Sometimes all you really need is a place to call home. *** Claire is lost and scared and utterly alone. Her family is in shambles after the death of her older sister Ina, and she's left to pick up the broken pieces of herself as her life heads into a downwards spiral of loneliness. Her heart leads her to 5:48, a little cafe by 33rd street, where she finds her new home. With a broken heart and a speech disability, Jasper has his heart and mouth sewn shut by the winding threads of hurt and fear. Painting and serving coffee in cafe 5:48 are one of his last few saving graces, but the smile he's been painting on himself will soon fade away as everything he's ever held dear slips away from his grasp. Ezra is out-of-sync and oddly cold by the way life has treated his young self. Abandoned by his single mother at an early age, he has grown up thinking that he is a mistake. His constant shaking hands are a reflection of what he often thinks of himself, but the delightful pastries he bakes for 5:48's customers are a reflection of what others see of him. Drew is a quirky rarity. He is a dash of loud, a pinch of exuberant, and a cup of eccentric - just like the meals he serves in the cafe as the only chef there. Behind his playful grins and outlandish clothes, however, are his jutting ribs, hollowed cheeks, and too-thin arms. Sometimes he cannot stomach being in his own skin as much as he cannot stomach food. This family has gone a long way from finding each other, and they'll be going a long way together too as reality comes catching up to them, threatening the newfound happiness they've found with each other. Secrets are revealed, pasts become presents, and lives are changed. Slowly but surely, they find their way back home. *** NOTE AS OF 08/2026: This is the old version of the story from 2012, posted in FULL. Another story that will be considered a reprise of this old version is in the works, and will be posted under the name "Hiraya House."

A dialogue short story about the things we wake up to that remind us there are still things in this life worth waking up for. ante meridiem - [adv. & adj.] "before noon;" Abbr: A.M. Or a.m. [credit to owner of image (not me)]

A Brilliant mind full of Wonders, Forced to live in chains Express emotions in colors, Islands afar, beneath silver stars Finds love within colors, Brush as his weapon, not a knife His lonely world was brought to Life (Inspired from Van Gogh's life) Cover credit -@vshln4 😇

When you get it all,it no longer matters,you take it for granted..... Only when you lose it,you realize how much it mattered. He made some mistakes and she made some too. They broke the oath that is bonded by marriage. But they aren't happy. Happiness isn't a state,it's a person. 🙈🙉🙊 If only you knew what you lost.... Author-Samia Nur Chowdhury Edited and checked by-SaimaMythgirl(Saima Nur Chowdhury) #sister! Cover credit- Vshln4 (VISHAL!!)

They were never supposed to fall in love. In fact, they were probably never even supposed to meet. But life does that sometimes; it brings you someone who unexpectedly turns your world upside down. For Ella, it all began on the last day of summer, in a small bakery on the edge of town. With three teenage boys, a plastic knife and a rocketship birthday cake. lol I'm not dead guys

*** " Let me those beautiful eyes that can't seem to stop staring at me." *** She knew he was trouble. She never wanted to fall for the bad boy whom she called " Gum boy " " Wanna bet on it kitten?" He asked with his eyebrows raised. I furrow my eyebrows as I think about the consequences of betting with him. " What do I get if I win?" I ask crossing my arms He leaned back on the wall with a smirk on his face " If I win you, you'll be mines for 2 months." He said "And if you lose" I said with confidence He scoffed " That would be a miracle" he muttered before continuing " If you so happen to win... I'll stop bothering you." But there was one problem. I didn't know if I wanted him to stop bothering me. " Game on " she uttered bringing forth her hand so he could shake.

Expiration Date is coming in print, audio, and ebook from Podium Entertainment April 6, 2027 ✨ The Society knows when we're going to die. They imprint it on our arms at birth. I was supposed to die yesterday. I'm the girl who's Expired. Winner of the 2020 Readers Choice Awards Cover by @Forcade