Brite smile to go
Amazon Echo A voice command system that brings the Internet Of Things to your home
2014.11.06 18:12 ursula666 Amazon Echo A voice command system that brings the Internet Of Things to your home
/AmazonEcho is a community centered around the Amazon Echo, or as we like to call her - Alexa. Alexa is designed around your voice. She's always on—just ask for information, music, news, weather, and more. She's also an expertly-tuned speaker that can fill any room with immersive sound.
2018.06.03 02:11 P1ac3h01d3r ROBE LOCKS
roblxo
2017.03.23 18:51 Hasnep i lik the bred
Poems based on this one about a cow licking bread by Poem_for_your_sprog: my name is Cow, and wen its nite, or wen the moon is shiyning brite, and all the men haf gon to bed - i stay up late. i lik the bred.
2024.05.19 14:29 relwhatthehell Grieving not having an “easy” baby
This is more of an emotional rant than anything. To preface, I love my LO more than anything. She brings me so much joy every day and I never knew it was possible to love a human so much. But I am exhausted. She was born eyes wide open and has been super alert and restless since day one. She doesn’t sleep without constant bouncing/walking/rocking the hell out of her. She also has horrible GERD issues which makes her colicky and it’s bad where even burping is painful for her. She’s woken up in her bassinet choking on vomit so many times that now every nap is a contact nap. We have tried probiotics, gas drops, me cutting out dairy and gluten since she’s EBF, sitting her up, plenty of tummy time, and even baby Pepcid which we stopped after 2 weeks. Shes super sensitive to noise that even breathing too loudly while she’s asleep will wake her up, even with white noise going. She is also sensitive to other people and takes days to warm up to a new family member without screaming. She’s 3 months now and everyone keeps saying she will grow out of it and it will get better eventually.
Yesterday we visited her little cousin who is only a week old. I’m still working out my feelings on it, but he slept peacefully in his moms arms while all the adults talked and laughed. His mom doted on how she has to wake him up just to eat and he does so well with everything. We never had that. In fact our LO actively fought a nap the entire time we were there and then proceeded to get overtired and fussy which happens every time. When our baby was a week old all she did was scream because she was miserable with her tummy issues.
I love her more than anything and I would never trade places with anyone, I think I’m just grieving in a weird way. I’ve read things about taking babies to restaurants or the store or how we should cherish the sleepy newborn phase while it lasts. But I’m running on 4 hours of sleep each night for the past three months and sometimes I wish she would just sleep like a normal baby, which then gives me horrible mom guilt. I do remind myself that she has hit her milestones early because of her alertness and she smiles and laughs in between the screams, which I try to do as well. And I love her for who she is no matter how hard it gets. But it’s just hard, really really hard sometimes. Rant over.
submitted by relwhatthehell to NewParents [link] [comments]
Yesterday we visited her little cousin who is only a week old. I’m still working out my feelings on it, but he slept peacefully in his moms arms while all the adults talked and laughed. His mom doted on how she has to wake him up just to eat and he does so well with everything. We never had that. In fact our LO actively fought a nap the entire time we were there and then proceeded to get overtired and fussy which happens every time. When our baby was a week old all she did was scream because she was miserable with her tummy issues.
I love her more than anything and I would never trade places with anyone, I think I’m just grieving in a weird way. I’ve read things about taking babies to restaurants or the store or how we should cherish the sleepy newborn phase while it lasts. But I’m running on 4 hours of sleep each night for the past three months and sometimes I wish she would just sleep like a normal baby, which then gives me horrible mom guilt. I do remind myself that she has hit her milestones early because of her alertness and she smiles and laughs in between the screams, which I try to do as well. And I love her for who she is no matter how hard it gets. But it’s just hard, really really hard sometimes. Rant over.
2024.05.19 14:28 Painted-Spirit7341 37 m4f UK my socks don't match maybe you will instead ? :-P
Hello I hope your well . A brief introduction about myself. I'm single and looking for single lady to get to know Im a deep thinker always looking for new and interesting things or wonders of the world past and present recently discovered or not well known .
I like to cook various foods from around the world and enjoy finding new ideas to try or just watching the process I find it therapeutic and the end result of smiling happy faces around the table of food that is tasty and have depth of flavour like any art one that is unique and interesting .
I love stories that have a great flow ones that are imaginative and have a good balance of emotion genres or just have that something that you just have to find out more . Adventure for me is going outside what we know and finding something else new rules new ideas something that nourishes the soul and helps you grow .
What sort of story's interest you the most . Do you have a particular style or genre you enjoy or are you open minded . Do you read often and or do you ever listen to audio stories . How about current affairs do you like to read about local and international news or any other subjects that you might like to learn from what are they and how have they helped you in your life.
What's the one that you can say you have learned about yourself that you did not know 12 months ago that you do now however big or small how did it help you grow as a person.
I'm looking to make a connection share some things in common and go from there. sharing general stuff that helps your world go round the things that inspire you and the like .
If I intrigued you please let yourself be known and write back. Tell me anything about yourself in your reply let's see where this may lead
submitted by Painted-Spirit7341 to r4r [link] [comments]
I like to cook various foods from around the world and enjoy finding new ideas to try or just watching the process I find it therapeutic and the end result of smiling happy faces around the table of food that is tasty and have depth of flavour like any art one that is unique and interesting .
I love stories that have a great flow ones that are imaginative and have a good balance of emotion genres or just have that something that you just have to find out more . Adventure for me is going outside what we know and finding something else new rules new ideas something that nourishes the soul and helps you grow .
What sort of story's interest you the most . Do you have a particular style or genre you enjoy or are you open minded . Do you read often and or do you ever listen to audio stories . How about current affairs do you like to read about local and international news or any other subjects that you might like to learn from what are they and how have they helped you in your life.
What's the one that you can say you have learned about yourself that you did not know 12 months ago that you do now however big or small how did it help you grow as a person.
I'm looking to make a connection share some things in common and go from there. sharing general stuff that helps your world go round the things that inspire you and the like .
If I intrigued you please let yourself be known and write back. Tell me anything about yourself in your reply let's see where this may lead
2024.05.19 14:23 CoconutLarge3922 My brother stole my spot (kinda) on my 18th Birthday
Hai usto q lang magrant kc i’ve been bottling this up ever since my 18th birthday HAHAHA so ayun ito na nga i always feel happy about my friends getting their own party sa 18th birthday nilaa like sobrang nakaksaya makita silang nag eenjoy and all pero hindi ko maalis sa isip q and sa pakiramdam na mainggit y’know?
so ganito kasi nanguari.. before pa ng eighteenth bday ko hindi naman ako nag eexpect ng bonga at magarbong celeb like all my friends have had
Alam mo yung tipong basta macelebrate niyo as a family ganern like maging special talaga yung araw na yon. kaso that day it was so far from special:’)
so they (parents ko) rented a small resort since yun ang kaya namin edi im so grateful ksi nalaman ko WOW mag ccelebrate kamii eh sabi ko khit wag na mag churba churba HAHAH kasi ayaw ko rin ng maraming attention… so edi ayon nalaman ko na sa province pala yung resort so HOW will i invite MY FRIENDS diba.. tinry kong iconvince sila na sa city nalang mas malapit kasi syemore debut ko, i want my friends there dibaa loke any other debutante would.. kayo hindi pumayag prents ko:( so lahat sila walang pumunta kasi hindi pinayagan and minors pa iba sa kanila and malayo talaga yung province namin haha.. i was so down, like sobra pero sabi ko ok lang i’ll celebrate w them nalang on my own.
Tapos kaya sobrang nadown din me kasi may kuya ako… eh nag invite siya ng friends nia (college na sila) ok lng naman pero na off ako nung nalaman kong andami nila mga sampo yata hhahaha im sorry pero kasi nakakainggit lang i had no friends there hindi ko naenjoy kaya sobrang inggit ko ansama ng loob koo huhu parang ang nangyari is birthday na ng kuya ko yun and hindi KO NA DEBUT:(((( eh kesyo raw march din ang bday niya eh sabay na raw kaming mag celebrate..;((
tapos that day sobrang hindi ko nafeel yung birthday koo as if may kahati ako which is true pero ininda ko nalang at tinry mag enjoy.. ako narin nag ayoz ng sarili ko that day.. haha no one helped mee pero go lang INDEPENDENT TAYO HAHAHAH tapos parang everyone was more excited sa ogdating ng kuya ko kasi bumyahe pansila from school tapos ako parang no one even knows it’s MY BIRTHDAY AND MY DEBUT
yung ibang ininvite din ng parents ko didn’t know na ako yung may birhday alal yung kuya ko lang HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH (hindi naman magcceleb nang ganon kung hindi ko debut so bakit hindi ako yung spotlight?)
in the end i tried my best to smiles and enjoy kahit na ganonn.. i would just rather walang celebrations at all kaysa sa ganon na meron ngang celeb pero hindi naman ako ang cinecelebrate…
kaya everytime na makakakita siguro ako ng debut maaalala at maaalala ko yon.. na i never felt like it was my birthday that day.
ayun lang sana wag nioko ibash HAHA im just venting out what i feel… valid naman siguro to:))
submitted by CoconutLarge3922 to u/CoconutLarge3922 [link] [comments]
so ganito kasi nanguari.. before pa ng eighteenth bday ko hindi naman ako nag eexpect ng bonga at magarbong celeb like all my friends have had
Alam mo yung tipong basta macelebrate niyo as a family ganern like maging special talaga yung araw na yon. kaso that day it was so far from special:’)
so they (parents ko) rented a small resort since yun ang kaya namin edi im so grateful ksi nalaman ko WOW mag ccelebrate kamii eh sabi ko khit wag na mag churba churba HAHAH kasi ayaw ko rin ng maraming attention… so edi ayon nalaman ko na sa province pala yung resort so HOW will i invite MY FRIENDS diba.. tinry kong iconvince sila na sa city nalang mas malapit kasi syemore debut ko, i want my friends there dibaa loke any other debutante would.. kayo hindi pumayag prents ko:( so lahat sila walang pumunta kasi hindi pinayagan and minors pa iba sa kanila and malayo talaga yung province namin haha.. i was so down, like sobra pero sabi ko ok lang i’ll celebrate w them nalang on my own.
Tapos kaya sobrang nadown din me kasi may kuya ako… eh nag invite siya ng friends nia (college na sila) ok lng naman pero na off ako nung nalaman kong andami nila mga sampo yata hhahaha im sorry pero kasi nakakainggit lang i had no friends there hindi ko naenjoy kaya sobrang inggit ko ansama ng loob koo huhu parang ang nangyari is birthday na ng kuya ko yun and hindi KO NA DEBUT:(((( eh kesyo raw march din ang bday niya eh sabay na raw kaming mag celebrate..;((
tapos that day sobrang hindi ko nafeel yung birthday koo as if may kahati ako which is true pero ininda ko nalang at tinry mag enjoy.. ako narin nag ayoz ng sarili ko that day.. haha no one helped mee pero go lang INDEPENDENT TAYO HAHAHAH tapos parang everyone was more excited sa ogdating ng kuya ko kasi bumyahe pansila from school tapos ako parang no one even knows it’s MY BIRTHDAY AND MY DEBUT
yung ibang ininvite din ng parents ko didn’t know na ako yung may birhday alal yung kuya ko lang HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH (hindi naman magcceleb nang ganon kung hindi ko debut so bakit hindi ako yung spotlight?)
in the end i tried my best to smiles and enjoy kahit na ganonn.. i would just rather walang celebrations at all kaysa sa ganon na meron ngang celeb pero hindi naman ako ang cinecelebrate…
kaya everytime na makakakita siguro ako ng debut maaalala at maaalala ko yon.. na i never felt like it was my birthday that day.
ayun lang sana wag nioko ibash HAHA im just venting out what i feel… valid naman siguro to:))
2024.05.19 14:20 Crazy-Concern8080 Hearts and Minds 4: When All is Said - (Part 4)
Whatever you do, never drink to cure a mental issue.
First
Previous
You know the drill: credit to SpacePaladin15 for the universe.
Thank you JulianSkies for proofreading.
Memory Transcription Subject: Gillab, Gojid Citizen, Father
Date [Standardized Human Time]: March 28, 2142
I made sure to wake up as early as possible so I could do what I needed to do before Billy woke up. First things first, get rid of all the liquor in that fridge. If Billy was going to get better, the first thing he needed to do was stop drinking. He was only running from his problems and as long as he had that out he was going to take it.
I pulled a trash bag in front of the fridge, propped it open as best I could, and started stuffing it full of bottles. Cheap Venlilian liquor was being poured down the drain by the second, it almost made me feel bad for anything living in the sewers. This stuff had enough alcohol in it to kill someone, a rat would be dead in seconds.
By the time I poured the last bottle down the drain, I had probably sanitized the entirety of the New York sewer system. I hoisted the bag onto my back, making sure not to break the bag with my quills, and started to make my way to the dumpster. Thankfully Billy’s apartment was on the first floor so the journey wasn’t too long.
I tossed the bag into the dumpster carelessly, causing a few of the bottles to break when they hit the others that had been thrown in yesterday. It was only the second day, but I felt like we had already made some progress. I was able to make him admit he was just scared of feeling the pain of his memories, even if it was only accidental. Small steps were still steps, now all I had to do was make him realize that he didn’t deserve this. I have a feeling that once he jumps that hurdle, everything should come much easier.
A familiar song brought me out of my thoughts, drawing my attention to my phone. I had changed the ringtone to the first Human song I had ever heard, T-Shirt, to always remind me of my time on the Cradle. I pulled out my phone and accepted the call, smiling as I saw just who it was.
“High sweety, having a good morning?”
The camera shook up and down in sync with my daughter's face. “Yeah, but I wish you were here.”
“Oh sweety, I know you do, but I have some important work to do and I can’t come home. Just know that I will always love you. Now you have a good day at school, you hear?”
“Mmhm, I will. Here’s mommy.”
The camera shook again as it passed from my daughter’s claws to my wife’s. In the background, I could hear the chitter of my daughter’s voice and then rapid footsteps away. When the camera stopped shaking, I was met by the most beautiful woman in existence.
“Hello, Sweet-fruit.”
Kirala smiled and tilted her head. “Hello, my big guolo tree. I missed you this morning.”
“I missed you too. I had to sleep on an uncomfortable couch and I think it messed up my back a bit.”
“Oh, how the mighty veteran is felled! Surviving a plasma wound to the chest but felled by the mightier couch.”
I flicked an ear in amusement. “To be fair, it was one vicious couch.”
I couldn’t help but melt at her laugh, it was like sunshine during the darkest night. It was light and cheerful and genuine, and I couldn’t imagine myself living without it.
With a final few chuckles, Kirala pulled herself together enough to respond. “Well, it sounds like you need to wear some armor to bed then.”
I feigned a thoughtful expression. “Maybe I will, I already sleep with clothes on.”
She threw her head back in disgust. “Ugh, I still don’t know how you do that. I still feel a little uncomfortable when I wear them when I’m awake, I couldn’t imagine sleeping with them.”
“It’s an acquired taste, you’ll come around.”
“Mmhm, I’m suuure.”
I sighed. “How’s Julaly doing?”
“Well, she misses you, obviously, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. She was good yesterday, but we both wished you had given us a little more of a warning. I didn’t expect your little trip to the memorial to turn into an impromptu therapy session.”
“Sweet-fruit, you know I wish I could have too. It was sprung on me just as much as you. I’m just glad I found him when I did, do you know what I found in his room? A suicide note.”
Kirala gasped slightly. “Oh dear I… I really-”
“It’s fine. I didn’t know either. But just think, if I had come back for just one day, he would be dead. I made the right call here, even if I was torn at the time.”
“You need to get back to him then.”
“I’ve got a little longer. He’s still asleep. I was throwing away some alcohol when you called me, and when I get some free time I’m going to go to the nearby bars and tell them not to serve him. Today I’m thinking I’ll try and get him to go to a veterans’ meeting so he can connect with some others like him, let him know he’s not alone and it’s not just me who cares about him.”
“Still, you should go back to him. And stay safe. He sounds unstable, just keep an eye on him.”
“Sweet-fruit, he’s not dangerous.”
“You don’t know what’s going on in his head. Promise me you will stay safe.”
“I promise.”
“Like you mean it.”
“I promise with all of my heart that I will stay safe.”
“Good, now get back to it. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The call blinked out and left me staring at my home screen. It was true that I missed them both dearly, even a day without them left me longing, but I knew what I was doing was right. Billy needed someone to save him, and I was the only one available. Kirala was right, I needed to get back to it. I couldn’t leave Billy alone for too long, it would only end in disaster.
As soon as the door clicked open, Billy descended upon me. “Gillab, what did you do?! Where’s the liquor?!”
I stepped past him and made my way to the living room. “I threw it all away. You were poisoning yourself and I needed to put an end to it.”
Billy was stunned for a moment. “You fucking- GILLAB! Get the FUCK out of my house!”
“I’m not going anywhere! Not until you heal!”
Billy looked back and forth, raising his arms in frustration. “What the FUCK does that even mean?! You keep spouting this fucking ‘healing’ word like it’s some catch-all miracle wonder word that means everything!”
“I mean, you need to come to terms with what you’ve done, accept them, and move on! Otherwise, you are just going to rot in this room for all eternity. You are so much better than this, and you know it. You are strong enough to carry on, and you know this. You know, deep down, that you don’t deserve this life. But you are stuck thinking that you do! I saw you at the memorial and I literally didn’t recognize you, remember? That is how much you have changed, but it doesn’t have to stay like this. You can end the pain, and not in that way, all you have to do is trust me. And not just say that you do.”
I paused for a moment to catch my breath. “You said that you would go through the motions for me, right? This is just another motion. The next one is to find other veterans who are or have been through what you have and talk to them. They will make you realize that you aren’t trash or a parasite or any of that! It’s just another motion, right?”
Billy growled and stormed towards me. “You are on thin fucking ice right now.”
“Good. It means you care. Now sit down, we are going to set up a meeting with a group of veterans.”
“I don’t want to go meet some fucking soldier. I’m fine without that.”
“It’s just the motions, right? Humor me.”
With a deep sigh, Billy sat in the chair across from me. That was all I needed to see to confirm it, Billy really did want help, he just couldn’t even admit it to himself.
“You still haven’t given me your promised speech from yesterday. The hour-long one about how much I don’t deserve what I’m doing to myself.”
“Oh trust me, it’s coming. But right now we are going to set up a date for you to meet a veterans’ group. After that, let’s clean up a little more, get some food, maybe go for a walk in a park, then you’ll get the speech. Okay?”
Billy rolled his eyes and waited for me to pull up a website. After a bit of scrolling, I found a phone number I could call to find a meeting time. I prepared everything and set the phone on the table, but didn’t call yet.
“Okay Billy, I’m leaving this up to you. All you have to do is say your name and ask for a time you can come to the meeting.”
“Why can’t you set it up for me?”
“That’s not how it works. You need to be the one that calls them, not me. Plus, I don’t think they would accept me signing you up. The person coming has to be the one to set it up. Are you ready?”
Billy sighed. “Yeah.”
I called the number, set the phone on a table between Billy and I, and waited. After a few rings, a man began to speak.
“Hello, you have reached Richard’s group therapy for veterans, how can I help you?”
Billy looked up to me for guidance, to which I only motioned for him to speak to the man. “H-hi Richard, m-my name is Billy. I was… wondering if I-I could join your next meeting.”
“Oh course, we are always open for more. You didn’t even need to call, you could have just shown up at the meeting. We accept anyone and everyone at any time. Our next meeting is tomorrow at noon if you are available. If not, the next one is that same day at six-thirty.”
Billy glanced at me twice before giving his answer. “The… six-thirty one sounds good.”
He was pushing it back as much as he could, but at least he would get to it eventually. There was some quiet clacking in the background before the man responded. “Great, I’ve reserved you a seat. I’m happy to have you join us. Is there anything else you need?”
“No, that’s all. See you tomorrow.”
Billy set his phone down and sighed deeply. His face quickly changed from concerned and awkward to angry and annoyed. I could see him prepare to say something, but it ended up dying in his throat. Instead, he stood up suddenly and stomped back to his room, wanting to be left alone.
submitted by Crazy-Concern8080 to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
First
Previous
You know the drill: credit to SpacePaladin15 for the universe.
Thank you JulianSkies for proofreading.
Date [Standardized Human Time]: March 28, 2142
I made sure to wake up as early as possible so I could do what I needed to do before Billy woke up. First things first, get rid of all the liquor in that fridge. If Billy was going to get better, the first thing he needed to do was stop drinking. He was only running from his problems and as long as he had that out he was going to take it.
I pulled a trash bag in front of the fridge, propped it open as best I could, and started stuffing it full of bottles. Cheap Venlilian liquor was being poured down the drain by the second, it almost made me feel bad for anything living in the sewers. This stuff had enough alcohol in it to kill someone, a rat would be dead in seconds.
By the time I poured the last bottle down the drain, I had probably sanitized the entirety of the New York sewer system. I hoisted the bag onto my back, making sure not to break the bag with my quills, and started to make my way to the dumpster. Thankfully Billy’s apartment was on the first floor so the journey wasn’t too long.
I tossed the bag into the dumpster carelessly, causing a few of the bottles to break when they hit the others that had been thrown in yesterday. It was only the second day, but I felt like we had already made some progress. I was able to make him admit he was just scared of feeling the pain of his memories, even if it was only accidental. Small steps were still steps, now all I had to do was make him realize that he didn’t deserve this. I have a feeling that once he jumps that hurdle, everything should come much easier.
A familiar song brought me out of my thoughts, drawing my attention to my phone. I had changed the ringtone to the first Human song I had ever heard, T-Shirt, to always remind me of my time on the Cradle. I pulled out my phone and accepted the call, smiling as I saw just who it was.
“High sweety, having a good morning?”
The camera shook up and down in sync with my daughter's face. “Yeah, but I wish you were here.”
“Oh sweety, I know you do, but I have some important work to do and I can’t come home. Just know that I will always love you. Now you have a good day at school, you hear?”
“Mmhm, I will. Here’s mommy.”
The camera shook again as it passed from my daughter’s claws to my wife’s. In the background, I could hear the chitter of my daughter’s voice and then rapid footsteps away. When the camera stopped shaking, I was met by the most beautiful woman in existence.
“Hello, Sweet-fruit.”
Kirala smiled and tilted her head. “Hello, my big guolo tree. I missed you this morning.”
“I missed you too. I had to sleep on an uncomfortable couch and I think it messed up my back a bit.”
“Oh, how the mighty veteran is felled! Surviving a plasma wound to the chest but felled by the mightier couch.”
I flicked an ear in amusement. “To be fair, it was one vicious couch.”
I couldn’t help but melt at her laugh, it was like sunshine during the darkest night. It was light and cheerful and genuine, and I couldn’t imagine myself living without it.
With a final few chuckles, Kirala pulled herself together enough to respond. “Well, it sounds like you need to wear some armor to bed then.”
I feigned a thoughtful expression. “Maybe I will, I already sleep with clothes on.”
She threw her head back in disgust. “Ugh, I still don’t know how you do that. I still feel a little uncomfortable when I wear them when I’m awake, I couldn’t imagine sleeping with them.”
“It’s an acquired taste, you’ll come around.”
“Mmhm, I’m suuure.”
I sighed. “How’s Julaly doing?”
“Well, she misses you, obviously, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. She was good yesterday, but we both wished you had given us a little more of a warning. I didn’t expect your little trip to the memorial to turn into an impromptu therapy session.”
“Sweet-fruit, you know I wish I could have too. It was sprung on me just as much as you. I’m just glad I found him when I did, do you know what I found in his room? A suicide note.”
Kirala gasped slightly. “Oh dear I… I really-”
“It’s fine. I didn’t know either. But just think, if I had come back for just one day, he would be dead. I made the right call here, even if I was torn at the time.”
“You need to get back to him then.”
“I’ve got a little longer. He’s still asleep. I was throwing away some alcohol when you called me, and when I get some free time I’m going to go to the nearby bars and tell them not to serve him. Today I’m thinking I’ll try and get him to go to a veterans’ meeting so he can connect with some others like him, let him know he’s not alone and it’s not just me who cares about him.”
“Still, you should go back to him. And stay safe. He sounds unstable, just keep an eye on him.”
“Sweet-fruit, he’s not dangerous.”
“You don’t know what’s going on in his head. Promise me you will stay safe.”
“I promise.”
“Like you mean it.”
“I promise with all of my heart that I will stay safe.”
“Good, now get back to it. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The call blinked out and left me staring at my home screen. It was true that I missed them both dearly, even a day without them left me longing, but I knew what I was doing was right. Billy needed someone to save him, and I was the only one available. Kirala was right, I needed to get back to it. I couldn’t leave Billy alone for too long, it would only end in disaster.
As soon as the door clicked open, Billy descended upon me. “Gillab, what did you do?! Where’s the liquor?!”
I stepped past him and made my way to the living room. “I threw it all away. You were poisoning yourself and I needed to put an end to it.”
Billy was stunned for a moment. “You fucking- GILLAB! Get the FUCK out of my house!”
“I’m not going anywhere! Not until you heal!”
Billy looked back and forth, raising his arms in frustration. “What the FUCK does that even mean?! You keep spouting this fucking ‘healing’ word like it’s some catch-all miracle wonder word that means everything!”
“I mean, you need to come to terms with what you’ve done, accept them, and move on! Otherwise, you are just going to rot in this room for all eternity. You are so much better than this, and you know it. You are strong enough to carry on, and you know this. You know, deep down, that you don’t deserve this life. But you are stuck thinking that you do! I saw you at the memorial and I literally didn’t recognize you, remember? That is how much you have changed, but it doesn’t have to stay like this. You can end the pain, and not in that way, all you have to do is trust me. And not just say that you do.”
I paused for a moment to catch my breath. “You said that you would go through the motions for me, right? This is just another motion. The next one is to find other veterans who are or have been through what you have and talk to them. They will make you realize that you aren’t trash or a parasite or any of that! It’s just another motion, right?”
Billy growled and stormed towards me. “You are on thin fucking ice right now.”
“Good. It means you care. Now sit down, we are going to set up a meeting with a group of veterans.”
“I don’t want to go meet some fucking soldier. I’m fine without that.”
“It’s just the motions, right? Humor me.”
With a deep sigh, Billy sat in the chair across from me. That was all I needed to see to confirm it, Billy really did want help, he just couldn’t even admit it to himself.
“You still haven’t given me your promised speech from yesterday. The hour-long one about how much I don’t deserve what I’m doing to myself.”
“Oh trust me, it’s coming. But right now we are going to set up a date for you to meet a veterans’ group. After that, let’s clean up a little more, get some food, maybe go for a walk in a park, then you’ll get the speech. Okay?”
Billy rolled his eyes and waited for me to pull up a website. After a bit of scrolling, I found a phone number I could call to find a meeting time. I prepared everything and set the phone on the table, but didn’t call yet.
“Okay Billy, I’m leaving this up to you. All you have to do is say your name and ask for a time you can come to the meeting.”
“Why can’t you set it up for me?”
“That’s not how it works. You need to be the one that calls them, not me. Plus, I don’t think they would accept me signing you up. The person coming has to be the one to set it up. Are you ready?”
Billy sighed. “Yeah.”
I called the number, set the phone on a table between Billy and I, and waited. After a few rings, a man began to speak.
“Hello, you have reached Richard’s group therapy for veterans, how can I help you?”
Billy looked up to me for guidance, to which I only motioned for him to speak to the man. “H-hi Richard, m-my name is Billy. I was… wondering if I-I could join your next meeting.”
“Oh course, we are always open for more. You didn’t even need to call, you could have just shown up at the meeting. We accept anyone and everyone at any time. Our next meeting is tomorrow at noon if you are available. If not, the next one is that same day at six-thirty.”
Billy glanced at me twice before giving his answer. “The… six-thirty one sounds good.”
He was pushing it back as much as he could, but at least he would get to it eventually. There was some quiet clacking in the background before the man responded. “Great, I’ve reserved you a seat. I’m happy to have you join us. Is there anything else you need?”
“No, that’s all. See you tomorrow.”
Billy set his phone down and sighed deeply. His face quickly changed from concerned and awkward to angry and annoyed. I could see him prepare to say something, but it ended up dying in his throat. Instead, he stood up suddenly and stomped back to his room, wanting to be left alone.
2024.05.19 14:16 TEA-HAWK [Question] Why do Autistic people trigger the Uncanny Valley Effect? I am Autistic, and nothing I do mitigates that reaction.
Many Autistics notice a kneejerk dislike, disdain, or fear directed at us, as though our very existence is unnerving. In my life, this occurs even when I:
submitted by TEA-HAWK to NoStupidQuestions [link] [comments]
- never say a word
- speak friendly sentences
- have a tidy physical presentation
- act polite, respectful, and unobtrusive
- go the extra mile to help them
- stand quietly, listening and observing
- wave or smile from afar
- do not mention my special interests
- go to another room or face a wall to stim
2024.05.19 14:08 BiasMushroom Under Pressure (A NoP Fic Ch 67) Part 10
Nature of Humanity Ch 67 A NoP fic
Under Pressure Part 10
A Fanfic of u/SpacePaladin15’s work “The Nature of Predators.” Thank you for the story!
___
Memory transcription subject: Silvera, Factory 13 Manager
Date [standardized human time]: November 4th, 2136
If it wasn't for the clearly artificial sky above my head someone could possibly convince me I was outside in a new park. The neon blue screen with a white dot to represent the sun was nothing like the actual pale gray visage a mile above. Yet, it did have an enjoyable warmth to it.
A smooth artificial wind swept through the saplings ensuring that they would develop healthy stress wood. It also pleasantly cooled the fur of anyone in here, providing a nice little respite from the heater simulating the sun's unbearable hatred of us. Fuck you fake sun!
Any flora used to decorate the park would be exotic to Frozen Mountain, even if it came from the nearby tundra, but my humans decided to do something interesting. While they had covered most of the ground with a soft short-growing Terran clover, they chose to make the rest of the decorative plants functional. All of the saplings were different types of fruit trees that, when mature, would be free for anyone to harvest as much as they want. Even the decorative topiary isn't hardy tasteless plants, but berry bushes that would provide a variety of sweet treats relatively soon.
Agurcorp was more than happy to allow its failed startup out here to be turned into a local park. Well, so long as they didn't have to pay for this expensive mistake of theirs. The Mayor was all too happy with this, especially since my humans were happy to let him have all the credit so long as they got to design the park. With voting season right around the corner, the Mayor that ‘Brought life to this blighted land’ was a shoo-in to get re-elected. Or would be if he also wasn't ‘The idiot who allowed predators into the city.’
With everything that's happened I am still a bit surprised at everyone currently enjoying the park. A small herd of Venlil are exercising in the open field. A family of Gojids are walking along the cobblestone path. All the while, some humans are playing a very weird game of throwing a round plastic plate into chain nets. It's almost as if this city didn't have two separate riots on the same day.
The sound of wheels traveling across a bumpy path caught my attention. I glanced across the way to see an embarrassed-looking John driving an electric wheelchair over to me. His eyes locked onto mine before quickly switching to the ground. He tried to laze in a chair designed to enforce good posture and looked rather silly as he adjusted himself.
He came to a stop just a foot away from where I sat, “Hey Silv… I, uh… I don't actually need the wheelchair but Mikvia threatened to break my legs if I didn't use it, so I'm just humoring her.”
Oh, don't freaking tell me. Why are humans like this… “John… you were hospitalized with a punctured lung. Sure, doctors have some miracles they can perform these days, but you know you shouldn't be stressing yourself by walking.”
He huffed, “Please, I'm fine. Really. It wasn't as serious as everyone is making it out to be.”
I thumped my hind paw against the ground, “John.”
He threw his hands into the air with a huff, “I'm in the damn wheelchair ain't I? Gawd…”
He grasped his nose before calming down, “I apologize. Shouldn't have raised my voice like that. I mean… I am using the wheelchair and not lifting stuff. Doctor's orders. They even said getting out in this park would be fine. Said it might even help!”
We let out a deep sigh together. I hopped down from my bench and back up onto his lap, “Let's go for a ride… while we figure… us out…”
I could see John's guard drop as the exhaustion crept back onto his face, “...alright...” He pressed his controls forward, and we slowly began our first lap of the park.
John wrapped one of his lanky ape arms around me like a fleshy seatbelt and I laid my head on his chest appreciating the contrast of his warmth with the cool artificial breeze. I could have slept like this. The beating of his heart was rhythmic, and his deep breaths sounded a bit like waves washing up on a shore.
I even heard his heart quicken as I cleared my throat, “So… we aren't really dating are we?”
His exhaustion was quickly replaced with unease as he started to fidget a little, “I'm sorry…”
I held his hand and stared into the ocean blue eyes of his, “Don't be sorry. I think we were both drunk when we agreed to go on a date…”
He shook his head, “I still should have said something before then.”
It wasn't like I couldn't have taken the initiative and talked to him sooner too, “I know you were going through a lot. Actually, I know you still are… I'm really only able to guess but… Are you one of the types that thinks Xeno-dating is weird?”
He looked ashamed as he scrambled to smooth things over, “I- No- well, yes- but- it's just… ok. Let me start over… alright… yeah… so… uhm… the thing is… how do I put this… it sounds bad… well, it is bad… it’s just…”
My tail wagged involuntarily at the rather cute display of embarrassment radiating from John. I leaned in and let him have a doey-eyed look to help heap the embarrassment on.
It felt like John tried to stop the next words from rolling out of his mouth, “Sometimes I have trouble thinking of you all as people.”
John came to a complete stop as I just stared at him wide-eyed. My brain struggled to grasp what he was saying and the implications of it. He cringed and covered his face with his hands, “Gawd, that sounds horrible. It's just… It's not as bad with you and the others… I talk to y’all a lot. It's easier for it to click that you are people too.”
I was desperately trying to see this from his angle, “Wha- why does this happen in the first place?”
His hands drug down his face trying to drag the flesh with it, “I think it’s cause you are always naked. Like your back brace helps a little bit, but still everything else is… That and I hear your voice and the chip in my head then gives it meaning. Like its disjointed. Then it's the way your body language works and- and- fuck. Just…. Fuck me man. I don't even think that's all that's wrong with me. It’s just… like you look, sound, and smell like animals. It's just not really what my mind had in place for aliens. So- like- ugh! Why can't I just explain it!?”
It's difficult to explain, but his words connected to a deep sad memory, “It's like everything is just too… slightly wrong…”
It felt like I had been whisked back decades to my own childhood. I could still smell the bleached halls of the Venlil orphanage on Nevis. My heart whimpered when the Sivkits who came to adopt me shuddered with fear and disgust. Their strange voices sounded slow as they spoke a strange version of Klipic. Like hearing a pale imitation of yourself, try and pretend to be just like you.
My eyes locked with his as I carried on “It’s like you look at them and a part of you knows what they are, but your brain just snaps back to… to what you think reality is.”
I could see a glimmer of hope well up with his tears, “Y-you know? I-Iv've felt like such a monster! How can I- How can I look them in the eyes when they took me in and say- say- that I can't see them as people sometimes!? After everything they've done for me?! They want to adopt me and I- I- I can't even!”
I wrapped my arms around his neck as he buried his face in mine. It felt like he could crush me with his arms, yet they held me gently. What was causing me pain was this damn back brace. The blasted thing was trying to force my arms down while it hunched me over. I wiggled out of John's embrace and ripped the freaking thing off and chucked it as far as I could before burying myself in his embrace again.
We held each other as he drew in shuddering breaths and let his emotions flow out. John’s grip eventually began to loosen and we both took a moment to calm down. I gently tugged at the shirt covering John's torso, “So… Us not wearing clothes constantly is… disconnecting for you?”
He nodded his head, “Y-yeah… It’s like… every person I have ever known wears clothes. Animals never wear clothes and at most wear like a collar or harness if someone owns them. Then a few months ago, a bunch of nudist aliens show up and… well, my brain lops them into the animal category and the translator isn't helping.”
I glanced down at my body and suddenly felt… exposed, “So now that I am no longer wearing clothes…”
He cringed, “You look more like a large rabbit thing than a person… when you had the brace on it helped a little, but you were on all fours… When you were wearing your weather suit and had your hood off, It felt like you were a person, just different.”
An idea crossed into my skull, “Ok then… so your brain attaches personhood with a level of nudity, body plan, and familiarity… take your shirt off and give it to me- Don't give me that look! I know you’re male and are far less sensitive about people seeing your nipples. So gimme.”
He begrudgingly took off his shirt, revealing a pelt of fur that caught me off guard. I shook off the confusion as I slipped his shirt overhead and stuck my arms through the sleeves. It immediately tried to slip down my body and off. Mostly due to how large the hole for his head is, but also due to my utter lack of true shoulders. Another gift of my freak mutation. The ability to walk upright as well as sprint on all fours like a fucking Arxur.
I bunched up the collar and knotted it on itself, solving the slipping issue. With a small twirl, I spun in a circle, “So how is this?”
A smile formed on his face, “You look adorable!”
I happily flicked my tail, “Is that girlfriend adorable or pet animal adorable?”
His grin beamed with happy, mischievous energy, “Little sister adorable.”
I stomped my hind paw again, “Wha- why?!”
He held out his arms and I hopped back into his embrace, “Its cause it's my shirt. Jamie would wear my clothes sometimes, and they were so baggy on him, and well… on you that's practically a sundress! … you’d look really nice in like… a yellow sundress with like a straw hat.”
My mind tried and failed to make an image to match his description, “Hrm… well… I wouldn't know where to even start getting a… sundress.”
John carried on like clothes shopping was a normal intergalactic thing, “You would have to go to a tailor and have it custom-made. Like you already had to adjust my shirt cause you don't have shoulders like we or the Gojids do.”
We sat in a comfortable silence as John started the wheelchair back on its path. I almost fell asleep in his arms before I asked, “So… Are we dating?”
John didn't hesitate to bend over and freaking bite the top of my head! I, rather fruitlessly, slapped my paws against his face as fast as I could and only managed to elicit a laugh from him. Jumping up, I got a mouth full of his cheek in my teeth.
I made sure not to crush as I mimicked what he had done to me back, “Ah! The turns! They've tabled! I'm sorry! We're dating! Augh!” I spit out the lump of flesh between my teeth and sat down rather proudly.
It was only then I looked around to see most of the nearby groups staring at us. As well as three silver suited flame whack jobs walking our way. One of them held up his paws to try and seem as big as possible, “YOU! PREDATORS! DON'T MOVE!”
John growled at them, “YOU FUCKING IDIOTS. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?”
The trio froze in their steps and reached for weapons they didn't have. The boldest one took another step forward and shouted, “SHUT UP PREDATOR!”
John held his issued jacket up, letting the reflective emblem of the guild shine for all to see, “I WORK WITH YOU NUMB NUTS! I'M JOHN! ADOPTED SON OF YOUR FUCKING CHIEF! RING ANY BELLS?”
The trio halted in their tracks and the most skittish of them turned a one-eighty on their paws and began to walk away. The boldest one’s paws slowly dropped, “J-John?! I- I've never seen you without the mask or artificial pelt… wait! You're supposed to be in the hospital!”
Johns voice grew cold, “They said I could go out around the park so long as I mostly stayed in the chair. If it pleases you, you can talk to Loke. He's right over there with his wife and two kids. I bet he'd be thrilled to learn you three are going around accusing people of being predators.”
The bold moron took a fearful half step back, “D-d-d-d-don't twist my words! You bit her and she bit you back! I have witnesses! That's predatory!”
John leaned back and stroked the fur on my cheek, “No, it’s erotic.”
I could see the gears turning in the bold one's head grind, “What.”
John pressed his lips into my neck, “Ya know… sexy. It’s like… gently grooming your significant other's neck from behind but more playful.”
They looked revolted, “That's disgusting.”
John cocked his head to the side like a confused Gojid, “That’s odd.”
The look of revulsion quickly transitioned back to confusion, “What?”
A smirk grew on John's face as his fingers massaged into the sore muscles on my back, “It's just, that’s exactly what your mom said last night, but she grew to like it.”
I slapped my paws to my mouth to avoid laughing as the rage flared up in the bold one's eyes, “WHAT!?”
I let out a happy purr as John began to work at my sore muscles and utterly humiliate the idiot bothering us, “Yeeeeah. You weren't supposed to find out like this, but I'm your dad now.”
Their ears pinned back in rage, “You're lying to me.”
John waved a hand at our surroundings, “We are in a hermetically sealed park. There is no way for any significantly threatening animal to get in here. You are only here looking for trouble and I assure you, this will be looked into. Go clean your nose and keep it clean. Understood?”
They both tucked their tails, “Understood, sir.”
John nodded his head and calmed his tone, “Dismissed.”
As the trio of troublemakers left, we sat in relative silence as John continued to work away at the stress in my muscles. If you proved this was how humans prepared their food before eating it, I would argue that it's still worth it.
His rough voice messaged my ears, “Hey Silv?”
I stretched and enjoyed the pops my spine made as it took its natural shape, “Hrm?”
A hint of curiosity hung in his voice, “Why did you understand what I meant? Shouldn't… You've lived with aliens being a part of everyday life for… Like… ever right?”
I slumped against John and thought. Dredging up old memories that I almost wished I didn't have, “It was… a very long time ago. My doctor told me I was making up false memories to cover up a traumatic event and make it to where I was normal and everyone around me were the weird ones…”
I could hear John doubt my doctor's claims, “That sounds… fishy.”
Despite John's odd word choice, the meaning still fit perfectly, “It feels like it, but I just have no proof. I swear to you, I remember running along a beach, with my parents on two legs. Every Sivkit I knew as a child walked on two legs. It’s like… well…”
I grabbed John's hand to stop it from distracting me, “One day I woke up, and I was unbelievably cold. I thought I was a corpse. There was this strange… tentacle thing with bulgy eyes standing above me. His words didn't match his lips, but I understood him. It was terrifying.”
“He scooped me up and started running. Said I was in grave danger, and he was going to keep me safe. I didn't trust him one bit. He jumped into some strange ship and told me I had to be very quiet. The bad people would attack us if they heard either of us talking.”
“Eventually, he crashed the ship into something and pulled me out of it. I was surprised to see we had been on a submarine that entire time. That and the sky was the wrong color. I didn't even have an opportunity to think about it as he carried me to a weird looking vehicle that once again surprised me as a giant wall turned into a window.”
“I had never even heard of spaceships before, and I watched as we went up and just moved into space like it was nothing. He tried to calm me down, but he told me my parents were dead. I- just remember sobbing in his tentacles for hours. Eventually, I calmed down enough for him to play with me.”
“For a few days it was just me and him. Then we met up with another ship, and he left that one to drift in the void. He said we were meeting his friend Aylin on Nevis… a Venlil colony not too far from here, actually. I got to meet more aliens on that ship but Kalova- sorry that was the name of the Kolshian who took me out here. Kalova didn't want me to talk about anything to anyone. Said to just say I was his adopted daughter, and he just got a job on Nevis managing the new colony.”
“He never saw it. I didn't know what they were at the time but the Arxur attacked. They were trying to raid the colony and the Gojids and Venlil where desperately trying to protect it. I remember the alarm going off the second the ship’s captain announced we were leaving FTL. Kalova sprinted through the ship carrying me. He placed me in an escape pod just before that terrible lizard spotted us. He pulled the lever and my pod jettisoned down to the surface.”
“I was in that pod for three days before the Venlil found me and put me in an orphanage. Every time I met other Sivkits… they made my skin crawl. There's something wrong with all of them. I swear to you, we Sivkits are supposed to walk on two legs. We also aren't supposed to be that… stupid. Between how they talk being just… off, and the fact what they said was often either retarded or downright wrong, I couldn't ever feel like one of the so-called Grand Herd.”
“Eventually, I aged out. Graduated college, top of my class. And started working out here when they began to rebuild my plant after it burned down. That’s all there… Well, there is more, but It's not actually relevant to your question.”
John leaned down and kissed the top of my head, “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
I groomed the tip of his nose in return, “You're welcome. … Hey John?”
I could see a small bit of… hope in the back of his eyes, “Yes Silv?”
“Can you tell me about your past?”
He frowned as memories came back to him, yet he smiled still. “Yeah… it’s not a happy story either.”
I pressed myself into him, “Well… we can both be sad together, at least.”
John's hands began to absentmindedly work through my fur again, “Yeah… That doesn't sound as bad.”
___/\___
Important question, do you want a chapter dedicated to John retelling his story? Or would you like it smash cut out in favor of more of their first real date? I am not sure how I want to do it and am happy with both, so please let me know.
John and Silvera finally had the relationship talk! Woooooo! John's confessed something he'd rather never bring up, but knows he needs to address to start living a happy life with his new family. Aaaaand, It's time for Silvera’s tragic backstory! (Trademark pending). Strange names though, right? Kalova… weird how John's old boss has a missing brother with the same name as an alien Ivan the Arxur knows! And Aylin… strange they share a name with Talen's dead wife! Man that's just weird!
Special thanks to u/JulianSkies for proofreading! Seriously it felt like my eyes were melting out of my skull and your feedback was everything I needed!
___/\___
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Under Pressure
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Under Pressure Part 10
A Fanfic of u/SpacePaladin15’s work “The Nature of Predators.” Thank you for the story!
___
Memory transcription subject: Silvera, Factory 13 Manager
Date [standardized human time]: November 4th, 2136
If it wasn't for the clearly artificial sky above my head someone could possibly convince me I was outside in a new park. The neon blue screen with a white dot to represent the sun was nothing like the actual pale gray visage a mile above. Yet, it did have an enjoyable warmth to it.
A smooth artificial wind swept through the saplings ensuring that they would develop healthy stress wood. It also pleasantly cooled the fur of anyone in here, providing a nice little respite from the heater simulating the sun's unbearable hatred of us. Fuck you fake sun!
Any flora used to decorate the park would be exotic to Frozen Mountain, even if it came from the nearby tundra, but my humans decided to do something interesting. While they had covered most of the ground with a soft short-growing Terran clover, they chose to make the rest of the decorative plants functional. All of the saplings were different types of fruit trees that, when mature, would be free for anyone to harvest as much as they want. Even the decorative topiary isn't hardy tasteless plants, but berry bushes that would provide a variety of sweet treats relatively soon.
Agurcorp was more than happy to allow its failed startup out here to be turned into a local park. Well, so long as they didn't have to pay for this expensive mistake of theirs. The Mayor was all too happy with this, especially since my humans were happy to let him have all the credit so long as they got to design the park. With voting season right around the corner, the Mayor that ‘Brought life to this blighted land’ was a shoo-in to get re-elected. Or would be if he also wasn't ‘The idiot who allowed predators into the city.’
With everything that's happened I am still a bit surprised at everyone currently enjoying the park. A small herd of Venlil are exercising in the open field. A family of Gojids are walking along the cobblestone path. All the while, some humans are playing a very weird game of throwing a round plastic plate into chain nets. It's almost as if this city didn't have two separate riots on the same day.
The sound of wheels traveling across a bumpy path caught my attention. I glanced across the way to see an embarrassed-looking John driving an electric wheelchair over to me. His eyes locked onto mine before quickly switching to the ground. He tried to laze in a chair designed to enforce good posture and looked rather silly as he adjusted himself.
He came to a stop just a foot away from where I sat, “Hey Silv… I, uh… I don't actually need the wheelchair but Mikvia threatened to break my legs if I didn't use it, so I'm just humoring her.”
Oh, don't freaking tell me. Why are humans like this… “John… you were hospitalized with a punctured lung. Sure, doctors have some miracles they can perform these days, but you know you shouldn't be stressing yourself by walking.”
He huffed, “Please, I'm fine. Really. It wasn't as serious as everyone is making it out to be.”
I thumped my hind paw against the ground, “John.”
He threw his hands into the air with a huff, “I'm in the damn wheelchair ain't I? Gawd…”
He grasped his nose before calming down, “I apologize. Shouldn't have raised my voice like that. I mean… I am using the wheelchair and not lifting stuff. Doctor's orders. They even said getting out in this park would be fine. Said it might even help!”
We let out a deep sigh together. I hopped down from my bench and back up onto his lap, “Let's go for a ride… while we figure… us out…”
I could see John's guard drop as the exhaustion crept back onto his face, “...alright...” He pressed his controls forward, and we slowly began our first lap of the park.
John wrapped one of his lanky ape arms around me like a fleshy seatbelt and I laid my head on his chest appreciating the contrast of his warmth with the cool artificial breeze. I could have slept like this. The beating of his heart was rhythmic, and his deep breaths sounded a bit like waves washing up on a shore.
I even heard his heart quicken as I cleared my throat, “So… we aren't really dating are we?”
His exhaustion was quickly replaced with unease as he started to fidget a little, “I'm sorry…”
I held his hand and stared into the ocean blue eyes of his, “Don't be sorry. I think we were both drunk when we agreed to go on a date…”
He shook his head, “I still should have said something before then.”
It wasn't like I couldn't have taken the initiative and talked to him sooner too, “I know you were going through a lot. Actually, I know you still are… I'm really only able to guess but… Are you one of the types that thinks Xeno-dating is weird?”
He looked ashamed as he scrambled to smooth things over, “I- No- well, yes- but- it's just… ok. Let me start over… alright… yeah… so… uhm… the thing is… how do I put this… it sounds bad… well, it is bad… it’s just…”
My tail wagged involuntarily at the rather cute display of embarrassment radiating from John. I leaned in and let him have a doey-eyed look to help heap the embarrassment on.
It felt like John tried to stop the next words from rolling out of his mouth, “Sometimes I have trouble thinking of you all as people.”
John came to a complete stop as I just stared at him wide-eyed. My brain struggled to grasp what he was saying and the implications of it. He cringed and covered his face with his hands, “Gawd, that sounds horrible. It's just… It's not as bad with you and the others… I talk to y’all a lot. It's easier for it to click that you are people too.”
I was desperately trying to see this from his angle, “Wha- why does this happen in the first place?”
His hands drug down his face trying to drag the flesh with it, “I think it’s cause you are always naked. Like your back brace helps a little bit, but still everything else is… That and I hear your voice and the chip in my head then gives it meaning. Like its disjointed. Then it's the way your body language works and- and- fuck. Just…. Fuck me man. I don't even think that's all that's wrong with me. It’s just… like you look, sound, and smell like animals. It's just not really what my mind had in place for aliens. So- like- ugh! Why can't I just explain it!?”
It's difficult to explain, but his words connected to a deep sad memory, “It's like everything is just too… slightly wrong…”
It felt like I had been whisked back decades to my own childhood. I could still smell the bleached halls of the Venlil orphanage on Nevis. My heart whimpered when the Sivkits who came to adopt me shuddered with fear and disgust. Their strange voices sounded slow as they spoke a strange version of Klipic. Like hearing a pale imitation of yourself, try and pretend to be just like you.
My eyes locked with his as I carried on “It’s like you look at them and a part of you knows what they are, but your brain just snaps back to… to what you think reality is.”
I could see a glimmer of hope well up with his tears, “Y-you know? I-Iv've felt like such a monster! How can I- How can I look them in the eyes when they took me in and say- say- that I can't see them as people sometimes!? After everything they've done for me?! They want to adopt me and I- I- I can't even!”
I wrapped my arms around his neck as he buried his face in mine. It felt like he could crush me with his arms, yet they held me gently. What was causing me pain was this damn back brace. The blasted thing was trying to force my arms down while it hunched me over. I wiggled out of John's embrace and ripped the freaking thing off and chucked it as far as I could before burying myself in his embrace again.
We held each other as he drew in shuddering breaths and let his emotions flow out. John’s grip eventually began to loosen and we both took a moment to calm down. I gently tugged at the shirt covering John's torso, “So… Us not wearing clothes constantly is… disconnecting for you?”
He nodded his head, “Y-yeah… It’s like… every person I have ever known wears clothes. Animals never wear clothes and at most wear like a collar or harness if someone owns them. Then a few months ago, a bunch of nudist aliens show up and… well, my brain lops them into the animal category and the translator isn't helping.”
I glanced down at my body and suddenly felt… exposed, “So now that I am no longer wearing clothes…”
He cringed, “You look more like a large rabbit thing than a person… when you had the brace on it helped a little, but you were on all fours… When you were wearing your weather suit and had your hood off, It felt like you were a person, just different.”
An idea crossed into my skull, “Ok then… so your brain attaches personhood with a level of nudity, body plan, and familiarity… take your shirt off and give it to me- Don't give me that look! I know you’re male and are far less sensitive about people seeing your nipples. So gimme.”
He begrudgingly took off his shirt, revealing a pelt of fur that caught me off guard. I shook off the confusion as I slipped his shirt overhead and stuck my arms through the sleeves. It immediately tried to slip down my body and off. Mostly due to how large the hole for his head is, but also due to my utter lack of true shoulders. Another gift of my freak mutation. The ability to walk upright as well as sprint on all fours like a fucking Arxur.
I bunched up the collar and knotted it on itself, solving the slipping issue. With a small twirl, I spun in a circle, “So how is this?”
A smile formed on his face, “You look adorable!”
I happily flicked my tail, “Is that girlfriend adorable or pet animal adorable?”
His grin beamed with happy, mischievous energy, “Little sister adorable.”
I stomped my hind paw again, “Wha- why?!”
He held out his arms and I hopped back into his embrace, “Its cause it's my shirt. Jamie would wear my clothes sometimes, and they were so baggy on him, and well… on you that's practically a sundress! … you’d look really nice in like… a yellow sundress with like a straw hat.”
My mind tried and failed to make an image to match his description, “Hrm… well… I wouldn't know where to even start getting a… sundress.”
John carried on like clothes shopping was a normal intergalactic thing, “You would have to go to a tailor and have it custom-made. Like you already had to adjust my shirt cause you don't have shoulders like we or the Gojids do.”
We sat in a comfortable silence as John started the wheelchair back on its path. I almost fell asleep in his arms before I asked, “So… Are we dating?”
John didn't hesitate to bend over and freaking bite the top of my head! I, rather fruitlessly, slapped my paws against his face as fast as I could and only managed to elicit a laugh from him. Jumping up, I got a mouth full of his cheek in my teeth.
I made sure not to crush as I mimicked what he had done to me back, “Ah! The turns! They've tabled! I'm sorry! We're dating! Augh!” I spit out the lump of flesh between my teeth and sat down rather proudly.
It was only then I looked around to see most of the nearby groups staring at us. As well as three silver suited flame whack jobs walking our way. One of them held up his paws to try and seem as big as possible, “YOU! PREDATORS! DON'T MOVE!”
John growled at them, “YOU FUCKING IDIOTS. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?”
The trio froze in their steps and reached for weapons they didn't have. The boldest one took another step forward and shouted, “SHUT UP PREDATOR!”
John held his issued jacket up, letting the reflective emblem of the guild shine for all to see, “I WORK WITH YOU NUMB NUTS! I'M JOHN! ADOPTED SON OF YOUR FUCKING CHIEF! RING ANY BELLS?”
The trio halted in their tracks and the most skittish of them turned a one-eighty on their paws and began to walk away. The boldest one’s paws slowly dropped, “J-John?! I- I've never seen you without the mask or artificial pelt… wait! You're supposed to be in the hospital!”
Johns voice grew cold, “They said I could go out around the park so long as I mostly stayed in the chair. If it pleases you, you can talk to Loke. He's right over there with his wife and two kids. I bet he'd be thrilled to learn you three are going around accusing people of being predators.”
The bold moron took a fearful half step back, “D-d-d-d-don't twist my words! You bit her and she bit you back! I have witnesses! That's predatory!”
John leaned back and stroked the fur on my cheek, “No, it’s erotic.”
I could see the gears turning in the bold one's head grind, “What.”
John pressed his lips into my neck, “Ya know… sexy. It’s like… gently grooming your significant other's neck from behind but more playful.”
They looked revolted, “That's disgusting.”
John cocked his head to the side like a confused Gojid, “That’s odd.”
The look of revulsion quickly transitioned back to confusion, “What?”
A smirk grew on John's face as his fingers massaged into the sore muscles on my back, “It's just, that’s exactly what your mom said last night, but she grew to like it.”
I slapped my paws to my mouth to avoid laughing as the rage flared up in the bold one's eyes, “WHAT!?”
I let out a happy purr as John began to work at my sore muscles and utterly humiliate the idiot bothering us, “Yeeeeah. You weren't supposed to find out like this, but I'm your dad now.”
Their ears pinned back in rage, “You're lying to me.”
John waved a hand at our surroundings, “We are in a hermetically sealed park. There is no way for any significantly threatening animal to get in here. You are only here looking for trouble and I assure you, this will be looked into. Go clean your nose and keep it clean. Understood?”
They both tucked their tails, “Understood, sir.”
John nodded his head and calmed his tone, “Dismissed.”
As the trio of troublemakers left, we sat in relative silence as John continued to work away at the stress in my muscles. If you proved this was how humans prepared their food before eating it, I would argue that it's still worth it.
His rough voice messaged my ears, “Hey Silv?”
I stretched and enjoyed the pops my spine made as it took its natural shape, “Hrm?”
A hint of curiosity hung in his voice, “Why did you understand what I meant? Shouldn't… You've lived with aliens being a part of everyday life for… Like… ever right?”
I slumped against John and thought. Dredging up old memories that I almost wished I didn't have, “It was… a very long time ago. My doctor told me I was making up false memories to cover up a traumatic event and make it to where I was normal and everyone around me were the weird ones…”
I could hear John doubt my doctor's claims, “That sounds… fishy.”
Despite John's odd word choice, the meaning still fit perfectly, “It feels like it, but I just have no proof. I swear to you, I remember running along a beach, with my parents on two legs. Every Sivkit I knew as a child walked on two legs. It’s like… well…”
I grabbed John's hand to stop it from distracting me, “One day I woke up, and I was unbelievably cold. I thought I was a corpse. There was this strange… tentacle thing with bulgy eyes standing above me. His words didn't match his lips, but I understood him. It was terrifying.”
“He scooped me up and started running. Said I was in grave danger, and he was going to keep me safe. I didn't trust him one bit. He jumped into some strange ship and told me I had to be very quiet. The bad people would attack us if they heard either of us talking.”
“Eventually, he crashed the ship into something and pulled me out of it. I was surprised to see we had been on a submarine that entire time. That and the sky was the wrong color. I didn't even have an opportunity to think about it as he carried me to a weird looking vehicle that once again surprised me as a giant wall turned into a window.”
“I had never even heard of spaceships before, and I watched as we went up and just moved into space like it was nothing. He tried to calm me down, but he told me my parents were dead. I- just remember sobbing in his tentacles for hours. Eventually, I calmed down enough for him to play with me.”
“For a few days it was just me and him. Then we met up with another ship, and he left that one to drift in the void. He said we were meeting his friend Aylin on Nevis… a Venlil colony not too far from here, actually. I got to meet more aliens on that ship but Kalova- sorry that was the name of the Kolshian who took me out here. Kalova didn't want me to talk about anything to anyone. Said to just say I was his adopted daughter, and he just got a job on Nevis managing the new colony.”
“He never saw it. I didn't know what they were at the time but the Arxur attacked. They were trying to raid the colony and the Gojids and Venlil where desperately trying to protect it. I remember the alarm going off the second the ship’s captain announced we were leaving FTL. Kalova sprinted through the ship carrying me. He placed me in an escape pod just before that terrible lizard spotted us. He pulled the lever and my pod jettisoned down to the surface.”
“I was in that pod for three days before the Venlil found me and put me in an orphanage. Every time I met other Sivkits… they made my skin crawl. There's something wrong with all of them. I swear to you, we Sivkits are supposed to walk on two legs. We also aren't supposed to be that… stupid. Between how they talk being just… off, and the fact what they said was often either retarded or downright wrong, I couldn't ever feel like one of the so-called Grand Herd.”
“Eventually, I aged out. Graduated college, top of my class. And started working out here when they began to rebuild my plant after it burned down. That’s all there… Well, there is more, but It's not actually relevant to your question.”
John leaned down and kissed the top of my head, “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
I groomed the tip of his nose in return, “You're welcome. … Hey John?”
I could see a small bit of… hope in the back of his eyes, “Yes Silv?”
“Can you tell me about your past?”
He frowned as memories came back to him, yet he smiled still. “Yeah… it’s not a happy story either.”
I pressed myself into him, “Well… we can both be sad together, at least.”
John's hands began to absentmindedly work through my fur again, “Yeah… That doesn't sound as bad.”
___/\___
Important question, do you want a chapter dedicated to John retelling his story? Or would you like it smash cut out in favor of more of their first real date? I am not sure how I want to do it and am happy with both, so please let me know.
John and Silvera finally had the relationship talk! Woooooo! John's confessed something he'd rather never bring up, but knows he needs to address to start living a happy life with his new family. Aaaaand, It's time for Silvera’s tragic backstory! (Trademark pending). Strange names though, right? Kalova… weird how John's old boss has a missing brother with the same name as an alien Ivan the Arxur knows! And Aylin… strange they share a name with Talen's dead wife! Man that's just weird!
Special thanks to u/JulianSkies for proofreading! Seriously it felt like my eyes were melting out of my skull and your feedback was everything I needed!
___/\___
Directory
Library of BiasMushroom contains every link for everything I have written! Check it out as some stuff related to Nature of Humanity may not appear on HFY! As well as my little side stories and Fanfics of other NoP fanfics!
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2024.05.19 14:05 s_coups_ Scary dream during afternoon nap AGAIN
Took a nap after so long but had such a creepy dream :(
It started with me sleeping in the same bed I fell asleep in real life with my mom. In my dream I was trying to sleep but something kept shaking the bed. I was too scared to open my eyes so I tried to force myself to sleep. Then my mom got up in real life and I woke up a bit then fell asleep again. And again in my dream I was alone on the weird shaking bed, like someone was jumping on it near my legs..
I heard my sister saying she wanted to eat something, and my mom made her something in a pan and left it on the dining table to cool. I got out of the bed but everything was so dim and dark? It was almost night but no one turned on the lights. Suddenly me, my sister & mom decided to make a trip to my college because results for my recent exam had been out and apparently they displayed the ranks?? We went there and it was completely different campus, infact it was the campus of my dream uni lol 😭
There too, it was dark, but there were lights everywhere like there was some estival going on.. but atleast I was able to see well. There I saw my rank, I got 16k (irl i got 28k bruh). Then we saw there was stuff being sold like keychains, pictures (that change when u see them from different angles) and stuff and to my horror it was pictures of me and my sister when we were around 6-10 years old??
Like wtf? Everything was on display but there was no one buying them? I was surprised at first in the dream but then it felt weird. We took pictures of those to show it to others then I saw some weird play going on. Apparently in this dream my sister was obsessed with some serial killer? She saw the play was about him and victims??? (She does not even watch true crime irl)
Coming to the pictures, some girl in the picture we were holding was talking? She was suddenly kinda covered in blood and was giving weird expressions and I kept telling her to keep the same expression she had in the original photo.. She then jumped out and was only visible in my camera. There was like a fox-y? girl beside the girl from the picture. I told my sister, “Ah, that's just a Japanese fox spirit!” WHAT JAPANESE FOX SPIRIT?? HUH?? GIRL WTF?. (I think I've been watching too many of those videos where the japanese waiter girls dress up as foxes and play around with the customers 😭)
Still seeing those keychains and frames with pictures of me, my sister and mom was so creepy like they resembled real life so well too...And my phone kept lagging the whole dream..It was so annoying
Then I saw my baby self??? On the floor???? Like without a shiry too.. I tried to pick her up and hug her and she smiled? 😭 She was in some plastic tub and my sister said they're probably here to be sold? And I said yeah probably..?SELLING MY BABY SELF?? She looked so cute :( Some random lady then appeared behind her and took her in her lap. I left for home as I was texting my friend telling her what was happening here.
I think this got too big, there's a bunch left I'll write it in another post sorry lol
submitted by s_coups_ to Dreams [link] [comments]
It started with me sleeping in the same bed I fell asleep in real life with my mom. In my dream I was trying to sleep but something kept shaking the bed. I was too scared to open my eyes so I tried to force myself to sleep. Then my mom got up in real life and I woke up a bit then fell asleep again. And again in my dream I was alone on the weird shaking bed, like someone was jumping on it near my legs..
I heard my sister saying she wanted to eat something, and my mom made her something in a pan and left it on the dining table to cool. I got out of the bed but everything was so dim and dark? It was almost night but no one turned on the lights. Suddenly me, my sister & mom decided to make a trip to my college because results for my recent exam had been out and apparently they displayed the ranks?? We went there and it was completely different campus, infact it was the campus of my dream uni lol 😭
There too, it was dark, but there were lights everywhere like there was some estival going on.. but atleast I was able to see well. There I saw my rank, I got 16k (irl i got 28k bruh). Then we saw there was stuff being sold like keychains, pictures (that change when u see them from different angles) and stuff and to my horror it was pictures of me and my sister when we were around 6-10 years old??
Like wtf? Everything was on display but there was no one buying them? I was surprised at first in the dream but then it felt weird. We took pictures of those to show it to others then I saw some weird play going on. Apparently in this dream my sister was obsessed with some serial killer? She saw the play was about him and victims??? (She does not even watch true crime irl)
Coming to the pictures, some girl in the picture we were holding was talking? She was suddenly kinda covered in blood and was giving weird expressions and I kept telling her to keep the same expression she had in the original photo.. She then jumped out and was only visible in my camera. There was like a fox-y? girl beside the girl from the picture. I told my sister, “Ah, that's just a Japanese fox spirit!” WHAT JAPANESE FOX SPIRIT?? HUH?? GIRL WTF?. (I think I've been watching too many of those videos where the japanese waiter girls dress up as foxes and play around with the customers 😭)
Still seeing those keychains and frames with pictures of me, my sister and mom was so creepy like they resembled real life so well too...And my phone kept lagging the whole dream..It was so annoying
Then I saw my baby self??? On the floor???? Like without a shiry too.. I tried to pick her up and hug her and she smiled? 😭 She was in some plastic tub and my sister said they're probably here to be sold? And I said yeah probably..?SELLING MY BABY SELF?? She looked so cute :( Some random lady then appeared behind her and took her in her lap. I left for home as I was texting my friend telling her what was happening here.
I think this got too big, there's a bunch left I'll write it in another post sorry lol
2024.05.19 14:04 PossiblyLazy AITAH for being questionable about my friend's mental state?
I won't say my age but I will say that I am female and I have a couple of best friends. I have 2 really close friends that I have known for a bit but I didn't know them beforehand. During COVID, one of my friends very suddenly developed anxiety even though they have never been diagnosed. They would cry over tests and results and say that they were insecure and as friends, we would try to talk them out of it. They refused to listen and blamed it on their anxiety. They would say that they got no sleep because of anxiety and say that they would bump their leg up and down because of anxiety (even though they rarely ever do) and all of this they would say to us happily with a smile on their face. I know I'm not a psychologist but they kept trying to align themselves with symptoms that me and my other best friend didn't think they had. On top of that, when they cried over tests, they would refuse to look at their score and sometimes even held up the whole class just because of it. It feels mean to say but I feel like they were doing it for attention. Moreover, they never let us help: we would give them advice and they wouldn't follow it, we would tell them to talk to someone and they would say that their mother wouldn't allow them (even though they can still talk to a teacher in school). All of these small things broke our friendship. It became all about them and during the first couple years I was willing to be supportive but at some point we just got tired. Me and my other best friend attempted to drop them but we ended up talking again properly after around a month then after the summer it was like they had reformed. They never mentioned their anxiety and when they did, they treated it like it was an accomplishment that they were no longer refusing to look at numbers on a sheet of paper. They would slander their parents saying they put too much pressure on them and would make up stories that my other best friend knew weren't true because they have known each other for longer. However, all of my friend group is POC so we all have the same standards or even higher. I'm not trying to demean the person but I feel like they needed a reality check so me and my best friend attempted to drop her again and this is what I wrote.
To _, I've known you since _. Honestly, it was nice at first; that was until you started with your anxious feelings. In no way shape or form did I think that your anxiety was a bad thing; I just felt as though I couldn't deal with it. Every time I couldn't convince you to eat or take your medicine, it would make me feel like a bad person. This didn't necessarily upset me but it made me feel like I wasn't a good friend to you. On many occasions, you would accuse me of yelling at you. I really thought that it was just my natural voice but when you said it out loud, it felt like someone had stabbed me. I'm sorry for any miscommunications that happened and I'm sorry that we couldn't make this work. I even walked out when I knew that I couldn't help you because it would be the best for you and I. I could never be there for you which was frustrating enough because you also never listened to anyone's advice. Even now, as you say that you are beginning to listen to us, it doesn't seem true. You always jump to conclusions about making us feel bad when you are talking about your issues and it is just wrong. You are deciding my emotions, and not to be rude, but you don't get to do that. Your thoughts and feelings have interrupted and took over large parts of my life. Sometimes I'm even unable to revise because of you (not to say that it's your fault for having personal problems). I'm never going to get the hours I spent with you back but I hope that they were spent for a good reason and that they hold meaning in your life as they do in mine. I feel like I am constantly arguing with you over your views about yourself that you and I both know are wrong. You hold high expectations that you know you can't reach so you beat yourself up about your results every time: it really pains me from the bottom of my heart. I truly hoped that you would find the peace and happiness that never seemed to be present when we argued. At first, in _, when we dropped you, I felt awful but I also believed that the worst was over. I thought that when you came back, everything would be fine but I can't deny my own feelings. Your emotions are overbearing and it's overwhelming me to a point where sometimes I get frustrated. To reiterate, you don't upset me and I have no problem with you but I need my space. I need my time. I need my own attention but most importantly, I need my life back. I'm sorry I could never take care of you or help you, despite my efforts. I've had many great memories with you but now is the time to think. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to do my exams because of my thoughts holding me back and that's exactly what happened. I am scared for you, _. I hope you know that I always cared and wanted to help. I hope you know that I will never give up on you and your journey but above all, I hope you know that sometimes things must come to an end. Goodbye, __.
And even after all of that we still were friends again but now they don't mention anything about mental health and I feel like I caused this. Was I wrong to want my life back as a child because I didn't know how to handle them then?
submitted by PossiblyLazy to AITAH [link] [comments]
To _, I've known you since _. Honestly, it was nice at first; that was until you started with your anxious feelings. In no way shape or form did I think that your anxiety was a bad thing; I just felt as though I couldn't deal with it. Every time I couldn't convince you to eat or take your medicine, it would make me feel like a bad person. This didn't necessarily upset me but it made me feel like I wasn't a good friend to you. On many occasions, you would accuse me of yelling at you. I really thought that it was just my natural voice but when you said it out loud, it felt like someone had stabbed me. I'm sorry for any miscommunications that happened and I'm sorry that we couldn't make this work. I even walked out when I knew that I couldn't help you because it would be the best for you and I. I could never be there for you which was frustrating enough because you also never listened to anyone's advice. Even now, as you say that you are beginning to listen to us, it doesn't seem true. You always jump to conclusions about making us feel bad when you are talking about your issues and it is just wrong. You are deciding my emotions, and not to be rude, but you don't get to do that. Your thoughts and feelings have interrupted and took over large parts of my life. Sometimes I'm even unable to revise because of you (not to say that it's your fault for having personal problems). I'm never going to get the hours I spent with you back but I hope that they were spent for a good reason and that they hold meaning in your life as they do in mine. I feel like I am constantly arguing with you over your views about yourself that you and I both know are wrong. You hold high expectations that you know you can't reach so you beat yourself up about your results every time: it really pains me from the bottom of my heart. I truly hoped that you would find the peace and happiness that never seemed to be present when we argued. At first, in _, when we dropped you, I felt awful but I also believed that the worst was over. I thought that when you came back, everything would be fine but I can't deny my own feelings. Your emotions are overbearing and it's overwhelming me to a point where sometimes I get frustrated. To reiterate, you don't upset me and I have no problem with you but I need my space. I need my time. I need my own attention but most importantly, I need my life back. I'm sorry I could never take care of you or help you, despite my efforts. I've had many great memories with you but now is the time to think. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to do my exams because of my thoughts holding me back and that's exactly what happened. I am scared for you, _. I hope you know that I always cared and wanted to help. I hope you know that I will never give up on you and your journey but above all, I hope you know that sometimes things must come to an end. Goodbye, __.
And even after all of that we still were friends again but now they don't mention anything about mental health and I feel like I caused this. Was I wrong to want my life back as a child because I didn't know how to handle them then?
2024.05.19 14:00 Sir_David_Davidson More important than a woman's reaction to you is YOUR REACTION to their reaction!
Hi, David here!
Many inexperienced men believe that if they show interest, e.g. ask a girl out or try to kiss her, and the girl does not reciprocate, then it is game over.
The truth is that it all depends on your reaction to her reaction. If you go for the kiss and she turns her cheek to you, and you react by being hurt or overly apologetic, then it may likely be game over.
Same also goes if you get all sulky and butt-hurt if she turns you down for a date. But if you instead react by smiling, shrug it off, and continue the conversation as if nothing had happened, then your self-confidence may generate more attraction than if you had actually gotten what you wanted in the first place.
The most important thing when it comes to asking someone out is to do so in a low pressure way where you communicate to the other person that you will not be upset if they say no.
The longer you wait to ask someone out, the more likely it is that you will become more invested in the relationship's outcome. This will only make it harder for you to remain cool and nonreactive when interacting with the person. So quit putting it off and go for it already!
BTW, I wanted to let you know that I just finished putting together my eBook "Bros Guide to Meeting Women" version 4.0 and would LOVE to get some honest feedback from you!
I decided to give it away for free for the time being.
The eBook is 27 pages long and gives you a practical step-by-step solution to meeting women (15+ years of knowledge put into it).
You can get the eBook by clicking here!
This book is the result of going out and socializing with girls for over a decade. I have put in there all the fundamentals I have learned over that time so I would really appreciate all the feedback I could get!!
What are your thoughts? Do you have any tips to add?
Let's discuss in the comments :)
Thanks for reading and have a GREAT day!
David Davidson
submitted by Sir_David_Davidson to BrosDatingAdvice [link] [comments]
Many inexperienced men believe that if they show interest, e.g. ask a girl out or try to kiss her, and the girl does not reciprocate, then it is game over.
The truth is that it all depends on your reaction to her reaction. If you go for the kiss and she turns her cheek to you, and you react by being hurt or overly apologetic, then it may likely be game over.
Same also goes if you get all sulky and butt-hurt if she turns you down for a date. But if you instead react by smiling, shrug it off, and continue the conversation as if nothing had happened, then your self-confidence may generate more attraction than if you had actually gotten what you wanted in the first place.
The most important thing when it comes to asking someone out is to do so in a low pressure way where you communicate to the other person that you will not be upset if they say no.
The longer you wait to ask someone out, the more likely it is that you will become more invested in the relationship's outcome. This will only make it harder for you to remain cool and nonreactive when interacting with the person. So quit putting it off and go for it already!
BTW, I wanted to let you know that I just finished putting together my eBook "Bros Guide to Meeting Women" version 4.0 and would LOVE to get some honest feedback from you!
I decided to give it away for free for the time being.
The eBook is 27 pages long and gives you a practical step-by-step solution to meeting women (15+ years of knowledge put into it).
You can get the eBook by clicking here!
This book is the result of going out and socializing with girls for over a decade. I have put in there all the fundamentals I have learned over that time so I would really appreciate all the feedback I could get!!
What are your thoughts? Do you have any tips to add?
Let's discuss in the comments :)
Thanks for reading and have a GREAT day!
David Davidson
2024.05.19 13:56 Supah_Cole The sensations of urinating and ejaculating are switched.
Every time you go to pee, you can expect an orgasm, and every time you try to ejaculate, piss comes out.
At dinner parties, you're famous for this, and you tell others that every time you feel you have to pee, you get excited. Just getting in the stall, locking the door, and uncontrollably moaning just as loud as you can with your foot shaking nonstop. Strangers look at you with a diverse range of emotions, from shock and horror, to curiosity, to downright envy. It's usually the latter, poorly hidden. Why should you get the pleasure of an orgasm at least once a day whenever you need to go? Why can't they be so gifted? They act freaked out, but upon explanation, they would crawl over broken glass to find the Nirvana that you have. You take another sip and men at the table here to excuse themselves. Ladies draw in closer.
You always retort that you have already fallen in love with the feeling of using the men's room since you were little and you're too at bliss to care to hide it. No matter how shitty your day goes, you always have something to look forward to. In a professional environment, this can't be held against you, otherwise, it would legally count againsy discrimination of character. It's medical. In fact, just last year, to stop the social pariah from occuring, they've given you your own office, with your own bathroom, on the next floor up. You can be fully alone now. All things simply must pass.
With that - You can feel the sheer amount of water you've been intentionally drinking building up in your bladder, and, with a smile on your face, you excuse yourself from the table.
Everyone will notice your absence with a thousand yard stare.
submitted by Supah_Cole to shittysuperpowers [link] [comments]
At dinner parties, you're famous for this, and you tell others that every time you feel you have to pee, you get excited. Just getting in the stall, locking the door, and uncontrollably moaning just as loud as you can with your foot shaking nonstop. Strangers look at you with a diverse range of emotions, from shock and horror, to curiosity, to downright envy. It's usually the latter, poorly hidden. Why should you get the pleasure of an orgasm at least once a day whenever you need to go? Why can't they be so gifted? They act freaked out, but upon explanation, they would crawl over broken glass to find the Nirvana that you have. You take another sip and men at the table here to excuse themselves. Ladies draw in closer.
You always retort that you have already fallen in love with the feeling of using the men's room since you were little and you're too at bliss to care to hide it. No matter how shitty your day goes, you always have something to look forward to. In a professional environment, this can't be held against you, otherwise, it would legally count againsy discrimination of character. It's medical. In fact, just last year, to stop the social pariah from occuring, they've given you your own office, with your own bathroom, on the next floor up. You can be fully alone now. All things simply must pass.
With that - You can feel the sheer amount of water you've been intentionally drinking building up in your bladder, and, with a smile on your face, you excuse yourself from the table.
Everyone will notice your absence with a thousand yard stare.
2024.05.19 13:46 NOTHISISUSI To My Favorite Person
I miss you. All the time. It doesn't matter how long it's been since I last saw you or talked to you, I just always miss you. When I wake up in the mornings, my first thought is you and as I fall asleep each night (or morning, in most cases) my last thought is of you. Every moment spent without you is a moment I dread.
You make me want to live. Until now, I was just going about my life because I had no other choice. But you make me want to do things with my life. I want to be someone you can be proud of, someone that can make you smile and laugh as often as you've done so for me. I wish I could be for you what you've been for me for so long - my favorite person <3
submitted by NOTHISISUSI to UnsentLetters [link] [comments]
You make me want to live. Until now, I was just going about my life because I had no other choice. But you make me want to do things with my life. I want to be someone you can be proud of, someone that can make you smile and laugh as often as you've done so for me. I wish I could be for you what you've been for me for so long - my favorite person <3
2024.05.19 13:39 thisfilmkid I learned my close friend is actually popular, I had no clue
Preface: being an introvert can be very difficult during moments of social gatherings, and it’s an awful feeling.
I met a friend through work, a bro. And because of work, we vibe together, communicate consistently, and keep a healthy connection between us both.
Yesterday, after an invitation to hangout, surprisingly with his own group of friends after a sporting event, I learned he has a large group of friends. A friend group that’s mixed with his “very close” friends, others from playing football, and then there’s me, a watcher of the game.
Internally, I felt awkward and very odd during moments because their conversations were beyond me; I had no clue what they were talking about. I was simply nodding, smiling, and occasionally watching the sporting games in the restaurant. Now, his friends were chill, but I was uncomfortable for most of the hangout since they all knew each other, and it was my first time meeting his “other friends.”
I’m an introvert and do way better in smaller groups. But, oddly enough, today I woke up wanting to disappear from this friendship for no identifiable reason. I keep asking myself, “How did I get here?” My social battery filled up quickly. Now, I’m drained.
Sadly, I grew up not having large groups of friends. It was always a small and collected group. But what I also identified, I might not be a “close friend” as I expected, and that’s either a mind thing or a sign from reality.
I’m putting my jacket on, head up, and keeping myself focused forward. I want to go MIA (Lol).
submitted by thisfilmkid to socialskills [link] [comments]
I met a friend through work, a bro. And because of work, we vibe together, communicate consistently, and keep a healthy connection between us both.
Yesterday, after an invitation to hangout, surprisingly with his own group of friends after a sporting event, I learned he has a large group of friends. A friend group that’s mixed with his “very close” friends, others from playing football, and then there’s me, a watcher of the game.
Internally, I felt awkward and very odd during moments because their conversations were beyond me; I had no clue what they were talking about. I was simply nodding, smiling, and occasionally watching the sporting games in the restaurant. Now, his friends were chill, but I was uncomfortable for most of the hangout since they all knew each other, and it was my first time meeting his “other friends.”
I’m an introvert and do way better in smaller groups. But, oddly enough, today I woke up wanting to disappear from this friendship for no identifiable reason. I keep asking myself, “How did I get here?” My social battery filled up quickly. Now, I’m drained.
Sadly, I grew up not having large groups of friends. It was always a small and collected group. But what I also identified, I might not be a “close friend” as I expected, and that’s either a mind thing or a sign from reality.
I’m putting my jacket on, head up, and keeping myself focused forward. I want to go MIA (Lol).
2024.05.19 13:38 Any-Gloss186 Have I(23F) fallen for weaponised incompetence from my unhygienic BF (24M)?
I (24F) have been with my partner (23M) for almost two years now. Since we have met he has seemed to struggle with basic hygiene and self care. I didn't notice straight away (whether that was because he hid it at first or he actually made effort before I'm unsure of), but signs started to creep in.
When we first started dating I had to force him to visit a dentist (as his breath had a strong odur and visible plaque) he refused and held it off even when I refused to kiss him because of it, he would make excuses and say his teeth were fine. After I made him visit, his smiled looked amazing, but even today I have to remind him to brush his teeth.
I have to remind him to shower, I have started a new job and hadn't told him to for about a week or two and in that time he hadn't showered once despite working from home. I keep telling him to remember or to set reminders, he has remembered a little more recently but its still inconsistent.
He started growing out his hai beard and expectedly, he didn't know how to brush it and take care of it, so I had to show him multiple times and I've asked him to watch tutorials but he hadn't over the course of a year. I have brought him the products and brushes. We even had an argument at one point when i suggested he shape his beard (causally because i had just shaped my eyebrows and noticed they offer beard services), which he now agrees was silly. Whenever we go out I either have to do his hair for him or he would leave it as a mess because he seems completely unaware of how to take care of his beard/hair. This includes any dates or events, even my graduation I had to drop my flowers and fix his hair for him before photography.
However, today he came put of the shower looking and smelling amazing. He did his hair perfectly, brushed and hydrated his beard better than he ever has and dressed presentably. I could tell he also had a proper shower (with no prompting). This is this first time he has done any of this, and all so quickly aswell. I had actively convinced myself that he didn't know how to use a brush so had to do it for him this whole time. I was happy at first and then remembered he was seeing a friend today and then it hurt. This whole time, from every date and event, even my graduation to even small routine hygiene tasks I thought he was unable to do these things himself, but did so easily just to see a friend and get a drink.
Is there something I'm missing, I let it go this far because he excels in other areas and can be so kind, loving and caring. I also have my faults. However the dramatic 180 in one day when I had thought he had been completely inable has confused me. Was he pretending this whole time so I did this stuff for him, or did he stop caring the longer we were together?
TLDR: My BF seems to struggle with hygiene and I had to partially take care of him by reminding, prompting and even doing parts for him because he seemed unable to (even for dates), but he suddenly did it all and more himself today to go and have a drink with friends. Have I been bamboozled into doing it for him?
submitted by Any-Gloss186 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
When we first started dating I had to force him to visit a dentist (as his breath had a strong odur and visible plaque) he refused and held it off even when I refused to kiss him because of it, he would make excuses and say his teeth were fine. After I made him visit, his smiled looked amazing, but even today I have to remind him to brush his teeth.
I have to remind him to shower, I have started a new job and hadn't told him to for about a week or two and in that time he hadn't showered once despite working from home. I keep telling him to remember or to set reminders, he has remembered a little more recently but its still inconsistent.
He started growing out his hai beard and expectedly, he didn't know how to brush it and take care of it, so I had to show him multiple times and I've asked him to watch tutorials but he hadn't over the course of a year. I have brought him the products and brushes. We even had an argument at one point when i suggested he shape his beard (causally because i had just shaped my eyebrows and noticed they offer beard services), which he now agrees was silly. Whenever we go out I either have to do his hair for him or he would leave it as a mess because he seems completely unaware of how to take care of his beard/hair. This includes any dates or events, even my graduation I had to drop my flowers and fix his hair for him before photography.
However, today he came put of the shower looking and smelling amazing. He did his hair perfectly, brushed and hydrated his beard better than he ever has and dressed presentably. I could tell he also had a proper shower (with no prompting). This is this first time he has done any of this, and all so quickly aswell. I had actively convinced myself that he didn't know how to use a brush so had to do it for him this whole time. I was happy at first and then remembered he was seeing a friend today and then it hurt. This whole time, from every date and event, even my graduation to even small routine hygiene tasks I thought he was unable to do these things himself, but did so easily just to see a friend and get a drink.
Is there something I'm missing, I let it go this far because he excels in other areas and can be so kind, loving and caring. I also have my faults. However the dramatic 180 in one day when I had thought he had been completely inable has confused me. Was he pretending this whole time so I did this stuff for him, or did he stop caring the longer we were together?
TLDR: My BF seems to struggle with hygiene and I had to partially take care of him by reminding, prompting and even doing parts for him because he seemed unable to (even for dates), but he suddenly did it all and more himself today to go and have a drink with friends. Have I been bamboozled into doing it for him?
2024.05.19 13:33 CodeTailor I 30M met a 30F on dating app. Red flags and pregnancy scare... or am I being paranoid?
I met a girl on dating app in the city.
When I ask her out on first date on dating app, she said "no lets wait until we are ready" because she somehow sense I'm not excited enough to ask her out. I explain that I am and we make plans. She asks for my full name and for me to send her more photos.
I thought first date went well and was fun, aside from a couple of odd points like she says she is a risk taker and insists on asking me about past relationship. She also seemed interested in my job and about finances, maybe she has impression that I am rich.
She is only in the country for work, she is from asia. I think she wants to stay. Her profile says she wants kids.
When we are texting after first date, I say and enjoy it and she says she didn't think I was interested because I didn't split bill, I didn't smile a lot. I explained that's just how I am actually really enjoyed seeing her. She seemed to be ok after I explain it. We plan the second date.
The night before second date, in text I said see you tomorrow, she said can we do 2pm, I said "as you wish". She accused me of not having genuine desire for the date. She says she has limited free time and only want to see people who really care about her. Then she text let's not meet up. I actually was really excited to see her at this point and I was shocked, so I call her and try to explain myself, she said she appreciates my effort with communication and we go on the second date. I feel it's little manipulative to say let's not meet up and then want to meet up with me after talking
I think it's odd she expects me to desire her so much.
On the second date. We get food and I thought it was going well again. Conversation was more light and fun. However, she tells me at some point that she expects a lot from guy in relationship because she is arrogant and was spoiled by her previous boyfriends. OK, little red flag.
We go back to my place. Were sitting and talking, she begins asking vague qualifying questions to me like:
Can you change for me? I want someone who will put me above their career, move locations for me, etc
I want to share everything, some people want partnership, I don't want that. Some people sign papers before marriage, I don't want that. (she was talking about prenup)
She seemed to be asking like how much I would be willing to do for her in a very vague way. She asked other questions along these same lines for like 20 minutes. It was weirdly demanding for a second date situation, and when she was done she asked if she should leave. I guess almost expecting me to say yes? but I said no.
Then we had sex. After sex, I go to the bathroom. I fill the condom with water from the sink to check for leak. Then I drop it in the toilet. I forget to flush it, then I exit and she goes into the bathroom. She takes a while in there. I was worried because I forgot to flush it.
After that, we cuddle for 15 minutes. I drop some jokes and she after each one she hits or slaps me. Like with some actual force, but she doesn't realize it hurts me and is not gentle. Hit me in the neck while we were cuddling. I tell her it bothers me and she shouldn't do that. She does it again like 5 minutes later, says it will take time for her to change that. I thought that's another bit of a red flag. Then she says she should be going because she has to do some work.
She wants to take a photo together before she leaves, i agree.
I am really confused by the whole thing. I don't feel like I can trust her. Seems like she is asking permission to ruin my life with her questioning. I worried she used condom in toilet to try to get pregnant. Super worried.
submitted by CodeTailor to AskMenRelationships [link] [comments]
When I ask her out on first date on dating app, she said "no lets wait until we are ready" because she somehow sense I'm not excited enough to ask her out. I explain that I am and we make plans. She asks for my full name and for me to send her more photos.
I thought first date went well and was fun, aside from a couple of odd points like she says she is a risk taker and insists on asking me about past relationship. She also seemed interested in my job and about finances, maybe she has impression that I am rich.
She is only in the country for work, she is from asia. I think she wants to stay. Her profile says she wants kids.
When we are texting after first date, I say and enjoy it and she says she didn't think I was interested because I didn't split bill, I didn't smile a lot. I explained that's just how I am actually really enjoyed seeing her. She seemed to be ok after I explain it. We plan the second date.
The night before second date, in text I said see you tomorrow, she said can we do 2pm, I said "as you wish". She accused me of not having genuine desire for the date. She says she has limited free time and only want to see people who really care about her. Then she text let's not meet up. I actually was really excited to see her at this point and I was shocked, so I call her and try to explain myself, she said she appreciates my effort with communication and we go on the second date. I feel it's little manipulative to say let's not meet up and then want to meet up with me after talking
I think it's odd she expects me to desire her so much.
On the second date. We get food and I thought it was going well again. Conversation was more light and fun. However, she tells me at some point that she expects a lot from guy in relationship because she is arrogant and was spoiled by her previous boyfriends. OK, little red flag.
We go back to my place. Were sitting and talking, she begins asking vague qualifying questions to me like:
Can you change for me? I want someone who will put me above their career, move locations for me, etc
I want to share everything, some people want partnership, I don't want that. Some people sign papers before marriage, I don't want that. (she was talking about prenup)
She seemed to be asking like how much I would be willing to do for her in a very vague way. She asked other questions along these same lines for like 20 minutes. It was weirdly demanding for a second date situation, and when she was done she asked if she should leave. I guess almost expecting me to say yes? but I said no.
Then we had sex. After sex, I go to the bathroom. I fill the condom with water from the sink to check for leak. Then I drop it in the toilet. I forget to flush it, then I exit and she goes into the bathroom. She takes a while in there. I was worried because I forgot to flush it.
After that, we cuddle for 15 minutes. I drop some jokes and she after each one she hits or slaps me. Like with some actual force, but she doesn't realize it hurts me and is not gentle. Hit me in the neck while we were cuddling. I tell her it bothers me and she shouldn't do that. She does it again like 5 minutes later, says it will take time for her to change that. I thought that's another bit of a red flag. Then she says she should be going because she has to do some work.
She wants to take a photo together before she leaves, i agree.
I am really confused by the whole thing. I don't feel like I can trust her. Seems like she is asking permission to ruin my life with her questioning. I worried she used condom in toilet to try to get pregnant. Super worried.
2024.05.19 13:33 Aguilar8 I’ve lost all empathy, feelings and emotion. I feel nothing…
I've lost all feelings, empathy, pain. I don't feel anything anymore
I don't even know why I'm not even posting this on a fake account or whatever but I don't care. I just wanted to write this out and maybe someone can relate with me because frankly, I am just alone.
Long story short, my youth was amazing. I had friends, loved my school, loved life, and was happy. I don't ever remember not smiling. Then at 13, my parents moved countries, and my life came crumbling down. From the age of 13 onwards, I was bullied. People picked on me, threw stuff at me—you name it. I was just a sweet kid who loved nature and was kind. My parents loved me, I was happy, and the world ruined me. I was bullied, harassed, beat up. I was a poor innocent 13-year-old who came to a "new world" of bullies. It ruined me. From 13-15, I hated every second of my life, lost my smile, lost weight, lost everything. I became angry, distant, and lost myself in video games to ease the pain and suffering.
I may delete this post; I don't know why I'm typing this, but it feels good for someone to read this if anyone reads this. I was broken, hurt, and hated everything and everyone. Then, at 15, I decided enough was enough. I went all in on learning how to fight—boxing, Muay Thai, anything that could hurt people back. At 16, I became really good without being arrogant. I decided to move schools to try to finish my remaining three years of high school comfortably without hating every second. New school, same story—got picked on, fights, etc. Long story short, everyone that tried to fight me regretted that decision. I know this sounds cringe, but I'm being honest. People stopped fighting me, people stopped annoying me. Everyone stopped. I was finally at peace, you could say. I was never a bad person, never the demon I have now become. I was a sweet kid who loved life and the world hurt me. I spent those three years of high school quite comfortably; not a single person dared to annoy me. I never annoyed or bullied anyone, by the way. I only defended myself from being attacked.
I fixed my skin, fixed my hair, got a killer body, made some good money, started becoming nicer again, more myself, tried to find a girlfriend, friends, tried new activities and groups, yet no one wanted to socialize with me. The only people that ever talked to me wanted something (I come from a good family). I don't really know the flow of this message; it's just coming out of my brain, and I'm typing. I finished high school, and to this day (I'm in my 20s), I have massive problems socializing and talking to people. I'm nice, not rude, not arrogant—nothing. Girls ignore me and date the bad boys who later abuse them.
I am now in my 20s, and ever since I was 17, I've realized I feel nothing anymore. I always get into arguments with my family as they think it's fine—they say they've been bullied before, but there is only so much words can describe. I am very easily annoyed and feel terrible. Sometimes I get angry over stupid stuff like if the food cold or like someone drives too slow. Only one person in my life has ever believed my story and felt empathy for me, and that person lived a similar story to me.
I also lost most of my family. I found out they were talking behind my back, saying rude things about me and my parent and they didn't really like me and were very jealous. When I confronted them, they stopped talking to me. My parents don't understand the years of suffering I endured and the things I did to myself. I used to train and fight shadows for hours. I would punch bags so hard my skin would rip off. I'd scream so hard my throat hurt. I now feel nothing. No pain, no happiness, no empathy, nothing.
I was in a car accident recently—a drunk driver drove into me. I broke both arms and felt nothing. I felt pain, but no anger, no guilt, nothing. I've seen horrible things and felt nothing. The world has turned me cold and broken. I crave a social life, a girlfriend, someone, you know? I want someone to fix me, love me, lift me up. I want someone...
I am a good person, not a sociopath. If I ever find a girlfriend or a wife, I'd give her the world and love her to death. I would never cheat on her or anything. I know so many people who get infinite girlfriends that are stunning and treat them like shit, and the girls still love them. I am a good person deep down, but right now I am experiencing severe social rejection, and my past follows me. I now prefer to go out a night to avoid people. Seeing happy couples and friend groups makes me angry and sad. The only time I feel anything is when I drive insanely fast at night with my bike. Stupid I know. But I feel nothing. I also don’t put other people in dangers as I do it on remote roads.
I don't want this post to sound cringe or for people to make fun of me because I "bragged" about being able to fight. If you do, I'll probably delete it and this account. Admins, delete this if it's not allowed, but perhaps someone has experienced something similar to me and can help me?
submitted by Aguilar8 to depression [link] [comments]
I don't even know why I'm not even posting this on a fake account or whatever but I don't care. I just wanted to write this out and maybe someone can relate with me because frankly, I am just alone.
Long story short, my youth was amazing. I had friends, loved my school, loved life, and was happy. I don't ever remember not smiling. Then at 13, my parents moved countries, and my life came crumbling down. From the age of 13 onwards, I was bullied. People picked on me, threw stuff at me—you name it. I was just a sweet kid who loved nature and was kind. My parents loved me, I was happy, and the world ruined me. I was bullied, harassed, beat up. I was a poor innocent 13-year-old who came to a "new world" of bullies. It ruined me. From 13-15, I hated every second of my life, lost my smile, lost weight, lost everything. I became angry, distant, and lost myself in video games to ease the pain and suffering.
I may delete this post; I don't know why I'm typing this, but it feels good for someone to read this if anyone reads this. I was broken, hurt, and hated everything and everyone. Then, at 15, I decided enough was enough. I went all in on learning how to fight—boxing, Muay Thai, anything that could hurt people back. At 16, I became really good without being arrogant. I decided to move schools to try to finish my remaining three years of high school comfortably without hating every second. New school, same story—got picked on, fights, etc. Long story short, everyone that tried to fight me regretted that decision. I know this sounds cringe, but I'm being honest. People stopped fighting me, people stopped annoying me. Everyone stopped. I was finally at peace, you could say. I was never a bad person, never the demon I have now become. I was a sweet kid who loved life and the world hurt me. I spent those three years of high school quite comfortably; not a single person dared to annoy me. I never annoyed or bullied anyone, by the way. I only defended myself from being attacked.
I fixed my skin, fixed my hair, got a killer body, made some good money, started becoming nicer again, more myself, tried to find a girlfriend, friends, tried new activities and groups, yet no one wanted to socialize with me. The only people that ever talked to me wanted something (I come from a good family). I don't really know the flow of this message; it's just coming out of my brain, and I'm typing. I finished high school, and to this day (I'm in my 20s), I have massive problems socializing and talking to people. I'm nice, not rude, not arrogant—nothing. Girls ignore me and date the bad boys who later abuse them.
I am now in my 20s, and ever since I was 17, I've realized I feel nothing anymore. I always get into arguments with my family as they think it's fine—they say they've been bullied before, but there is only so much words can describe. I am very easily annoyed and feel terrible. Sometimes I get angry over stupid stuff like if the food cold or like someone drives too slow. Only one person in my life has ever believed my story and felt empathy for me, and that person lived a similar story to me.
I also lost most of my family. I found out they were talking behind my back, saying rude things about me and my parent and they didn't really like me and were very jealous. When I confronted them, they stopped talking to me. My parents don't understand the years of suffering I endured and the things I did to myself. I used to train and fight shadows for hours. I would punch bags so hard my skin would rip off. I'd scream so hard my throat hurt. I now feel nothing. No pain, no happiness, no empathy, nothing.
I was in a car accident recently—a drunk driver drove into me. I broke both arms and felt nothing. I felt pain, but no anger, no guilt, nothing. I've seen horrible things and felt nothing. The world has turned me cold and broken. I crave a social life, a girlfriend, someone, you know? I want someone to fix me, love me, lift me up. I want someone...
I am a good person, not a sociopath. If I ever find a girlfriend or a wife, I'd give her the world and love her to death. I would never cheat on her or anything. I know so many people who get infinite girlfriends that are stunning and treat them like shit, and the girls still love them. I am a good person deep down, but right now I am experiencing severe social rejection, and my past follows me. I now prefer to go out a night to avoid people. Seeing happy couples and friend groups makes me angry and sad. The only time I feel anything is when I drive insanely fast at night with my bike. Stupid I know. But I feel nothing. I also don’t put other people in dangers as I do it on remote roads.
I don't want this post to sound cringe or for people to make fun of me because I "bragged" about being able to fight. If you do, I'll probably delete it and this account. Admins, delete this if it's not allowed, but perhaps someone has experienced something similar to me and can help me?
2024.05.19 13:30 LanesGrandma I think he can BE the door.
I started work at ShawbRyt a week ago and am already Team Lead for Night Collections, the first female Team Lead for this district. Name’s Charley. Wish I could say what we collect for but I don’t care so I never asked. All I know is, my team only accepts cash. No debit, no credit, no cheques, no body parts, just paper cash issued by our government. And we get a lot of it, every day, brought in by muscular people who I think got it from other people. That’s all I know. But that amount of cash means someone from the team has to make a bank deposit at the end of every shift.
Today (well, tonight really, since it’s night shift) the district manager told me to take Kedgewick with me when I go to the bank. That way I wouldn’t be the only one on the Team that knows how to make the deposit and so that I’m not going alone. That isn’t him being sexist. The previous Team Lead was a guy and he disappeared while doing a night deposit so I guess it’s good for business. Even if it isn’t good for business, I don’t care. Not my business.
Kedge is new, he’s only been with us two days. He’s a jeans, T-shirt and blazer kinda guy. Brand name athletic shoes; today’s were red. No tie. Blond hair, slightly messy, no beard or mustache or earring. Always somewhat nervous and a lot annoying but I get paid to do what I’m told, not to ask questions.
At the appointed time, which I’m not going to say for security reasons, I tapped Kedge on the shoulder of his irritatingly clean white T-shirt. The kid jumped like I’d shoved a gun in his face.
“Deposit time,” I whispered.
He looked at me like I was kidnapping him.
I pointed to the gray blazer on the back of his chair. “We gotta go.”
He kept staring at me while he put on his jacket.
Once outside, I pointed to the bank, two blocks away. “Ever made a night deposit?”
He kept staring. I realized he might think I was propositioning him.
I held the deposit slip in front of his face to make sure he saw it. “See this? There’s 1,000 fives, 400 tens, 500 twenties, 120 fifties and 50 hundreds in the pouch. Thirty grand. Just like the total. Sign here.” I handed him a pen, hoping he knew how to use it and turned so he could use my back as a table. I kept a tight grip on the deposit pouch until he was done, then opened the pouch so he could put the slip inside.
He hesitated before releasing the paper. “We don’t keep a copy?”
“Got one in the office.” I grabbed the paper, jammed it into the pouch then sealed it shut. “We gotta go.”
He mostly kept up with me on the way to the bank. I slowed down as we approached and handed the pouch to him. “The night deposit box is inside those doors on the left. The door opens when you put this card,” I gave him my deposit card, “into the slot on the left of the door, see it? Then pull the deposit box handle, throw this in, slam it shut and come out. Any questions?”
He shook his head, looking about as confused as when I told him to put on his jacket. But he did head towards the door so I stood on the corner, wondering how long it would take for the guy already in the bank to finish and get out of Kedge’s way. The guy in the bank was hard to miss. He was wearing white jeans and a white jacket with a white cowboy hat. I started humming a Bee Gees' tune.
I stopped humming when movement a couple of yards up the street caught my attention. A man dressed in black walked out from behind a streetlight pole. I say behind, but it was more like he was the streetlight pole, because once he started walking, there was no more light, no more pole. I know it was dark but how was the pole there one second and gone the next?
That’s a good example of why I’m better off sticking to following orders, not asking questions. In the time it took me to wonder about the pole, the man walked up to the guy coming out of the bank and shot him twice through the head and twice thru the chest.
I couldn’t breathe or move. I watched in horror as the man grabbed the dead body by the shoulders. At the first touch, the man in black's wardrobe changed to white jeans and jacket. He even had a white cowboy hat. All without removing the dead guy's clothes. He threw the original man in white into the back parking lot's dumpster without so much as a grunt.
Kedge’s very loud running commentary snapped me back into action. "Did you see that? He killed that guy! Did you see that? He threw that guy away! Did you see that? He is that guy now!"
The man in black, now the man in white, might lack fashion sense but he had street smarts. He whipped around and stared at Kedge who then screamed, "He's looking at me! What should I do? Charley!"
At least I think that’s what Kedge was yelling. As soon as I saw the murderer pointing his gun at us, I ran towards the building across the street. Before Kedge finished yelling, I jumped over the fence to that building's parking lot. Once there, I looked back and saw Kedge following me, aiming a gun right at me. A bullet flew past me, grazing my arm. It hurt like the last time I got shot, and I dropped the damn deposit pouch.
I took a sharp right and zigzagged my way up the street behind buildings to the nearest main road. At some point, Kedge stopped following me which made things worse. The more I ran, the more my fear ramped up. It didn’t feel right, seeing a man commit murder, then Kedge trying to kill me and then they both disappear? Not right at all.
It was so wrong, I stopped running at the intersection of Gardiner Drive and Hornpot Lane. The light facing me was red and, well, my lungs, arm and legs were aching. My arm wasn't bleeding but it felt like it was on fire. I took a second to look at it and noticed something moving in the forsythia bush down the street, close enough to see under the street lights along Gardiner.
It was Kedge. He had the gun. He shot at me as he tripped and fell out of the bush.
My legs started pumping and everything around me became a blur. I was in the elevator in my apartment building before I noticed anything else and by then I was gasping for breath.
Kedge missed me, I'm not sure how. Every creak the elevator made sounded like a gunshot to me, all the way to the third floor. My hands shook so bad it took several tries to get the key in the door lock and I kept checking over my shoulders the whole time. I almost turned on the lights when I got inside but realized that wasn’t normal for most people at this time of night. I felt my way to the balcony door and made sure it was locked with curtains drawn.
My sofa is now behind the door to the apartment hallway. Not wanting to smell up the bedsheets and too sore to change them, I tossed a blanket on the sofa before lying down on it. Maybe everyone else would take a shower then listen to a podcast or two before sleep. But this is the middle of the night for people working “normal” hours. Building management said I get thrown out the next time I piss off my neighbors by showering this time of night, so I won’t.
Just as my heart beat was slowing, things took a bad turn. Which is why I'm sending this, in case — look, things could get worse.
Someone's knocking on my door. In the middle of the night. In an apartment building where I'll be up for eviction if there's one more complaint from a neighbor.
I've looked out the peephole. I can describe the person perfectly. His blond hair is slightly messy. He's wearing a blood-stained white T-shirt, jeans and a gray blazer. No tie, beard, mustache or earring. Red athletic shoes, one with the shoelace undone.
He's smiling. He's holding a gun.
I called Emergency Services and they said they'll be here soon. No, they could not define soon. I need to stay put and wait for them.
But the guy at my door won't stop smiling or knocking. And I'm afraid he's going to get in and I'll never get out again.
submitted by LanesGrandma to Odd_directions [link] [comments]
Today (well, tonight really, since it’s night shift) the district manager told me to take Kedgewick with me when I go to the bank. That way I wouldn’t be the only one on the Team that knows how to make the deposit and so that I’m not going alone. That isn’t him being sexist. The previous Team Lead was a guy and he disappeared while doing a night deposit so I guess it’s good for business. Even if it isn’t good for business, I don’t care. Not my business.
Kedge is new, he’s only been with us two days. He’s a jeans, T-shirt and blazer kinda guy. Brand name athletic shoes; today’s were red. No tie. Blond hair, slightly messy, no beard or mustache or earring. Always somewhat nervous and a lot annoying but I get paid to do what I’m told, not to ask questions.
At the appointed time, which I’m not going to say for security reasons, I tapped Kedge on the shoulder of his irritatingly clean white T-shirt. The kid jumped like I’d shoved a gun in his face.
“Deposit time,” I whispered.
He looked at me like I was kidnapping him.
I pointed to the gray blazer on the back of his chair. “We gotta go.”
He kept staring at me while he put on his jacket.
Once outside, I pointed to the bank, two blocks away. “Ever made a night deposit?”
He kept staring. I realized he might think I was propositioning him.
I held the deposit slip in front of his face to make sure he saw it. “See this? There’s 1,000 fives, 400 tens, 500 twenties, 120 fifties and 50 hundreds in the pouch. Thirty grand. Just like the total. Sign here.” I handed him a pen, hoping he knew how to use it and turned so he could use my back as a table. I kept a tight grip on the deposit pouch until he was done, then opened the pouch so he could put the slip inside.
He hesitated before releasing the paper. “We don’t keep a copy?”
“Got one in the office.” I grabbed the paper, jammed it into the pouch then sealed it shut. “We gotta go.”
He mostly kept up with me on the way to the bank. I slowed down as we approached and handed the pouch to him. “The night deposit box is inside those doors on the left. The door opens when you put this card,” I gave him my deposit card, “into the slot on the left of the door, see it? Then pull the deposit box handle, throw this in, slam it shut and come out. Any questions?”
He shook his head, looking about as confused as when I told him to put on his jacket. But he did head towards the door so I stood on the corner, wondering how long it would take for the guy already in the bank to finish and get out of Kedge’s way. The guy in the bank was hard to miss. He was wearing white jeans and a white jacket with a white cowboy hat. I started humming a Bee Gees' tune.
I stopped humming when movement a couple of yards up the street caught my attention. A man dressed in black walked out from behind a streetlight pole. I say behind, but it was more like he was the streetlight pole, because once he started walking, there was no more light, no more pole. I know it was dark but how was the pole there one second and gone the next?
That’s a good example of why I’m better off sticking to following orders, not asking questions. In the time it took me to wonder about the pole, the man walked up to the guy coming out of the bank and shot him twice through the head and twice thru the chest.
I couldn’t breathe or move. I watched in horror as the man grabbed the dead body by the shoulders. At the first touch, the man in black's wardrobe changed to white jeans and jacket. He even had a white cowboy hat. All without removing the dead guy's clothes. He threw the original man in white into the back parking lot's dumpster without so much as a grunt.
Kedge’s very loud running commentary snapped me back into action. "Did you see that? He killed that guy! Did you see that? He threw that guy away! Did you see that? He is that guy now!"
The man in black, now the man in white, might lack fashion sense but he had street smarts. He whipped around and stared at Kedge who then screamed, "He's looking at me! What should I do? Charley!"
At least I think that’s what Kedge was yelling. As soon as I saw the murderer pointing his gun at us, I ran towards the building across the street. Before Kedge finished yelling, I jumped over the fence to that building's parking lot. Once there, I looked back and saw Kedge following me, aiming a gun right at me. A bullet flew past me, grazing my arm. It hurt like the last time I got shot, and I dropped the damn deposit pouch.
I took a sharp right and zigzagged my way up the street behind buildings to the nearest main road. At some point, Kedge stopped following me which made things worse. The more I ran, the more my fear ramped up. It didn’t feel right, seeing a man commit murder, then Kedge trying to kill me and then they both disappear? Not right at all.
It was so wrong, I stopped running at the intersection of Gardiner Drive and Hornpot Lane. The light facing me was red and, well, my lungs, arm and legs were aching. My arm wasn't bleeding but it felt like it was on fire. I took a second to look at it and noticed something moving in the forsythia bush down the street, close enough to see under the street lights along Gardiner.
It was Kedge. He had the gun. He shot at me as he tripped and fell out of the bush.
My legs started pumping and everything around me became a blur. I was in the elevator in my apartment building before I noticed anything else and by then I was gasping for breath.
Kedge missed me, I'm not sure how. Every creak the elevator made sounded like a gunshot to me, all the way to the third floor. My hands shook so bad it took several tries to get the key in the door lock and I kept checking over my shoulders the whole time. I almost turned on the lights when I got inside but realized that wasn’t normal for most people at this time of night. I felt my way to the balcony door and made sure it was locked with curtains drawn.
My sofa is now behind the door to the apartment hallway. Not wanting to smell up the bedsheets and too sore to change them, I tossed a blanket on the sofa before lying down on it. Maybe everyone else would take a shower then listen to a podcast or two before sleep. But this is the middle of the night for people working “normal” hours. Building management said I get thrown out the next time I piss off my neighbors by showering this time of night, so I won’t.
Just as my heart beat was slowing, things took a bad turn. Which is why I'm sending this, in case — look, things could get worse.
Someone's knocking on my door. In the middle of the night. In an apartment building where I'll be up for eviction if there's one more complaint from a neighbor.
I've looked out the peephole. I can describe the person perfectly. His blond hair is slightly messy. He's wearing a blood-stained white T-shirt, jeans and a gray blazer. No tie, beard, mustache or earring. Red athletic shoes, one with the shoelace undone.
He's smiling. He's holding a gun.
I called Emergency Services and they said they'll be here soon. No, they could not define soon. I need to stay put and wait for them.
But the guy at my door won't stop smiling or knocking. And I'm afraid he's going to get in and I'll never get out again.
2024.05.19 13:28 DifficultSquash3459 My fiancé 26M ghosted me 25F and moved out without a goodbye. What do I do?
My fiancé had a habit of lying to me since day one and I discovered another lie on Thursday, three days ago. It caused an argument and so much frustration, depression, anger, and disappointment in me. He promised again and again that he was done lying and I would believe him, only to be stabbed again in the back when another lie came out a week or a few weeks later. He kept trying to say it was my fault that he would lie to me and that I was overreacting. No apology involved. He also told his mother about the argument even though we discussed in the past that it was not right to do because he only would tell a small portion of the story and of course, he makes himself look like the victim and I'm the one in the bad light. Plus she almost caused us to break up back when we were just dating because of him running to her after fights and she would give him terrible advice to leave me because of the one-sided stories she would hear. Last year when that happened, he would pretend to be all loving and happy with me but then run to his mom if we had the slightest of arguments. For example, if we set some boundaries for ourselves and he wasn't consistent with them, I would confront him. He would tell his mother a terrible version of it and she spun up that I was abusive. So they would talk behind my back like this over lies while he smiled in my face. That's when I knew he could put on such facades and lie so easily. I should have left then, I saw the signs, but I was a fool. There was a part of me that suspected this would happen one day, not the ghosting because never in my dreams would I have imagined him being this evil, but I had a feeling this might not work out. I mean I was always questioning my reality and him especially when he would lie and tell me I was imagining things while swearing on his life, my life, our future unborn children, his parent's life, and on Jesus that was telling the truth. Only later find out he was actually lying and I wasn't imagining it. I mean I gave him my trust again and again, which was so hard for me to do in the first place, and he just kept shattering it even knowing how much it hurt me. So I told him I needed some space for the evening and I said I don't know if I can keep doing this (which he took and ran with even though I said it in the heat of the moment when I was hurt, we have both said things like that before in arguments and didn't mean it) and I asked him to get a hotel just for the night, which he did. The next day, I go into work and I receive one single text telling me I made one small thing into a huge deal. He would try to gaslight me at times and he was HUGE at twisting the role and playing the victim. I responded with the reasons why it was not okay for him to keep lying to me because it hurts me so much and why it wasn't just "one small thing," because behind that lie, so many other issues were there too. I didn't get a response. He usually would text me all day everyday and would be so loving and attentive so it was odd. So I went home that day expecting him to be there to talk about it. I arrive home and his truck isn't there. I walk inside and all of his stuff is moved out and gone. He put a photo of the two of us face down on the table and smashed our Bonsai that we called the Bonsai of Love because it was supposed to resemble our relationship. I called and called and texted and texted yet no response. I was begging him to come home to talk. I apologized for getting upset the night prior and that I just want him back home with me. I just couldn't understand how he could do this. It was all delivering too so I wasn't blocked. It wasn't until 10pm when he blocked me after I texted asking why hasn't he blocked me if he's really done? That was me trying to find hope in the situation that maybe he would return and that's why he didn't block me. Well after that, I was blocked. His mother also removed me from the family group chat. It made me wonder if he was just sitting back and laughing at my pleads for a response and possibly even sharing my distraught and sad messages to others. I suspect his mother played a huge role again because again, she almost caused a break up last year because of getting involved and turning him against me with the knowledge he shared, just enough knowledge to make me the villain. It has been two days and I have been ghosted by my fiancé. He also did this the day of my best friend's wedding rehearsal (I'm her maid of honor) and her wedding was yesterday (which he ghosted them for as well). Imagine how hard it is giving a speech for your best friend and her lovely fiancé, now her husband, when you were just horribly ghosted from your own a day prior and are now single. His empty chair was taunting me the whole time too, it was so hard especially with the love songs but I had to pretend to be happy for them. He was such a coward that he never even gave me an explanation or an apology or a goodbye. He ghosted his ex in the past when leaving her yet he at least gave her a phone call. Our relationship was much, much more serious and significant than that was too (theirs seemed more like a high-school type relationship) yet I still received nothing. We lived together, were engaged, spent every second together when we weren't at work, we had so many vacations planned (a weekend away to Lake George next week and an Alaskan cruise next month), on each other's insurance plans & phone bills & renters insurance & even pet insurance, we had a retirement plan set up, we were so close, things were so good because we meshed so well together. Yes, we argued here and there but every couple does, especially those that spend so much time together but his lies were what caused the most distress especially because the negative impact carried on for so long. I have my own issues as does he but he always said we would work through them together and that I never have to worry about him leaving. I would always put him and his needs before me. I would wake up a lot earlier than I have to in order to make him breakfast and lunch for his work day before I started getting ready for work myself and I would just throw something together sloppy, real quick for me. I was so good to him. Again, I do have my flaws and we argued at times but most of the time things were so wonderful. And what really blows my mind is that just days prior to this, he was telling me he wanted our wedding to be in October, we were both planning to move to Colorado and have been getting interviewed for jobs, how excited he was, he would tell me daily again and again that he loved me so much unconditionally, was fully committed to me for the rest of my life, and that he would never leave me. Then he did this. After so much time together, after I brought him into my home, my life... he couldn't even give me the respect or decency to communicate to me. I thought God brought this man into my life, the one I thought I was waiting for. Now I can't help but feel angry at God. He would call me his best friend, soulmate, his entire future. He promised away his life to me like I did mine. I guess it never meant anything to him. How could you treat someone you claim to care for and love like this? It is hard because I know he loved me, I do think if he didn't have his mother in his ear, he wouldn't have done this. But either way, he did do it. He is awful and she is just as bad. I hope karma comes their way. He knows I have abandonment issues and trauma yet he did this without any remorse, it seems. I'll never know.
What kind of monster... I just can't wrap my head around it. No closure. My friends and family are just as shocked and tell me it will hurt for now because it really is mourning a loss but it is a blessing in disguise. That I wouldn't have been happy in a marriage full of lies and distrust. All I know is that I am hurting really bad still. I am hoping I feel better soon. I have never experienced this kind of treatment or hurt before.
tl;dr My fiancé moved out without my knowledge when I was away at work for the day and he has since ghosted and blocked me without any communication. This was two days ago. What do I do? I miss him and our relationship. But I don't think he's coming back. How do I cope?
submitted by DifficultSquash3459 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
What kind of monster... I just can't wrap my head around it. No closure. My friends and family are just as shocked and tell me it will hurt for now because it really is mourning a loss but it is a blessing in disguise. That I wouldn't have been happy in a marriage full of lies and distrust. All I know is that I am hurting really bad still. I am hoping I feel better soon. I have never experienced this kind of treatment or hurt before.
tl;dr My fiancé moved out without my knowledge when I was away at work for the day and he has since ghosted and blocked me without any communication. This was two days ago. What do I do? I miss him and our relationship. But I don't think he's coming back. How do I cope?
2024.05.19 13:26 Sweet-Count2557 12 Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Across Connecticut for Winter Family Fun
 | 12 Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Across Connecticut for Winter Family Fun Are you ready to slide into winter with some chilly family fun? Connecticut has got you covered with not one, not two, but twelve outdoor ice skating rinks just waiting to be explored.From the picturesque town of Stamford to the vibrant city of Hartford, there's a perfect spot for everyone to lace up their skates and glide across the ice.So, grab your mittens and join us as we take a journey through the frozen wonderland of Connecticut's outdoor ice skating rinks.Key TakeawaysThere are outdoor ice skating rinks available in various cities across Connecticut, including Stamford, Westport, Darien, Redding, Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford.Each rink has its own unique features and offerings, such as the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Ice Skating Center in Stamford, which spans over 9,000 feet of ice and is open most days through February.Some rinks have specific opening dates, such as the Westport PAL Rink in Westport, which is scheduled to open on November 25, 2022, weather permitting.Certain rinks, like Gorhams Pond in Darien, offer picturesque winter scenes and invite families for ice skating. Skating seasons may start earlier in locations with colder weather.Stamford Ice Skating CenterLocated in Stamford, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Ice Skating Center offers an expansive 9,000 feet of ice for an exhilarating outdoor skating experience. Our center is the perfect place for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced skater looking to improve your skills, we've a variety of ice skating lessons and programs to suit your needs. Our highly trained instructors are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth.At the Stamford Ice Skating Center, we also offer a range of special events and activities to enhance your skating experience. From themed skate nights to holiday celebrations, there's always something exciting happening on the ice. Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day of skating and enjoy our festive atmosphere.In addition to our regular ice skating sessions, we host a variety of special events throughout the season. Whether it's a figure skating competition, a hockey tournament, or a charity fundraiser, there's always something happening at the Stamford Ice Skating Center. Join us for thrilling performances and support the local skating community.Westport PAL RinkAfter enjoying the exciting skating experience at the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Ice Skating Center in Stamford, it's time to venture to the Westport PAL Rink for more open-air skating near the picturesque Long Island Sound. Westport PAL Rink offers a variety of activities and events for skaters of all ages and skill levels.One of the highlights of the Westport PAL Rink is its skating schedule and events. The rink is open for public skating sessions throughout the week, providing ample opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the ice together. Additionally, the rink hosts special events such as theme nights, live music, and even ice shows. These events add an extra element of excitement and entertainment to the skating experience, making each visit to the rink a memorable one.For beginners or those looking to improve their skating skills, Westport PAL Rink also offers skating lessons. These lessons are taught by experienced instructors who are dedicated to helping skaters develop their abilities and confidence on the ice. Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to refine your technique, the skating lessons at Westport PAL Rink are designed to cater to your individual needs and goals.With its beautiful location near the Long Island Sound, the Westport PAL Rink provides a unique and invigorating outdoor skating experience. Skaters can enjoy the crisp winter air and scenic views as they glide across the ice. The rink's open-air setting adds a sense of freedom and liberation to the skating experience, allowing skaters to fully embrace the joy of gliding on the ice.Gorhams Pond in DarienGorhams Pond in Darien offers a picturesque winter scene for families and individuals to enjoy the exhilarating activity of ice skating. Here are three reasons why Gorhams Pond in Darien is the perfect destination for family-friendly ice skating activities and winter scenery:Timing of the Ice Skating Season: Gorhams Pond in Darien starts its ice skating season earlier than other rinks due to the colder weather in the area. This means that you can hit the ice sooner and make the most of the winter season. Imagine gliding across the frozen pond, surrounded by the beauty of nature, with the crisp winter air filling your lungs. It's a truly liberating experience.Family-Friendly Activities: Gorhams Pond in Darien isn't just about ice skating. It offers a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. From ice hockey games to figure skating lessons, there's something for everyone. You can spend quality time with your loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime. And with the stunning winter scenery as your backdrop, every moment spent at Gorhams Pond will feel like a winter wonderland.Winter Scenery: One of the highlights of Gorhams Pond in Darien is its picturesque winter scenes. The pond is surrounded by tall trees, their branches covered in a blanket of snow. The glistening ice reflects the sunlight, creating a magical atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, you'll be captivated by the serene beauty of the surroundings. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the freedom of the winter season.Redding Community CenterTucked away in a quiet corner of Redding, the Redding Community Center offers a convenient and inviting location for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. This hidden gem provides a safe and enjoyable experience for families looking to have some winter fun on the ice.The Redding Community Center boasts a flexible skating schedule that caters to various preferences and schedules. From dawn to dusk, the ice rink is open every day, allowing visitors to choose a time that works best for them.One of the standout features of the Redding Community Center is its designated evening skate times. These evening sessions create a magical atmosphere, with twinkling lights illuminating the ice and creating a cozy ambiance. Skating under the night sky adds an extra touch of enchantment to the experience.In addition to its convenient schedule, the Redding Community Center offers a range of amenities to enhance the skating experience. Visitors can take advantage of the on-site skate rentals, ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary equipment. The center also provides a warming hut where skaters can take a break and warm up before heading back onto the ice.The Redding Community Center isn't just a place for skating; it's a hub of family-friendly activities. Alongside the ice rink, there are often other winter activities available, such as sledding or snowball fights. Families can make a whole day out of their visit, enjoying the various winter activities and creating cherished memories.Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, the Redding Community Center is the perfect place to lace up your skates and enjoy some quality time on the ice. Its convenient schedule, amenities, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for winter fun. So gather your loved ones, embrace the freedom of the ice, and make unforgettable memories at the Redding Community Center.Gould Manor Park in FairfieldNestled within the picturesque town of Fairfield, Gould Manor Park offers a delightful outdoor ice skating experience for families and skating enthusiasts alike. As you step onto the glistening ice, you can't help but feel a sense of freedom and excitement.Here are three things to know about Gould Manor Park in Fairfield:Best times to visit for a less crowded experience: If you prefer a quieter skating session, it's best to visit Gould Manor Park in the early morning or on weekdays. The park tends to be less crowded during these times, allowing you to glide across the ice with ease and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Embrace the freedom of having the rink to yourself or with just a few fellow skaters.Tips for beginners to enjoy ice skating at the park: If you're new to ice skating, Gould Manor Park is the perfect place to learn and improve your skills. Remember to dress warmly and wear comfortable, supportive shoes. It's also a good idea to bring a helmet for added safety. Take your time and start by practicing your balance and basic strides along the edges of the rink. Don't be afraid to ask for help or take a lesson if you're feeling unsure. With a little practice and determination, you'll soon be gliding confidently across the ice.Embrace the freedom of the open space: Gould Manor Park offers a spacious outdoor rink that allows you to fully embrace the freedom and joy of ice skating. Take in the crisp winter air as you skate under the clear blue sky. Feel the wind on your face as you glide effortlessly across the ice. Whether you're twirling, spinning, or simply taking leisurely laps around the rink, Gould Manor Park provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable ice skating experience.Owen Fish Park in FairfieldHave you ever wondered where to find a charming outdoor ice skating rink in Fairfield, Connecticut? Look no further than Owen Fish Park, a hidden gem nestled within the town. This picturesque park offers a tree-lined pond that is perfect for ice skating activities and immersing yourself in the beautiful winter scenery.At Owen Fish Park, you can lace up your skates and glide across the smooth ice, surrounded by towering trees and a peaceful atmosphere. The park provides a serene setting for families and friends to enjoy the timeless activity of ice skating. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, Owen Fish Park offers a welcoming space for everyone to embrace the joy of gliding on ice.To give you a better idea of what to expect at Owen Fish Park, here's a table that highlights some key features:Owen Fish Park in FairfieldLocationFairfield, ConnecticutSkating ActivitiesIce Skating, Ice Hockey, Skating PracticeWinter SceneryTree-lined Pond, Serene AtmosphereAmenitiesBenches, Restrooms, ParkingOpening HoursDawn to DuskAs you can see, Owen Fish Park provides more than just a place to skate. It offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of winter. So grab your skates, bundle up in warm attire, and head over to Owen Fish Park for a memorable ice skating experience.Remember to always check the park's opening hours and any safety guidelines before your visit. Enjoy the freedom of gliding on ice and creating lasting memories in the enchanting winter wonderland of Owen Fish Park.Osbornedale State Park in DerbyLooking for a stunning outdoor ice skating destination in Derby, Connecticut? Look no further than Osbornedale State Park, where you can experience the thrill of gliding across the ice in a picturesque setting.Here are three reasons why Osbornedale State Park is the perfect place for your next ice skating adventure:Safety First: When enjoying outdoor ice skating, it's important to prioritize safety. Remember to wear proper attire, including warm clothing, gloves, and a helmet. Check the ice thickness before stepping onto it, and always skate in designated areas to avoid any potential hazards. By following these outdoor ice skating safety tips, you can ensure a fun and worry-free experience at Osbornedale State Park.Best Times to Visit: To make the most of your visit to Osbornedale State Park, it's helpful to know the best times to go. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, but for optimal ice skating conditions, it's recommended to go during colder months when the ice is more likely to be frozen solid. Additionally, weekdays tend to be less crowded, providing more freedom and space to enjoy the ice.An Enchanting Winter Wonderland: Osbornedale State Park offers a magical winter backdrop for your ice skating escapades. The park's designated ice skating area is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including towering trees and snow-covered landscapes. As you glide across the ice, you'll feel a sense of freedom and exhilaration, surrounded by the beauty of nature.Wrights Pond in OrangeWrights Pond in Orange offers a delightful winter experience, with its serene setting and abundant wildlife. As you glide across the ice, you'll be surrounded by the beauty of nature, with snow-covered trees and the sounds of birds chirping in the distance. This hidden gem is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of winter.One of the highlights of Wrights Pond is the opportunity to observe winter wildlife in their natural habitat. As you skate, keep an eye out for graceful swans gliding across the frozen surface and playful squirrels darting through the snow. The pond is teeming with life, providing a unique and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.To ensure your safety, the city Parks and Recreation Department closely monitors the ice conditions at Wrights Pond. They regularly check the thickness of the ice and provide updates to the public. It's important to always follow their guidance and heed any warnings or restrictions they may have in place. By doing so, you can enjoy a worry-free skating experience and focus on the joy of being outdoors.To further emphasize the importance of ice safety, here's a table highlighting some key tips:Ice Safety TipsCheck ice thicknessAvoid skating aloneWear appropriate gearStay away from cracksObserve posted warningsTrust your instinctsThe Bushnell in HartfordNestled in the heart of Hartford, The Bushnell provides a winter wonderland for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. The Bushnell, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, transforms into a magical ice skating rink during the winter months.Here are three reasons why The Bushnell is a must-visit destination for winter fun:Winterfest activities: The Bushnell hosts a variety of Winterfest activities that are sure to delight visitors. From ice sculpting demonstrations to live music performances, there's always something exciting happening at The Bushnell. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere while gliding across the ice and creating lasting memories.Free skating lessons: For those who are new to ice skating or want to improve their skills, The Bushnell offers free skating lessons. Experienced instructors are available to teach beginners the basics of skating or help more advanced skaters refine their techniques. Whether you're a novice or an expert, The Bushnell has something to offer everyone.The perfect setting: The Bushnell's picturesque location, surrounded by the beauty of downtown Hartford, provides a stunning backdrop for a day of ice skating. Skaters can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline as they glide across the ice. The Bushnell's outdoor rink is the perfect place to embrace the freedom of winter and experience the joy of skating.Simsbury Farms in SimsburyAfter experiencing the enchanting winter wonderland at The Bushnell, it's time to explore another captivating outdoor ice skating destination in Connecticut - Simsbury Farms in Simsbury.Simsbury Farms is a hidden gem nestled in the charming town of Simsbury, offering a range of exciting winter activities for the whole family to enjoy.One of the highlights of Simsbury Farms is its covered ice skating rink, which provides a sheltered and cozy environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the rink at Simsbury Farms has something for everyone. And if you're new to ice skating, don't worry - they offer skating lessons taught by experienced instructors who'll guide you every step of the way.Aside from ice skating, Simsbury Farms also offers other winter activities to keep the whole family entertained. You can take a leisurely stroll on the nearby walking trails, surrounded by picturesque winter scenery. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at cross-country skiing on the groomed trails. And for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are designated areas for sledding and snowshoeing.Winter at Simsbury Farms is truly a magical experience. The crisp air, the sound of blades gliding on ice, and the laughter of families enjoying the outdoors create an atmosphere of freedom and joy. So, gather your loved ones and head over to Simsbury Farms for a day of winter fun. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, Simsbury Farms has something for everyone.Winding Trails in FarmingtonWinding Trails in Farmington offers a charming and picturesque outdoor ice skating experience for visitors of all ages. As you glide across the smooth ice, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, you'll feel a sense of freedom and joy.Here are three reasons why Winding Trails is a must-visit destination for winter activities:Tranquil Setting: Winding Trails is nestled in the heart of Farmington, surrounded by snow-encrusted pines and breathtaking natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for a serene ice skating experience. As you skate hand-in-hand with loved ones or gracefully twirl on your own, you'll feel a sense of tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.Family-Friendly Environment: Winding Trails welcomes visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled family outing. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Parents can watch their little ones take their first wobbly steps on the ice, while older siblings can challenge each other to friendly races. The laughter and smiles of families enjoying the winter wonderland will warm your heart.Old-Fashioned Charm: Winding Trails offers an authentic and nostalgic ice skating experience. The rink is reminiscent of a bygone era, where outdoor skating was a cherished winter pastime. As you glide across the ice, the crisp winter air filling your lungs, you'll feel connected to a simpler time. The sound of skates gliding and laughter echoing off the surrounding trees creates a magical ambiance that will transport you to a world of pure joy and freedom.Make sure to carve out some time this winter to visit Winding Trails in Farmington. With its tranquil setting, family-friendly environment, and old-fashioned charm, it's the perfect place to create lasting memories and embrace the beauty of the winter season.Eastbury Pond in GlastonburyWith its expansive frozen surface and thrilling skating adventure, Eastbury Pond in Glastonbury is a winter wonderland for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. As you glide across the glistening ice, you can feel a sense of freedom and exhilaration, surrounded by the beauty of nature.To give you a glimpse of what awaits you at Eastbury Pond, let me paint a picture with words. Imagine stepping onto the ice, your blades cutting through the smooth surface with ease. The crisp winter air fills your lungs as you pick up speed, the wind rushing past your face. The pond stretches out before you, inviting you to explore its frozen expanse. And as you twirl and spin, you can't help but feel a sense of joy and liberation.But while Eastbury Pond offers thrilling winter adventures, it's important to prioritize ice safety precautions. Before heading out onto the ice, make sure to check its thickness. A minimum of four inches is generally considered safe for skating. It's also essential to wear appropriate gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and warm clothing. And remember, never skate alone. Bring a friend or family member along for added safety and enjoyment.Now, let's take a look at a table that showcases the key features of Eastbury Pond:FeatureDescriptionExpansive SurfaceThe pond offers a large area for skating, allowing for freedom of movement.Natural BeautySurrounded by picturesque landscapes, Eastbury Pond provides a visually stunning backdrop.Family-FriendlyThe pond is suitable for ice skaters of all ages and welcomes families for a fun-filled experience.With its thrilling skating adventure and emphasis on safety, Eastbury Pond in Glastonbury is the perfect destination for a winter escapade. So grab your skates, bundle up, and get ready to embark on a memorable ice skating journey.Frequently Asked QuestionsAre There Any Age Restrictions for Ice Skating at the Stamford Ice Skating Center?There are no age restrictions for ice skating at the Stamford Ice Skating Center. It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy some winter fun on the ice.The center follows strict ice skating rules and safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.As for the best time to visit the outdoor ice skating rinks in Connecticut, it's typically during the colder months when the ice is at its best.Is There a Fee for Ice Skating at the Westport PAL Rink?Yes, there's a fee for ice skating at the Westport PAL rink. The rink offers open skate time near Long Island Sound and is mostly dedicated to recreational skating.As for the age restrictions at the Stamford Ice Skating Center, there are no specific restrictions mentioned.Visitors are allowed to bring their own ice skates to Gorhams Pond in Darien, and skate rental services are available at the Redding Community Center.It's worth noting that there's no information about a limit on the number of people allowed on the ice at Gould Manor Park in Fairfield.Can Visitors Bring Their Own Ice Skates to Gorhams Pond in Darien?Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own ice skates to Gorhams Pond in Darien. It's a picturesque winter destination that invites families for a delightful ice skating experience.However, it's important to remember to take safety precautions while enjoying the ice. At the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Ice Skating Center in Stamford, safety measures are in place to ensure a secure skating environment.Are There Any Skate Rental Services Available at the Redding Community Center?Yes, there are skate rental services available at the Redding Community Center. They understand the importance of providing convenience to visitors and offer skate rentals for those who don't have their own skates.Additionally, many other outdoor ice skating rinks across Connecticut also offer skate rentals. It's a great option for families who want to enjoy the winter fun without the hassle of bringing their own equipment.Is There a Limit on the Number of People Allowed on the Ice at Gould Manor Park in Fairfield?There is no limit on the number of people allowed on the ice at Gould Manor Park in Fairfield. It's a charming spot with a Currier & Ives scene of children skating.As for the Stamford Ice Skating Center, there are no age restrictions for ice skating. It spans over 9,000 feet of ice and is open most days through February.Both locations offer a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy outdoor ice skating in Connecticut.ConclusionSo lace up your skates and let the ice be your canvas as you glide across the frozen landscapes of Connecticut.Whether you choose the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Ice Skating Center in Stamford or the Westport PAL Rink near Long Island Sound, there's no shortage of outdoor ice skating rinks for winter family fun.So grab your loved ones and embark on a winter adventure that will leave you with memories as sparkling as the ice itself. submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments] |
2024.05.19 13:26 Orange_Menace1 Randyll Tarly - Blackfyre Supporter (my first theory)
 | Note: I started writing this and it got away from me. Rather than fill in the unfinished points, I've just left them there for everyone to consider submitted by Orange_Menace1 to asoiaf [link] [comments] PrefaceRandyll Tarly on a first read through is a jerk. He tortures Sam, insults Brienne, implements draconian justice and downplays the golden company threat. Prima-Facie, he is a violent commander with little political cunning.Except for his results. By the end of ADWD · He receives accolades for every battle fought (I hold fire on the term won) · He holds the queen in his custody. · He has a voice at council · He secured his chosen heir in defiance of westrosi customs If we assume these things didn’t happen by chance, we can re-examine some of his older achievements, actions, and then try to sort out his motives. Randyll Tarly as a CommanderRoberts RebellionBattle of AshfordContext: The battle of Ashford was Roberts one defeat in his rebellion. Tarly’s van sailed forward and defeated Roberts host, but the battle was inconclusive. Robert retreated to the stony sept, recovered, regrouped, and when his allies arrived and consolidated forces, used this new army to win the war.Relevant Sections – directly on point paragraphs:A Storm of Swords - Tyrion IIITyrion had to bite his tongue at that. Robb Stark had won more battles in a year than the Lord of Highgarden had in twenty. ~Tyrell's reputation rested on one indecisive victory over Robert Baratheon at Ashford, in a battle largely won by Lord Tarly's van before the main host had even arrived.~A Storm of Swords - Davos V"Edric, you ought not boast," Maester Pylos said. "King Robert suffered defeats like any other man. Lord Tyrell bested him at Ashford, and he lost many a tourney tilt as well."A Storm of Swords - Samwell V"Your father is an able soldier," King Stannis said. "He defeated my brother once, at Ashford. Mace Tyrell has been pleased to claim the honors for that victory, but Lord Randyll had decided matters before Tyrell ever found the battlefield. He slew Lord Cafferen with that great Valyrian sword of his and sent his head to Aerys." The king rubbed his jaw with a finger. "You are not the sort of son I would expect such a man to have."A Dance with Dragons - The Griffin Reborn~He had lost it all at Stoney Sept, in his arrogance.~~Robert Baratheon had been hiding somewhere in the town, wounded and alone. Jon Connington had known that, and he had also known that Robert's head upon a spear would have put an end to the rebellion, then and there~. He was young and full of pride. How not? King Aerys had named him Hand and given him an army, and he meant to prove himself worthy of that trust, of Rhaegar's love. He would slay the rebel lord himself and carve a place out for himself in all the histories of the Seven Kingdoms. Other information gleaned from context· Tarly did not inflict substantial casualties· Robert won the battle of the trident within a year – Ashford is 282AC and the trident is 283 · Robert fled to and was sheltered in the stony sept, where Jon Connington failed to flush him out. The battle of the bells occurred in 283AC, as did the battle of the trident shortly after AnalysisRandyll leads the van some distance ahead of the main force, gets into a battle with the rebels, and inflicts minor to moderate casualties before they escape. Tyrell takes the credit.From a military point of view, if the battle had not been decided before the main force arrived, the war would have likely ended. A much larger force (with assumedly many more horsemen) would have won the battle both more conclusively, and been able to pursue. By all rights, the strategy enforced by Mace Tyrell should have won the war (this theme will come in later in this theory), but for the fact only a fraction of his army engaged far ahead of the main host. As an aside and jumping ahead a little – Tarly avoids doing this after the blackwater, closing off escape routes and slaughtering everyone. This hints at the fact that Ashford was a tactical mistake. The first three viewpoints we receive on the battle are of note. · Tyrion points out the battle was indecisive, and ~decided before the main host arrived~. He focuses on the victory in ‘battle’ as opposed to war. · Stannis points out how able Randyll is by defeating his brother once at Ashford. Although unable to ascribe any special military strategy to Randyll, he calls him ‘able’ and decided matters before Tyrell arrived. He also flags that Mace Tyrell claimed the honours for the victory and he thinks this undeserved. It’s interesting as it’s Maces host at Ashford, a host that by all rights should have crushed Roberts army in a single battle – given the van alone defeated him. He also ascribes the only kill of note as lord Cafferen · Maester Pylos points out that Robert lost battles at Ashford and flags it was Tyrell who bested him. The battle by all appearances, was a farce. Ashford could have ended the war. Arguably, even with the van alone deciding the fight, it very nearly did. Instead, the battle is determined indecisive, there is no ‘impressive kill and capture list’ indicating the host was not captured or killed (as opposed to routed), and Mace has this massive potentially war-ending host not doing much because Robert is in retreat before it arrives. Furthermore despite all this, Tarly very nearly won the day at Ashford. Robert suffered a serious – but nonfatal wound that seemingly took months (and at least weeks) to recover. The fact that a seriously wounded Robert was able to escape despite distinctive armour and weaponry raises questions of its own. Finally, when Robert was wounded and hidden in the aftermath whilst he recovered, narratively it allowed JonCon to lay siege to the stony sept. As a parallel, one of the themes I will later touch on is how Tarly changes after this battle, and we know JonCon swears to kill more and become Tywin 2.0. as a direct result of the events at the sept. We see a similar change in Tarly. It’s also of note that Tarly and Tyrell at this point were on the Targaryen side. This crops up later when we look into other motivations and goals. Aftermath So we know that Robert suffers wounds and is somewhat detached from his host (be it they left him in the stoney sept or he scattered off from the main host). We know this as he ends up wounded in the Stoney Sept. After this, the battle of the bells and all the great victories that ended the war occur. Notably, Tarly has no major military achievements after this battle. Since Mace Tyrell was invested in the siege of Storms end, it can be presumed Tarly was positioned with the main force. The next time we see him is in the battle of 5 kings – Discussion with Renly – The Siege of Stannis
Battle of the BlackwaterA Clash of Kings - Sansa VIIThey came up the roseroad and along the riverbank, through all the fields Stannis had burned, the ashes puffing up around their boots and turning all their armor grey, but oh! the banners must have been bright, the golden rose and golden lion and all the others, the Marbrand tree and the Rowan~, Tarly's huntsman~ and Redwyne's grapes and Lady Oakheart's leaf. All the westermen, all the power of Highgarden and Casterly Rock! ~Lord Tywin himself had their right wing~ on the north side of the river, with Randyll Tarly commanding the center and ~Mace Tyrell the left,~ but the vanguard won the fight. They plunged through Stannis like a lance through a pumpkin, every man of them howling like some demon in steel. And do you know who led the vanguard? Do you? Do you? Do you?"A Storm of Swords - Catelyn II"I told you to hold Riverrun," said Robb. "What part of that command did you fail to comprehend?""When you stopped Lord Tywin on the Red Fork," said the Blackfish, "you delayed him just long enough for riders out of Bitterbridge to reach him with word of what was happening to the east. ~Lord Tywin turned his host at once, joined up with Matthis Rowan and Randyll Tarly~ near the headwaters of the Blackwater, and made a forced march to Tumbler's Falls, ~where he found Mace Tyrell and two of his sons waiting with a huge host and a fleet of barges~. They floated down the river, disembarked half a day's ride from the city, and took Stannis in the rear." We know tywin likes to put his strength on his flanks and in the reserveInterestingly, Mace is there too, and it’s a tyrell van this time, not tarlyLord Tywin himself had their right wing on the north side of the river, with Randyll Tarly commanding the center and Mace Tyrell the left, but the vanguard won the fight. They plunged through Stannis like a lance through a pumpkin, every man of them howling like some demon in steel. ACOK 62: SANSA VII AnalysisFirst the parallels. Mace Tyrell is paralleled to Tywin on the two flanks. It is a tyrell in the van who decides the day. Randyll commands the center.Logistically, the battle is won by Mace Tyrell (whom I love as a character) with a fleet of barges and a huge host already in position (allowing the army to cross quickly enough to intercept the battle of the blackwater). Also the messenger that draws in Tywin’s host comes from Bitterbridge – Tyrell Lands. Given the van wins the battle, there’s a fair argument that Mace could have won the battle alone, albeit with all the support he wins a crushing victory instead. So Randyll is relegated to an important, but ultimately ancillary position. Whether the battle is won by Tywin or Mace (and by all logistical accounts, it’s Mace), is another question, but the ‘finest soldier in the seven kingdoms’ is once again, somewhat ineffectual. He still commands the center in such a battle, but he displays no logistical or battle prowess in this fight either, just being a renowned commander in the right place at the right time. Battle of Duskendale· Lord Randyll defeats a northern army. The army is mostly foot and misplaced· This time, few excape – XXXX cuts off the retreat. · Some theories say he was tipped off by Roose Bolton. · This time he gets the commander · Figth occurs in FIELDS AND FARMS. Bad terrain for a retreat. Glover TRAPPED against blackwater bay · Note that Glover had to be captured lest bolton treachery be revealed. Cannot be allowed to send raven. · Strong implication of a trap and tipoff A Storm of Swords - Catelyn IVWhen they brought him word of the battle at Duskendale, where Lord Randyll Tarly had shattered Robett Glover and Ser Helman Tallhart, he might have been expected to rage.A Storm of Swords - Tyrion VIIIBut who would be mad enough to contest Joffrey's rule now, after what had befallen Stannis Baratheon and Robb Stark? There was still fighting in the riverlands, but everywhere the coils were tightening. Ser Gregor Clegane had crossed the Trident and seized the ruby ford, then captured Harrenhal almost effortlessly. Seagard had yielded to Black Walder Frey, ~Lord Randyll Tarly held Maidenpool, Duskendale, and the kingsroad.~A Storm of Swords - Tyrion III"No," their father said. "With the war. Varys."The eunuch smiled a silken smile. "I have such delicious tidings for you all, my lords. Yesterday at dawn our ~brave Lord Randyll caught Robett Glover outside Duskendale and trapped him against the sea. Losses were heavy on both sides, but in the end our loyal men prevailed. Ser Helman Tallhart is reported dead, with a thousand others. Robett Glover leads the survivors back toward Harrenhal in bloody disarray, little dreaming he will find valiant Ser Gregor and his stalwarts athwart his path."~ A Storm of Swords - Tyrion I"Until Lord Redwyne brings his fleet up, we lack the ships to assail Dragonstone. It makes no matter. Stannis Baratheon's sun set on the Blackwater. ~As for Stark, the boy is still in the west, but a large force of northmen under Helman Tallhart and Robett Glover are descending toward Duskendale. I've sent Lord Tarly to meet them, while Ser Gregor drives up the kingsroad to cut off their retreat.~ Tallhart and Glover will be caught between them, with a third of Stark's strength."A Storm of Swords - Catelyn IVWhen they brought him word of the battle at Duskendale, where ~Lord Randyll Tarly had shattered Robett Glover and Ser Helman Tallhart,~ he might have been expected to rage. Instead he'd stared in dumb disbelief and said, "Duskendale, on the narrow sea? Why would they go to Duskendale?" He'd shook his head, bewildered. "A third of my foot, lost for Duskendale?""The ironmen have my castle and now the Lannisters hold my brother," Galbart Glover said, in a voice thick with despair. Robett Glover had survived the battle, but had been captured near the kingsroad not long after. A Feast for Crows - Brienne IILord Randyll Tarly had commanded Joffrey's army, made up of westermen and stormlanders and knights from the Reach. Those men of his who had died here had been carried back inside the walls, to rest in heroes' tombs beneath the septs of Duskendale. The northern dead, far more numerous, were buried in a common grave beside the sea. Above the cairn that marked their resting place, the victors had raised a rough-hewn wooden marker. HERE LIE THE WOLVES was all it said. Brienne stopped beside it and said a silent prayer for them, and for Catelyn Stark and her son Robb and all the men who'd died with them as well.AnalysisFirstly we start with the obvious comparison. Tarly lets Robert escape when Mace otherwise very nearly won the war. Given another chance, Randyll pins his enemy against the sea and plans to not let a man escape. Having somewhat surrounded the opponent on known land, with reinforcements (Clegane) behind him, he still manages to suffer heavy casualties, and the target (XXXX) escapes.What a colossal mistake. The only good news is he intercepted enough of the force that it seems no ravens got sent off showing exactly what happened, as if one message got back, the whole red wedding could have been undone. Now prior posts have analyzed duskendale about allowing paths of retreat, and number of losses, but I think there are three key takeaways 1) The stark contrast between this and his tactics at Ashford 2) The fact that he failed to capture the host and Gregor Clegane had to clean up the mess 3) The fact he suffered heavy losses when by all rights he had every advantage (and still failed to capture the army) Interestingly, the message that gets to Robb is that Tarly shattered glover. The actual message from Varys is only 1000 were killed, with Tallhart. Now its difficult to say how many foot there were, but it’s not unreasonable to assume that 1000 is less than to around half the force. Clegane captures Glover in the aftermath (thankfully), and Robb gets the report that Tarly shattered the force, when in actuality a good chunk of it was Clegane. As a sidenote- this is indicative that Clegane actually isn’t a bad commander, and in turn this makes the fact that Edmure Tully threw him back more impressive. We also don’t hear of any captives other than the ones taken by Clegane. It appears Tarly is putting men to the sword (SEE EARLIER). Now before we get into conspiracy theories, we see Glover in ADWD conspiring with Madderly to help the starks and Stannis, so it seems this was not some cunning scheme where he secretly got himself captured. Interestingly, the graves Brienne sees seem to indicate a crushing victory for Tarly, like the one described by Robb. This however is at odds with the report of Varys, and the fact Clegane had to mop up the leftover army. Now there are a few possibilities for this. Varys could be wrong/lying, heavy losses is being thrown around as a relative term (but that seems suspect), or the total of Tarly dead and Clegane’s role is being hidden. The last seems the most likely, Robb hears of a crushing defeat led by Tarly not Clegane (which we know is at least partially false), the dead he kills don’t add up, and there’s no mention of Clegane whom definitely did some of the work. Also even assuming the whole situation is true and Tarly killed men at a 2/1 ratio, this assumes there are 500 heroes tombs under the septs at Duskendale. Simply put, there may not be that many. The whole aftermath stinks of a coverup. Tarly is getting Cleganes credit (and interestingly, it’s around now that Tywin decides not to give Clegane to oberyn). Finally we get to the tinfoily bit. Helman garrisoned with Walder Frey to make sure he kept peace. Of the two lords, Helman is arguably more problematic, he knows more of Frey habits (when Tywin is scheming a betrayal) and his nephew is a possible hornwood claimant (cough Roose cough). If there was a conspiracy to kill one and ransom the other – I can see a world where Talhart is the one to be killed. In all reality though, this is a bit too ambitious, and in reality one just died and one escaped – without some super scheme that Tarly was involved in. So in summary – once again Tarly fails his mission. At best, he bloodies an out of position army whilst taking heavy casualties, with his reinforcements on the way, and half the army breaks free (admittedly into Clegane). This is not a great display of prowess. We also know its possible to capture these men as hostages, as Clegane successfully does so – and Tarly fails to once again. Now it’s not catastrophic as the Northerners are bleeding men and trading troops tit for tat is beneficial, but the battle itself (the thing Randyll is in charge of) is highly unimpressive. The strategic victory goes to Tywin, whom in truth entrusts it as much to Gregor Clegane as to Tarly. As it so happens, Clegane delivers and Tarly doesn’t. A summary as a commanderTalk about failing upwards· Charging ahead, he is able to turn a crushing win into an indecisive one which ultimately leads to Roberts Rebellion succeeding · He gives counsel to Renly about the sun when renly knows that the sheer strength of his cavalry makes the issue moot. Renly all but ignores him. · He doesn’t appear to do much during the battle of the blackwater · He manages to mess up essentially an ambush at Duskendale despite reinforcements being on the way · As a result of the 4 above points, he is given, lands, titles, honors and a position on the small council. Upon actually reviewing his achievements and each individual battle, I’ve 180’d on Tarly. George RR Martin does a great job building him up, and having everyone describe him as a great commander, but actually unpacking his battles, he looks pretty underwhelming. The most important battle he won was Ashford, but that was a strategic catastrophe which otherwise could have potentially let Mace Tyrell win the war. Afterwards he’s carefully managed, with Renly outright dismissing him, Mace keeping the key positions of command in other people’s hands and Tywin going so far as to dispatch a trusted force behind him in the event he fails again – WHICH HE DOES. Politicks, Loyalties and ConspiraciesThere’s a lot to get through so I’m not going to source everything here. Rather, I’ll list dot points, and we will be collecting everything under theories. In time it may be worth sourcing this all, but for now, I want to get something out – so it’ll be shortform· Historically house is blackfyre · Renly Sworn NOT STANNIS · Joined at bitterbridge to Renly · Shadowbaby and killing others · VIEWS ON MAESTERS · Killing Stannis supporters at bitterbridge · Saving Brienne · Helping Brienne / Bewilderment · Views on Women and Strongmen · Sam, Maesters, the Marches and Strength · Maidenpool Rulership · Renown amonst common men · Downplaying the Golden Company · Bravosi Debts · Taking the QUEEN ahead of Mace Tyrell Theoreis Stemming off Data The Blackfyre TheoryLet’s assume that Randyll supported the Blackfyres because his house traditionally were Blackfyre Loyalists. This is a little thin on evidence, but quite a few of his actions also support this, lending some credence to the theory1) He swore to Renly not Stannis. a. Stannis was 17 or 18 when he held storms end. He is approximately 13 years older than Renly, making Renly 5 at the time. This means that during Roberts Rebellion, for all relevant purposes, Renly was a non-participant, whilst Stannis actively fought against the dragons. If Randyll is a dragon supporter, his repulsion at joining Stannis is apparent. b. In fact, he goes as far as to kill stannis supporters at bitterbridge to consolidate the reach forces. This is interesting as it contrasts stannis whom takes pains to not kill the karstarks to a man once he realizes their treason. 2) He downplays the golden company a. At the end of AFWC, Randyll is downplaying the golden company as much as he can. If we assume he is pro-dragon, this gives time for the blackfyre cause to swell, as he delays Kevan Lannister to the best of his ability 3) He hates the Maesters a. Between the Grand Maester Conspiracy [LINK], lady Dustin’s general hatred of Maesters and Marwyn’s comments about Maesters and Dragons, it seems credible that dragon supporters may have cause to mistrust Maesters. Indeed, we get hints of this from Doran, and a general mistrust of Maesters by some of the lesser lords. i. "I would need a bucket, with this pain. Thank you, but no. I want my wits about me. I'll have no more need of you tonight." b. This explains also why he is so determined Sam will not become a Maester and why he drives him to the nights watch. If he is a loyalist, he’s never going to let a member of his family into an enemy order. If Sam is given any sort of free reign in a role other than lord, he’s going to end up a Maester (indeed even at the nights watch he ends up there, despite his protests and fears of his fathers wroth). 4) Do we actually see any trouble in the marches. I don’t think we do and it’s only STANNIS who fears dorne through the marches, not Tarly or Tyrell. In fact, this area is left undefended when they march on the blackwater. a. I have a sub-theory that despite complaining a lot, we don’t see any real antagonism between Dorne and the reach throughout the series, just some loud complaining that makes us think of antagonism. Oberyn hints at this to Tyrion. 5) Killing Florents a. Florents have ties to Stannis b. Florents are Tyrell rivals c. Florents instantly defect to stannis. Note they were set aside by dragons over highgarden d. Their protests were denied by King Aegon I, perhaps because the Florents had fought House Targaryen when the Tyrells did not. e. https://www.reddit.com/asoiaf/comments/3tr6gx/spoilers_all_house_of_the_week_house_florent/ i. Theories florents Green 6) This is of course also consistent with him racing Ahead of Mace Tyrell’s army and having the Tyrell queen taken into his personal custody. Unfortunately, this bodes badly for our lovely doe-eyed Margery. Oh well. 7) ~If it were up to me, I would send them all to the Night's Watch, and Connington with them. The Wall is where such scum belong."~ He’s setting it up so the only legitimate claimant of JonCon’s lands is in fact, JonCon. Obviously a new lord can be appointed, but this suggested move adds legitimacy to the blackfyre cause, removing the heir apparent and putting JonCon back in his ancestral lands without a real challenger. 1) The ‘show of strength / toxic masculinity theory’ a. This theory has to do with Tarly appearing competent millirarily rather than being competent. He doles harsh justice and havy discipline, which in some ways hides his lackluster results as a commander. I should note this is the weakest of the three theories, but it sort of feeds into the other two. b. This would be indicative of his hatred for Sam. The moment the ‘veil’ of masculinity and strength is lifted, his actual achievements are lackluster c. After ashford he appears much more brutal than before. We have no indication he was brutal pre Ashford, and post ashford he’s executing enemies, cornering and murdering northmen to a man (as best he can at least) and doling out harsher justice than his peers d. Every character who speaks of Tarly speaks of his millirary accolades. I think his ‘larger than life’ persona has played at least a part in this, and Tarly looks the part as the veteran commander. e. I ought to note this theory doesn’t stop Tarly from playing the game of thrones, it just suggests he isn’t an exceptional tactical commander. Logistically, he has always been with the winning side as a vassal, he’s been able to spin every battle to gain honors and accolades, and he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time (declaring for renly early, being in the van at ashford etc.) f. All that aside, this theory also doesn’t stop Tarly from being a jerk. Given how he acts to Sam and both towards and around Brienne, we are naturally inclined to mislike him as a harsh leader. 2) Not as dumb as he looks theory a. He’s taken the queen into his personal Custody. We literally heard from Renly back in book 1 – he who holds the XXXX holds the crown. With all the chaos in the recent books, it’s easy to miss, but this is a huge move in the game of thrones. The Tyrells do not have the queen. Tarly does. b. As far as I can tell, he’s never been at real risk in a battle since Ashford. He had backup and numbers at duskendale, a massive host at the blackwater, The Siege of Storms End was just a great big preservation of army by Mace whilst Roberts rebellion raged, and the Siege on Stannis was totally lopsided but for magic shadow-baby. c. Dorne does not seem to have acted against him once nor demanded concessions. [CHECK]. For a lord in the Dornish Marches which have been tumultuous for years, this is somewhat of a big deal. He also seems to be unafraid of moving his forced forward – we have no indication he left levies to protect himself from Dorne, hinting that he wasn’t afraid of Dorne misbehaving (even if only to harry border towns, a bit like Bolton grabbing up the hornwood lands). d. He sucks up to the bravosi Banker when all the debts are being called in. We have this picture of this strong, just, military man, but the banker scene shows he’s not just a sword arm, and he knows when to suck up. This is important as it shows he is at least considering the wider world and the future outside of the battles, as opposed to a certain dwarf whom never actually meets the bankers. e. He has turned a bunch of mediocre achievements into being renowned as the greatest soldier in the realm. By all rights, Stannis and Robb are much better commanders (with the caveat that Robb was only good tactically). If we want to get nasty, Mace Tyrell has only won crushing victories – with the exception of ashford (messed up by Tarly) and storms end (where he lost no troops in a rebellion that depleted most of the realm). i. The most competent appearing thing he said was to not charge into the sun, which was largely irrelevant when plated heavy cavalry is charging into boiled leather. As Renly said to Stannis, his force wouldn’t survive first impact, so this whole sun business is a bit silly. ii. Arguably the most competent thing was executing all the soldiers considering going over to Stannis, but I’m not sure if this is truly competent or just brutality – Stannis did not do the same with the Karstarks in a similar position. f. He’s bypassed succession laws. By getting rid of Sam he has set himself up with his chosen heir. Look at the thorny knot Tywin tied himself with Tyrion, whom still arguably is the rightful heir to Castelry Rock (which he made full use of with the Second Suns). We know Maesters can be kicked out of the order (see our favourite necromancer), and can be used to play with succession (Aemon is a good example, albeit he said no) and I don’t really see Sam as a priest. i. There’s actually a good question as to whether he would have killed Sam. The gods hate kinslayers, and the threat sufficed. If we assume tarly isn’t an idiot, he would have realized the threat likely sufficient. g. Given how he sets himself up at Maidenpool, its hinted that the Maidenpool land is part of his reward for the blackwater. We never hear of exactly ‘what’ Tarly’s reward is, except in the aftermath he’s patrolling Duskendale (still seemingly with house Rykker),, Maidenpool and the kings road, and seems to be setting himself up in Maidenpool for the long haul. In AFFC, Tarly’s heir is married off to Eleanor Mooton (the seeming heiress to maidenpool) and Tommen pardons Moonton. Maidenpool is a major port in the world of Ice and Fire, which would make it a fine reward[[1]](#_ftn1). 1. Other key takeawaysBRIENNE THINGA Feast for Crows - Brienne IIIRandyll Tarly solved the mystery the day he sent two of his men-at-arms to summon her to his pavilion. His young son Dickon had overheard four knights laughing as they saddled up their horses, and had told his lord father what they said.… "The gods made men to fight, and women to bear children," said Randyll Tarly. "A woman's war is in the birthing bed." Someone was coming down the cellar steps. Brienne pushed her wine aside as a ragged, scrawny, sharp-faced man with dirty brown hair stepped into the Goose. He gave the Tyroshi sailors a quick look and Brienne a longer one, then went up to the plank. "Wine," he said, "and none o' your horse piss in it, thank'e." JUSTICE THINGBattle of the Blackwater – a step SidewaysIn short Randyll Tarly is a shrewd Blackfyre loyalist who now has custody of the queen, a position on the small council and whom is not considered a political threat. He’s not half the commander he’s made out to be, probably has anti-maester sentiment and is possibly friendly with Doran Martell. And he has an army. This has been quite a ride and I’m sure I got many details wrong so let’s end on a high note. Given all this, I expect Randyll to sacrifice Margery and prove ser pounce’s lineage to the age of conquest. Tommen will blindly stamp a document marrying himself to the cat, the white walkers will be appeased (their problem is only humans), and everyone lives happily ever after except for Danerys who dies. Maidenpool https://preview.redd.it/4gfx1jxsbd1d1.png?width=217&format=png&auto=webp&s=a6c648fe2853a80f249aeae5546a21b38b4123e9 |
2024.05.19 13:24 DifficultSquash3459 My fiancé [26,M] ghosted me [25,F] and moved out without a goodbye
My fiancé had a habit of lying to me since day one and I discovered another lie on Thursday, three days ago. It caused an argument and so much frustration, depression, anger, and disappointment in me. He promised again and again that he was done lying and I would believe him, only to be stabbed again in the back when another lie came out a week or a few weeks later. He kept trying to say it was my fault that he would lie to me and that I was overreacting. No apology involved. He also told his mother about the argument even though we discussed in the past that it was not right to do because he only would tell a small portion of the story and of course, he makes himself look like the victim and I'm the one in the bad light. Plus she almost caused us to break up back when we were just dating because of him running to her after fights and she would give him terrible advice to leave me because of the one-sided stories she would hear. Last year when that happened, he would pretend to be all loving and happy with me but then run to his mom if we had the slightest of arguments. For example, if we set some boundaries for ourselves and he wasn't consistent with them, I would confront him. He would tell his mother a terrible version of it and she spun up that I was abusive. So they would talk behind my back like this over lies while he smiled in my face. That's when I knew he could put on such facades and lie so easily. I should have left then, I saw the signs, but I was a fool. There was a part of me that suspected this would happen one day, not the ghosting because never in my dreams would I have imagined him being this evil, but I had a feeling this might not work out. I mean I was always questioning my reality and him especially when he would lie and tell me I was imagining things while swearing on his life, my life, our future unborn children, his parent's life, and on Jesus that was telling the truth. Only later find out he was actually lying and I wasn't imagining it. I mean I gave him my trust again and again, which was so hard for me to do in the first place, and he just kept shattering it even knowing how much it hurt me. So I told him I needed some space for the evening and I said I don't know if I can keep doing this (I know I shouldn't have said it but we have both said similar things in the past during arguments and never meant it) and I asked him to get a hotel just for the night, which he did. The next day, I go into work and I receive one single text telling me I made one small thing into a huge deal. He would try to gaslight me at times and he was HUGE at twisting the role and playing the victim. I responded with the reasons why it was not okay for him to keep lying to me because it hurts me so much and why it wasn't just "one small thing," because behind that lie, so many other issues were there too. I didn't get a response. He usually would text me all day everyday and would be so loving and attentive so it was odd. So I went home that day expecting him to be there to talk about it. I arrive home and his truck isn't there. I walk inside and all of his stuff is moved out and gone. He put a photo of the two of us face down on the table and smashed our Bonsai that we called the Bonsai of Love because it was supposed to resemble our relationship. called and called and texted and texted yet no response. I was begging him to come home to talk. I apologized for getting upset the night prior and that I just want him back home with me. I just couldn't understand how he could do this. It was all delivering too so I wasn't blocked. It wasn't until 10pm when he blocked me after I texted asking why hasn't he blocked me if he's really done? That was me trying to find hope in the situation that maybe he would return and that's why he didn't block me. Well after that, I was blocked. His mother also removed me from the family group chat. It made me wonder if he was just sitting back and laughing at my pleads for a response and possibly even sharing my distraught and sad messages to others. I suspect his mother played a huge role again because again, she almost caused a break up last year because of getting involved and turning him against me with the knowledge he shared, just enough knowledge to make me the villain. It has been two days and I have been ghosted by my fiancé. He also did this the day of my best friend's wedding rehearsal (I'm her maid of honor) and her wedding was yesterday (which he ghosted them for as well). Imagine how hard it is giving a speech for your best friend and her lovely fiancé, now her husband, when you were just horribly ghosted from your own a day prior and are now single. His empty chair was taunting me the whole time too, it was so hard especially with the love songs but I had to pretend to be happy for them. He was such a coward that he never even gave me an explanation or an apology or a goodbye. He ghosted his ex in the past when leaving her yet he at least gave her a phone call. Our relationship was much, much more serious and significant than that was too (theirs seemed more like a high-school type relationship) yet I still received nothing. We lived together, were engaged, spent every second together when we weren't at work, we had so many vacations planned (a weekend away to Lake George next week and an Alaskan cruise next month), on each other's insurance plans & phone bills & renters insurance & even pet insurance, we had a retirement plan set up, we were so close, things were so good because we meshed so well together. Yes, we argued here and there but every couple does, especially those that spend so much time together but his lies were what caused the most distress especially because the negative impact carried on for so long. I have my own issues as does he but he always said we would work through them together and that I never have to worry about him leaving. I would always put him and his needs before me. I would wake up a lot earlier than I have to in order to make him breakfast and lunch for his work day before I started getting ready for work myself and I would just throw something together sloppy, real quick for me. I was so good to him. Again, I do have my flaws and we argued at times but most of the time things were so wonderful. And what really blows my mind is that just days prior to this, he was telling me he wanted our wedding to be in October, we were both planning to move to Colorado and have been getting interviewed for jobs, how excited he was, he would tell me daily again and again that he loved me so much unconditionally, was fully committed to me for the rest of my life, and that he would never leave me. Then he did this. After so much time together, after I brought him into my home, my life... he couldn't even give me the respect or decency to communicate to me. I thought God brought this man into my life, the one I thought I was waiting for. Now I can't help but feel angry at God. He would call me his best friend, soulmate, his entire future. He promised away his life to me like I did mine. I guess it never meant anything to him. How could you treat someone you claim to care for and love like this? It is hard because I know he loved me, I do think if he didn't have his mother in his ear, he wouldn't have done this. But either way, he did do it. He is awful and she is just as bad. I hope karma comes their way. He knows I have abandonment issues and trauma yet he did this without any remorse, it seems. I'll never know.
What kind of monster... I just can't wrap my head around it. No closure. My friends and family are just as shocked and tell me it will hurt for now because it really is mourning a loss but it is a blessing in disguise. That I wouldn't have been happy in a marriage full of lies and distrust. All I know is that I am hurting really bad still. I am hoping I feel better soon. I have never experienced this kind of treatment or hurt before.
tl;dr My fiancé moved out without my knowledge when I was away at work for the day and he has since ghosted and blocked me without any communication. This was two days ago. What do I do? I miss him and our relationship. But I don't think he's coming back. How do I cope?
submitted by DifficultSquash3459 to u/DifficultSquash3459 [link] [comments]
What kind of monster... I just can't wrap my head around it. No closure. My friends and family are just as shocked and tell me it will hurt for now because it really is mourning a loss but it is a blessing in disguise. That I wouldn't have been happy in a marriage full of lies and distrust. All I know is that I am hurting really bad still. I am hoping I feel better soon. I have never experienced this kind of treatment or hurt before.
tl;dr My fiancé moved out without my knowledge when I was away at work for the day and he has since ghosted and blocked me without any communication. This was two days ago. What do I do? I miss him and our relationship. But I don't think he's coming back. How do I cope?
2024.05.19 13:21 Federal_Machine692 I work as a security guard in a secret government facility, and this is what happened (Part 1)
Buster growled softly, baring his teeth at me as he stood in defiance. His stance rigid and unyielding, his tail stiff, and ears pinned back - he watched my every move with alert eyes.
My 3-year-old German shepherd had intuitively figured out the prospect of an upcoming bath when he saw me reach for the towel, and decided to give me a hard time over it.
“I know buddy. I am not happy about it either. But I will make it quick. I promise,” I tried to reason, holding up both hands to reassure him.
‘But it’s not even been a week…’ I could almost imagine him saying those exact words to me when he growled back in protest.
“You’re right...But listen, man. You’re dirty. I can feel your presence from here,” I said, standing ten feet away and pretending to cover my nostrils with my finger.
Buster, of course, didn’t care and continued to defy without hesitation.
I put my hands on my hip and sighed. My glance immediately shifted to a hose attached to a tap outside my quarters.
“Tell you what. I’ll make it worth your while. You don’t mind the jet spray, right? In fact, you even tolerate it sometimes,” I said, pointing to the hose located only a few feet away.
“How about a little cooperation now, and I’ll make you your favorite meal a little later?” I asked him, while reaching out to pick a can of chicken liver from the kitchen.
As I dangled the can in my hand, I could see it slowly chipping away at his resolve, his mind grappling with the pros and cons of my new proposal.
A moment later, Buster barked at me twice and slowly made his way out of the house. He sat by the garden tap, ready to receive his bath.
I took a handful of lotion and began to rub it against his torso to remove all the muck and grime that was sticking to his body. We had been quite busy lately, guarding the base and conducting multiple patrols along the perimeter every day. The rain a few hours ago certainly didn't help matters, with Buster leaping over puddles of water and actively rolling in the mud to escape the desert heat. I had to use a brush to remove the layers of dirt that had caked all over his body.
It’s been a strange week, to say the least. The days were busy but peaceful, while the nights brought scattered, random sounds. Their origins were a mystery, as they appeared not to originate from the base. But I wasn’t too worried about it, not yet anyway.
There is an air base located a couple of hours away from the facility, and it wasn’t unusual for them to conduct sorties at odd hours in the night. I assumed they were probably testing out some new technology.
My colleague Joe thought the same thing as well. But we couldn’t take any chances, and we both had a job to do. So we conducted regular patrols around the base just as a precautionary measure.
But deep down, I felt something nagging at me, like I was being watched by someone or something. I couldn’t exactly put it into words.
For a second, I wondered if Buster too felt the same way when I saw him suddenly lift his head up, listening intently with his ears up in attention.
I quickly turned back to check if there was anybody standing behind me, but I found no one. When I turned around to face him again, I saw him looking up at the night sky, his gaze focused and unwavering.
“What’s it buddy? You see something?” I asked him as I cleared away the foam from his face. Moments went by slowly. And then, just like that, as if nothing had happened, he put his head down and began pawing my leg, urging me to finish his bath. I sighed again and turned on the hose, to wash off all the soap.
He finally looked presentable and I have to admit, his coat glistened beautifully under the moonlight.
Before I could reach for his towel, Buster swiftly moved in to close the gap between us and looked me in the eye dead serious. He then shook his body vigorously, much like a wet dog trying to rid itself of wetness, and trotted off without bothering to look back.
I laughed out loud as I sat there, drenched in water. I knew I should have seen that coming. However, my smile quickly faded, as it also reminded me of Jessica, my ailing wife.
Before another thought could take shape in my mind, I heard a familiar voice blare across the radio.
“Mike, I need you down here. Get to the post quick.”
It was my colleague Joe and I replied back in the affirmative. I quickly grabbed my gear and signaled Buster to follow after me.
When I reached the post, I saw Joe standing there armed with his rifle. As a seasoned war veteran with two tours under his belt, Joe was a dangerous man and not to be trifled with. But he was also compassionate and wise beyond his years.
“What’s up Joe?” I inquired, as I approached him near the entrance of the base.
“I am not sure yet. I thought I heard something at a distance. It could well be nothing.” he replied, after a brief pause.
‘Well, we’ve had a lot of that going around all week’, I thought to myself.
He then turned around to look at me. “I want you to run a perimeter sweep first. Then go on patrol again. Take Buster with you” he said, before heading back to his post.
I started the jeep and drove out towards the perimeter. The engine hummed softly as I navigated the rough terrain, with Buster sitting alertly beside me. After finding nothing suspicious during my initial sweep, I decided to broaden my search radius.
A mile into the drive, Buster suddenly started barking, prompting me to stop the jeep immediately. He leaped onto the ground and dashed towards a boulder located a short distance away. I picked up my rifle and cautiously followed after him.
When I reached the spot, I keyed the mic attached to my shirt and said, "Boss, you need to come see this."
I knew he wasn’t going to be happy about leaving the guard post unmanned, but I thought he would prefer to come and inspect this himself.
Joe arrived ten minutes later, parking his vehicle next to mine. He walked towards the boulder overlooking a small pond, and switched on his torch to get a better look at the skeletal remains of an animal dumped nearby. Three other animal remains lay next to it, all appearing to be in a similar condition.
“These look like coyotes, probably stopping by to drink water from the pond before they were killed,” he observed, his voice expressing concern. “Did you find them like this?”
“Yes”, I replied. “And they weren’t here when I drove through the same place this morning. I thought it was quite odd to be honest, to find four of them out here all at once in the middle of the desert, that too at this hour.”
Joe simply nodded in agreement.
“What sort of creature do you think did this Joe?”
“I mean it must have a ravenous appetite to chew every sinew of flesh from the bone, and lick it this clean.” I said, leaning in take another look.
“Do you think it could be the Chupacabra or something similar?” I continued, knowing fully well my question was a bit far-fetched, but I had to still get it off my chest.
Joe finally stood up, switched off his torch, and looked around the vast open desert in quiet contemplation.
“This is in fact the fifth sighting in less than a week, Mike, and all have occurred in close proximity to secure government installations. The one before this was even stranger, and happened near a military base, where an old buddy of mine continues to serve.”
“He told me in that instance, the remains belonged to a dog. There were no signs of flesh or connecting tissue from the nasal region to the abdominal section, while the region spanning from the abdominal cavity to the tail bone was left fully intact. The whole thing was carried out with surgical precision, and drew morbid praise from even the medic back at the base.”
"But how is that even possible? What are you suggesting, Joe?" I asked, surprised by the tone of my own voice and my inability to hide my disappointment upon hearing about it for the first time.
“This is not a hunt for prey, Mike. This is a hunt for attention. Somebody is trying to make a point. And I’d say they are accomplishing their objective.” Joe said.
submitted by Federal_Machine692 to nosleep [link] [comments]
My 3-year-old German shepherd had intuitively figured out the prospect of an upcoming bath when he saw me reach for the towel, and decided to give me a hard time over it.
“I know buddy. I am not happy about it either. But I will make it quick. I promise,” I tried to reason, holding up both hands to reassure him.
‘But it’s not even been a week…’ I could almost imagine him saying those exact words to me when he growled back in protest.
“You’re right...But listen, man. You’re dirty. I can feel your presence from here,” I said, standing ten feet away and pretending to cover my nostrils with my finger.
Buster, of course, didn’t care and continued to defy without hesitation.
I put my hands on my hip and sighed. My glance immediately shifted to a hose attached to a tap outside my quarters.
“Tell you what. I’ll make it worth your while. You don’t mind the jet spray, right? In fact, you even tolerate it sometimes,” I said, pointing to the hose located only a few feet away.
“How about a little cooperation now, and I’ll make you your favorite meal a little later?” I asked him, while reaching out to pick a can of chicken liver from the kitchen.
As I dangled the can in my hand, I could see it slowly chipping away at his resolve, his mind grappling with the pros and cons of my new proposal.
A moment later, Buster barked at me twice and slowly made his way out of the house. He sat by the garden tap, ready to receive his bath.
I took a handful of lotion and began to rub it against his torso to remove all the muck and grime that was sticking to his body. We had been quite busy lately, guarding the base and conducting multiple patrols along the perimeter every day. The rain a few hours ago certainly didn't help matters, with Buster leaping over puddles of water and actively rolling in the mud to escape the desert heat. I had to use a brush to remove the layers of dirt that had caked all over his body.
It’s been a strange week, to say the least. The days were busy but peaceful, while the nights brought scattered, random sounds. Their origins were a mystery, as they appeared not to originate from the base. But I wasn’t too worried about it, not yet anyway.
There is an air base located a couple of hours away from the facility, and it wasn’t unusual for them to conduct sorties at odd hours in the night. I assumed they were probably testing out some new technology.
My colleague Joe thought the same thing as well. But we couldn’t take any chances, and we both had a job to do. So we conducted regular patrols around the base just as a precautionary measure.
But deep down, I felt something nagging at me, like I was being watched by someone or something. I couldn’t exactly put it into words.
For a second, I wondered if Buster too felt the same way when I saw him suddenly lift his head up, listening intently with his ears up in attention.
I quickly turned back to check if there was anybody standing behind me, but I found no one. When I turned around to face him again, I saw him looking up at the night sky, his gaze focused and unwavering.
“What’s it buddy? You see something?” I asked him as I cleared away the foam from his face. Moments went by slowly. And then, just like that, as if nothing had happened, he put his head down and began pawing my leg, urging me to finish his bath. I sighed again and turned on the hose, to wash off all the soap.
He finally looked presentable and I have to admit, his coat glistened beautifully under the moonlight.
Before I could reach for his towel, Buster swiftly moved in to close the gap between us and looked me in the eye dead serious. He then shook his body vigorously, much like a wet dog trying to rid itself of wetness, and trotted off without bothering to look back.
I laughed out loud as I sat there, drenched in water. I knew I should have seen that coming. However, my smile quickly faded, as it also reminded me of Jessica, my ailing wife.
Before another thought could take shape in my mind, I heard a familiar voice blare across the radio.
“Mike, I need you down here. Get to the post quick.”
It was my colleague Joe and I replied back in the affirmative. I quickly grabbed my gear and signaled Buster to follow after me.
When I reached the post, I saw Joe standing there armed with his rifle. As a seasoned war veteran with two tours under his belt, Joe was a dangerous man and not to be trifled with. But he was also compassionate and wise beyond his years.
“What’s up Joe?” I inquired, as I approached him near the entrance of the base.
“I am not sure yet. I thought I heard something at a distance. It could well be nothing.” he replied, after a brief pause.
‘Well, we’ve had a lot of that going around all week’, I thought to myself.
He then turned around to look at me. “I want you to run a perimeter sweep first. Then go on patrol again. Take Buster with you” he said, before heading back to his post.
I started the jeep and drove out towards the perimeter. The engine hummed softly as I navigated the rough terrain, with Buster sitting alertly beside me. After finding nothing suspicious during my initial sweep, I decided to broaden my search radius.
A mile into the drive, Buster suddenly started barking, prompting me to stop the jeep immediately. He leaped onto the ground and dashed towards a boulder located a short distance away. I picked up my rifle and cautiously followed after him.
When I reached the spot, I keyed the mic attached to my shirt and said, "Boss, you need to come see this."
I knew he wasn’t going to be happy about leaving the guard post unmanned, but I thought he would prefer to come and inspect this himself.
Joe arrived ten minutes later, parking his vehicle next to mine. He walked towards the boulder overlooking a small pond, and switched on his torch to get a better look at the skeletal remains of an animal dumped nearby. Three other animal remains lay next to it, all appearing to be in a similar condition.
“These look like coyotes, probably stopping by to drink water from the pond before they were killed,” he observed, his voice expressing concern. “Did you find them like this?”
“Yes”, I replied. “And they weren’t here when I drove through the same place this morning. I thought it was quite odd to be honest, to find four of them out here all at once in the middle of the desert, that too at this hour.”
Joe simply nodded in agreement.
“What sort of creature do you think did this Joe?”
“I mean it must have a ravenous appetite to chew every sinew of flesh from the bone, and lick it this clean.” I said, leaning in take another look.
“Do you think it could be the Chupacabra or something similar?” I continued, knowing fully well my question was a bit far-fetched, but I had to still get it off my chest.
Joe finally stood up, switched off his torch, and looked around the vast open desert in quiet contemplation.
“This is in fact the fifth sighting in less than a week, Mike, and all have occurred in close proximity to secure government installations. The one before this was even stranger, and happened near a military base, where an old buddy of mine continues to serve.”
“He told me in that instance, the remains belonged to a dog. There were no signs of flesh or connecting tissue from the nasal region to the abdominal section, while the region spanning from the abdominal cavity to the tail bone was left fully intact. The whole thing was carried out with surgical precision, and drew morbid praise from even the medic back at the base.”
"But how is that even possible? What are you suggesting, Joe?" I asked, surprised by the tone of my own voice and my inability to hide my disappointment upon hearing about it for the first time.
“This is not a hunt for prey, Mike. This is a hunt for attention. Somebody is trying to make a point. And I’d say they are accomplishing their objective.” Joe said.
2024.05.19 13:15 extrafriedchicken92 ABYG nainis ako sa tanong ng officemate ng friend ko?
Kaka start ko lang sa company ng friend ko and since sabay kami ng out napag usapan namin na sabay din kami uuwi. Maaga kasi out ko ng ilang mins lang so I told him I'd wait for him sa may lobby. We're walking palabas ng parking para sumakay ng jeep and nag chichikahan lang kami then may girl na nakatingin samin. Then I heard him say hi sa girl and nag nod sya sa friend ko but she kept looking at me tas parang naka simangot so hindi ko na pinansin.
Pag dating sa waiting shed andun pa rin si girl and waiting na makasakay, nauna friend ko kasi ilalagay ko yung wallet sa bag ko and I saw them talking, but hindi ko marinig gawa nang ingay sa highway. So I waited sa likod ng friend ko and kept a respectful distance then I saw her looked over my friend's shoulder. I was going to smile at her and say hi pero inunahan nya ako ng tanong kung friend ba daw talaga ako. Confused sabi ko Oo and tumingin sa friend ko. I heard him say I told you friend ko nga sya then umalis si girl and narinig ko na babaero ka kasi. I asked him what's going on and he told me na mej protective yung friends nya sa office pag dating sa girls. I know this story kasi he told me na hindi nag wo-work ka talking stages nya sa office and yung last ended ugly (pinag palit sya sa ex)
Hindi na ako nag react pero na off ako sa tanong kasi ang judgy and snappy ng tone, kaya pala ang sama ng tingin sakin before kami mag kasabay kasi akala new hired new bebe. Hindi pa ako tuloy makapag vent sa gf nya kasi close kami and parang ate tingin sakin ng dalawa. Idk if i-open ko pa ba kasi for sure makikita ko ulit si girl soon. ABYG for feeling off sa tanong? or am i just overthinking
submitted by extrafriedchicken92 to AkoBaYungGago [link] [comments]
Pag dating sa waiting shed andun pa rin si girl and waiting na makasakay, nauna friend ko kasi ilalagay ko yung wallet sa bag ko and I saw them talking, but hindi ko marinig gawa nang ingay sa highway. So I waited sa likod ng friend ko and kept a respectful distance then I saw her looked over my friend's shoulder. I was going to smile at her and say hi pero inunahan nya ako ng tanong kung friend ba daw talaga ako. Confused sabi ko Oo and tumingin sa friend ko. I heard him say I told you friend ko nga sya then umalis si girl and narinig ko na babaero ka kasi. I asked him what's going on and he told me na mej protective yung friends nya sa office pag dating sa girls. I know this story kasi he told me na hindi nag wo-work ka talking stages nya sa office and yung last ended ugly (pinag palit sya sa ex)
Hindi na ako nag react pero na off ako sa tanong kasi ang judgy and snappy ng tone, kaya pala ang sama ng tingin sakin before kami mag kasabay kasi akala new hired new bebe. Hindi pa ako tuloy makapag vent sa gf nya kasi close kami and parang ate tingin sakin ng dalawa. Idk if i-open ko pa ba kasi for sure makikita ko ulit si girl soon. ABYG for feeling off sa tanong? or am i just overthinking