There is an aura surrounding every person, place, and thing. This atmosphere influences any outsider who spends time within it; people begin to share similar traits, and animals improve the health of their owners. Beings with shared genetic material may experience premonitions. Occasionally, machines seem to act on their intelligence...

The dynamics between men and women are undeniable, but what the hell... This story dives deep into the lived experiences of both sexes. Even when they walk the same path, the way men and women navigate the world can be vastly different.

I’d like to dedicate this story to the memory of the wonderful spoken-word artist Charles “Is Said” Lyons. I wanted to include one of his pieces at the end of this story—a piece that resonated with me for decades—but I faced two challenges: first, I couldn’t locate who to contact for permission, and second, it can be complex to include the work of an artist who has passed on. If he were alive, would he have agreed to let his poem be portrayed in this way?

Is Said touched so many people in Columbus, Ohio with his words. As they say, if you inspire even one person, it’s worth it. I didn’t know Is Said personally, but friends of mine did. I had the chance to hear him perform—and he truly inspired me.

The cat came back, and this time it's personal.

From the very beginning, it's clear that The Laundromat is building toward something significantly scary—and it definitely delivers. Things take a turn for the eerie when I attempt to complete a simple task. The dryer in my apartment building is broken (the horror!), and from there, the story develops an unsettling atmosphere as I discover the creepy, dark laundromat across the street, which harbors something sinister beneath its surface. The tension is masterfully crafted through its claustrophobic setting and the growing realization that my life is about to take a dark turn. The twist at the end will leave you with chills—let's just say it’s a laundry day you won’t soon forget!

On the sands of the beach of Virginia, an old man listens to a story that merges his past, present, and future.

The fate of our future was decided by a few individuals deep in the tunnels of a not-so-secret secret society. It didn’t have to do with nuclear warheads or aliens—well, not only aliens. The rise and fall of any society, throughout history, has always come down to one thing... love.

Originally written in 2003, this gripping tale of an "Old Man" and his encounters with three unique individuals will make you question every conversation you'll ever have with a stranger.