January 2026 – Page 90

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The Gentle Glow of Solitude

23November Dear Diary, The quiet company of solitude has long settled around Margaret Ellis, just as

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A Sister’s Invitation: A Tale Unwelcome

Thanks for all the likes, the comments, the follows and the generous donations a massive shoutout from

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In Their Family, Nearly Everything Was Just Fine: A Tale

In their household, almost everything seemed to be alright. Thank you all for the likes, the kind comments

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Parents Have Decided to Split: A Story

Dear Diary, Thank you for the likes, the comments, the subscriptions and the generous donations from

There’s My Dress! Can You Seriously Believe I Threw It Out Myself? – There’s my dress! Are you really going to say I tossed it in there? – Egle turned pale as a sheet when she opened the rubbish bin. Egle asked herself the same question nearly every day, and still couldn’t find an answer: what had she ever seen in Martin? At first glance, he wasn’t much to look at – so unremarkable that Egle was embarrassed to introduce him to her friends, who all still assumed she lived alone. Only Egle’s sister knew she shared her flat with a man – and she kept that secret tightly. Martin certainly wasn’t a shooting star; he worked as a welder in a local metalworks factory. Sometimes, as she sat across from him watching TV, Egle caught herself thinking it was time to end things. Yet, whenever she was ready to call it quits, Martin would bring her flowers or a thoughtful gift, and she’d postpone the inevitable breakup a little longer. Before Egle met him, Martin had already been married. His marriage lasted merely two months, but his wife became pregnant and later gave birth to his daughter. By the time Martin and Egle crossed paths, his daughter was twelve. Egle had never made the effort to get to know the girl. The chance arose just before her birthday, which she planned to celebrate with friends. – Egle, – Martin said guiltily, – my ex-wife’s got to go away for work, and she’s asked if I could have my daughter stay… – For long? – Egle frowned, not exactly thrilled with this “gift” for her birthday. – For a month… – A month? Seriously? – she worried. – And does your ex expect us to foot the bill? – She’s not sent me any money, if that’s what you’re asking, – Martin shrugged. – If I recall, you pay her child support. So the girl comes to us for a month and her mum gets to pocket your payments? – There’s not much to pocket on my wages, as you know, – Martin said, chuckling bitterly. – How do you imagine she’ll live here? – Egle fumed, realising she didn’t want some stranger’s child sharing her flat for a month. – She’ll need to get to school, need minding. Why agree to this? – She’s my daughter, – Martin said, surprised. – You think I should turn my back on her? – You should remember: you don’t live here alone, and this is my flat. You could have asked me first! Plus, it’s my birthday, and I don’t want anything to spoil it! – Egle retorted firmly. – I don’t see why my daughter should be a problem, – Martin defended, guilt-tinted. – I have a bad feeling it’s all going to go wrong, – Egle said, arms folded. Martin tried to convince her not to be so pessimistic. The next day, a chubby-cheeked girl with heavy makeup – who looked more sixteen than twelve – arrived at Egle’s door. She stared at Egle and, without a word, turned to her dad. – Where’s my room? – You’ll be sleeping in the kitchen, – Martin said, offering a sympathetic smile. The girl rolled her eyes and ran off to the bathroom to cry. – What just happened? – Egle snapped at Martin. – She’s rude and ill-mannered. Good thing I decided to have my birthday party at a café. And you’re not coming. – What? – Martin asked in disbelief. – Thought you’d finally introduce me to your friends. We’ve lived together over six months now… – You’re staying home with your daughter, – Egle insisted, glad to avoid presenting Martin to her friends, whose boyfriends were all fit and sporty. – Got it, – Martin muttered with regret, not speaking to Egle for the rest of the day. Next day, Egle focused on her party prep. She ironed her cocktail dress first thing and hung it up for the evening. Martin stayed silent, not even wishing her happy birthday. Not wanting to spoil her mood, she pretended not to notice his slight. After work, hurrying to change for the party, she was shocked: her dress was gone. – Where’s my dress? – she raged, dashing to the kitchen where August, Martin’s daughter, lay on the fold-out bed. August ignored her, glued to her phone. – Did you hear me? – Egle demanded, snatching the phone away. – Give it back! – August screamed, bringing Martin running. – What’s going on? – he asked, alarmed. – Give the phone back! – Where’s my dress? – Egle snapped. – I didn’t touch it, – August replied, eyes narrowing mockingly. – She just hates me. – Give her the phone, did you hear me? – Martin said sternly. – Oh, sure, she’ll admit it! – Egle scoffed, tossing the phone onto the floor. The screen shattered; August burst into tears. Egle swept out, determined to find something suitable for the café. Quickly pulling together a makeshift outfit, she headed out for her birthday celebration. There, Egle made her decision: it was time to break up with Martin. Egle returned home in the early morning. Martin, hearing her, got up. – Do you know what time it is? – If you’re trying to play stern, you’re too late. I’ve decided – it’s over, – she said. – You and your daughter need to pack up in the morning. – Expecting to blame me after all this? – Martin laughed wryly. – You smashed August’s phone… – She stole my dress! – Egle hissed. – My daughter did nothing! – Martin’s eyes flashed. – I’d stake my life on it! Egle gave him a sidelong look and waved him off, uninterested in excuses. Wanting to calm down, she pulled a half-finished bottle of wine from the cupboard. Taking a sip, she spat it out in disgust. – What on earth? Shampoo? Are you saying I did that? – Egle joked, then, opening the bin, went speechless. – There’s my dress! Are you seriously going to say I threw it out myself? – So you just needed an excuse to leave me? I knew you’ve wanted this for ages! – Martin burst out. – If it weren’t for me, you’d have done it long ago! Egle raised an eyebrow, remembering everything. – I installed a listening device in the flat. I heard all your conversations with your sister. I know everything! – Martin said proudly. – Is that so! I always wondered how you figured out I wanted to leave so quickly! – Egle exclaimed, stunned as she recalled her many chats with her sister, friends, and parents. – Time to say goodbye! This time, Martin didn’t plead with her to stay. He understood this was the logical end of their story.

There it is the dress! Can you believe I threw it out right here? Theres my dress! Dont tell me you think

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Her Friend’s Father: A Tale

May I sit with you? Andrew asked, his voice cutting through the rustle of the hallway like a sudden clap

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Igniting Her Destiny: A Tale of Self-Creation

Every birthday of her little girl, Emily Whitford stared at the candlelit cake and was haunted by the

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My Only Son Recently Tied the Knot: I Didn’t Attend His Wedding, Not for Lack of Desire or Opportunity, But Because I Wasn’t Invited

My only son has just married, and I am not going to his wedding. It isnt because I cant make it, and

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My Only Son Recently Tied the Knot: I Didn’t Attend His Wedding, Not for Lack of Desire or Opportunity, But Because I Wasn’t Invited

My only son has just married, and I am not going to his wedding. It isnt because I cant make it, and

He Came Home, Didn’t Bother Taking Off His Shoes or Coat, and Announced: “We Need to Have a Serious Talk”

I came home this evening, barely shutting the door behind mestill in my coat and muddy bootsand announced