking young lady.
“I’m looking to register,” I said, offering her a gentle smile. “Who should I see?”
She returned the smile and indicated a wall on my left. “Mrs Lewis will take care of your needs,” she said. “Once you’re finished please return and I’ll provide more information.”
I thanked her and headed over to the alcove she indicated, where an older lady sat behind a desk scribbling at some paperwork. She glanced up as I approached and put the papers aside.
“How can I help you, Mister…” She asked.
“Vinnie,” I answered. “Vincent Johnathon Carter. I’m here to register as a bounty hunter with the guild.”
Mrs Lewis smiled and plucked some papers from a tray on the desk. “I can help with that, Vinnie. Can you read and write?”
“I hope so,” I laughed. “My teachers would be awfully disappointed if I couldn’t.”
“Education is somewhat lacking in the Midlands,” She sighed, pushing the forms at me and indicating a nearby fountain pen. “Schooling is not mandatory and many rely on the bare minimum the Towers provide.”
“Is that so?” I muttered, setting pen to the paperwork. “How does that work out for them?”
“Not very well, as you can imagine,” She answered, pulling a thick book from the shelves behind her. “There’s been petitions to the Wizards to increase the basic amount of education provided for the general classes, but they are reluctant to modify their programs. It would take the Patriarch making a declaration before they act, I’m afraid.”
I finished the first page, which was basic information on me and my background. Praying that there was no truth-scrying magic involved in this procedure, I made the bold claim that I was from overseas, the city of Brighton on the isle of Albion to be exact.
“No public schools in the Midlands?” I asked, moving on to the second page.
“Only private, I’m afraid to say,” She said. “And expensive, even with the vouchers provided by the city.”
“That’s a shame,” I murmured, shaking my head. “A country depends on education for growth. Without a freely educated workforce, it’ll fall to the innovations of others.”
“I’m glad someone understands,” She sniffed, turning her attention to the paperwork I pushed back to her side of the desk and copying some information into the book she had retrieved.
“Albion?” She exclaimed suddenly, “You’re a long way from home.”
“When the heart wants to travel,” I shrugged.
“Indeed,” She sighed, her voice taking on a wistful tone. “I’ve always wanted to see the ancient cities of Europa, to stand in the ruins of Hellas or visit the temples of Roma. How fares your Queen?”
“I’m afraid any news I could give you is old news,” I laughed awkwardly. “I spent quite some time in Colonia.”
Mrs Lewis shook her head at that, stamping my paperwork and filling out another form before reaching into her desk and pulling out a small crystal ball set in a mesh of wires and placing it on the form. “Touch the Identification Crystal please,” She said.
I placed my hand on it, feeling a warmth travel up my arm to my heart before snaking up to the space between my eyes and pulsing twice. The ball lit up and then a seal appeared on the paper under it.
“A true Psychic,” she muttered, placing the identification crystal back into her desk.
“I did note that on the paperwork,” I responded.
“Indeed you did, and I’ll make certain that you’re properly registered. This is your temporary identification,” she said. “Please return in a week and your permanent card will be ready. It’ll be ten silver for the card.”
I looked over the paper she handed me then pushed it into Inventory before popping out the requested fee. “Any rules, regulations, or advice I should be aware of?”
She handed me a book which was nearly the same thickness as a pulp novel. “Not all of that applies to you as a bounty hunter, but if you decide to delve the dungeons you should read those sections carefully. Ignorance is no excuse.”
“I’ll make certain to do so,” I said, offering my hand to her while accepting a limp handshake in return.
On my way out I checked the Help Wanted boards on wall by the door, noting the plethora of materials requests and general quests available. I wonder why Silas hadn’t picked up a bounty here, although to be fair I didn’t see Blackheart Bill or bounties anywhere on the wall.
Horse and I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the outer city, which was a mile from the inner city to which we were forbidden entry. Seems like there’s some class stratification in this world, in Arcadia and the Midlands at least. I gleaned through casual conversation with the occasional vendor or street merchant that Colonia was different, with something called a ‘Representative Democracy’ that was absolutely rife with corruption and malfeasance.
I’m pretty certain that there’s corruption everywhere, to be honest.
I made my way to the Green Pig at sunset and claimed a bowl of thick stew and rye bread, along with a pint of the house lager to wash it down. Lucas gave me a clue about the local red light district, and of course I wanted to have a look to see what was on offer.
**READER WARNING** [PG-13ish Ahead - Skip to the end if you want] [AN: This is as spicy as things will ever get] **READER WARNING**
I was feeling better than I had in years. Nervous at my situation, but filled with energy, curiosity, and relief. Visiting the local ladies was outside my comfort zone but completely washed away with a desire to see what it was like. I expected a seedy section of town and tired women with makeup caked on their faces.
The reality was completely different.
It was more like a clean Bourbon street in New Orleans, with restaurants and pubs scattered along the street, burlesque shows, peep shows, and of course, brothels of both the lower and upperclass variety.
A barker on the sidewalk with a deep baritone advertised the charms of the young ladies inside and my curiosity got the best of me, so I paid a brass to get into the peepshow. He escorted me inside to a hallway where posters of various girls were hung by the doors.
A young man with a mop and bucket passed us in the dim hallway, his head hung low and eyes focused on the floorboards. I nearly changed my mind right there, but I was already committed. Opening the door next to my selection, ‘Cindy Rex’, I was escorted into a tiny room with a comfortable looking leather chair with a small table next to it with several clean towels set upon it. The room smelled strongly of mint.
I settled into the surprisingly not-sticky chair after the barker left, carrying my order for an overpriced beer to the front counter.
A thick sheet of glass separated me from the peepshow, with curtains hung on the opposite side. Shadows danced on the curtains in time with the faint sound of a piano. A slot next to the window was just large enough to admit a copper coin and I pushed one in, where it rang a little bell on the other side. A moment later the curtains opened and Cindy peered at me from the other side of the glass.
She was a skinny little thing, gorgeous, with long blonde hair and a pert set of tits, a curvy ass, ridiculously long legs, and ears just a bit too pointy. She could have been a model if this world had such things. She waved excitedly and I returned her enthusiasm with a bashful grin and wave. Behind her I could see other windows, but the glass was completely opaque and gave no clue to the patrons on the other side.
Settling back, I watched Cindy dance in time with the piano music, twirling and shaking her assets. The occasional ding of a bell sent her over to the appropriate window where she spent a few minutes performing a private dance or on one occasion, something a bit more lurid.
A knock at the door interrupted my voyeurism. It opened a moment later to admit a woman wearing a maid outfit carrying the beer I had ordered. She had mousy brown hair that was pulled up in a loose ponytail and a nose that was just a tad too big for her face. Cute, if I was being generous.
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling like a teenager caught in a naughty act.
“Did you need anything else?” She offered. “Special services perhaps?”
A grin crept across my face.
“What can I get for a silver?” I asked, popping one from my inventory
She made the coin vanish into her apron. “Let me show you,” she smiled.
[INDEX]

Background: I am a very concerned father. My 18 year old son has been in a relationship with a 21 year old female who is still currently a member of the LDS church in MN (I will just refer to her as his GF throughout the rest of the story for privacy). This story is going to be very long and typed on my cell, so please bear with me.
Story: Our 18 year old son told us in January that he started dating a 21 year old who he works at a grocery store with. At first, we were very concerned due to the age difference and it seemed odd that a 21 year old in college would want to date an 18 year old senior in high school, so we asked to meet her sooner than later so we could guage the type of person she was. Our Son did inform us that she was "very religous" but he was unsure of which religion, only that her parents were very intense about it and still required her to get up at 5am to "read scriptures" over zoom (her parents were temporarily living in another state due to work). I was born and raised in MN, the land of Lutherans and Catholics, so I knew right away this was not the typical religion I grew up with. Before we met with her, , our son asked which religion she belonged to and that was when we first found out she was LDS.
Flash forward a few days and we meet her for breakfast. My wife is pretty awkward during the meeting, so she has me do most of the talking. Very quickly I realize something is a little off. Not in a bad way, as his GF seemed very sweet, very shy, and very innocent/naive. The way my wife and I described it to each other after this meeting was "Like Kimmy Shmidt" from the Netflix show about a girl who was forced to stay in a bunker for a lot of her formative years.
I ask about her family and she tells us she has 8 brothers and sisters between the ages of 35-45 and her parents are in the early to mid 60's. She told us she was a "surprise adoption", which still sits a little wird with me. I've known a lot of people who were adopted and not one of them were a "surprise". I continue to ask questions like "where did you grow up", "where did you go to school", etc. She said she was born in Utah, lived in AZ for most of her life, and then moved to MN when she was 16. She was homeschooled until they moved to MN where she went to public school as a junior and senior. The puzzle pieces were coming together.
She then tells us she is currently enrolled in college to study culinary arts and her dream is to one day own her own bakery. We thought that was pretty cool and a good goal so we spent a lit of the time talking about that and I completely avoided any talk of her religion as I was not very knowledgeable and didn't want to make it too uncomfortable.
As a couple months go by, we start to get more details from our Son. I'll try to make these bullet points and hit some of the info that really struck us as odd or concerning.

• Her college is actually a college for kids who have learning disabilities and/or are on the spectrum. Seemed odd as she didn't seem to be on the spectrum, but maybe she had learning disabilities.
  
• Outside of living in a dorm during college months, she still lived with her parents.
  
• She has never driven a car or had her liscense.
  
• Her parents control every aspect of her life. Though she works, they control all of her finances so they can "teach her how to budget"
  
• She has zero support system in this state. Her brothers and sisters are all much older and still live in either AZ or UT.
  
• She has expressed to our son that she no longer wants to be in the church, but her parents have told her they will completely cut her off financially and have zero interaction with her ever again if she leaves.
  
• Her parents put her in "counseling". I use that term very loosely, as it is through the church. Most of the time her mom is in the room during these sessions, and when she is not, her mom still has access to all of the notes.
  

At this point when we are finding out this info, her and our son have been dating for a few months. It seems to be getting very serious and we are obviously concerned. It seems like our son is really falling in love with her and he let us know they have actually started to use the L word often. I personally was very perplexed by their relationship due to the fact that we are a very non-religious family (though I was raised to be), and she seemingly was still somewhat invested in her religion. I asked him what is was that he loved about her, and it was hard to argue with his response of "she is genuinely the nicest and kindest human being I've ever met".
Around this time, the two of them are planning to attend a concert. Our Son still lives at home and he asked if it would be all right if she stayed at our place afterwards in the guest bedroom since it would be late and we were closer to the venue. We said yes and this is when we got the first real taste of just how crazy things were. At 4 am our son knocks on our door in a panic. He said that her parents tracked her phone, seen she was our house, called her to wake her up and said they were going to "call the police if she didn't get back to her dorm immediately". I just kind of chuckled and let him know there were no laws being broke. They were both consenting adults and they should go back to bed. His GF however was scared shitless. She didn't want to "risk it", so she ordered an Uber and went back to her dorm.
Things kind of settled down for awhile. Our Son was still seeing her daily and they seemed to be doing really well. We met her many more times as she was hanging out at our house pretty frequently and she was really starting to open up. She was more laid back and just seemed comfortable now.
Then a few things happened in early May that snowballed into an avalanche. One, her Mom moved back to MN because they were going to sell their house here and permanently move to FL. Two, college was over for the summer and she had to move back into that house with her mom. Three, my son and her were planning a trip to NYC with my niece. Our niece is 19 and was traveling for the first time in her life to meet friends for a K Pop concert this last weekend, and my sister-in-law didn't feel comfortable with 3 19 year old girls staying at an AirBnB alone, so she asked if my son and GF would join them, as our Son is a very experienced traveler for 18, as we travel a lot as a family.
Since his GF was now living back at home her mom was not letting them hang out, like at all. For a couple weeks there relationship lived on snapshot and on breaks at work. I suggested our son ask to meet her parents. I figured they would met him and they would undoubtedly fall in love with him. Boy was I wrong. Our son said it was "going really well", even though her mom spent the entire time trying to tell our son that their her daughter was "not very smart" and that her learning disabilities are "severe". Her mom then made a comment that her daughter is in therapy because she has extreme "meltdowns and outbursts". Our Son replied with "OH, I have not seen that from her" and all he'll broke loose. She yelled and screamed at our son for "calling her a liar" and she asked that he leave.From that point on, they were no longer allowed to see each other.
A couple days go by and we receive a letter in the mail from her parents (seriously, who TF mails a letter in 2024?). It was supposedly from her Dad and half the letter was detailing her "disabilities", which apparently include fetal alcohol syndrome and mild intellectual disability. The other half was spent telling us that they strongly advise against the NYC trip because of her disabilities and that if she decides to go, they are going to file for guardianship of her immediately when she gets back. This clearly freaked her out, but she still was going to go through with it and my son bought the plane tickets anyhow.
The letter left an email on it, so I sent an email to reassure her parents that our Son was very responsible for his age and he has done ALOT of traveling and even has done quite a bit of solo traveling. He is very aware of the dangers and understands how to keep himself safe. Of course I received no response back from them, but did hear from his GF that they were very angry about my email.
Fast forward to just a few days before the trip to NYC and my son's GF calls him hysterical. Her mom called the AirBnB host and "told him all about her disabilities". They told him it was a danger for her to be there.l and that there were "irresponsible children all under the age of 21 going to stay at his place". Our Niece was then contacted by the AirBnB host who said that unless they brought a 21+ year old with them, they would no longer be able to stay. I can work remote part-time, so in the sake of not ruining everybody's trip and having them sell ge out $1,000's, I asked my job, and received permission to work remote. I emailed the host my ID and the trip was back on.
My son's GF parents were again making all sorts of wild threats. I decided again to email them and explain that I would now be chaperoning the group for the entirety of the trip. I had purchased tickets, would be staying at the AirBnB, and would be accompanying them downtown. My son really wanted her to Stull attend this trip, so I was hoping this would help since their big concern was her "disability". Again, no reply, but my sons GF said her Mom was even angrier with my letter. All of the threats worked and our son's GF said she wasn't going to go on the trip anymore because she didn't want to be homeless when she got back.
Very disappointed obviously in the outcome, my Son and I were still going to make the best of this trip. Until yesterday.....
My son snapped his GF in the morning to to say good morning. Last night at 10pm he confided in me that she had not read or opened the snap. He tried to text, same results. He tried to call and it went straight to VM. 12+ hours and still no response. He had told me that she had been very depressed recently and he was worried she may harm herself. Very worried of course, I said that if he hadn't heard from her by tomorrow (now today), we could see if the police would do a wellness check.
This morning at 4am I received an email from his GF. Her Mom took her phone and without that, she has no way of contacting my son. She waited until 4am to sneak onto her Mom's computer and send an email from a dummy account. Apparently her mom took all of her electronic devices and she bought plane tickets to fly her to their home in FL. She wanted to me to let our son know that she is IK, that she lives him, and that she will contact as soon as she has the means.
So this is where it all stands. My son is visibly upset. I don't have good advice on how to handle this situation. The abuse this girl has endured (and is still enduring) is unlike anything I have ever seen. Since they control all of her money and electronics, she really has no way of getting real help. Since they have already proven to the state she has "disabilities" and since they are trying for guardianship, I feel lost on what we can do to help. I don't think calling the police will do anything, other than a wellness check (maybe?). Also, her parents are very wealthy and we are not. Her dad is an aerospace engineer who was retired, but paid handsome sums of money to come out of retirement to work for one of the large private aerospace firms. I feel completely helpless. How can we help this girl? Is there resources we could get her somehow that are experienced in helping people leave the LDS church and/or abusive situations?
Tl;dr - Son's 21 year old GF essentially being kidnapped by her LDS parents. Fell helpless, need help.

THIS IS MY FRIEND'S STORY TYPED BY HIM - I'm just posting it so he don't gotta wait to be qualified to post it, his user is u/marstheautist and he'll respond to questions/comments below
(posting this to shed some light on the big question of why people fake stuff and possibly provide help to others out there who are still 'stuck' faking it, I deeply regret all of this of course)
I've seen a few stories of how people came into faking, almost all I've seen were short-term, under 13, only did it on one occasion, were coerced by friends faking, and/or actually believed they had DID/OSDD. None of this applies to me
How did I find out about DID/OSDD?
I first found out about it through Anthony Padilla as many did. I was unaware that I was autistic at the time and believe this to be a big reason why this even happened (which I'll get into later), but it became my special interest when I was newly 14 and I binged systems on Youtube, academic articles, forum posts, everything to do with it for months on end. It was during COVID lockdown and I was probably in an autistic burnout, so desparate to have an interest in something
How did I start faking it?
I set up an account on this fairly inactive peer support site where you connect with random people who've answered a few questions to qualify as a sort of 'peer therapist' (shady I know). I can't remember why I decided I wanted to fake DID on here of all places, maybe I thought it'd cause the least 'damage' as nobody there had heard of it and I believed I knew enough about it to not spread misinformation
I eventually moved to Discord when the website died down even more, I planned on the account being 'someone else', like an original character. I didn't intend to fake DID there, I just wanted to join some DID/OSDD servers to hoard more information about it and learn about some people's experiences. Then I realised that lots of these servers at the time required you to have DID/OSDD to access the resources, so I didn't think too much of claiming this OC I made had it
Then I found myself wanting to engage in the community more and discovered Pluralkit, learnt how to set it up, and over a long period of time I created over 100 members on one account and multiple other 'OC' accounts, where I faked DID, OSDD-1b, and even some 'endogenic systems' to learn more about that side of the community too. I created Tumblrs for them, Carrds, Rentrys, and heavily researched every experience I wanted to integrate into the characters. I was completely zoned in on my special interest, and even as lockdown finished it remained a constant for at least 2 and a half more years
Alongside faking being a system, I also included other disorders, genders, orientations, and life experiences as a way of 'fleshing out' these characters I'd made. This included autism which I ended up actually having
Why did I continue for so long?
I'd had a personal Discord account since I was old enough to get one, but due to what I now know was autism, I couldn't integrate myself properly into any servers. Chat would move too fast, in smaller servers I'd be too socially anxious to contribute in case I said something wrong, I had basically no interests, and was still recovering from a meltdown I had in school that left me burnt out and unable to attend for a whole year due to pure anxiety and lack of care from the school. Every teacher and professional told me I just had 'school anxiety' so I didn't look into neurodivergent communities
I had a few friends at the 'special school' I eventually got switched to, but I didn't know who I was or what I liked or what was 'wrong' with me, and so I think creating these OCs based on my one true interest and being able to act as them was my escape. I could talk as their headmates using Pluralkit and not have to worry about embarassing myself because I was acting just like everyone else there, which was a feeling I'd never experienced online or in real life. High-masking autisic people are great at mirroring behaviours to fit in
Another thing keeping me going was friends I made on these accounts, of which I still can't tell who might've also been faking it and who wasn't. At one point I even had a 'partner system' for a whole year (I was 15 and they were newly 18 when it ended), who I'm pretty sure was faking it too due to the fact that they grew to identify as 'mixed origins' with 'infinite members' and had this huge 'system collapse' not even a week after we stopped talking where none of the alters that I spoke to were there anymore and only completely new ones remained? Either way it was weird, it might've been the fact that I was aromantic myself and just wanted to play the part of someone who could experience that attraction. I know that this is horrible
Additionally, I found my current special interest through faking being a system and engaged with it through introjects, I also explored gender and realised I was transmasc through it. I'd been in queer spaces but again couldn't talk in them so definitely wasn't going to test out pronouns there. Weirdly I think I would've been set back a lot in that discovery if not for this shitshow, it became a huge influence on my life
What about now?
I got diagnosed as autistic 3 years after I started faking and it only took some months then for me to kick up my old Discord account and find a few friends, but I still hugely struggle integrating into these servers and even more so making friends in real life. I'm working on this now with my therapist.
Eventually I spent less and less time faking, but I still constantly think about making an 'OC' again or recovering one of the accounts. The fact that there are people there who care about the OCs I made makes it really hard to just delete them without warning, so this may be the post I send to them to give me permission to do just that, as betrayed as they will feel. I have a feeling some may even admit to faking too
The interest in 'plurality' is still there and I still jump at any opportunity to learn about it. Overall, the entire thing is a lot like how I act with my new special interest in anime now. I struggle to word my experiences, feel my emotions, and start conversations about serious topics, so in my head I act as these characters I love talking to one another - really it's me talking to myself, but it lets me really process and word how I'm feeling without the pressure being 'on me', as well as think more logically about the things I'm anxious about because 'x character would think this'. And I don't have to bring out Pluralkit to do it, which is always good

A message for people like me:

If you feel the need to create and act as characters, original or not, to understand yourself, be things you aren't, and talk to people whilst you're working on being able to do that yourself (or if you just like doing it for fun), and you feel that faking being a system is the only way to do that without seeming 'cringe', I understand you. But there are other ways to do it
I'll list some websites and harmless methods in the comments that I use to create characters or create AUs of characters I already love, and some ways I use them in day-to-day examples. It will get better

I’m over a friendship with someone I considered I sister in high school. I’ve been over it since freshman year of college and over the years her attitude and judgement have progressively gotten worse and now just seeing her texts annoy me to the point I mute the chat. I know I’m part of the problem and tbh I don’t really want to change yet. She’s always been much more mature and school oriented and knew how to deal with her struggles, I on the other hand wasn’t. She takes everything very serious…i choose when something is worth my breath and frustration. Thats the way it’s always been. I’m not someone that will impact her success and happiness and I’m not the type of person that she’d usually keep in her inner circle but it’s kind of forced because of another friend, who I’m more than positive she feels the exact same way about. She has a very small circle and if she met the three of us now, I highly doubt she’d keep us around.
On my end, she doesn’t impact my success and ruins my happiness. It’s just so tiring constantly hearing someone who’s an elitist, always negative, judgmental, full of themselves, insecure, Sensitive, and just an overall bad person and borderline bad friend. To put it simply—she’s mean, and you could argue me and another friend can be dumb sometimes and annoy the hell out of her but she gets frustrated extremely easily and can’t take a joke to save her life. She can call us stupid but if you make fun of her in any way, most times she will rip you apart and then claim she was joking. I will admit that some of this is simply because I get my feelings hurt due to the fact that I genuinely think she believes I’m stupid. I do some stupid things, sure, but she’s made a lot of backhanded comments that make me realize she thinks I’m a raging idiot. She’s made comments before that hinted she thinks I might be jealous of her when that’s probably the furthest thing from the truth. I do have some growing up to do but I’m also taking advantage of my 20’s…I’m enjoying being young, dumb, and figuring life out. I’m in my own bubble and maybe I can be a little naive sometimes and don’t see the world through her eyes but tbh I don’t want to if her way of looking at the world is being mad at anything and everything. I question sometimes if she’s happy.
I’m extremely happy for her and she’s going to live a very picture perfect life which is amazing and I’m happy to see it! but I need to end our friendship because we’re simply at different stages of life. I love my life and I love surrounding myself with people; I believe in the more people you meet the more opportunities you will receive. She’s extremely extroverted. We’ve simply outgrown each other and I just want to tell her sometimes to shut up and take a chill pill. She walks around and her energy is just negative, you look at her and you feel sad, and not for her just in general. You could say it’s the RBF but even after all these years I still feel her negative energy radiating so aggressively.
I don’t want her in my life anymore. She makes me miserable and it’s sad because she’s genuinely someone who I’d love to have in my life and I think she’s a wonderful influence but it’s exhausting being her friend. I used to see her as a sister but since high school she has changed in a bad way. Every single thing that comes out of her mouth is something negative and it’s her way or no way, you have to walk on egg shells with her. It’s tiring and the worst part is she’s fully aware but does nothing to change it. Her favorite thing to say is ‘they’ve never been given a reality check’ when in reality I don’t think she’s ever been given one and I know it’s going to be me and I’m fine with that. I’ve watched her tear down other people and I have no problem doing the same thing to her after all these years.
We have our good moments where I rethink everything and forget it all but it’s short, unsweet and gets buried the next day. From what I’ve picked up on she feels the same way I do and is over this friendship as well but can’t end it either.
TL;DR : my friend and I have grown apart.
*I wrote this at 5am pls be nice to me.

I'm having a really spiralling time atm, I can't find work, my marriage is failing badly and I'm in a pit of depression. I don't have friends or family to talk to and am alone or with my kid, or my disconnected, depressed husband most of the time. I'm finding it really hard to be present and bright while watching my marriage to her dad go down the pan, and realising I've lost my career through child raising, and will be in poverty and homeless if i leave. I'm mid forties and kid is 5. Husband doesn't want me to work any job that keeps me away from the house outside of 8-3 so I can be there for dinners and school pick ups, which I'm struggling to get anything in my field and now depression has taken hold I'm barely holding anything together. I've told her, mummy's a bit sad at the minute. But Im struggling to smile and engage and be her bright mum like I did just a short time ago. I took her to the park yesterday and I just could barely whisper, I was like a zombie, I know I'm dampening her. I'm drifting off in my mind so much just to cope. I know I can't put my emotions on her, I know I can't talk to her about things specifically. I know this is affecting her bright engaged personality if I check out, but I'm just completely detaching from myself as if I'm engaged and present in my life I just sob and I'm trying not to show her but I have no hope. I know how toxic this is, how doomed the marriage is and I'm horrified our home has become a dark and gloomy place. Usually I just up my medication and pretend everythings fine and I hold the whole family together but I'm can't energise it. I just want to sleep all the time or stare at nothing. My husband has asked what's wrong as he noticed we're not talking, but he's depressed as well and just wants to stay home and watch TV or play video games, and the weekend he usually wants to sleep in on sundays, and go drinking Saturdays so if anyone gets kid doing anything alive it's me, and I can't bring it. I don't feel alive I feel completely alien. The alternative is leaving, but then just being homeless and dealing with her dad's depression getting worse and probably mine too, and us all split up on top of all of that in a city we only recently moved to so have few friends. So do I suck it up and up my meds or what, how do I give her a good childhood and pretend its not all shit when I'm just hanging on by a thread. My husband is just fine with brushing things under the carpet and carrying on but I can't fucking do it anymore

Hi all
TW: intimate abuse/revenge porn/manipulation in romantic relationships.
TLDR: boyfriend at the time had a secret sexual fetish for “sharing me” online and completely violated my privacy. How do you cope with the emotional fallout and does it get better?
I discovered that my long term boyfriend had been sharing private content of me online for a number of years. I only found out after a man who he had shared it with attempted to blackmail me, which was a terrifying ordeal in itself. I am a low profile/private person so fortunately the impact on my real life was minimal, and I have love and support from friends and family. The content has largely been kept to the realms of (really disgusting) internet forums.
I just don’t know how to get past the pain of believing that you truly loved someone, and they truly loved you, and it turning out that this never existed. I thought I was so safe with this person and would never have imagined that he would ever do something like this, especially to me. We were high school sweethearts and I was building my life around being with him. Of course, that is over now, and it was from the moment I found out. It did however take me some time and distance to realise how terrifying his actions were, but now I see him for what he is.
Has anyone gone through something similar and can let me know if there is a light at the end of the tunnel? I don’t think I can trust anyone again and the pain of what has happened to me is difficult to cope with. I am actually filled with fear and horrified that someone so close to me for so long could do something like this, it’s completely violating.
I also want to make people aware that this is more common that people may realise. My ex boyfriend was a seemingly kind and sensitive person who appeared to care for me. Unfortunately I have been exposed to so much of this content now in searching for my own, and I feel the need to make everyone aware that there are many people engaging in this stuff (I have to assume that this is mainly men, although of course it is really a small subsection of men). These people enjoy seeing their partners talked about and degraded by strangers, or even just enjoy getting a “pat on the back” and showing off. There are a lot of older women especially who are having their most private moments, like showering or getting dressed, posted by their husbands in secretly taken creep shots. It breaks my heart that they will likely never know what their husbands are doing. I have seen men share photos of their wedding day alongside private photos. Even boudoir photos that were a private wedding gift!
Please try and limit private photos that you might share with your boyfriend, or anyone for that matter. I did not even know that he had them saved - there are ways for people to obtain your private content without you knowing.
I have had many friends in the wake of what happened go through their and their partner’s phone (with their partner’s consent) to ensure that this stuff is deleted, just in case. I would recommend you do the same, there are some horrible things going on online and the only way to avoid being a victim of it is to maintain your privacy. You can believe that you are in the safest, healthiest relationship ever but in the end, there are people who know how to hide their darker secrets very well.

When I first took this job, I never could have predicted what would happen. After all the years of training and the experiences that I have had throughout my life, I am pretty good at being prepared for the worst. But before I begin this story, a little bit about myself.
I was a bit of a troubled child some might say. I lost both my parents to a car accident when I was 2. After that, I bounced from foster home to foster home. I blame it on the system. Almost every foster home I was put in was terrible. The parents were only doing it for the money and barely took care of the foster children. And when Social Services came, you think they listened to the children? No. But, I took on a personality that did help throughout this time. I decided that I wouldn't take shit from anyone. When some of the foster homes' actual children tried to bully me or other foster kids, they very quickly learned not to after several broken bones. In addition, I took this attitude to the public schools. Bullies would pick on the weak, and they would suddenly have broken noses and fingers. But, since it was the public school the bullies were not punished. Only me. However when the bullies would see me or get close to their victims while I was around they would quickly go the other way. This went on for the entirety of my youth. I never had a plan for my life. All I knew was that I was unwanted anywhere, and had nowhere to go. But one day, I was passing by the living room, and I saw a commercial on the tv that changed my life's course. It was an ad to join the United States Marine Corps. After this, I found a new purpose for my life. Unfortunately I was 15 at the time. But I immediately started training myself physically and mentally for this new course. I studied at the public library since I wasn't allowed to use the foster home's computer. I started working out at the high school's gym after class. And finally at 18 I joined the Corps. The next 8 years were the best of my life. After boot camp, MCT (Marine Combat Training), and SOI (School of Infantry) I soon learned about the Raiders. Which is Marine Corps special forces. I immediately put in for it and got selected. I was able to go to several foreign countries and fight many battles. All of my fellow Marines were the greatest family I ever had. Once I was at the end of my second enlistment I decided it was time for me to enter the civilian world again. At that time, we had a bad mission and I lost my closest friends. So I did what anybody in this situation does. I found a reasonably inexpensive apartment and drank excessively for the next month. Once I felt that my liver had been well punished, I began searching for a job. Now, money was not an issue for me at this time. I had plenty in savings to last most people a couple of years. While I was in the military, I never really bought anything since I knew I would be traveling all over. I also still had money saved from the insurance when my parents passed all those years ago that I refused to spend. So I tried finding a job that I would fit into given my skill sets. After some time I found what I was looking for. It was a position within a security company that provides its services to companies in both the private sector as well as government facilities. I immediately applied and got accepted. For the next year after this, I was able to complete some training required for the job and bought my own house in Nevada. I worked as a fill in guard for multiple high ranking officials here and there within my state. But one day, I was given a position that would alter my perception of reality forever.
“John!” my boss bellowed as he entered the locker room. I had been getting my gear, body armor, and rifle ready to head to the meeting room. I look up and see this mountain of a man standing in the doorway with a large jolly smile on his face. “Got a job for you” he continued, waving a file in his hand. “What's the Job?” I asked while doing my best to give back a friendly grin. I've been told I’m not great at expressing my emotions. But I’ve been trying. “Well, good news. It's a government facility that needs a pair of guards.” My ears perked up as he said this. “Where at?” I asked with some excitement in my voice. “A warehouse in the desert just outside of the town where you live.” My shoulders drop a little with disappointment. “What sort of warehouse is it?” I ask. “It is a government funded science facility. Something about monitoring seismic activity in the area. During the evening, you and one other guard will be posted there to watch over the equipment.” I thought for a moment and I remembered the place he was talking about. About 5 miles from my home on the outskirts of town, there is a fenced off plot of land that has one large building out in the middle. I had always driven past it on the way to a rifle range and saw the no trespassing signs on the fence and didn't think much of it. “What's the uniform situation?” I ask. “Standard Polo, slacks, and duty belt.” “Body armor and weapons?” I asked, already feeling the boredom seeping in. “None required. You can wear soft armor if it makes you feel better. But there will be a locker with shotguns as a last resort. Aside from that, just your nightstick.” It is at this point I let out a disappointed sigh. After a long moment I look up and ask, “why did you pick me specifically for this position?” He looks at me with that unwavering smile and says, “well, nobody wanted to volunteer for it. So I decided to volun-tell the first person I saw this morning.” He leans over and gives me a strong pat on the back and walks out. I sigh again, take off my usual gear and just dress in the uniform he told me. I do grab my soft armor though. With my duty belt and the file in hand, I head to my SUV. Opening the file, there was the basic information about the warehouse and a padlock key labeled “Front gate”. I shake my head and begin my drive to this warehouse. Luckily, this place was in between home and our headquarters. So once I started this job, at least I wouldn't have to drive as much.
I pulled up to the gate and pulled out the key that was provided with the file. After entering and securing the gate, I look toward the building and see two vehicles parked out front. One large gray sedan and a red prius. Once I pulled up, a round looking man alongside a woman that was wearing our security uniform stepped out of the building and headed toward me. “Welcome!” the man said with a blinding smile. Man, these morning people really are something else. The woman approached me with an equally bright smile holding out her hand. “You must be my new partner. I'm Stacy. Nice to meet you.” “Likewise.” I said, shaking her hand and trying to put on my friendliest smile. Stacy, on first impressions, has a very friendly personality. She had fairly light brown hair and emerald green eyes. She stood roughly a foot shorter than myself, and her physique is slender and well toned while still being curved in a very attractive way. What caught my attention was the fact that, despite her size and stature, she carried herself with a sense of confidence while not trying to be overly imposing. The man that was there I could only describe as plump. He was about 2 inches shorter than Stacy. He had a balding head with a very poor attempt at a comb over. “Well then, Mr. Miller.” He said. “Just John is fine.” I responded. “Alright John. You can call me Bill. Now that we are acquainted, let's begin the tour.” He turned around and headed to the main entrance. Upon entering, I quickly identified the four quadcons and large mobile research vehicle parked in the center. There were dirty tire tracks leading from the large double doors to the vehicle. “Here is the research equipment you will be guarding. Every evening, once the scientists put their equipment away, you will be responsible for verifying that all of the locks are secured. The keys will be given to you and placed in a lockbox that is kept in your office.” Glancing to the right, I saw what I assumed to be our office. It was a small shack built into the side of the main building. Beckoning us toward it, Bill said, “and over here is where you will likely be spending most of your time.” In the office, there was a long desk with large windows looking out to the interior of the warehouse. At the back there was a small restroom that was surprisingly clean. And, what I was looking for, at the back corner was a locked green weapons locker that housed two Mossberg 500 pump action shotguns. Next to that was a small table with walkie talkies on charging stations. Above the charging station were two flat screen TVs with the video feed of security cameras monitoring both the inside and outside of the building. On the desk was a land line telephone, coffee pot, and a microwave. Underneath was a minifridge and a locking filing cabinet. Bill motioned to the cabinet, “This is where the keys to the storage units and truck will be kept with at least one of you having the key to it nearby. All the amenities are available to use, the AC works, and the chairs are comfy.” He grinned proudly like a child that had just finished his chores. “And if you'll follow me,” he said exiting the office door. As we followed, he went around the office shack where a side by side ATV was parked. Attached to it was a spot light on the front and an extra fuel container in the back. “This will be your steed” Bill says with exaggerated grandeur. “You will be able to use this to go around the compound if needed. Just log your driving so we know when the fuel needs to be replenished. Now, over here,” turning on his heel, he walked toward the opposite end of the warehouse. In this direction was a door labeled Janitors closet. Opening it, there were shelves of cleaning supplies, a push broom, and a wheeled bucket with a mop in it. “You can use these if you need to. There are cleaners that take care of the whole building during the day.” Well, at least we won't be doubling as janitors. Bill clapped his hands together, “do you have any questions?” He began walking back toward the office. “Do you get much disturbance out here that requires guarding?” I asked. “Well, the equipment and research is funded by the government. So they want to be sure nothing gets taken. As far as the disturbances, there are the occasional teenagers that try to sneak onto the property at night to do whatever teens do these days.” “What sort of research is being done here?” Stacy asked. We got back to the office and Bill leaned on the wall sweating and out of breath. “I don't know all the details. But it has something to do with monitoring the seismic readings in order to predict earthquakes or something. But I'm sure they can explain it better.” He pulled out a white cloth and wiped his head. I guess he used all his energy for the introduction. At that moment, we heard the crunching of graven as more vehicles pulled up outside. “Speak of the devil” Bill put the cloth away and looked at his watch. Through the window of the office the clock on the wall read nine in the morning. “If you follow me, we can meet the researchers.” For the next several minutes, we were introduced to the lead researcher Mike and his four grad students. Once introductions were finished, they loaded up the large truck and headed out to the desert. “Allright,” Bill said again, clapping. “You will be on guard during the night. Be here at six this evening. for the start of your shift. At six in the morning we will have two other guards relieve you during the day.” He headed over to the red Prius. “If you have any other questions, my cell number is in your files. Good luck” He hopped in and drove off leaving the two of us standing in front of the building. “Well,” Stacy said after a moment of silence. “I look forward to working with you, and I guess I'll see you tonight.” I nodded at this. “See you then.” We both left the site for the day. It turned out that Stacy and I both lived in the same town not too far apart. At least the company chose guards that live close to the site to save on driving.
The next four weeks were fairly uneventful. On the first night, we were able to talk with the researchers. Their explanation was the same as Bill had said. They were monitoring the seismic reading to predict earthquakes. But when the lead researcher said that, I got the sense that there was more to it. After some interrogation tips that I got from a CIA member that was stationed in Syria with me, I began to get good at knowing when someone was lying or withholding information. But, I didn't press the issue. If this was something more serious, there would be alot more security than two guards at a time with minimal equipment. After some deliberation with Stacy, we came up with a routine for our shifts. Every hour, one of us would take a walk around the inside of the warehouse. And every four hours one of us would take the ATV and do a patrol around the perimeter of the fence. The whole drive takes about twenty minutes. As far as issues during this time, not much happened. Every once in a while a camera would go down and one of us would check on it. After either jiggling the cable or just resetting it, the feed would go back to normal. There was one night that we noticed some teens outside of the fence seemingly daring each other to climb over. After revving the ATV and hitting them with the spotlight, they decided to leave. But during our shifts I did get to learn more about Stacy. She is a near polar opposite to me. She is very cheerful and chatty. From what she told me, I learned that she was mostly raised by her grandfather who was a police officer for the majority of his life. She had great respect for him before his passing. She wanted to be just like him with his sense of justice and strength. However, she decided to become private security instead of a police officer. I did notice that she seemed to avoid the topic of her parents. From the different walks of life that I encountered within the military, I decided it was best not to press the topic. She also seemed to like the horror genre of stories and films. During our shifts we were allowed to bring things to pass the time. She would bring a wireless speaker and play music and something called creepypasta. I on the other hand would put in one ear bud with music and read a book when we were not chatting. During the first week, we did have to stand guard for the entire 7 days. But after that more guards were stationed at the warehouse for the weekend to give us time off. This did come with an issue. Stacy would ask to hang out during the weekend. She would want to go to the movie theater or get lunch somewhere. But when she asked, I would say that I had plans. Which isn't a lie, but it mostly consisted of meal prep, physical training, and going to a shooting range. The problem I had was this, I never had a girlfriend. While Stacy is both kind and beautiful, I have no idea how to proceed with this. I would only feel awkward. Despite this, she didn't seem to have any intention of giving up. She would still ask every Friday, and when I told her I was busy, she would say, “maybe next weekend then.”
It was Friday of the fifth week when it happened. Me and Stacy were five hours into our shift, and I had just gotten back from a patrol on the ATV. “See any of the Graboids that they are looking for?” Stacy asked, grinning. “I'm afraid not,” I said disappointedly. “Just the usual rodents and reptiles. Although maybe they turned to shriekers and left.” I grinned as well. After logging the patrol, I entered the office and picked up “The Art Of War” and continued reading where I left off. Stacy was listening to one of those creepypastas on her phone. It was about something called a Skinwalker hunting hikers in a national park. It seemed kind of interesting. Maybe I should start looking into these stories. “So,” Stacy said, pausing the video. “You wanna catch a movie this weekend?” Her emerald eyes glistened with anticipation. “Sorry. I have plans.” I responded. She sighed and slouched sadly. “Well. Maybe next weekend then.” I know if anyone saw me in this situation, they would be screaming at me. A beautiful woman is asking me if I want to spend time together outside of work. After this exchange we continued with our activities waiting for my alarm to go off signaling a patrol. It was at this moment when we felt a strong tremor beneath the warehouse. Feeling tremors wasnt that unusual for this area. Every once in a while we might feel a light one during our shifts. But this one was stronger than any other that we've felt. But before we could get under our desk expecting it to be an earthquake, it was already over. The whole thing had lasted less than a minute. We both sat back in our chairs and looked at each other with a sigh of relief. Soon our nerves were settled and we returned to our entertainment. Fifteen minutes later the alarm on my phone sounded. Stacy stood up stretching. “I'll take this one”, she said. I nodded in agreement and looked back at the camera feeds. The camera that overlooked the corner by the janitors closet was static. “Could you look at camera three when you walk by it?” I asked, pointing at the monitor. She nodded and gave a thumbs up. “Got it.” She grabbed a walkie off the charger and clipped it to her belt. Once she left the office, I returned to my book, occasionally glancing at the monitor. After a few minutes, I heard a click on my radio and then a door slam from the other side of the warehouse. I picked up the radio, “Stacy, you good?” I asked. From the way the office was positioned, the view of that closet is blocked by the truck and quadcons. I looked at the monitor and that camera was still out. “Stacy, you good?” I repeated. No answer. I grabbed my radio and a flashlight and headed out the office to check on her. My worry was that during that tremor, some of the cleaner spilled and she might have slipped on it hitting her head. I very quickly walked over to the closet. I didn't see Stacy anywhere, but her radio was on the floor by the door. I ran over and opened the door worried. But instead of seeing Stacy laying on the floor unconscious, there was a large hole on the concrete. I stood there for a moment trying to process what I was looking at. But remembering Stacy, I pulled out my flashlight carefully looking down the hole. Instead of going straight down, it went in at an angle almost like a tunnel. It was large enough for myself to crawl into if I needed to. “Stacy!” I yelled. “Are you down there?” No response. “Shit” I muttered to myself. I then got down and headed in.
The tunnel seemed to go down for at least twenty feet before leading into another much larger tunnel. Once there, I was surprisingly able to stand up with plenty of room. “I wonder if this is what those researchers were looking into.” I thought to myself. Looking left and right, this tunnel continued further than my flashlight could reach. “Stacy! Can you hear me?” I yelled. The only response I got was my own echo. Looking down, I tried to find any indication of the direction she might have gone. At first I didn't see anything. I did notice that there were drag marks in the dirt going left. No boot marks though. I made a mark in the dirt to indicate the tunnel back to the surface, and started down the left tunnel. For the next ten minutes, I was quickly walking my way through this dark tunnel, yelling Stacy's name all throughout. The tunnel kept going down and curving every now and then. But still no sign of Stacy. Eventually I came to a fork. It was here that the drag marks stopped. After calling Stacy's name a few more times, I knew I had to get to the surface and call for backup. As much as I hated the idea, I knew it was necessary. But right as I was about to turn and head back, I heard a scream. It was very faint, but it came from the right tunnel. Now that I had a direction, I decided to continue quicker than before. I traveled deeper and deeper into these unknown depths. It was at this point that I noticed a turn off up ahead going left. I knew that if there wasn't another sound at this intersection, that I would have to return. I got to the turn off and yelled for Stacy. After a few minutes I heard what sounded like footsteps coming toward me. “Stacy?” I yelled. I carefully walked forward. There was another sound. Heavy breathing. The tunnel turned right. As soon as I rounded the corner, I saw something straight out of a horror movie. It stood on all fours with short legs and long arms, head just about touching the ceiling at roughly eight feet in height. Its skin was an ashen gray color with small tufts of fur near the shoulders. The face and large ears reminded me of a bat. Its eyes were so white, they almost seemed to glow in the darkness. I got the sense that, while it couldn't see me, it knew I was there due to my yelling. As soon as I lock eyes with this creature, before I can do anything, it inhales and lets out an ear piercing shriek. I covered my ears, but it didn't do anything as my vision started to fade to black.
“Sergeant!” There was somebody yelling. “Sergeant Miller!” I opened my eyes and I was on the ground looking at the bright sky. Then a figure appeared reaching down to help me up. Corporal Johnson grabbed my hand and pulled me up. “You good sergeant?” He asked. “Yeah, I'm good!” I yelled back grabbing my rifle and getting back to the cover of the hummvee. As bullets riddled the opposite side of the vehicle, I went to the front and returned fire over the hood taking out two of the attackers. Johnson came up behind me doing the same. “The fifty is down, and Rodriguez is hit!” He yelled while reloading. I looked at the hummvee ahead of ours. The doors were open and I saw Corporal Smith messing with the radio while being covered by Private Williams. On the ground beside them was Rodriguez being treated by the Corpsman. I looked back to Johnson, “Cover me! I'm moving up”, I yelled to him. He nodded, racking his rifle. “Moving!” I yelled as I sprinted to the next vic. A couple of bullets hit near my feet. As soon as I got to the rear, I yelled, “set!” Johnson started running while I kept him covered. Once we were both there, we checked on Rodriguez. The corpsman looked up at me, “we need a medevac now!” He yelled holding a wound near the neck. I nodded quickly and got up to Smith who was yelling on the radio. I knelt down, “what's the ETA on those birds?” I asked. He shook his head angrily. “They are at least five minutes out!” He said cursing as a bullet hit the top of the door next to him. “We won't last that long! Just get on the 240 and fire back now!” I yelled in his ear. “Aye Sergeant!” Smith climbs into the hummvee and mounts the turret with the 240 machine gun firing back. I looked back at Johnson, “we need to get to the lead vic and mount the Mark 19!” I yelled back. Johnson gave me a devilish grin, “aye sergeant!” He yelled back. The lead hummvee was two vehicles ahead. With the help of Williams’ suppressing fire, we got to the second vic. “Just one more” I thought to myself. Johnson got ready to move to the next hummvee. I nod at him and get set for suppressing fire. “Moving!” He selled. Right as he started running there was a snap and he hit the dirt as blood started pooling by his head. “Sniper!” I yelled back to the others. But as soon as I looked back to where Smiths’ 240 was roaring, the entire hummvee exploded as an RPG detonated below it. A large piece of what I assume was the door, hit me in the helmet and I was back on the ground. I looked up with blurred vision seeing an attack helicopter unloading its payload toward the enemy placements. But as I blinked, there was a large face staring at me from across the street. An inhuman face. Almost like a bat. I start to remember what this thing is, just as my vision fades to black.
“Sergeant!” There was somebody yelling. “Sergeant Miller!” I opened my eyes and I was on the ground looking at the bright sky. Then a figure appeared reaching down to help me up. Corporal Johnson grabbed my hand and pulled me up. “You good sergeant?” He asked. “Yeah, I'm good!” I yelled back grabbing my rifle and getting back to the cover of the hummvee. As bullets riddled the opposite side of the vehicle, I went to the front and returned fire over the hood taking out two of the attackers. Johnson came up behind me doing the same. “The fifty is down, and Rodriguez is hit!” He yelled while reloading. I looked at the hummvee ahead of ours. The doors were open and I saw Corporal Smith messing with the radio while being covered by Private Williams. I looked back at Johnson. “Wait.” I thought to myself. “I-I was just here.” I watched as Johnson continued to make the same moves as he did in this memory. I stand up and look around as he runs to the next hummvee. I hear the corpsman yell about evac. Smith yelling about the ETA on the birds. “This,” I said to myself. “This was the last mission.” Then I remembered. A face. An inhuman face. I looked across the street where I saw it. I close my eyes and shake my head. When I opened my eyes, I was back in the darkness of a tunnel. The monster was now looming over me reaching out with its large clawed hand. I immediately jumped back out of its arms reach. The monster seemed surprised that its trance was broken. It began to inhale, readying another shriek. But before it could let out its scream, I drew the compact Sig pistol that I keep under my uniform and put two rounds between its eyes. Now when I asked the boss about having weapons, he said they weren't required. He didn't say I couldn't conceal one just in case. The creature slumped to the ground lifeless. Despite the ringing in my ears from the shot, I knew I had to continue forward to find Stacy. I looked down and was glad to see the footprints and drag marks were clear and continued forward. As I continued down the tunnels, the walls started to change. The texture went from the dirt and stone to a black and almost rubbery plastic. If I had to compare, it looked almost like the walls in that Aliens movie. That thought also unnerved me. Soon after noticing the changes, I started to hear a voice further down the tunnel. It was Stacy's voice. Faint, but there. I quickened my pace. The tunnel then seemed to open up into a large cavern. It was so large that my flashlight couldn't reach the opposite end. The walls had that same alien-like texture. I then noticed bulb-like growths attached to the walls. Walking to the nearest one I peered in. There was the remains of a human skeleton. From the looks of it, the bones were here for many years. The clothes, or what was left of them, looked similar to those I've seen in mining pictures from the 1800s. Moving forward, each bulb, or pod I guessed, had a similar sight. A human skeleton, no flesh remaining. They were all in a pose that suggested they all died screaming. At least, those that still had a jaw attached. After looking into the fifth one, I heard Stacy’s voice again from across the cavern. I immediately started walking in that direction. At that moment I looked up toward the ceiling and saw a nightmare. There were hundreds of those creatures attached and encased in similar pods. All seemingly asleep and ready to get out at a moment's notice. Off to the side, there were several of those bods that were empty. Immediately lowering my light, I hastened my pace as quietly as possible. At the end of the cavern, I saw the pale face of Stacy peeking out of what I now assumed were feeding pods. “No daddy, no.” She was muttering to herself quietly. “Don't hurt mommy.” I lifted her head up and her eyes were open but unfocused. “She must be in that trance” I thought to myself. Reaching to my belt, I pulled out a pocket knife and began cutting away at the pod. Luckily for me, whatever this was made of had not hardened yet. As soon as there was enough give, I pulled Stacy out and placed her on the ground. “Come on. Wake up Stacy.” I said quietly into her ear. After about a minute of speaking to her and giving a light sternum rub, her eyes finally came back into focus. “John?” She asked. I put my hand over her mouth and whispered into her ear, “Shh. We need to get out of here quietly.” I pointed the light up at the creature pods. Her eyes widened. Then she looked at me and nodded slowly. I removed my hand and helped her to her feet. She was a little wobbly. “Can you walk?” I asked. She nodded again and we began our track to the surface.
I took point and followed the tracks that led me here. Seeing me with my pistol aimed ahead Stacy asked, “are there more of them in the tunnels?” “Yeah.” I said gesturing up ahead at the carcass of the creature that I shot earlier. She nodded approvingly. She then pulled out her own Sig pistol from her waistband. I think I’m in love. We continued down the tunnels with haste. When we rounded one corner, another two more of the creatures were shuffling towards us. As soon as I saw them, I took a knee and put two rounds in the first one killing it. The second one climbed over the body and sped up taking a deep breath. But before I could fire at it, Stacy put three rounds into its head. I looked back at her and she was in a perfect shooter's stance the muzzle of her pistol still smoking. With our ears still ringing, I gave her a thumbs up and we continued. After some time, we finally reached the smaller tunnel leading up to the janitor's closet in the warehouse. We got out and looked around making sure that none of the creatures were waiting above. After clearing the building, we both sighed with relief. Stacy then started toward the office. “I'm going to call for backup,” she said. I shook my head. “No. We need to collapse that cavern before those things can get up here.” She looked at me with confusion. “And how do you expect us to do that? I doubt the researchers have explosives in their truck,” she said pointing at the vehicle. “Just follow me,” I said heading to the front door. Stacy hesitated and quickly followed. I immediately ran to my SUV and opened the rear. As soon as Stacy caught up, I opened the plastic cases and her eyes widened. “Take your pick,” I said gesturing toward the case full of guns and armor. After a moment, she grabbed a suppressed Honey Badger rifle, a glock 17, and a chest rig for spare magazines. I took my own Suppressed M4 rifle, glock 19, and my plate carrier. After we strapped on the gear, I handed her a pair of noise canceling headphones to help with the gunshots underground. “So, you usually carry this much gear?” Stacy asked, turning on the headphones. “Well,” I said. “You never know when you need it.” After putting on my own headphones, I pulled out a duffel bag from a much deeper compartment of the case. I set it on the ground and opened it. Stacy's eyes went even wider than before. “Is that?” she stammered. “Yep.” I said, looking down at the large bag full of plastic bricks marked as C4. “Where did you?” she started. “Let's just say I know a guy who knows a guy.” I responded, pulling out a detonator and making sure I had enough components. “Let's move.” I said, throwing the bag over my shoulder and loading my rifle. She nodded, loading her rifle.
Once we reentered the tunnel, the mics on the headphones were able to pick up the faint sounds of the creatures footsteps and distant shrieks. I looked back at Stacy, “ready.” I asked. “Let's go,” She responded. I placed a glow stick at the entrance and began the move forward. After only a few minutes of walking one of those creatures rounded a corner. As it did, it let out one of those ear piercing screams. But, fortunately for us, those headphones worked very well at canceling out the effect that it had. I grinned and promptly put two rounds between its eyes. After stepping over the body and rounded the corner, there were two more. “Shit,” I thought. “More of those pods must have opened.” Despite this revelation, we continued. Killing every creature along the way. Stacy did surprise me though. All of her moves were smooth and calculated. She clearly had more training than what the security company provided. Maybe I should ask her about it when we get out of here. She might make a good range buddy. It took twice as long to get to the cavern the second time. A couple of those creatures almost got the jump on us. They would wait around corners or try to attack from behind. I did get hit, but somehow it only damaged the armor plate. I did note that it went through the plate like butter. Definitely didn't want to get directly hit by that. Once we finally arrived at the cavern, there were more empty pods. And even more were starting to move. I dropped the duffel bag and gave Stacy some of the bricks and detonators. “You take that side and I'll take this one,” I told her. “Got it,” she said. I quickly showed her how to arm the device and we began planting. I put some of them in the empty food pods as well as sticking them to the wall. A couple of the pods burst open. I was quickly able to dispatch them. Once we finally finished planting the C4, we met back at the entrance of the cavern. I took out a timer and attached it to the wall. “We are going to have to run,” I said, punching in fifteen minutes. She took a deep breath and nodded. I nodded back and hit start. We bolted down the tunnels. The bodies of the creatures we killed on the way in, did slow us down. But I calculated that. A couple of them did try to ambush us, but we quickly put them down. Throughout this run, I was able to place a couple of the remaining C4 at key intersections in order to collapse the tunnels. We finally reached the last turn and saw the first glow stick up ahead. I glanced down at the timer on my watch. 5 minutes. “Perfect,” I thought, grinning to myself. I helped Stacy up the tunnel. “Keep going. I'll be right up.” I said. I knelt down and planted the last C4 charge at the base of the exit. I then began crawling up the tunnel. But just before my legs entered the hole, something grabbed my right foot and yanked me back down. It held me upside down and I was able to get a good look at my assailant. It was one of those creatures, but this one seemed bigger. There were scars all over its face and torso. “And you must be the leader,” I said. It snarled. My rifle was on my back so I couldn't grab it. It reared its other arm back and readied a slash. “I don't think so,” I said, drawing my pistol and dumping half the mag into its body. It let out one last scream dropping me and falling dead. I looked at my timer. 2 minutes. Shit. I dove into the tunnel and crawled up as fast as I could. When my head popped out, Stacy was there and she helped pull me out. I looked at her and quickly motioned to the door. “We need to haul ass!” I yelled. Without hesitation, she sprinted with me to the door. She passed me and slammed into the door opening it. I guess I'll need to work on my run time. As soon as I passed the threshold, I heard the beeping of my watch indicating the 5 second mark. We bolted toward the gate. Once we got there, the timer went off. There was a rumble underground as I knew the C4 had detonated. It was a moment later that the backside of the warehouse exploded, as the rest of it caved in. I noticed that a section of the desert seemed to sink slightly. That area was where the researchers seemed to spend the most time. I knew they were hiding something. I shook my head and looked back at our vehicles. Somehow, by some miracle, no debris had hit them. We glanced at each other and both let out a big sigh of relief. We began walking back to my SUV. “So,” I said. “What’s playing in the theater?” Stacy looked up at me, smiled and began laughing. I laughed too as she leaned on my shoulder. “Don't know. As long as it's not horror.” I put my arm around her shoulders. “I agree.”

My (23F) boyfriend (30M) of 10 months abruptly said he wants to break up to be single. This came out of nowhere as we have a loving, beautiful relationship. He claims I have everything he's looking for in a partner, yet he still wants to walk away. Why? He says he feels "trapped" and wants to be "free and independent" in his early 30s.
Some context:
He's had this relationship anxiety and "need independence" pattern in EVERY relationship he’s ever been in. Also, the longest relationship he’s ever been in before me was 10 months.
Recently he attended his high school reunion where all the guys were talking about what they’re going through and them not feeling free, and just going through like a midlife crisis. During this, one of his close friends told him how he broke up with a long-term partner.
He has age-related anxiety about being 30. That he still wants to explore and views our relationship as a shackle. He has this fear of settling down, kind of like a now or never situation, and I feel like because we’re past our honeymoon phase, things feel a bit more serious now. So he’s scared and it seems that this represents a finality to him. - we had this conversation hours before he left to the airport (not the best timing), and he said some hurtful things like thinking about having sex with other women. I feel like he’s doing this to push me away, I think he has FOMO around not being able to experience another woman again. But I get confused because he tells me he’s never felt this way about anyone in his life, that he cares for me, that I have everything he’s ever looked for in a partner. So why is he doing this?
His lifestyle is unique as he’s a founder, working around his own schedule, he’s always working, always travelling around, which I had always been supportive of. He has this need to move around and not stay in one place for long, loves exploring cities and meeting people, he’s very extroverted. I feel like I’ve had to adjust my life to his lifestyle cause it’s not always the easiest, but I know how much he loves this and I want him to explore and to grow. Also, because he’s a founder, he’s gone through some very rough patches and I’ve been there for him from the start. I’ve seen the before and after success. I’ve always been supportive.
I mention his lifestyle because he always had this anxiety around feeling stuck in one place, and his work has gotten crazy and he has to deal with so many people that it’s overwhelming and his industry is harsh. He says he feels trapped in life and that he needs to change something - unfortunately, I feel like the thing he wants to change is me. I feel like it’s easier to walk away from relationship than change anything else in his life.
I'm blindsided and heartbroken. We've barely talked about it because now he's traveling for a few weeks. Over the phone, he's acting like nothing happened, he just apologized that he was "overdramatic" and wants to "resolve this." And that he cares for me. Meanwhile, I'm barely eating or sleeping. I’m crying all the time. My friends are so worried for me that they would not let me sleep alone. I feel like I’m grieving. I don’t think he knows how much this affected me and I get anxious about communicating with him rn. I don’t want to seem clingy but I just want to feel connected with him.
I feel like he's sabotaging us because it's getting serious. Like all my love, my body, my efforts weren't enough. I've always supported his need for travel and experiences, so his "explore life" excuse feels hollow. Reddit, I'm lost. How do I handle this sudden desire to be single right as we're entering a deeper phase? Can relationships survive this, or am I just delaying the inevitable heartbreak?
Please help. I feel lost.

Will I ever get over him?
Hello Reddit-community, I (f19) feel like I can't get over my past relationship at all. Beforehand I want to tell you the backstory. Me and my ex Boyfriend Met when I was 16 and he was 17, in Oktober 2021. He was my first real relationship, my first everything and we were both really in love but also really naive. We moved in together in summer 2022 right after I graduated and started my first apprenticeship. I was 17 then and he was 18. The apartment we lived in was owned by his parents who never really liked me. But I thought that someday they'd see that we really love each other and accept me. Damn was I wrong. When I was gone for vocational school for two weeks they just kicked me out without me even being there, telling me that I was neglecting the household. My ex and me decided to stay with my parents for a while before we got our new appartement in december 2022, right before I turned 18 and He turned 19. After that things really went down hill. We barely had enough money to live, I cut contact with my parents cause of traumatic shit they Had me Go through in my childhood and eventually I couldn't take it anymore. I lost my job because my metal health got worse. I snapped at him whenever I could and we had serious fights. I didnt want to fight him but I couldn't Control myself at that point. It lasted until May 2023. We got into a fight again and I told him to get lost and f*ing leave. He did. I don't know why I Said that. I didnt want him to leave. I Loved him. From that point we went no contact and I Met someone new Just two months after. The sweetest boy I've ever met. And at First things were going Well. He moved in with me and everyone told me how Happy they are for me. He wasnt home besides the weekend cause hes in the military but I was happy. Until a couple of months ago when I found out my ex Had a new girl. I shouldn't have, but I felt so hurt. It wasn't my business anymore but I cared so much. His relationship failed and I tried to get Back in contact with him. We Kind of talked about everything that happened and decided to stay friends. Everything was going fine so far and we all met up from time to time. It was two days ago, that he told me that he met a girl. He told me how they were laying in the Grass at night, talking about their lives. And later enjoying some "together time" in his backseat. I got really pissed. The fact that another Girl He Had know for 2 days, got with the man I Loved the Most and who went through the biggest Shit together with me, the man that I wanted to marry one day and shared my deepest thoughts with, that fact broke me. I know he's Not Mine anymore and I should get over it by I dont know how. I Love him still. Eventhough I know there's no future to us and we have different views on life. I hung Out with him Yesterday. She was there too. She's sweet and I dont want to be mad, but seeing His hand on her lap, seeing him exitedly tell her things about him and his life, that I already know and Fell in love with Back then, seeing him twist stories about funny Things that happened between us, just so he doesn't have to mention me. That was the worst pain I ever felt. I know I have someone who suits me better. I know I'm living a better life now. But I Just can't get over him. I tried for more than a year now. He Just won't leave my mind. Do you guys think I'll ever get over that man? I still Love him with my whole Heart.

Hi my name is Mariah I'm 23 years old I'm looking for someone to role play with me I prefer that we play in first person, I have several scenarios that you can pick from I have two requirements. 1. I prefer that we play in first person, 2. Just be patient with me because I don’t type that fast but I am starting to write a lot more detail during my role-play, so just be patient with me please .3. I accept experienced role-play players.only Please write a lot of detail during the role-play if you can. If you are interested in role-playing with me, just message me I roleplay comfort to dark roleplay I prefer role-playing in Reddit chat because it's easier for me but if you cannot role-play on,Reddit I do Role-play on Twitter,. I hope to chat with you soon, here's a list of the scenarios that you can pick from Let me know what scenario you would like to do with me please do not ghost me a lot of people do that because they don’t like the way I role-play ….please pick a scenario from the list please be 18+. Here the scenarios that we can do
1st scenario
Here’s the scenario You come home from work and your partner tells you that her parents are having a family gathering at their house and she wants to go. She tells you that she was diagnosed with a fainting disorder so you could be aware of it
2nd scenario
Here’s the scenario You come home from work you don’t see your partner in the living room with all the family and you go upstairs to look for them
3rd scenario
Here’s the scenario You come home from work you don’t see me in the living room and you start looking around for me you find me in the corner in our bedroom having a panic attack
4th scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at the store you receive a text message from your partner that they are having another bad mingran and they ask you to bring medication from the store
5th scenario
Here’s the scenario You come home from work and you don’t find me anywhere in the house and you start looking everywhere and you find me in the kitchen having mental breakdown because I am stressed out about everything that’s happening in my life
6th scenario
Here’s the scenario You got home from work and you don’t see your partner in the living room you check everywhere for them you finally find them in the bathroom in the bedroom next to toilet
7th scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at home relaxing from your busy day at work you receive a phone call from your partner and she is crying hysterically on the phone and she tells you that her dad and her got into another argument but it ended bad and she asks you to go get her from her house and take her back to your place.
8th scenario
Here’s the scenario You get home from work and you don’t see your partner in the living room you checked everywhere for them and you finally find them in the bedroom having a autism episode because people are bullying them at work
9th scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at work and you are working as a paramedic and you are driving on the street with your coworker and you stop at a gas station and when you are in the gas station call comes in on the radio and says your home address and you come back to the ambulance and your coworker said they just said they just said your address on the radio and you start panicking because I am home alone and you know I have a couple medical conditions that they are aware of you call me but you don’t get an answer from me rush with your coworker and you go inside the house and you don’t find me anywhere but then your coworker find me in the basement unconscious
10th scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at work and your partner called you from work.they tell you that they are going to go hang out with their friends from college at the club. you told them to be careful and you tell them to have a good time you get home from work and it’s late and you notice that your partner is not home yet and you called their phone no answer and then you get a call from Your partners phone and you answer it and you recognize it not your partner, voice the person told you that your partner was drug at the club and that your partner is on the way to the hospital
11th Scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at work and your partner calls you and tell you they are going to go swimming at a party with friends from college and you get home from work and it’s very late and you tried calling your partner and they don’t answer and get a call from the hospital, saying that your partner has been admitted to the hospital for being drugged and abuse and assaulted
12th Scenario
Here’s the scenario you are on your lunch break at work and you get a phone call from your partners parents and they tell you that your partner is having a Tourette episode and this one is bad and they cannot handle it and they need you to come help them with your partner you know that your partner has a really hard time coming out of these episodes and they pass out after having an episode.
13th Scenario Here’s the scenario you are in a long distance, relationship with your partner and you decide to fly them out to see you and meet your royalty family after your partner meets your family your family that they don’t like your partner and they do everything especially the mother get rid of your partner and you are a prince of England trying to find his queen
14th Scenario Here’s the scenario you are at work and your partner call you and tell you that they are gonna go to the store to get some stuff for the house and when you get home you are parked in the driveway and you get off the car and you go inside and you see them on the floor in the living room unconscious with all their clothes off and you see them beaten up and you see them with the rope around their neck
15th Scenario Here’s the scenario you come home from work early because you have to do a lot of stuff around the house and you call your partner to let them know that you’re coming home early from work you get home and you see your partner in the living room with the lights off and everything and you know that they are having a hard time with being abused, verbally emotionally and mentally and you see them crying hysterically in the living room
16thScenario
Here’s the scenario you are at working at the EMT station and you are doing paperwork and you receive a call from the dispatcher that there was a shooting at the high school they say the name of the school and you start freaking out because your partner works at the school and you get in the car and you start driving over to the school and you see your police officers helping everybody out and you go inside and you find me in the classroom unresponsive with the student on top of me and you can tell that they are unresponsive as well
17th Scenario
Here’s the scenario you come home from work and you let your partner know that you’re home from work and you tell your partner that we are going to go to your parents house because we were invited to a family gathering and we go to your parents house and all your family and greet us and when you are not in the area, they all treat me bad except for your mom
18th scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at work You are doing report because you are a detective you receive a case that someone has been kidnapped and when you get the information on the computer and you realize it’s your partner and you start calling them and they don’t answer their phone
19th scenario
Heres the scenario You are on deployment for two years and you get home from being away for two years and you don’t tell your partner that you’re coming home and you go to the living room and you find them unconscious on the floor
20th scenario
Here’s the scenario you are working a late shift at the fire station and you are working on paperwork with all your coworkers and the captain comes in and says we got a call for a fire at the apartment complex on Hollywood Boulevard 1604 on the third Floor and we need everybody to go help put out the fire, do your coworkers get into the firetruck and get to the scene and realize that the fire is coming from your apartment and you remember that your partner is in the building
21st scenario
Here’s the scenario You are at your parents house after a late shift at the hospital and you stop by to see how your parents are doing and you receive a call the hospital and they tell you that they need you right away and you get back to the hospital and they tell you we have three casualties coming in and when the patients are brought into the hospital, you go up to one of the patient and you see it’s your partner
22nd scenario
Here’s the scenario you are at your parents house helping them clean the house and you are doing spring cleaning with them and you check your phone and you see that you had missed calls and a lot of messages from your partners mother and you call back and your partners mother says I’m worried about my daughter because I think she’s having one of her suicidal episodes and she looked herself in the room and I can’t get a hold of her father because he’s at work so can you come help me please.
23rd scenario
Here’s the scenario you are out home and you receive a call from your partner and they tell you that they are running away from home and they tell you they are running to your house when they get to your house. They are bleeding from their face and you can tell that they been beaten up and they are freaking out and screaming because they are scared
24th scenario
Here’s the scenario you come home from work and you let your partner know that you are home, but you don’t get a response from them and you are looking for them and you find them in the bathroom and they are having flashback episodes because when they were younger, they had experience some sexual assault and verbal abuse and they can’t trust anyone

So, there is a girl let's call her "S". She was my school crush from 9th standard but nothing happened while we were in school but we used to talk a lot on messenger at that time and she knew I liked her kind of gave the same vibes. Now, I deleted my Instagram while I was in 11th and 12th to focus on studies.
After getting into college, I reopened my Instagram account this was in 2020, and she messaged me there first and also I asked for my number.
From here it all began, talking, texting daily for straight 3 years. I had basically zero feelings for her at this time but starting to develop those feelings again, She used to talk about how she liked a boy but he said no and I kinda helped her get over him because I had no feelings for her again this was in 2020.
but from then our official relationship started from sending each other gifts to meetings each other, and I'm not denying the fact that she put more efforts into the relationship at the start because I was preparing for the placements.
She even used to call me from there regularly and we even decided to rent an Airbnb in lonavala.
Got a good job this year, but suddenly two months ago on 25th march I called her because I was feeling like she was ignoring me, cause she moved to Mumbai to do some make up course.
And on that call she told me we have no future because we are from different castes and there are some worst cases of intercaste marriage in her own family, said it's not you or anyone else and she needs a break. and told me she will message me when she is feeling better this is important. during this call I said that " I feel like you used me, and now I'm just a burden as you don't need me anymore" this will be again important later on.
I did messaged and called her in first week after our breakup telling her how much she meant to me but there was no reply from her side. and then I also went in no contact.
now after 2 months she messaged on whatsapp
her message was a simple "Hi!" and I replied with "hey" and she asked how's life going and I said It's going great and all the other things you can read the chats from my post history.
after we had a call, where she was basically telling me how me saying " I feel like you used me, and now I'm just a burden as you don't need me anymore" was very weird and not expected at all, she even told her friends about this and they all told her to not to contact me. but she did basically glorifying herself.
She didn't even say sorry once and expects both of us to be sorry but I know I did nothing wrong.
now here's the important part I asked so where to go from here and she said - " Realtionship is still not possible for her and neither it will be in future, but she wants us to be best friends".
but I feel like I don't even know her she is talking very weird and has kind of an attitude. Also during our breakup I started to post a lot on Instagram and unfollowed her and her family there.
She said why are you posting so much on ig?, and also me unfollowing her has been noticed by her friend' s to and they all know about something is going on.
now, after the call I had a flight and feeling overwhelmed at the airport and messaged her saying -
" I also do not want to loose our friendship too and it means a lot to me, I'm just very confused about how I feel about all this"
then she replies to this after 10 hours with just and I'm not even kidding - "Lite."
and when I asked what is this she said " Lite le, nothing else". I replied with "ohh got it" then she replied with "Yes".
again after sometime I met with a school friend of mine and he also told I've noticed you have unfollowed her on Instagram, and then me being stupid told her this on whatsapp but deleted after sometime. but I think she saw it and read from the notifications. since then it has been nothing from both the sides.
so yeah sorry for such long posts, but any help about what should I do will be very appreciated, Thank you so much!!
tl;dr [ Chat-gpt ] - After three years of close communication and a developing relationship, "S" broke up with me citing caste issues and family problems. She reached out after two months wanting to be "best friends" but acted dismissive and didn't apologize for her behavior. I'm confused about her intentions and unsure if I should continue the friendship, as her attitude seems off and it's emotionally overwhelming for me.

Hi all, I have been lurking in this subreddit for a while now and would like to gain some insights on how I can manage my savings/investments better.
I will be turning 21 soon and will be matriculating into a local university this year. I have completed NS. I have been working since I was 16 and have a total of about 60k saved up currently, and about 5k in CPF. I started investing when I was in JC and NS and started out with SSBs and T-Bills as the rates were pretty good then. I then started to dabble in US stocks when I was in NS, as well as funds offered by brokerages like Moomoo and Webull.
My current portfolio is as such:
10k in SSBs - returns about 3.2% - 3.4% p.a. (I purchased multiple SSBs)
5k in US stocks - mostly in tech stocks, a small proportion on SPY
40k in funds - Returns ranges from 3.7% - 4.2% p.a. for SGD funds and 5.3% p.a. for USD funds
5k in Mari-Invest (which is a fund as well) The returns are comparable with the above SGD Funds
I am currently "investing" most of savings, what I like about funds is its liquidity, as I can pretty much cash out instantly whenever I need money. It practically acts as a high-yield savings account for me, as I can see the interest coming in daily.

1. My question is, how can I diversify my investments? I've been more of a follow-the-crowd investor and have definitely made losses in the past when I was dabbling in US stocks. I am interested to learn more about stock patterns and invest my money more wisely instead of by "hearsay", but I doubt I would have much time to monitor the stock market after uni starts. How should I continue to grow my current savings when I am studying? Should I DCA into SPY? Or should I use robo-advisors? When is it exactly the "best" time to enter the market, because somehow every time I enter when it is super green, it starts falling LOL
2. I am also thinking of getting a credit card upon turning 21, for the sign-up benefits, as well as for miles accumulation. However, since I do not have an annual income, I have to put in 10k as fixed deposit with the bank. Do you think this is a wise choice, given that the interest rates may not be as desirable as the rates outside? (I would want to start accumulating miles ASAP)

I am intending to continue working part-time as a side hustle while studying. I am estimating about 1-1.5k income per month which would (hopefully) cover my expenses in school. Tuition fees are covered by the school, so unfortunately I don't think I can take up a study loan and invest that amount.
Thank you for reading and I look forward to receiving any forms of advice (and criticisms)!

I’m 20 year old man and I get haloperidol injection every month. I have a plan to quit it for good to not be like a zombie every day and not be overweight. I have quit clozapine by reducing it and been free from it for 4 weeks. Already feeling better. When I quit haloperidol do I get any withdrawals from it? (vomiting) If yes, how long it last? I have a plan to also drink a lot of water after quitting them. I go to school and walk every day for 1 - 2h as well.

Good afternoon everyone,
This is an anonymous post on reddit, so I feel safe. This is how much tortured I feel by my teacher. Now, I respect all teacher, even this teacher but I'm afraid she has gone a bit too far.
So I am a new joinee at my school, it is a well-reputed school of one of India's famous school franchises. Now the problem is I have a teacher who is a bit strange. In the first week, she hit a student of my class so loudly that I heard it sitting from the back. That student along with 3 others shifted to a new section. She even belittles people in my class and responds criticizing harshly if they don't get it. Now the problem with me is she didn't like the type of notebook I kept so she scolded me 6-7 times very harshly literally shouting not even scolding lol. I'm writing my notebook for the third time now and when she noticed she said, "when did I ask you to write it, I only said this type of nb is not allowed". I'm literally confused. I get super serious anxiety when her class begins, I start to hyperventilate and get frequent panic and anxiety attacks but I try to internalize it so that my classmates don't notice it. I keep looking at the clock, counting every second waiting for the class to end. However, my 5th sub is AI and my section is for that so I can't change my section and besides this is a new school where teachers are partial and political. Btw the faculty knows about the physical assault and everything and they can't fire her tho there's an entire LAW against that. I'm in mpc.
What should I do?
By a 11th grader

This might be long. I don’t even know … I am so beyond worn out & down from my relationship with my mother. The pain, heart break & everything else … I don’t even know anymore. I’m just in a really bad place and if anyone reads this … Well, bless you. I’m so beyond tired & heartbroken & this is just a piece of my story.

 What I’m going to write about here …. This is about my experience both times I was pregnant. 

This was back in my late twenties. I am now 40 years old. I have fallen ill with fibromyalgia, chronic pain & not sure what else now (trying to sort it all out). I have moved in with my mother (for the first time since I was 14 years old) now that I can’t work anymore because of my health dive having to stop working.

 I don’t have anywhere else to go currently however I don’t think it is good for my health living with her. I moved to this town where my brother lives as well & my mom moved here to be with her grandchildren (my golden child brother’s kids). Watching her play ‘Grandma’ & the stark difference with how she treats my brother & his children to what happened with me (& my babies RIP) both times I was pregnant is very painful. As well as how heartbreaking it all is, I will never get any kind of apology or any kind of acknowledgment. She has always scapegoated me & taken so much advantage of me in pretty much anyway a person can. I am amazed that she’s even letting me live here right now but it’s very conditional & transactional. There’s still (just like when I was a kid) such an insanity that entails living here with her & I am STILL that scapegoat to her. This amongst so many other things, are completely messing with my mind. However the kids thing is … just so painful & is why I’m writing this …. 

Here it goes -
In my late twenties I was pregnant twice & it ended up being hell. My mother went off the rails. It was weird at how genuinely angry she was. It’s not like I was a teenager or something. So I didn’t understand the extreme reaction, you would have thought I was like 13 years old or something. First one I was 26, the second 28. Ended up having two miscarriages.

 My first time I became pregnant … I was 26 years old living in an apartment with my boyfriend & happened to be waiting tables at the time. I told my mother & she surprised me with exactly how angry she was. She just kept (very angrily) telling me “Omg you CAN’T have a child!” “You don’t know what you are doing!” “You’re going to ruin you and this child’s life!” ect. I told her I was going to do this anyways. I remember one night after getting off of work & I got a phone call from her screaming bloody murder at me. I honestly could barely understand her. I asked her to slow down because I couldn’t make out what she was saying. She was screaming that her & her boyfriend (that she lived with) got into a fight because he said that I guess he doesn’t ‘do’ babies. He’s not going to be babysitting & he wouldn’t allow or want the baby in the house. Apparently they had gotten into a fight about it from what I could understand from her hysterical screaming. And she screams that now she’s having problems with her boyfriend & it was “all my fault” & hangs up on me. Honestly I just sat there perplexed. The way she raged and screamed at me that I was ruining her relationship was so insane and intense. It didn’t even make sense. I was across town & not even near her or her boyfriend’s house. It reminded me of a scene in Mommy Dearest … when the daughter after one of the mother’s freak outs just sits there after being belligerently screamed at & says “Jesus Christ”. I couldn’t believe how out of control she was, how she was so delusional as to blame me for a fight I had no part in (also confused because frankly who was to say I even would want my baby at her boyfriend’s house?) For weeks every time I talked to her she was angry at me for being pregnant? And constantly telling me I can’t have a baby. 

That whole time was so stressful & awful. Also my boyfriend also started acting weird & going out & partying more than usual & not coming home. I felt so alone. I remember mentioning to my mom on the phone & of course her bizarrely defending him & acting like I was being irrational & saying “Well gosh it’s not like you’re having the baby this week!” Which is just her being weird how she always kind of needed to always take anyone’s ‘side’ or perspective other than mine. Also how does she freak out on me telling me I’m SO not ready the minute I get pregnant. But then when reaching out for reassurance, or just showing worry if my significant other is ready or why would he start acting like that upon knowing I’m pregnant… her to act like I’m being irrational. Anyways, sorry I’m rambling … just this is an upsetting subject for me. About a month later I ended up miscarrying & my mom seemed like she kind of pretended to be sorry but, honestly it was just while in front of my boyfriend. You know ‘the mask’. I wanted to say ‘are ya happy now’ to her. But just went on my own & was more so just grieving as I was on my own in that department. She was way more interested being off with her boyfriend than ever being there for me.

 Then comes the second pregnancy. (& this was the really bad one) 

It’s about a year & a half later. After everything that went down with the miscarriage & me feeling unsupported by my boyfriend we broke up. We kind of were doing the ‘trying to get back to together’ on again off again thing. We started to get back together & I ended up pregnant again.
This time my mom got even meaner & harsher. She was straight up nasty. Yelling at me, “What’s wrong with you!” “How could you do this!” … I mean gosh, her reaction was so angry, so much vitriol that you almost would have thought I did something horrific … like I don’t know looking back she was so angry it was just bizarre honestly. I mean I know I was on again off again & just getting back with my boyfriend again. Im not saying things were perfect. But frankly I was a 28 year old woman & I don’t think it should have been her business again to that extent. And to be treated like I was doing something dastardly was confusing to say the least. This time she really ramped up the insanity. I mean she was livid. She was accusing me of all kinds of weird shit & really going after me. I remember her accusing me of all kinds of stuff. She kept telling me I NEEDED to have an abortion. When I said I did not want to she went crazy. She started asking me “Why would you do this?” Along with some of the other stuff from my first pregnancy like … “You can’t have a kid, you don’t know what you’re doing”, ect. But this time she went really nuts.
I remember going over her apartment (at the time, she’s wasn’t living with that boyfriend or whatever but still with him) & the same: “You can’t bring the baby over his house!” She screamed at me “You can’t just dump this baby on me once you have it!” Which was very weird & I remember asking why in the world she thought I was going to be ‘dumping’ my baby on her? Why would I even want to? How I always wanted a baby & would want to spend time with my baby. And if anything would probably have the hardest time with leaving my baby for the first time if anything. Which she was so angry she just kept firing back accusations at me. “Oh so you think you’re going to be the perfect mom?! Oh so you think nothing’s going to go wrong?!” Ect. ect
I’ll never forget that night at her apartment. My boyfriend was with me & I remember him being in complete shock at how my mom was acting. He literally was frozen the whole time. She kept getting angrier & angrier. She started again asking me ‘why’ I was ‘doing’ this. I didn’t even know what to say because she was so angry in this accusatory way & I didn’t feel I was ‘doing’ something. I mean, I was a 28 year old woman that got pregnant and wanted to have my baby. She kept demanding to know ‘why’ … “Why do you want a baby?!” & literally everything I would say she would just yell at me “That’s no reason to have a baby!” I remember when I said “Love, because I love my baby & want to love my baby” She just started laughing & saying “Oh yea sure” & mocking me & saying “oh so you think love is just going to fix everything & nothing’s going to go wrong” *My mom has always done that most of my life especially when angry … she’ll just start saying ‘oh so you’re saying this, or so you’re saying that’ a lot of times I’m not even saying the things she claims I’m ‘saying’ & will also go as far as arguing with the things that she claims that I’m saying (even though I’m not saying them!) … it’s insanity & almost like she’s arguing with herself at that point. Of course if I mention that she’s doing it, or that she does that she’ll deny it … “No I’m not! No I don’t”. It’s extremely hard … if not impossible to talk to her.
Anyways, she was relentless & being so rough & angry. At one point she starts getting in my face backing me into the wall yelling. She’s screaming “Oh what?! You think you’re going to have a baby & someone’s going to finally love you?? Cause they’re not!!” It was awful, she went on & on & the more I tried to say okay I’m going to do this, the more nasty she got. She just kept telling me “You can’t do this!” She also kept rapid fire questioning me. “Do you think you’re going to have enough money? Do you think you’ll never have to work? … on & on. She also kept accusing me that I was trying to ask her for money & that she wasn’t going to give me any. When I explained I’m not asking for money. She would just move onto the next thing. “Oh so you think you’re going to ‘dump’ (as she put it) this baby on me?” Again I said I’m not. “Do you think I’m going to be your babysitter?” I reply “No”
I made the mistake of mentioning how my boyfriend was going to get a second job & I was considering going to school for at least a little online while pregnant … “Which she scoffs at … “Oh please! You couldn’t go back to school!” When after being just so worn down from being screamed at & everything & really just needing to get out of there I just said (as calmly & strongly as I could while shaking inside & holding back tears) .. “I am going to keep this baby, I do not want money from you, I am not asking you to babysit, & I’m not asking anything from you.” She just looked at me so cold & said “Well if you have this baby I want absolutely NOTHING to do with it.”
I just said ‘okay’ … I was defeated, holding back tears & very shaky *almost on the verge of dissociation with numbness or exhaustion from being screamed at & everything. She said “Get out of my house, leave!” & me & my boyfriend left. When we got out to my car, my boyfriend started hysterically crying. I’ve never seen him cry like that, he just kept saying “I’m so sorry”. I was so exhausted & just looked at him & despite the tears I had I couldn’t even cry, I was so upset & exhausted & said to him “Do you see now how she is?” Man he cried a lot, he was like in serious shock.

 A couple weeks later I ended up having another miscarriage. She had nothing to do with me after that for a while. Her boyfriend and their vacations & stuff were much more important than anything to do with me. The couple times I’ve ever even brought that up since all that, she’s been very cold. She’s either told me I “deserved it & know why” in a very cold manner. Or at other times completely denied any of that happened. Come to years later my brother has two kids & she’s ‘Grandma of the year’ … I mean there for everything. Completely supported my brother & now sister in law during & for everything. I mean through Baby showers, deliveries, parties, every single milestone … there for everything. Helped my sister in law with everything after both kids were born. Babysits for my brother all the time. Like excess, I’d say more than an average grandparent. Buys them all their clothes … I’m not exaggerating. Since they were babies till this day buys them tons of clothes every season & every year for school ect. My brother even told me “I’ve literally never had to buy the kids clothes.” It’s like an insane movie or something. I could go on & on about the insane differences between how she’s treated me & my brother. And things that have happened but I already wrote so much & my fingers & wrists are having some pain. 

It’s weird that I’m actually even leaving out the more serious things I’ve encountered with her & how since I had to stop working & live with her she’s been treating me really poorly. She acts completely different when people are around & has talked about me to certain family members to the extent that I think some of the ones she doesn’t show this side to actually might believe her which has really really hurt. And I’ve unfortunately begin to figure out that she’s been talking about me much longer than I was even aware of. Why she would want to say untrue things … well actually outright lies about me & turn people against me blows my mind & hurts me.
She acts so different whenever my brother, his wife & the kids come around. They have started to act weird around me & I know for a fact she was saying some really horrible shit about me to my brother. She tries to kick me out a couple times for standing up for myself & the other time refusing to fight with her. She finally stopped when I called the police on her (because she was getting physical, agresssive and scary) trying to barricade me in the kitchen saying I had to leave while I was going through a really bad health flare & asking her to please leave me alone … she was getting to the point that it was going to get physical if I pushed past her as she was trying to push me out the door & saying I’m homeless now & laughing …. until I ducked under her ran upstairs & grabbed my phone & called the cops. I told them she was getting aggressive & asked them if I had to leave if I was living there … they asked if I felt safe & I said no. When they came she completely changed her voice & was pretending what happened didn’t happen. She just asked them how quick could she kick me out. They said a month legally. When they left I told her that I had video taped what she did & if I have to I will show it to people. She immediately dropped the whole trying to kick me out after that.
When my brother later came by to drop off the kids she started using a different voice, acting all fake & that fake nice. I just stayed upstairs because I was way too upset & devastated to be fake like her & put on a show. I did try to call my brother later & reach out for support (which was a first as was calling the cops a first).
I honestly just didn’t know what to do anymore & before I called the cops, my mom was telling me “You know your brother has said he’s completely sick of you & your health problems as well”. She was completely lying because he said on the phone that that was not true at all. I was crying (I just didn’t know what to do anymore after a lifetime of dealing with my mom & now feeling helpless due to health problems) & he said he’d call me back & never did. We have barely talked since. It’s hard because I was always the strong one on top of the fact that I was always the scapegoat & him treated like golden child. But to be honest I do feel hurt because I really have been there for my brother so much. There’s too much back story to even get into it all & explain. But he definitely has still kept in touch with my mom & used her to babysit the kids ect.
I know she has said so much behind my back, she lies so much. It feels like she tears so many people apart in our family. I don’t know if I shouldn’t have reached out to him that one day … I don’t know if it was because I always was the one to take her abuse & never actually finally called the cops before .. I don’t know if him & other family members finally started believing the lies about me … or & the saddest last wonder …. I don’t know if he finally lost the rest of any empathy he had left anymore because he seems different now & like he doesn’t even care that I have had to stop working & developed health problems (or succumbed to all the injuries from domestic violence). Maybe being the golden child he turned out different?
I don’t know I’ll stop here because I’m going off on a tangent with other stuff that the majority of this post is about. I’m tired of being hurt by my family especially my mom who tries to lie & tell everyone that I do what she does. After everything she has put me through & all the times I’ve actually been there for her, I’ll never understand why she’s ever hurt me so bad. Why she had lied about me & after everything (including abandoning me when I was young & told her about SA & she abandoned me), told everyone I was lying & lied & told everyone I’ve done or do what she’s done or does. On top of it she actually tries to act like she’s a victim any time I get upset. She freaks me out, is the woman actually evil? How could she do everything she’s done to me & why in the world does she lie about me & even to me try to act like she’s this victim (forgive me I hate using that word) & What in the world would make want to hurt me so badly & treat my brother & other people so much better than & differently. Especially when I have been extremely kind to her & really there for her in many ways from emotional kindness to helping her out & taking her to surgeries. Why would that make her want to make me out as the bad one & a bad person when it’s truly not who I am?
My body’s tired, dealing with health problems & don’t even know what to do anymore. I’m exhausted & just been too hurt. My last latest interaction with her was her verbally attacking me, turning it around & saying I was doing that & acting like she was being done wrong by me by me getting hurt & upset.
Thanks and sorry if anyone read this whole thing.