I lost my mom when I was 10. Dad remarried when I was 15. My stepmom had a daughter, 16, then she and Dad had a boy, 4, and now she just gave birth to a little girl. I’ve been working since I was 16 to have some cash to buy things for myself. When I turned 18, Dad said I was now an adult and should start paying rent. It was “only” 500 bucks, a symbolic amount since he would still cover food and other essentials. I was so mad, and we fought, but in the end, I accepted,…
Author: NXO News Staff
Jason and I had been together for 15 years. When his parents kicked him out when he was 17, my family took him in, helped him finish high school, and supported him, but we’ve never been officially married. Ten years ago, Jason saved enough to purchase a house. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer, and as his health declined, I stepped in to help pay the mortgage. The cancer took him in March. After this, his family suddenly reappeared. A month ago, they reached out, demanding I hand over the keys to the house. They even brought a…
I almost didn’t go to class that day. I knew it would be hard, dragging my six-month-old with me, juggling my backpack, stroller, and diaper bag, hoping—praying—he’d stay quiet long enough for me to take notes. But I had no choice. I couldn’t afford a nanny, and missing another lecture wasn’t an option. So there I was, sitting in the back, rocking his carrier with my foot, trying to stay invisible. It worked—for a while. But then, halfway through the lecture, my little boy let out a whimper. Then another. And then the full-blown cries started. Heads turned. My face…
I knew this might happen. I tried to prepare myself for it. But nothing prepares you for the sight of your little boy, sitting at his birthday table, staring at an empty yard. Leo had been so excited. He picked out his superhero decorations, helped me bake cupcakes, even practiced how he’d say “Thank you for coming!” to his friends. But now, the balloons swayed in the wind, the uneaten cake sat untouched, and my boy—my sweet, autistic little boy—just kept glancing at the front gate, waiting. I wanted to scream. I wanted to call every parent and ask, How could…
It started as just another job. The guys from the cleaning company had been hired to wash the windows at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, same as always. But this time, they decided to do something different. Instead of their usual work uniforms, they showed up in full superhero costumes—Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, even Captain America. At first, it was just for fun. A little surprise for the kids inside, who spent more time looking out those windows than anyone should. But when they rappelled down the side of the building, something happened that none of them expected. Tiny faces pressed against…
I was in the checkout line at Publix when I noticed the old man struggling. He was hunched over, gripping the handle of his cart for support, his hands shaking as he tried to bend down. At first, I thought he dropped something. Then I saw it—his shoelace, untied, a fall waiting to happen. Before I could move, a young employee in a green apron stepped forward. Without hesitation, he knelt down and gently tied the man’s shoe, double-knotting it for good measure. “Gotcha covered, sir,” he said with a warm smile. The old man exhaled, relieved. “Thank you, son.…
I just needed a few screws. That’s all. Just a quick trip to Lowe’s, in and out. But life has a way of throwing wrenches into the simplest plans. As I rolled through the store, I heard it before I felt it—snap. Then suddenly, the right wheel of my chair wobbled, and before I could react, it gave out completely. I barely caught myself before hitting the ground. A couple of customers glanced over but kept walking. Embarrassment flooded my face as I struggled to adjust. The chair was useless now. “Hey, you okay?” I looked up to see a guy…
I first noticed him a few weeks ago, sitting on the same bench outside the coffee shop. He always had the same tattered book in his hands, its spine barely holding together. The pages were yellowed, some corners folded down so many times they looked like they’d disintegrate with one more touch. He read it cover to cover, then started again. Over and over. I don’t know why it stuck with me. Maybe because I love books, too. Maybe because he never asked for money, never looked up at the people passing him by. Just sat there, completely lost in…
I never cried. Not when I took a bullet in the line of duty. Not when my marriage fell apart because the job always came first. Not even when my old man passed. But tonight, sitting on my couch with Rex’s head in my lap, I couldn’t stop the tears. His breathing was slow, uneven. The vet said it was time—his body was giving out, and keeping him here would be selfish. But how the hell was I supposed to let go of the best damn partner I ever had? Rex wasn’t just a dog. He saved my life more…
I sat by her bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest, each breath more labored than the last. The hospice room smelled like antiseptic and old flowers, and the dim light cast shadows on her sunken face. She had been fading for weeks, but today felt… different. Final. The nurse had warned me it could be any moment now. “Sometimes, they hold on for one last thing,” she had said gently. I didn’t know what my mother was holding on for—until she finally opened her eyes. She looked at me with a softness I hadn’t seen in…