Staying in a hotel or motel is a common practice when traveling far from home. While this provides a convenient place to rest, ensuring your safety and comfort requires a few precautionary steps. Here are essential actions to take as soon as you check into a hotel room.
1. Inspect the Room Thoroughly at Your Hotel Check-in
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Many travelers skip inspecting their hotel room, but this is a critical step. Walk through the space and ensure everything is in working order, including the lights, air conditioning, and plumbing. Check for cleanliness in frequently touched areas like door handles, remote controls, and bathroom fixtures. A quick inspection ensures your stay is hygienic and problem-free.
2. Check for Hidden Cameras
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Privacy is paramount, and hidden cameras in hotel rooms are a growing concern. Areas like the TV, set-top boxes, and decorative items such as picture frames, flower vases, and potted plants are common spots for hidden cameras. Hidden recording devices have become smaller and harder to detect, making it essential to remain vigilant.
To check for cameras, start by unplugging the TV. Then, use your smartphone’s camera in video recording mode to scan the room. Cameras often emit infrared light, visible as small dots on your phone screen. Similarly, using your phone’s flash to illuminate corners of the room can help detect reflective camera lenses.
3. Check Room Service and Additional Amenities
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Lastly, confirm that promised amenities, such as Wi-Fi, minibars, or additional bedding, are available and functional. Familiarize yourself with the room service menu and hotel policies, such as check-out times or additional fees.
4. Close Curtains and Adjust Lighting
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Before settling in, close the curtains to block any outside views. Turn off the room’s lights and check for unusual light sources, such as tiny blue or red dots. These could indicate the presence of a recording device.
5. Examine Decorative Items and Furnishings
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Hidden cameras can be concealed in more than just the TV area. Carefully inspect decorative elements such as wall art, flower arrangements, mirrors, and nightstands. Pay special attention to the bathroom, where privacy is most vulnerable. Look for anything that seems out of place or unusually positioned.
6. Ensure Door and Window Security
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After ensuring the room is camera-free, focus on security. Check that the door locks function properly, including any deadbolts or chains. If your room has windows, verify that they close securely and have locking mechanisms. For extra peace of mind, use a portable door lock or door stopper, especially if you’re traveling alone.
7. Sanitize Frequently Touched Surfaces at your Hotel Check-in
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Even in well-maintained hotels, high-touch areas can harbor germs. Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and the bathroom counter. This quick task can help protect you from potential illnesses during your stay.
8. Familiarize Yourself With Emergency Exits
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Locate the nearest emergency exits and stairwells as soon as you check in. Familiarizing yourself with the layout ensures you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Note the evacuation procedures listed on the back of the door or in the hotel information booklet.
9. Secure Your Valuables
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If the room includes a safe, test its functionality before storing your belongings. For items like passports, electronics, or jewelry, keep them in a secure spot, either in the safe or a concealed area within the room. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
10. Unplug the Television
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In your hotel check-in, televisions are a prime location for concealed cameras. Positioned opposite the bed, the TV can provide an unobstructed view of the entire room. Unplugging the TV minimizes the risk of bad actors using its infrared connection to operate a hidden device. It’s a simple step that can enhance your privacy during your stay.
Taking these precautionary steps when checking into a hotel room can make your stay safer and more enjoyable. By prioritizing privacy, cleanliness, and security, you can rest easy and focus on enjoying your trip.
“Ten years from now, Christmas Eve, Times Square. I promise I’ll be there,” Peter vowed to his high school sweetheart Sally on prom night. A decade later, he showed up with hope in his heart. But instead of Sally, a young girl approached, bearing a crushing truth that would change his life forever.
The music was soft, a gentle hum of violins blending with the muffled laughter of their classmates. Peter tightened his grip on Sally’s hands, his thumbs brushing over her knuckles like he could memorize her touch. Her mascara had smudged from crying, black streaks lining her flushed cheeks.
“I don’t want to go,” she said, her voice breaking.
Peter’s eyes glistened, fighting back tears he refused to shed. “I know,” he breathed, pulling her closer. “God, Sally, I don’t want you to go either. But some dreams are bigger than us.”
“Are they?” Sally challenged, her green eyes fierce with emotion. “What about our dream? What about everything we planned?” Her fingers intertwined with his.
“You must go,” Peter whispered. “Your family, your dreams… You’ve always wanted to study in Europe. I can’t hold you back. I won’t be the reason you shrink your world.”
A tear escaped, trailing down Sally’s cheek. “But what about us?” Her voice cracked, those three words carrying the weight of every shared moment, every stolen kiss, and every promise they’d ever made.
He pulled her closer, the space between them shrinking to nothing. “We’ll meet again,” he said, his voice steady despite the chaos inside.
“If we ever lose touch, promise me we’ll meet on Christmas Eve, ten years from now… at Times Square,” Sally whispered, a trembling smile breaking through her tears. “I’ll be holding a yellow umbrella. That’s how you’ll find me.”
“Ten years from now, Christmas Eve, Times Square. Even if life takes us separate ways, I promise I’ll be there, looking for the most beautiful lady with a yellow umbrella, no matter what,” Peter vowed.
Sally’s laugh was bitter, tinged with heartbreak. “Even if we’re married or have kids? You must come… just to talk. And to tell me that you’re happy and successful.”
“Especially then,” Peter responded, his fingers gently wiping away her tears. “Because some connections transcend time and circumstances.”
They held each other in the middle of the dance floor, the world moving around them… two hearts beating in perfect, painful synchronization, knowing that some goodbyes are really just elaborate see-you-laters.
Time passed like leaves on a breeze. Peter and Sally remained in touch, mainly through letters. Then one day, she stopped writing. Peter was crushed, but the hope of meeting her kept him going.
Ten years later, Times Square sparkled with Christmas lights and the buzz of holiday cheer.
Peter stood near the towering Christmas tree, hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat. Snowflakes danced in the air, melting as they landed on his dark hair. His eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a flash of yellow.
He hadn’t seen her in years, but he knew he’d recognize her anywhere. Sally was unforgettable. The way her laughter bubbled up when she teased him, the way her nose scrunched when she read something too serious… he remembered it all.
Each passing moment was a thread of memory, pulling tight around his heart.
The crowds shifted and swirled, tourists and locals mixing in a kaleidoscope of holiday excitement. Peter’s watch ticked away. First minutes, then an hour. The yellow umbrella remained a phantom, always just out of sight. Then suddenly, someone called out from behind.
The voice was small and hesitant. So small it could have been carried away by the winter wind. He turned sharply, his heart pounding so hard he could hear its rhythm in his ears.
A little girl stood behind him, a yellow umbrella clutched in her hands. Her brown curls framed her pale face, her eyes wide and impossibly familiar as they met his.
“Are you Peter?” she asked, softer this time, as if afraid of breaking some delicate spell.
Peter crouched to her level, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. His hands, usually steady, trembled slightly as he met her gaze. “Yes, I’m Peter. Who are you?”
The girl bit her lip, a gesture so achingly reminiscent of someone he once knew that it made his breath catch. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, the yellow umbrella wobbling slightly in her small hands.
“My name’s Betty,” she whispered. “She… she’s not coming.”
A chill that had nothing to do with the winter air crept up Peter’s spine. Something in her eyes, in the careful way she held herself, spoke of a story far more complicated than a chance encounter.
“Wh-what do you mean? Who are you?” he asked, the words coming out more like a plea than a question.
“I’M YOUR DAUGHTER,” she whispered. Tears welled in her eyes. They were green… startlingly, unmistakably green. The same shade he remembered from a dance floor a decade ago.
Peter’s chest tightened, a vise of emotion squeezing around his heart. “Mmm-My Daughter?” he managed, though some part of him already knew the answer would change everything.
Before Betty could respond, an older couple approached. The man was tall, his hair silver, and the woman clutched his arm, her face kind but etched with a sorrow that seemed to have carved permanent lines around her eyes and mouth.
“We found him,” Betty said, her voice brimming with nervousness and expectation.
The man nodded and turned to Peter, his gaze steady and penetrating. “Hello, Peter,” he said, his voice deep and measured. “I’m Felix and this is my wife. We’re Sally’s parents. We’ve heard so much about you.”
Peter froze, confusion swirling in his mind like a storm threatening to break. His legs felt unsteady, and his heart raced with dread. “I don’t understand,” he whispered. “Where’s Sally? And what does this girl mean by she’s ‘my daughter?'”
The older woman’s lip quivered, a fragile movement that spoke volumes. Her words fell like stones, each one shattering a piece of Peter’s world. “She passed away two years ago. Cancer.”
Peter staggered back as if the words had physically struck him. “No… No, that can’t be true,” he repeated, the denial a desperate prayer.
“I’m sorry,” Mr. Felix said softly, his voice laden with a compassion that felt like a gentle, merciless embrace. “She… she didn’t want you to know.”
Betty’s small hand tugged on Peter’s sleeve, a lifeline in a moment of emotional destruction. “Before she died, Mom told me you loved her like she was the most precious thing in the world,” she whispered, her voice filled with childlike innocence.
Peter sank to his knees again, the world spinning around him. His voice trembled, each word a broken piece of a shattered dream. “Why didn’t she tell me? About you? About her illness? Why didn’t she let me help?”
Mrs. Felix stepped forward, her hands clasped. “She found out she was pregnant with your child after she moved to Paris,” she explained. “She didn’t want to burden you. She knew your mother was sick, and you had so much on your plate. She thought you’d moved on, that you were happy.”
“Happy?” Peter’s laugh was a raw, broken sound. “But I never stopped loving her,” he said, his voice breaking like glass, sharp and painful. “Never.”
Mrs. Felix pulled a small, worn diary from her bag. “We found this after she passed,” she said softly, her fingers brushing the faded cover with a tenderness that spoke of countless moments of grief and remembrance.
“She wrote about you, about how excited she was to see you again today… at this particular spot. That is how we knew. She… she never stopped loving you, Peter.”
Peter took the diary with hands that trembled like autumn leaves, each movement careful, almost reverent. The pages were filled with Sally’s neat handwriting — a beautiful script that seemed to dance between lines of hope and heartbreak.
His fingers traced the words, each paragraph a window into a love that had never truly died.
A photograph from their prom night fell between the pages — young Sally and Peter, lost in each other’s eyes, the world around them nothing more than a soft, indistinct backdrop.
Pressed carefully between paragraphs describing Betty’s dreams and Sally’s deepest regrets, the picture was a silent token to a love that had endured despite impossible circumstances.
Tears blurred his vision, transforming the words into a watercolor of emotion. Sally’s hopes, her fears, her extraordinary love… all captured in these fragile pages. He looked up, meeting Betty’s wide, nervous eyes. Eyes that held Sally’s spirit and her courage.
“You’re my daughter!” Peter whispered, the words a revelation, a prayer, and a promise all at once.
Betty nodded, her small chin lifting with a courage that reminded him so much of her mother. “Mom said I look like you,” she responded, a hint of both vulnerability and pride in her voice.
Peter pulled her into a hug, holding her as tightly as he dared, as if he could protect her from every pain, every loss, and every moment of uncertainty she might ever face.
“You look like your mom too, sweetheart,” he murmured, a small smile flickering on his face. “You’re just as beautiful as she was.”
Betty nestled into his embrace, finding a home she didn’t know she’d been searching for.
They talked for hours. Betty told him stories her mom had shared, each line a precious thread weaving together the mosaic of a life he’d missed.
Her animated gestures, the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about Sally, reminded Peter of everything he’d lost and found in a single moment.
“Mom used to tell me how you’d dance in the rain,” Betty said, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern. “She said you were the only person who could make her laugh during the hardest times.”
Mrs. Felix stepped closer, her hand resting gently on Peter’s shoulder. “Sally was protecting you,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of untold sacrifices. “She didn’t want you to feel trapped. She did what she did for you, dear.”
Peter wiped his face, his tears freezing on his cheeks like crystallized memories. “I would’ve dropped everything for her,” he whispered.
Mr. Felix’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “We know that now,” he said. “And we’re sorry for not finding you sooner.”
Peter looked at Betty, her face a beautiful blend of wonder and sadness, a living reminder of the love he’d lost and found. “I’m never letting you go,” he said, the promise a sacred vow. “Not until I die.”
“I promise,” Peter said.
Over the following months, Peter worked tirelessly to bring Betty to the U.S. The process was complicated, filled with paperwork and emotional hurdles, but his determination never wavered. She moved into his apartment, her laughter (so reminiscent of Sally’s) filling the once-quiet spaces.
“This was Mom’s favorite color,” Betty would say, pointing to a painting or a throw pillow. “She always said it reminded her of something special.”
Peter would smile, understanding now that ‘something special’ had always been him.
He flew to Europe often, spending time with Mr. and Mrs. Felix and visiting Sally’s grave. Each trip was a bittersweet pilgrimage… joy and sorrow intertwined like delicate threads. During these moments, Betty would hold his hand, a silent support, and a living connection to the woman they both loved.
“Tell me about how you met,” Betty would ask, and Peter would share stories of young love, promises made beneath school dance lights, and a connection that transcended time and distance.
On the anniversary of their first Christmas together, Peter and Betty stood by Sally’s grave. A bouquet of yellow roses lay on the stone, the petals bright against the pristine snow… a splash of color, hope, and remembered love.
“She used to say yellow is the color of new beginnings,” Betty whispered, her breath creating small clouds in the winter air.
“Your mother was right. She’d be so proud of you,” Peter said, his protective arm around his daughter.
Betty nodded, leaning into his embrace. “And she’d be happy we found each other.”
Peter pressed a kiss to her temple, his heart heavy with loss and love. “I’ll never let you go,” he said again, the promise a covenant between a father, a daughter, and the memory of a love that had waited ten years to be reunited.
Here’s another story: Samantha sees a lonely little girl with a red bag at the bus stop near her house every evening. One morning, she finds the girl’s bag abandoned on her doorstep, carrying a plea that moved her to tears.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
On our anniversary night, I stood in my best dress, waiting for my husband. Then a cake arrived with golden lettering: “It’s time to get divorced!” An hour later, I was on a flight to uncover the truth. Marriage suited me. It wasn’t always perfect, but I felt loved and secure with Thomas. Our first year as husband and wife had been filled with warmth, late-night conversations, and laughter over burnt pancakes on Sunday mornings.
That’s why I spent two weeks preparing for our first wedding anniversary.
Two weeks. Can you imagine?
Every detail had to be perfect. I spent hours searching endlessly for the ultimate duck à l’orange recipe, even practicing it twice to ensure it turned out right. And, of course, the gift.
I still remembered how he’d paused by the store window a few months ago, staring at that designer tie. It was one of those quick, fleeting moments men had when they saw something they liked but decided they didn’t need.
But I noticed. And I remembered.
Finally, the table was set, the candles flickered, and I stood in my best dress, feeling completely happy.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Thomas’s voice sounded… casual. “I’m already halfway to the airport.”
I frowned. “What airport?”
“There’s an emergency meeting. Clients, you know how it is…”
I closed my eyes. Breathed in. Breathed out.
“Thomas, today is our anniversary.”
“And I haven’t forgotten! I’ll make it up to you, I promise, as soon as I’m back.”
That phrase stuck in my mind. Make it up…
I looked at the beautifully set table. I pictured myself sitting there, eating alone, wearing that dress I chose just for him.
“Right. Safe flight.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. Love you.”
I didn’t want to ruin my evening. Instead of sulking, I decided to take a long, luxurious bubble bath.
Just as I was sinking into the warmth, the doorbell rang. I sighed, wrapping a towel around myself and heading to the door. A delivery man stood there, holding a large white box tied with a red ribbon.
“Anna?”
I nodded.
“Special delivery,” he said, handing it over.
“Who is it from?”
“Anonymous order. Have a great evening!”
I shut the door, walked to the table, and stared at the box.
For a split second, my heart lifted.
Did Thomas at least arrange a surprise? I love surprises!
I carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside was a cake. The smell of buttercream filled the air. But it wasn’t the cake that stole my breath. It was the message written across the top in elegant golden lettering.
“It’s time to get divorced!”
My mind scrambled for an explanation.
A joke? A cruel mistake? Some kind of mix-up?
And then, I saw a small card tucked beneath the lid.
“Hope you take this as well as he did. XOXO.”
Mistress? But how…
And then my phone rang. It was Gloria. My mother-in-law. I hesitated before answering.
“Anna, darling! Happy anniversary!”
I swallowed, barely managing a muted “Thank you.”
“How do you like the ring?” she chirped. “Thomas said it was exquisite!”
My blood ran cold.
Because I never received a ring. Thomas always gave me gifts in the morning on special occasions. Always. It was his thing.
But today? Nothing.
“Oh… yes, it’s beautiful,” I lied.
“Such a shame Thomas had to leave today,” Gloria sighed dramatically. “But what a wonderful opportunity for a surprise!”
“A surprise?”
“Of course! He told me he’s staying at,” she giggled, “the same hotel where you two once stayed, remember? Oh, how romantic! I know you’re spontaneous, Anna. Buy a ticket and surprise him!”
Something inside me clicked into place.
The cake. The note. The mysterious ring I never got. That wasn’t a coincidence. Is Thomas cheating on me?
My mouth felt dry. I closed my eyes for a moment, steadying my breath.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Gloria,” I said sweetly. “I’ll book a flight right now.”
“Oh, how exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about it.”
“Of course,” I said, staring at the cake one more time. “Thank you for calling.”
I ended the call and set my phone down.
For a long moment, I stood there, staring at the cake, the note, and the flickering candles, which were meant to celebrate something beautiful.
Then, without hesitation, I grabbed my purse and booked the next flight.
***
I barely reached the last flight, sprinting through the terminal with my bag slamming against my hip. The whole time, my mind raced faster than my legs.
Am I making a mistake? Am I about to walk into something I couldn’t unsee?
Exhaustion sat heavily on my shoulders by the time I landed, but adrenaline kept me upright. My hands trembled as I checked the room number—the number the kind receptionist had so helpfully provided after I quickly explained my situation and casually flashed the cake.
Room 614.
Finally, standing outside the door, my pulse pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears. I took a breath. Knocked.
The door swung open, and I almost fainted.
A brunette. Gorgeous. Effortlessly styled waves of dark hair cascaded over one bare shoulder. Her silk dress clung to her like it had been custom-made for one purpose—to make a wife feel small.
Behind her, on the bed, lay Thomas’s clothes. The air left my lungs.
She leaned against the doorframe, taking her time, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smirk.
“Thomas is in the shower,” she purred, eyeing me up and down. “I’ll let him know you stopped by.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Oh? Wouldn’t want to disturb him?”
“Something like that,” I said, shifting the weight in my hands.
“You look tense. Maybe you should get a massage while you’re here. There’s a great spa downstairs.”
“Thanks for the suggestion,” I said sweetly. “But I brought my stress relief.”
And with one swift motion, I smashed the cake straight into her smug little face. A beautifully disgusting explosion of buttercream and fondant splattered across the hallway.
She shrieked, stumbling back, hands flying to her frosting-covered hair.
“WHAT THE…?! ARE YOU INSANE?!” she screeched, blinking wildly as vanilla icing dripped from her eyelashes.
“Possibly,” I admitted, stepping inside.
“You… you… psychopath!” she shrieked, grabbing a throw pillow and hurling it at me.
I dodged it effortlessly.
“I was aiming for your dignity, but it turns out you didn’t have much to begin with.”
She lunged at me, arms flailing, but her slippery, icing-coated heels betrayed her. She went sprawling onto the carpet in a spectacular, undignified heap. I stepped over her.
“Don’t forget to send me the dry-cleaning bill!”
I stormed toward the bathroom, heart pounding, ready to rip Thomas apart…
And then I stopped cold.
There, wrapped in a plush white bathrobe, sipping champagne like she was at a five-star resort, Gloria stood.
My mother-in-law. She lifted her glass in a mock toast and smirked.
“Oh,” she said lazily. “You weren’t supposed to burst in. That’s not very… you, honey.”
“What?”
“You’re always so… uncertain. I wasn’t expecting this side of you.” Her eyes roamed over my heaving chest, my wild hair, the remains of cake still smeared on my fingers. “Almost impressive for a gray little mouse like you.”
I ignored the insult.
“Where’s Thomas?”
“Oh, he’s at another hotel. Who leaves his wife alone on their anniversary? I saw an opportunity and took it.”
A slow-burning heat crawled up my spine.
“Opportunity for what?”
Gloria sighed like I was exhausting her.
“To get rid of you, sweetheart.”
“The cake…” I breathed.
She laughed, taking another slow sip.
“Oh, I baked it myself! Did you like it?”
“But why?”
“Oh, darling, you were never the right fit for my boy. But Alicia…” she gestured lazily toward the still-flailing mess in the other room, “now, she is perfect. A successful model. Beautiful. Well-connected. You two have met now… how delightful!”
“You’re insane. Thomas loves me. You will never separate us.”
“Oh, now it’s just a bit trickier,” Gloria mused. “But don’t worry. I play the long game.”
“Thomas is going to find out, and you’ll regret ruining my day.”
“And how exactly do you plan to do that, dear?”
I pulled my phone from my pocket and held it up between us. Gloria froze.
“Oh,” I mused, tapping the screen. “Didn’t I mention? I called Thomas the moment I entered this room. And when I realized the suit on the bed wasn’t his? I left the line open.”
For the first time, Gloria’s smirk faltered. I pressed speakerphone. And then, Thomas’s voice boomed through the room.
“Mom, I can’t believe you! How could you?! We’ll talk later…” his voice was sharp with rage. “Anna, I’ll be there in ten minutes. Wait in the lobby.”
A flicker of panic crossed Gloria’s face. Her brilliant scheme? Crushed.
“Enjoy your evening,” I purred, heading for the door.
I paused, glancing back at Alicia, still dripping in buttercream.
“Oh, and Gloria?” I called over my shoulder. “Thanks for the cake. It looks amazing on Alicia’s face.”
And with that, I strode out like I had won the Oscars.
***
I stood in the hotel lobby, staring at my reflection in the glass doors. What a sight.
My hair was a tangled mess, my makeup smudged like I’d lost a fight with a raccoon, and there was still frosting on my sleeve. Yet, despite looking like I had barely survived a cake battle royale, I had never felt more victorious. Behind me, the elevator chimed. Hurried footsteps approached.
I turned just as Thomas stopped in front of me, breathless.
“I don’t even know what to say,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair.
“Try ‘my mother is insane’ for starters.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Anna, I had no idea…”
“Look, we can talk later. Right now? I’m starving.”
Thomas exhaled, nodded, and slipped an arm around my waist as we stepped out into the night.
Dinner was quieter than usual. By the time dessert arrived, I finally felt like I could breathe again. Then, Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Slowly, I set my fork down.
“Is this… from your mother?”
Thomas let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “No. This is actually from me.”
Inside was a stunning ring. I ran my thumb over the sparkling stone.
“My gift for you is back home.”
Thomas leaned in, smirking. “Is it another cake?”
“No. But if you ever go on a business trip on our anniversary again… Then yes. But it won’t have frosting.”
He laughed, reaching for my hand. That night, we celebrated. It wasn’t perfect. But it was ours.
I knew there would be more battles with his mother. But I had made one thing very clear that night. Crossing my boundaries wouldn’t be so easy anymore.
If You Get These Bruises On Your Body …Here’s What It Means
Have you ever noticed bruises appearing out of nowhere? Those black-and-blue marks can be unsightly, sometimes painful, and occasionally a sign of an underlying health issue. Today, we’ll explore why bruising happens, how to prevent it, and when it might indicate something serious. Here’s a hint—certain vitamin deficiencies could be a factor.
What is Bruising?
The medical term for bruising is ecchymosis. It occurs when small blood vessels beneath the skin break, causing blood to pool under the surface. Unlike cuts, where blood escapes, bruises stay under the skin and change color as they heal—from red or blue to purple, then green or yellow, before fading.
Most bruises result from minor injuries, like bumping into something. However, some people bruise more easily due to health conditions or deficiencies.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While occasional bruises are normal, see a doctor if you notice:
Frequent bruising without a clear cause
Bruises that take longer than two weeks to heal
Bruises in unusual areas like the stomach, ears, or genitals
Vitamin Deficiencies That Can Cause Bruising
Vitamin C Deficiency – Weakens blood vessels, making bruising more common. Eat more citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli. Smokers are especially at risk.
Vitamin K Deficiency – Affects blood clotting, leading to frequent bruising.
Vitamin D & B Deficiencies – Can also contribute to bruising. If you suspect a deficiency, consider testing your levels.
Supplements That May Increase Bruising
Certain supplements thin the blood, making bruising more likely:
Ginkgo, ginseng, ginger, and garlic
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin E
Saw palmetto
If you think your supplements are causing bruising, consult a doctor before making changes.
Other Causes of Frequent Bruising
Medications – Blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, steroids, and some antibiotics or antidepressants can make bruising more likely.
Aging – Skin thins with age, making blood vessels more fragile.
Sun Damage – Weakens blood vessels over time.
Medical Conditions – Diabetes, blood disorders (hemophilia), blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma), and anemia can increase bruising.
Sports Injuries – Contact sports can cause deeper tissue damage along with visible bruises.
Treating a Bruise: The RICE Method
Rest – Avoid straining the area.
Ice – Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
Compression – Use a bandage if needed.
Elevation – Keep the area raised to minimize swelling.
(Switch to Heat Therapy – After a few days, apply warm compresses to speed up healing.)
Other Methods
Use Pain Relievers Cautiously – Acetaminophen can help, but avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as they may worsen bruising.
Prevent Falls – Improve lighting, remove trip hazards like rugs, and organize cords to reduce the risk of injury.
Monitor Supplements – If supplements seem to contribute to bruising, get tested to see if adjustments are needed.
Care for Thin Skin – If your skin is fragile, watch for cuts or breaks, as open wounds increase infection risk.
When to See a Doctor
Most bruises heal on their own, but consult a doctor if:
They don’t fade or keep appearing without cause.
They’re linked to an underlying condition like diabetes—this could be a sign to monitor your glucose levels.
A more serious health issue is suspected—early detection can help determine the next steps.
Taking action early can help you prevent unnecessary bruising and address any underlying concerns.
It was yet another day when I needed to make a choice between what my essentials were and cut on purchasing too many products. Times were tough, and although I only got a handful of things from the store, I was still short on money. Embarrassment was written all over my face, but then, the cashier slipped me cash.
“I’ve been there,” she whispered.
I thanked her and headed to the parking lot when I noticed there was a note along with the receipt – “Take your child and leave. Now. Don’t look back.”
Honestly, I got scared because I couldn’t figure out what was going on. Was I in danger? My initial thought was to return to the store, but I decided to act upon that note and headed home instead.
Curious about the message, I returned to the store the following day.
I looked around, but the cashier was nowhere to bee seen. I asked around, and before long, the store’s manager approached me.
“Looking for something particular?” he asked, seeing me standing at the register for unusually long.
“Yes,” I said, “I’m in fact looking for a cashier. She was at work yesterday.”
I described how she looked and then I was told she didn’t work there any longer. Apparently, the nice cashier was axed the day she slipped me cash.
The manager, who was extremely rude, said she broke the store’s policy by giving money to a customer.
“Oh my God,” I said to myself. “Did she lose her job for stepping in for me and my child?”
I wanted to know more, her name, her address… but the manager refused to share such information with me.
In an attempt to track her down, I took to the social media, never assuming that my post would go viral in a matter of days.
What’s most, the local outlets picked up the story, and it wasn’t long after the nice cashier who slipped me cash contacted me.
I apologized for getting her in trouble, but she said it was fine.
She explained that she noticed a strange person walking right next to me the entire time I was at the store and that’s why she wrote that note, fearing I could get myself in danger.
As of her kindness and her losing her job? The local media had already picked up the story so the store’s corporate got involved. They offered her her job back, but that lovely cashier had other plans. She said she found a job where kindness wasn’t punished.
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After you make a lovely mug or cup of tea, what do you do with your tea bag? Do you throw it away?
Well, no more will you need to throw away your old tea bags, there is a multitude of uses for them, from health to outside in your garden…
Tea Can Relieve Sunburn:
Have you ever been sunburned? Well, whether or not you have any after sun lotion, grab your tea bags because they contain an acid that can really calm the heat of sunburn quite quickly and effectively!
Tea Can Restore Tired Eyes:
You know that feeling of tired baggy or puffy eyes? Now you can fight the dreaded bags that are around your eyes by applying tea bags to your eyes, once they are cool of course!
The tea contains tannins that have a calming effect and can really help to rejuvenate your eyes, be sure to use tea bags that are black tea!
After you make your tea put the bags in a tightly covered jar in the fridge, they grab a nice cool bad when you need a morning fresh pick-up.
Tea Can Sooth Minor Burns:
If you are unlucky enough to burn yourself, tea can give the relief you need, the tannins in the teas bags are great for reducing inflammation caused by heat damage to the skin!
Tea Can Be Used To Rinse Your Hair:
A Tea rinse for your hair is really beneficial for your hair and scalp. Its known to also help with dandruff too, and as an added benefit will leave your hair lovely and shiny…
Boil a couple of tea bags in a pan of water, let it cool with the bags in the water, then remove the bags once its cool. Then rinse your hair well with the tea water, and dry using a dark colored towel that your not too bothered about getting tea stains on.
Tea Stops Warts In Their Tracks:
Antioxidants from green tea can help stop warts growing bigger, apply tea bags to your warts every day to keep them at bay!
Tea Can Even Freshen Up Smell Shoes:
At some point, all our shoes tend to start to smell, put a dry tea bag in your shoes, it will absorb any moisture and the horrible odor.
Tea Can help Your Plants too:
The tannins in the tea can lower pH levels of the soil, and help to feed the plants too, the lower pH helps prevent fungus growing at the base of the plant, and gives you lovely pretty blossoms in your plants.
Tea Is Great To Help CLean The Dishes:
If you have grime and dirt ground on your dishes, soak them overnight with a couple of old tea bags. it’ll be so much easier to clean that grime off them the next day.
Tea Bags Can Remove Water Marks From Mirrors:
That dirty bathroom mirror with unsightly water stains on it, use your old bags to vanish away those nasty marks, before you know it, with a tea bag wipe and a buff with a cloth, they will be sparking again!
Tea Will Remove Odors From Hands:
If your hands are smelly after chopping some garlic or onions, wash your hands using tea bags. It will help remove some of those awful odors.
Tea Will Sooth Sore Gums:
If you have sore or sensitive gums you can use tea bags in your mouth, just like you would some gauze pads. They will really help reduce any swelling or bleeding.
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There was an almost electric sense of expectancy in the delivery room. Emma, my wife, was lying on the hospital bed with her fingers clenched around mine and a look of excitement mixed with fatigue. A dreamlike atmosphere was created by the quiet voices of the nurses, the regular beeping of the monitors, and the doctor’s gentle words of encouragement.
Family jewelry
It was this. The time we had been anticipating. Choosing baby clothes, experiencing small kicks in the middle of the night, and nine months of delight. We spent nine months wondering if our unborn child would have Emma’s golden hair. My angular cheekbones? The dimples that were inherited? Everything else in the room was broken by a piercing wail. The baby was here.
I looked over and saw the doctor gently lifting our baby, her face wrinkled up as she drew her first breaths, her tiny limbs wriggling. My eyes pricked with tears. She was flawless. But Emma’s terrified scream, which I had not anticipated, broke the moment.
When mom cradles her dead kid in her arms, her husband whispers something she won’t soon forget – Selflovers
“This isn’t my child!” The room became quiet. The nurses froze. The doctor paused in mid-step. I thought my wife would be overwhelmed, perhaps simply in shock from giving birth. However, the expression in her eyes was one of utter incredulity rather than simply fatigue.
In an attempt to maintain composure, one of the nurses gave a soft grin. She remarked, “She’s still attached to you,” as though to reassure my wife that nothing was wrong. Emma, however, gasped for air and shook her head angrily. “It’s not feasible! Never in my life have I dated a Black man!
The words were piercing and weighty as they hung in the air. Everyone was uncertain of how to respond, and the room remained strangely still. As I turned to face our daughter, a gorgeous newborn girl with skin that was substantially darker than either of ours, my heartbeat hammered in my ears. However, her features were definitely ours.
Emma was shaking next to me, and it felt like the whole world was tilting beneath her. I grounded her by squeezing her hand and making her look at me. I stated unequivocally, “She’s our baby,” in a firm voice. “That’s the only thing that counts.”
Emma’s gaze shifted from our daughter to me and back again. As a nurse gently placed the infant in her arms, she gasped. At first, she seemed hesitant to touch her, as though she was scared of something she didn’t comprehend. However, something changed the instant our daughter’s little fingers encircled her pinky.
She loosened her shoulders. Something softer replaced the stiffness in her face. She felt a mixture of relief, tiredness, and love as tears filled her eyes. She let out a trembling breath. She muttered, “She’s gorgeous.” The room seems to breathe once more. The nurses looked at each other but continued working. With a nod, the doctor and I exchanged a quiet agreement.
The days that followed were a haze. I found myself watching our kid nonstop while Emma recovered, trying to figure out what was going on. She had my chin, my nose, and even the same tiny frown I had as a newborn, so I knew without a doubt that she was my. However, Emma’s tirade persisted.
She had been so convinced, not because I had any suspicions or doubts about her. Emma was the first to propose the DNA test. “I just need to know,” she said one evening in a little, nearly embarrassed voice. “I do love her.” But I must comprehend.
So we did it. We waited after sending off the samples. Two weeks later, the results were received. Emma opened the email with shaking hands. My heart was racing as I stood behind her. As she read, she covered her mouth with one hand and gasped.
The screen showed her ancestry record, which in bold letters verified what we had never known: Emma had generations of African ancestry. She turned to face me, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I didn’t know,” she muttered. “All this time, I was unaware.”
I kissed the top of her head as I drew her into my arms. I muttered, “It doesn’t change anything.” “We own her. She was always. Emma laughed softly and drippingly. “I suppose my panic was in vain.” I grinned. “Well, people experience that during childbirth.” She pushed me and rolled her eyes, then turned to face our daughter, who was now soundly asleep in her cradle. There were no more questions after that. Just love. The world had its questions, of course.
Members of the family arched their brows. In supermarket stores, strangers made remarks on the discrepancies. “Is she adopted?” some even questioned. Emma would initially become uneasy when asked those questions because she wasn’t sure how to react. Then, however, she would smile and declare, “No,” with utter assurance.
We own her. We vowed to nurture our kid with pride in all facets of her background as the years went by. We studied the customs, background, and cultures associated with Emma’s DNA as we dug deeper into her newfound ancestry. We made sure our kid never doubted her place in the world by surrounding her with love.
She played with her fingers while sitting on Emma’s lap one evening when she was around five years old. She said, “Mommy?” “What causes my skin to differ from yours?” Emma brushed a curl from her forehead and grinned. “Because you are unique, my dear. You had a lovely past that we both shared. “Like a mix?” she tilted her head in question. “Exactly,” I remarked as I sat next to them. “Like the most exquisite painting, with both Mommy’s and Daddy’s colours.” Satisfied with the response, she smiled and resumed playing.
“Thank you for reminding me that day in the hospital,” Emma muttered as she sought for my hand as we watched her sleep that night. “For what purpose?” “That she belongs to us,” she declared. “That was all that was ever important.” And I knew without a doubt that I would always be there for them as I gazed at my daughter, who was so lovely and full of love. through each query. through each obstacle. through everything. Because appearances weren’t important in family. It wasn’t.
The social media has become a scary place, especially for children who fail to distinguish between real videos and those created with the help of artificial intelligence, leading to various extremely dangerous challenges they are willing to try themselves, including the latest one involving a NeeDoh cube.
A 7-year-old girl suffered severe injuries and fell into a coma after trying to recreate a NeeDoh trend she had seen on YouTube and TikTok.
Little Scarlett Selby put her NeeDoh, a super stretchy dough filled groovy glob loved by youngsters, into the microwave before freezing it after watching a video of someone doing it.
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Unfortunately, the toy exploded, “covering Scarlett’s face and chest with the red-hot goo contents inside the cube,” as per Uniland.
Scarlett’s father, Josh Shelby, heard his daughter’s frantic screams and rushed to her, trying to take off the substance from her face and clothes.
“She’d frozen the NeeDoh cube the night before and the next day she showed me it was rock solid and was playing with it,” the devastated dad said.
“She stuck it in the microwave. I was watching her and saw her touch it to check it wasn’t too hot when she pulled it out.
“It all happened so quickly. I heard her scream and it was like a blood-curdling scream. It had exploded all over her chest, mouth and chin.”
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Scarlett’s dad rushed her to St Louis Children’s Hospital where doctors put her into an induced coma in hopes of preventing her airways from swelling up and closing.
“She was still screaming when we got to the hospital and it’s a good 30-minute drive from where we live. It was terrible how scared she was and how much that hurt her,” Scarlett’s mother, Amanda, said.
“I was panicked, devastated, terrified and heartbroken.”
The little girl spent three days in a coma and suffered second and third-degree burns. Today, four months after the devastating incident took place, Scarlett’s parents still wait to learn if their girl would need to undergo a skin grafts surgery.
So far, her parents have treated Scarlett’s scars with creams and silicon ointments. They say she’s self-conscious of her scars.
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At the same time, they are trying to raise awareness of the dangers of the content found on the social media and the potential dangers of the toy that caused Scarlett the injuries.
The NeeDoh manufacturer, Schylling Toys, has a warning on its website that reads: “Do NOT heat, freeze, or microwave, may cause personal injury.”
They partnered with social media sites to make sure any content related to the misuse of their product is removed from the platforms.
Brosnan marked his 71st birthday on Thursday, May 16, and Keely Shaye, 60, paid tribute to the former James Bond star in a touching Instagram post.
“Happy Birthday to the love of my life @piercebrosnanofficial,” Keely Shaye wrote, alongside a shirtless throwback photo of the actor. “You are my rock, my anchor, my everything … and I love you endlessly.”
For Keely Shaye’s 60th birthday in September 2023, Brosnan shared just how important she was in his life by gifting her five dozen roses along with a touching tribute to her recalling their first meeting.
“Sixty roses for my brown-eyed girl on her 60th birthday,”Brosnan captioned his Instagram post, which featured a photo of the pair posing with the lavish arrangement of roses he had gifted her for the occasion. “Forever happy and blessed was I to be sitting there when you walked around the corner early one morning in Cabo San Lucas @keelyshayebrosnan,” he added.
Pierce Brosnan opened up about the challenges that have fortified his marriage to Keely Shaye Smith, his wife of over 20 years.
Brosnan, known for his iconic portrayal of James Bond and numerous other roles in film and television, revealed that their relationship has endured and grown stronger through difficult times. “Many, many hardships have strengthened our bond,” Brosnan shared, reflecting on the trials they have faced together over the years.
The actor praised his wife, Keely Shaye Smith, for her resilience and support throughout their journey. He credited her as a pillar of strength during times of adversity, emphasizing how their shared experiences have deepened their connection.
“We’ve weathered storms and come through them together,” Brosnan expressed, highlighting the importance of mutual support and understanding in maintaining a successful marriage amidst life’s challenges.
Despite the pressures of their public lives, Brosnan and Smith have prioritized their family and relationship, finding strength in their love and commitment to each other. The actor’s remarks underscored a sense of gratitude and admiration for their enduring partnership.
As they continue to navigate life’s ups and downs, Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith stand as a testament to the resilience and enduring power of love.
Pierce Brosnan believes that he and wife Keely Shaye Smith are stronger for all they’ve been through together.
“We like each other a lot. We love each other a lot,” Brosnan, 70, said of the secret to the pair’s relationship during a Tuesday, December 12, interview with Fox News. “And we’ve been down the road, and we’ve seen many, many hardships as families do, as we all do.”
The actor continued: “But watching someone grow up with you and grow old with you is a very spiritual journey. To watch each other change … whatever it may be, the hair [or] the waist … it’s [about] the love in the heart.”
Brosnan met Smith, 60, in 1994, three years after his first wife, Cassandra Harris, died of ovarian cancer. Prior to Harris’ death, she and Brosnan welcomed son Sean in 1983. (Brosnan also adopted Harris’ daughter, Charlotte, and son, Chris, whom she shared with her late ex.)
During a 2018 interview with Closer, Brosnan opened up about being “lucky enough to find love again” with Smith after losing his first wife.
“We were meant to find each other. I thank God for her every day,” he said. “When Keely looks at me, I go weak. I love her vitality, her passion. She has this strength that I wouldn’t be able to live without.”
Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith at the premiere of ‘Goldeneye’ in 1995 Peter Carrette Archive/Getty Images
Brosnan and Smith tied the knot in Ireland in 2001. They share sons Dylan and Paris, born in 1997 and 2001, respectively. On Tuesday, Brosnan gushed about the “supportive” figure Smith has been for him and his sons.
“Keeley is a journalist, a reporter. She’s an artist in her own right. And as a woman, she has made a family for our sons,” he said. “She allows me to go out into the wild blue yonder and do what I do as a man, as an actor, [she] always has.”
Despite forays into the “blue yonder” for his acting career, Brosnan always carries Smith with him. He subtly honored his wife by wearing his real wedding ring on screen in his 2022 film Black Adam.
“This is our wedding ring and this is a watch that Keely bought me many years ago with an inscription that [reads], ‘Time flies on love’s wings,’” Brosnan told Entertainment Tonight at the movie’s premiere. “I decided to wear it for this character. It seemed appropriate.”
Brosnan isn’t the only romantic in the relationship. Smith sang her husband’s praises during a joint interview with Closer in 2018.
“Pierce is intelligent, captivating and his real beauty emanates from the soul,” she told the outlet. “And, like a fine wine, he’s aging beautifully.”
Despite years of research and the advance of techology, there are some things about human’s body that still remain a mystery for doctors and researchers. Knowing how complex our bodies are, this doesn’t really come as a surprise.
As some of us have what we call a sixth sense and can predict things in advance, a recent research revealed that we can also sense when death is approaching. Scientists say that when someone dies, the body immediately begins to break down. During these moments, putrescine, a foul and toxic scent that is the result of decomposition, is released. Apparently, humans subconsciously recognize this putrefying odor. Not only that, the scent, when released, causes an immediate response.
Two researchers, Arnaud Wisman from the University of Kent’s School of Psychology in Canterbury, UK and Ilan Shira from the Department of Behavioral Sciences in Arkansas’ Tech University in Russellville, AK, say that just like animals, humans can sense scents and then act accordingly. At the end of the day, that’s part of survival across the species.
When humans are exposed to the odor of putrescine, they express a conscious and subconscious reaction to it.
Some of the experiments conducted by these two researchers revealed that when people are exposed to the scent of putrescine, they move away, just like the animals which either run away or fight when they sense danger.
“We do not know why we like (or dislike) someone’s smell, and we’re usually not aware of how scent influences our emotions, preferences, and attitudes,” Wisman and Shira explain.
“It is hard to think of a scent as frightening,” other researchers claim. However, scents do make people more vigilant of their surroundings.
Sex pheromones, which are defined as odors produced by either males or females, that stimulate one or more behavioral reactions in the opposite sex, bringing the males and females together for the purpose of mating are just another example of the effect of scent at humans.
“Putrescine signals a different type of message than pheromones, but people’s responses to putrescine (avoidance and hostility) do seem indeed to be the opposite of responses to many sexual pheromones,” researchers explain. At the same time, the researchers explain that humans are not aware o the odor and don’t consciously associate it with death or fear.
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Marriage suited me. It wasn’t always perfect, but I felt loved and secure with Thomas. Our first year as husband and wife had been filled with warmth, late-night conversations, and laughter over burnt pancakes on Sunday mornings.
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,” Keely Shaye wrote, alongside a shirtless throwback photo of the actor. “You are my rock, my anchor, my everything … and I love you endlessly.”
