Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Careless Words Said by Women Leave Deep Scars

 Words cut deeper than knives

A woman's words have the power to leave deep wounds more profoundly than knives. Although not every woman says hurtful things, and not all men react the same way, certain expressions can unintentionally—or deliberately—diminish a man's self-confidence, particularly when they touch on societal norms or personal vulnerabilities.

Some phrases that can leave invisible scars:

When a woman says, "You're not as good as you think," it's like watching a balloon deflate. Imagine preparing for an important presentation, feeling confident, only to hear those words from someone whose opinion matters the most. The self-doubt creeps in immediately.

Or consider hearing "Real men don't get emotional about this." In an instant, vulnerability becomes weakness. A man fighting back tears after losing a job might swallow his feelings entirely, believing that showing emotions equals failure.

When she sighs and says, "You're useless around the house," he remembers the proud feeling after he organized the pantry last week, and how she redid everything the next day.

The dismissive "Men are only after one thing" stings particularly when he's spent weeks planning their anniversary, choosing gifts that reflect her interests rather than his own.

Nothing cuts quite like "You're not man enough" words that echo his father's disappointment when he quit football at sixteen. He works to be different, thoughtful, and present to hear "You're just like every other guy" after forgetting one dinner plan.

Even in discussions where he feels passionate and confident, "Your opinion isn't the only one that matters" can silence him completely, especially when delivered with that dismissive eye-roll.

"All men are trash." This broad statement can seem unjust and disheartening, particularly to those striving to be respectful and kind.

Why These Words Are Important

Men often link their self-worth to their abilities, respect, and emotional affirmation.

Cultural norms can sometimes prevent men from showing vulnerability, making it difficult to deal with emotional injuries.

Intent vs. Impact: Even if a remark is intended as humor or a way to vent, it can still have a lasting effect.

Better Alternatives

Rather than making sweeping judgments about who someone is, consider expressing how specific situations affect you:

"When you check your phone while I'm talking, I feel like my words don't matter" creates space for change that "You never listen" doesn't allow.

"The casserole is in the oven, and I’m going to do the laundry. Could you do the dishes and clean the kitchen?" invites a partnership where "You're useless around here" builds resentment.

"I'm struggling with this too and could use your support," opens vulnerability, where "Man up" slams the door shut.

What are your thoughts on this subject?

Next time, we'll discuss hurtful things said by men that leave deep scars in women.

Erika's works span various genres, including historical fantasy, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Fairies Symbolize the Mystical Unknown

 Guardians of the thin veil between worlds


As a young child, I was often (perhaps too often) told by my frustrated mother, "If you don't behave, the Vasorrú bába (Iron-nosed hag, a child-hunting witch, akin to Baba Yaga) will take you away!"

Hungarian fairy lore is rich, mysterious, and deeply entwined with nature and ancient cosmology. The central figure in these legends is the Tündér, a uniquely Hungarian type of fairy whose name evokes shimmering light and illusion.

The Tündér: Hungary’s Ethereal Fairy
Etymology: The word Tündér likely comes from tündöklő (“shining”) or tünékeny (“fleeting”), emphasizing their radiant and elusive nature.
Tündér are described as stunningly beautiful women with delicate features, flowing garments, and wings like butterflies or dragonflies.
They are playful, wise, and emotionally influential—often benevolent, but capable of mischief.

Role in Folklore
Nature Guardians: 
Tündér are protectors of forests, rivers, and mountains. They symbolize the sacredness of nature and the human connection to it.

Otherworldly Realms: 
Legends place them in magical underwater palaces or hidden groves. Some tales say regions like Csallóköz were once populated by fairies.

Guides and Helpers: 
In stories, they often assist lost travelers or reward kindness, reinforcing moral lessons and the value of respect for nature.

Tündér Ilona: The Fairy Queen
One of the most famous figures is Tündér Ilona, a fairy queen known for her beauty and allure. She embodies the archetype of the elf-beautiful woman—seductive, powerful, and not entirely human. Her tales often explore themes of love, transformation, and the tension between mortal and magical worlds.

Related Beings in Hungarian Myth
“Beautiful lady” with witch-like traits; seduces men, kidnaps babies
Vasorrú bába
“Iron-nosed hag”; a child-hunting witch, akin to Baba Yaga
Wandering sorcerer with a magic book; can summon storms or dragons
Shamanic figure who battles dragons and controls weather

Symbolism and Cultural Impact
Fairies in Hungarian legend reflect a worldview where nature is alive, sacred, and morally complex. They’re not just whimsical—they’re reminders of ancient beliefs about balance, respect, and the unseen forces that shape human life.

Fairies in legends are far more complex than the glittery winged sprites of modern children’s tales. Across cultures and centuries, they’ve been feared, revered, and woven into the very fabric of folklore. They’re not just whimsical, they’re reminders of ancient beliefs about balance, respect, and the unseen forces that shape human life. 

Fairies symbolize the mystical unknown, the power of nature, and the thin veil between worlds. They reflect human hopes and fears of the wild, the unseen, and the morally ambiguous. In modern culture, they’ve evolved, but their roots remain tangled in shadow and wonder.

Origins and Cultural Roots
Celtic Mythology: 
Many fairy legends trace back to Celtic beliefs, where faeries were seen as nature spirits or remnants of ancient deities. The Tuatha Dé Danann, a supernatural race in Irish mythology, are often linked to fairy lore.

Christian Influence: 
In medieval Christian tradition, fairies were sometimes viewed as fallen angels—neither good enough for heaven nor bad enough for hell.

Global Analogues: 
Similar beings appear worldwide: gandharvas in Sanskrit texts, jinn in Arabic lore, and lauma in Baltic mythology. These beings often share traits like magical powers, liminality, and moral ambiguity.

Traits and Behaviors:
Nature Spirits: Fairies are often tied to natural places—forests, hills, rivers—and are said to protect or haunt these areas. They’re especially associated with ancient burial mounds and fairy rings.

Tricksters and Guardians: 
Legends warn of fairies leading travelers astray with will-o'-the-wisps or swapping human babies for changelings. Yet they also help with household tasks or offer blessings—if treated respectfully3.

Protective Charms: 
People used charms like iron, four-leaf clovers, and church bells to ward off fairies. Wearing clothes inside out was another common tactic.

Types of Fairies:
Scottish house fairies who help with chores if given offerings
Mischievous winged fairies, often linked to English and American folklore
Nature-bound spirits in American tales, similar to Irish elves
Finnish house fairies brought to America by immigrants

Literary and Artistic Legacy:
Fairies flourished in Renaissance literature and Romantic art, often depicted as ethereal, beautiful beings.
Writers like Edmund Spenser, Charles Perrault, and Hans Christian Andersen helped shape their modern image—though often sanitizing their darker folkloric origins.

Symbolism and Modern Impact:
Fairies symbolize the mystical unknown, the power of nature, and the thin veil between worlds. They reflect human hopes and fears of the wild, the unseen, and the morally ambiguous. In modern culture, they’ve evolved into icons of whimsy, but their roots remain tangled in shadow and wonder.



Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Shady Book Marketers

 The tricksters of the publishing world

Shady book marketers are the tricksters of the publishing world offering glittering promises while quietly draining authors’ wallets. Here’s how they operate and what to watch out for:

Common Scams & Red Flags
Vanity presses disguised as traditional publishers They claim to “publish” your book but ask you to pay hefty fees upfront. Legitimate publishers pay you an advance, not the other way around. Exceptions are the publishing service providers that offer editing, book cover art, book formatting etc. for a fixed price.

Some marketers promise to make your book a bestseller often by manipulating rankings or buying fake reviews. These tactics can backfire and damage your reputation.

Junk marketers charge thousands for spots at book fairs or expos, with little to no return on investment. You might end up with a lonely table and zero sales.

They sell “media packages” that include social site posts. There are legit promoters and influencers, however, the scammers' posts rarely lead to real coverage or visibility. Check their profiles to see the views and interactions with readers on their posts.

Some companies use U.S.-sounding names and addresses but operate overseas with no real presence. They often recycle website templates and rebrand frequently to dodge bad reviews. Check their website ranking and read verifiable reviews from customers.

Why They Thrive:
They prey on authors’ dreams and insecurities, especially first-time writers eager for exposure.
Their services often sound legitimate, and they use industry jargon to appear credible.
Many operate in legal gray areas, making them hard to shut down.

How to Protect Yourself:
Research thoroughly.
Check watchdog lists like Writer Beware or the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Ask:
What exactly are you paying for? If it’s vague, walk away.

Trust your gut: 
If it feels off, it probably is.

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.

Owner of Golden Box Books Publishing

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Autumn - Nature's Slow Exhale

 Why we (especially me) love the fall season?

The smell of woodsmoke and crisp leaves — it’s like the world puts on a cozy sweater.

Bold flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted squash, hot apple cider... everything tastes richer.

Muted light and vivid colors: the golden hour stretches longer, and trees burn in reds and ambers.
Reflection and transition — fall invites contemplation. It's the year's quiet pivot before winter.

Folklore feels: something about bare branches and chilly evenings stirs the gothic in us. Prime season for fables, ghost stories, and eerie symbolism.

New beginnings masquerading as endings — school starts, writing projects bloom, ideas settle into deeper layers.

Seasonal quirks we secretly (or loudly) love:
That sudden urge to read dark fantasy novels or watch slow-burn thrillers.

The thrill of a good costume idea, even if we don’t dress up, we love the concept.

Pumpkins. Everywhere. Not just food, the vibe.

Fall is the time to read dark fantasy stories


Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.

Sunday, August 3, 2025

His Father Advised Him to...

Fake it 'till you make it

We could never truly grasp the complexities of how people live, or the depths of their thoughts and emotions. All we can do is catch fleeting glimpses of their everyday existence as if we were peeking through small windows into parts of their lives. We remain outsiders to their struggles, blind to their fears, and can only imagine the warmth of their joyous moments. Let us venture into the world of Nancy and Bruce, exploring the tapestry of their shared life, woven with threads of disappointment, heartache, hope, compromise, and resilience.

Read a chapter: Her clock is ticking

Nancy Morris, an accomplished and sophisticated lawyer in her mid-thirties, first met Bruce Davis at an elegant dinner party hosted by a mutual friend. The room was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the gentle clinking of glasses.

Bruce, a charming drifter, flitting from one romantic entanglement to another and in-between relationships, treading the uncertain waters of low-paying jobs. His gaze swept the room until it locked onto Nancy, capturing his interest with her poised demeanor. A rich lawyer who looks good in that black cocktail dress. And that emerald choker and earrings… must be worth a fortune, he thought with a sly smirk on his lips. The air seemed to hum with potential as he approached, his silver tongue ready to weave a web of smooth talk and artful flattery—his only true skills. Soon, the two were engrossed in a lively conversation, the world around them fading into the background.

After several weeks of whirlwind dates—romantic picnics in the park, late-night stargazing, and cozy evenings at jazz bars—Bruce surprised Nancy by getting down on one knee during a sunset walk along the beach. His proposal felt like the natural progression of their blossoming relationship. Nancy’s eyes glistened, and a warm smile on her lips, she was utterly captivated by Bruce. He was five years younger, with a boyish charm and a playful personality that was hard to resist.

Cathy, Nancy’s closest confidante and best friend, watched their relationship unfold with a knot of unease tightening in her stomach each time she saw them together. Her concerns bubbled over during a quiet coffee date at their favorite café, her voice low and filled with worry as she leaned across the table, “Bruce doesn’t truly love you, Nancy. He’s more infatuated with your sharp mind and the hefty paychecks you bring home.” The words hung in the air between them, assessed with Cathy’s womanly intuition. Her instincts raised red flags about his seemingly superficial affection, leaving her with a persistent sense of doubt that she couldn’t shake.

“I can feel it, Cathy, and truly, I’m at peace with it,” Nancy said, smoothing the pleats of her skirt as she anxiously shifted in his chair. “But I’m thirty-six now, a point in life where I’ve devoted the majority of my youthful energy to forging a successful career. My past has been a series of fleeting relationships, driven more by brief desires and physical needs than by any profound quest for love. I’ve always walked this path alone. I abandoned the fantasy of a prince on a white horse and an earth-shattering romance long ago because my prince never came. Now, at thirty-six, the ticking of life’s clock grows louder, echoing in my restless nights. I yearn for a stable relationship, the warmth of a family, a future built on something lasting.”

“That’s a mistake! You’ll see!” Cathy exclaimed, her voice edged with concern as she leaned forward, gripping the edge of the table.

Nancy didn’t listen; her resolve was unwavering. She gazed at the horizon, where the sun dipped below the city skyline, casting long shadows. “I’m done with waiting and trying to find Mr. Right. Bruce is a good man; he comes from a large, boisterous Italian family. He will make a good father to my children,” she asserted, her voice firm yet tinged with a hint of longing for the future she envisioned, images of family dinners and laughter flickering in her mind.

Cathy countered, her words laced with urgency and concern. “Nancy, this is crazy. He has a roving eye. I’ve heard stories about him that you wouldn’t believe. He can’t keep a job for more than a few weeks. He’s a loudmouth, a lazy bum who will drain the life out of you!” Cathy reasoned, her eyes wide with disbelief and worry as she painted a picture of a tumultuous future. Her hands gestured animatedly, as if trying to physically ward off the impending disaster she envisioned for her friend.

“Then what?” Nancy snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface like a simmering pot ready to overflow. “What do you want me to do? Wait until I’m too old to find someone, until the clock has ticked past my chances of having kids?” Her voice was a tight coil of desperation. “If you didn’t notice, there is nobody else lined up, eagerly begging to be my husband, and nobody is eagerly waiting to father the children I desperately want.” Her words trailed off into a whisper, raw with vulnerability and despair. She stared out the window, the fading sunlight casting long shadows on the street.

“But he flies from one failed relationship to the next, leaving a trail of broken hearts. He will betray you!” Cathy warned, her voice urgent, almost pleading. She leaned forward, elbows on her knees, her eyes searching Nancy’s face for understanding.

Nancy lowered her gaze to the worn carpet, her teeth gently biting her lower lip as if searching for the right words. “I know he’s a charmer, a lady’s man,” she admitted, her voice a soft whisper. “He’s undeniably handsome, and I find myself drawn to him just like everyone else,” she said, releasing a deep sigh that seemed to carry the weight of her hopes. “But I truly believe he will change once he’s settled in a steady, loving home. I can offer him that sanctuary.” She turned to face Cathy, determination etched in her features. “He confided in me that his father, too, had a string of girlfriends, and his mother never truly loved him. His mother is as cold as ice, bitter and unyielding. She treats her husband with disdain, constantly belittling him with her unending nagging and harsh criticism, leaving the poor man in a state of perpetual unhappiness.” Her voice quivered slightly, the story of his past hanging heavy between them, mingling with the dusk that settled outside.

Cathy shook her head, her brows knitted together, frustration radiating from her every word. “But Nancy, he’s a slacker, just like his father,” she insisted, her voice edged with a sharp exasperation. She leaned forward; her eyes fixed intently on Nancy. “My mother knows Bruce’s parents well, and she told me that his father always finds a way to dodge responsibility, slipping out of work with excuses stacked like a deck of cards. He lands a job, and within two weeks, he gets himself fired, pointing fingers at everyone else for his bad luck. It takes him forever to find another job, and she puts up with it all for her children’s sake. But you? You deserve so much more than that.”

Nancy sat in silence, her eyes downcast and filled with deep sadness, and suddenly felt a surge of heat flooding her cheeks. Her demeanor shifted rapidly as fiery anger replaced her subdued sorrow. Her voice rose, shaking slightly as she shouted at her best friend, “You’re just like my mother! You always think nobody is good enough for me. Leave me alone, Cathy! I love him, and that’s that.” Her words echoed with the intensity of her emotions, creating an almost tangible tension that hung heavily between them.

Cathy, startled by the outburst, bit her lip and chose to remain silent, her thoughts churning despite the storm brewing inside her. She clenched her jaw and forced a steady breath as she nodded, respecting Nancy’s request for space. Her feet felt heavy as she stood up and turned away, each step echoing her reluctance. She glanced back once, catching a glimpse of Nancy sitting alone by the window, her figure silhouetted against the dim afternoon light. Inside, Cathy’s heart thudded erratically, a storm of anxiety swirling in her chest. Her thoughts spun with a flurry of questions and uncertainties, each one louder than the last, making it hard to focus on anything but the unease gnawing at her.

Listen to the audiobook

Monday, July 28, 2025

Reality Versus Polished Falsehood

 Karma might be slow, but she'll get there

A short story by Erika M Szabo

In the thick jungle of hashtags and quick scrolling of sensational news, lived Lia, a glamorous vixen with flawless fur, her phone glued to her paw. She wasn't just any vixen; she was an influencer, adored by woodland creatures for her posts about glam vacations, fabulous parties, her cooking and literary talent, and motivational exercise videos.

But here’s the trick: none of it was real.

She posted edited images of waterfalls she had never seen, copied recipes from renowned chefs, and claimed credit for bestselling books that were actually plagiarized from genuine writers, with only the settings and character names altered. Her social media was a carefully crafted illusion, and her followers were captivated by it.

One day, Uhu, the wise owl, noticed discrepancies in Lia’s post pictures. A shadow that didn’t match the sun. A mushroom only found in northern climates, far from their forest. She sniffed out metadata, traced watermarks, and pieced together the truth.

Uhu started a straightforward thread titled "The Truth Behind Her Posts." She included screenshots, proof, dates, and receipts.

The forest animals were stunned. Lia watched as her follower count nosedived and sponsors disappeared as quickly as morning dew. Lia’s carefully crafted image fell apart. Yet, Karma wasn't finished with her and presented her with a decision: fade away in disgrace or take responsibility.

Lia chose honesty. She uploaded a raw, unedited video: “No filters. No script. Just pure truth.”

She admitted why she had lied. Not out of malice, but to feel significant. To feel relevant. She told the true tale of a vixen growing up with low self-esteem who feared being overlooked and tried to shine brighter than the stars.

The forest took in her words, and gradually, trust was restored. It wasn't trust in a fake glamorous vixen, but in a humble being discovering the strength in honesty. Her new followers? They were drawn not to flawlessness, but to the evidence that reality could be far more compelling and relatable than a polished falsehood.

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way. 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

The Potion of Shadows

Young Adult supernatural fantasy

A hastily concocted love potion, born from jealousy, leaves Dorian in a comatose state. The only remedy is a rare orchid that blooms just once a year, fiercely protected by Liam and his werewolf pack. The coven's acolytes are prohibited from entering the forest, yet the young apprentices step forward, ready to embark on a journey that will challenge their loyalty and bravery. Can they succeed?

In Spanish

https://books2read.com/La-Pocion-por-Erika-M-Szabo

Una novela de fantasía sobrenatural.

Una poción de amor hecha con prisa por celos pone a Dorian en un estado de coma. Y una rara orquídea que florece solo una vez al año podría salvarle la vida, pero las preciosas flores están ferozmente custodiadas por Liam y su manada de hombres lobo. Los integrantes del Aquelarre tienen prohibida la entrada al bosque y los jóvenes aprendices se ofrecen como voluntarios para realizar el viaje que pondrá a prueba su lealtad y coraje. ¿Tendrán éxito?



Monday, July 21, 2025

Way Back in Time

 Young Adult coming-of-age fantasy

Mora, the antagonist

Mora mumbled on her breath, “That’s right, little girl. Keep writing.” Her prune-like lips curled into a cruel smile. Her castle was well hidden from prying eyes, deep in the woods on the mountainside. Nobody knew about its existence, only Zelda, her trusted servant throughout the centuries.

Mora didn’t allow anyone to see her in her miserable state, old and wrinkled. Her mind control ability helped her to make even Zelda see her in her youthful glory as she knew her so long ago, but she couldn’t completely conceal her body’s present state of old and wrinkled. The image of her old body shown in Zelda’s mind through the youthful picture Mora projected.
The soft humming of her rotating, air-filled mattress relaxed her and protected her withered body from developing bedsores.
The Royals and Elders were furious when they found out many centuries ago that Joland had shared the gift of eternal life with her and gave her the power to keep her body young. The Elders separated them, but they couldn’t make them mortal again. She has lived so many lifetimes, alone, because Joland was exiled to a timeline in the distant past. As his punishment, he couldn’t move forward in time with her. 

The Elders succeeded in taking away the ability to rejuvenate her body, which became bones with wasted muscles and shriveled skin. Although her withered body was useless, the power of her mind allowed her to reach the remotest part of the world and beyond.

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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Secrets Unveiled

 This Musketeer guards a secret

 Read a snippet from the book

Danielle heard a knock on the window and looked up, startled. She saw Mr. Jones straining to peek into the store through the window. Sitting on her stool in front of the easel with a brush in hand, she glanced at the clock. Oh, my! Is it nine o’clock already? She stood up and hurried to the front door. Pulling the chair from under the doorknob, she opened the door.

“Thank God you’re okay!” Mr. Jones pushed through the half-open door and hugged her. “I just heard from the butcher. Do you know who it was? Did they take anything? Did they try to hurt you? Why were you in the store so late?” his questions came as he was trying to catch his breath.

“I’m fine,” Danielle assured the worried mailman, smiling. “I haven’t the faintest idea who it was and what he wanted. He ran away when I yelled out and cocked my gun.”

“Oh, good! You should’ve shot him in the leg. He deserved it.”

“I don’t think he’s from around here,” Danielle speculated. “Only the lawyer down the street wears that brand of expensive loafers.”

“You don’t think…”

“No, he has brown hair, and the burglar had silvery gray hair.”

“Now wait a minute!” The mailman grabbed Danielle’s arm in his excitement. “I might have seen that man at the Couture mansion. Mrs. Van Bramer’s secretary said he’s an art expert.”

“What’s going on?” Danielle heard Sarah’s sleepy voice behind her. “Oh, good morning Mr. Jones.”

“Mr. Jones just told me he saw the man who broke into the store,” Danielle explained to her best friend.

The mailman yanked his carrier bag higher on his shoulder. “I’ll stop at the police station and report this.” He started walking away but turned back. “Oh, I almost forgot. The bakery is open. Lucy’s niece had a baby boy. I got you fresh croissants.” He smiled and handed a paper bag to Danielle.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones! It was very nice of you,” Danielle called after the mailman as he hurried away down the sidewalk and then turned to Sarah. “You’re not going to believe what I’ve found! Come, let me show you.” She reached for Sarah’s hand and led her to the corner in the store.

“Phew, it smells like turpentine over here.” Sarah crinkled her nose.

“I’ve been working on taking off the new layer of paint, and now the signature of the artist is visible. He was a much sought-after painter in 17th-century France.”

“Let’s search it,” Sarah perked up. “Maybe this painting is worth a lot of money!”

“I’ll boot up the computer, but first, I’m going to call the locksmith. While the computer is warming up, we’ll eat the croissants Mr. Jones brought.” Danielle decided and covered the painting.

“Your ancient computer takes forever. You must get a new one.”

“I know.” Danielle sighed. “I never had the money for it, but after the surge of customers, now I do.”

The locksmith said he’ll stop by before lunch, and by the time the women finished breakfast, the ancient computer was ready for search. Danielle Googled the name of the artist, and her jaw dropped when she clicked on the first website that popped up on her screen.

Sarah peeked over Danielle’s shoulder. “What? No way!” she shrieked and read the headline out loud. “The portrait of a noblewoman of the famous 17th-century artist was sold to a well-known American art collector for ten million dollars.”

Danielle, not believing her eyes, backspaced and clicked on the next link. It was the auction website where the price of the painting was confirmed. She kept searching and found fifteen more paintings from the same artist that had been sold for similar amounts in the past ten years. “I have to tell Mrs. Van Bramer about this. She gave me the painting, not knowing its possible value.”

“Wait a minute!” Sarah exclaimed. “What if that so-called expert knew the value of the painting and lied to Mrs. Van Bramer? I think he broke into the store. And what if she wants the painting back after she finds out how much it’s worth?”

“I’ll give it back to her, of course. She bought the house and found the painting in the hidden room; it belongs to her.”

“Nah-uh!” Sarah announced. “That’s not right. It belongs to the Couture family. I bet the old lady didn’t tell her relatives about the hidden room.”

More about the story:

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

When Unsung Heroes ride on Harley Davidson

Never judge a book by its cover

Listen to the story

Or read the story written by Erika M Szabo

The deafening rumble of powerful engines echoed through the stillness of the night as the Panthers rode their Harleys through town toward their favorite bar. The moon, full and luminous, hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow on the rugged faces of the riders. Their leather-clad bodies were silhouetted against the darkness, their tattoos and scars illuminated by the moon’s pale light.

With practiced ease, they killed the engines and dismounted their bikes. Raven, the gang’s robust leader, took off his helmet and shook his head. His long, jet-black hair swung to his back, covering the black panther painting on his leather jacket. “I’ll go through the back door,” he said, turning to his second in command, Jackal, his voice sounding deeper than a panther’s purr. “I need to talk to Pedro.”

Jackal let out a deep, guttural grunt. He was a tall, lanky man with dark hair and a scruffy beard. His voice was rough and strained, the result of a brutal bar fight that left his vocal cords permanently damaged. He hated speaking, the sound of his own voice reminding him of the painful incident. And he cringed at the thought of his friends jokingly telling others, “You should’ve seen the other guy!” The guilt of knowing that he had caused someone to lose his life in the fight weighed heavily on Jackal’s conscience. Although not his fault, the drunk man attacked him, cutting his throat, and he acted in defense, the man died, hitting his head on the pool table when Jackal pushed him away. The memory still haunted him like a shadow that he could never escape.

Stubby, the compact and sturdy member of the gang, let out a deep exhalation. “I hope he has some good news for us,” he said, his voice laced with tension. “It’s been two days since we heard the Hyenas had crossed the border with a new shipment, and we still don’t know where their hiding place is.”

Raven let out a heavy sigh as he approached the corner of the building. Each step caused small pebbles to crunch under his sturdy boots.

As he peeked through the open back door, Raven spotted his informant hunched over the sink. He motioned to him discreetly, and Pedro nodded in response, quickly glancing around to ensure they were not being watched. With cautious movements, Pedro made his way toward the door, holding onto a large garbage bag.

Raven waited for him behind the garbage container. “Did you find out?” he asked the fidgety man.

Growing up in the vibrant streets of Mexico, Pedro was all too familiar with the dangerous activities of human trafficker gangs, called hyenas. His cousin had been pressuring him to join their gang since he was just a teenager, promising him a life of wealth and power. But when he met Maria, she showed him that there was another way out - a chance to escape poverty and break free from a life of crime. Together, they bravely crossed the treacherous border and made their way to a small town in America where they found jobs and rented an apartment in the bustling Latino community. Pedro kept his ears open and listened closely as drunkards at the local bar spoke about the dark dealings of the notorious gangs. He knew he had made the right choice by following Maria, and now he was determined to make a better life for both of them while helping others who didn’t see a way out.

“I heard that there is an abandoned house about five miles from here deep in the woods,” Pedro whispered, his eyes darting nervously toward the door. “I’m not sure if the gang is hiding there or not, but I know that the guy who talked about the house is their connection on the US side. He takes care of the sales. He was well liquored up on tequila and kept blubbering about the house and that the family who lived there a hundred years ago were killed.”

“It’s possible,” Raven mused, his voice low and gravelly. “Thanks for the information, Pedro. You’re one step closer to joining us.” He raised his fist for a bump, sealing their partnership with a resounding thud.

The stocky man’s face beaming with joy hurried back to the kitchen.

Raven entered the bar through the front door and found his gang at their usual table in the far corner. “We have a possible location. Finish your drinks and let’s get going.” Raven informed his comrades.

The five members of the Panthers understood the gravity and urgency of their mission - to rescue innocent teenagers and young children from the clutches of ruthless human traffickers, who sought to sell them as commodities for sexual exploitation.

With fierce determination in their eyes, they raced toward the abandoned house on the outskirts of town, their roaring engines leaving a trail of dust and adrenaline in their wake. Although people in town were used to their presence, and they never heard anything bad about them, the fear that something might happen always left them with unease when they heard the roaring engines.

The scent of gasoline and leather lingered in the air, adding to the intensity of their presence and the darkness seemed to part before them as if even nature itself knew not to stand in their way. As they reached the dirt road in the woods, Raven raised his hand in a commanding gesture, signaling for his comrades to halt.

With practiced ease, they killed the engines, dismounted their bikes, and hid them in the thick bushes.

“We go the last mile on foot,” Raven instructed his men. “No guns, until we’re forced to use them,” he said.

“Fists and knives,” Stubby added, and the group murmured in agreement.

They moved forward with silent, calculated steps. The air was heavy with anticipation and danger, each member acutely aware of the risk they were taking. As they crept closer, shadows seemed to dance around them, adding to the sense of danger.

With firm determination in their eyes and weapons at the ready, their hearts burned with righteous anger, knowing that they were the only hope for these helpless souls. Since they were honorably discharged from the armed forces six years ago, at first, they had a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Later, Raven and Jackle opened a car repair shop, Doc became a veterinarian. Pokerface, the always stoical looking yet highly emotional friend opened a Dojo and taught self-defense.

The air was thick with tension and adrenaline as they prepared to put an end to this heinous operation. They spotted a large van parked in the clearing as they cautiously approached the rundown house. Its black exterior blended with the night sky, but its chrome bumpers glistened in the moonlight. Crouching low, they peered from behind the vehicle to see a guard stationed by the door. His posture was tense as he held a sleek machine gun at the ready. In the flickering light streaming from a nearby window, they could hear faint sounds of children crying and men shouting from inside the house. The hair on their necks prickled with a sense of danger and urgency as they plotted their next move.

Jackal glanced at Raven, who gave a subtle nod of approval. The lanky man dropped to his hands and knees, moving with the grace and precision of a stalking animal. He slinked through the shadows, keeping his body low and silent as he crept towards the unsuspecting guard.

When he was within a few feet of the man, Stubby made a slight noise by tossing a small rock toward the corner of the house. The guard, startled by the sound, turned his head in that direction. Taking advantage of the distraction, Jackal sprang forward with lightning speed and wrapped his arms around the guard’s neck in a chokehold. With his other large hand covering the guard’s mouth and nose, he effectively silenced any potential screams for help.

Without hesitation, the rest of the bikers sprang into action. In a flurry of movement and precision, they made their way silently to the door. Doc, whose occupation as a veterinarian had provided him with some interesting skills, quickly punctured the guard’s neck with the needle attached to a syringe filled with a powerful animal tranquilizer. As his body went limp, Jackal eased him down against the wall while Stubby secured his wrists and ankles with strong duct tape. The operation had gone flawlessly so far, but they knew they still had to move quickly and quietly to ensure their actions inside just as smoothly.

Guns at the ready, their eyes flicked to Raven for a signal. With a swift kick, he sent the door crashing off its hinges and tumbling into the vast room with a resounding thud. The six men, dressed in sleek black leather outfits, poured into the space like an unstoppable force. Inside, three burly men stood guard over a group of frightened children, their hands reaching for their weapons but halted by Raven’s firm voice. “Game over, boys. Hands up!” The tension in the air was palpable as the two groups faced off, guns pointed and hearts racing.

With a fierce cry, one of the men launched himself at Raven, only to be met with the hard metal of his gun hitting the man between his brows. The heavily tattooed man crumpled to the floor, dazed and defeated. Stubby wasted no time in springing into action, deftly pulling out the roll of duct tape from his pocket. The other two men looked on, wide-eyed and fear evident in their rapid Spanish chatter. Raven calmly gestured towards them, and his men moved quickly to hold them down while Stubby skillfully bound their hands and feet with the tape, rendering them immobile and powerless. Every move was executed with precision and efficiency, a testament to their years of training.

Pokerface towered over the two bandits, listening to their pleas for mercy in rapid Spanish. They were sweating and shaking, their eyes wide with terror as they begged for their freedom. But Pokerface only chuckled, causing the men to stop and stare at him in confusion. “No, boys,” he said firmly, his voice laced with amusement. “The town’s sheriff won’t be giving you a free pass. In fact, he will never see you.” The men’s faces fell in despair as they realized their fate. “Yes, you’re going back home,” Pokerface declared with his usual stoic face and neutral voice.

The bandits’ pleas became more frantic, but the gang paid them no mind. “I know,” Doc had enough and said calmly. “The prisons back there are hardly five-star hotels. And who knows if you’ll even make it there alive.” He shrugged nonchalantly as if their potential death sentence meant nothing to him. “But hey, you knew the risks when you took up a life of crime. We have no sympathy for you.”

As the bandits continued to plead and beg, Doc’s attention shifted to Raven who had approached a group of children. Despite the tense situation at hand, his face was gentle as he spoke to the young ones, offering them comfort and safety in the chaos surrounding them.

The eight young children, boys and girls, from ages three to nine huddled together in the corner of the dimly lit room. Their eyes were wide with fear as they watched the strange, scary-looking men in front of them wearing leather outfits with black panthers painted on the back of their jackets. The sound of their heavy footsteps echoed off walls, causing the children to shrink further into the corner. Raven crouched down before them with a reassuring smile on his face. As he spoke calmly in Spanish, the children’s faces softened, and they began to relax. Trust slowly crept into their eyes as Raven promised to get them home safely.

With a sense of determination, Raven stood up and dialed his contact in Mexico. “We have four hyenas and eight young children,” he spoke rapidly in Spanish. After receiving instructions from his contact, Raven turned to the children and smiled again. “You’re going home,” he assured them. Despite their fear and confusion, the children couldn’t help but feel hopeful as they followed Raven out of the dark room and toward safety.

***

A decade had passed since Pedro joined them and the Panthers gathered around their usual table in their favorite bar. Time had etched deep wrinkles around their eyes and peppered their hair with streaks of grey, but their spirits were still as strong as ever. They sat together, discussing their latest, successful mission, when Raven let out a heavy sigh. “It’s never going to end,” he said wearily. “We take one gang out, and in no time, another one pops up to take their place.”

The others nodded sadly in agreement, lost in their own thoughts, when a young man and woman approached their table. The man had a wide smile on his round face and held tightly onto the woman’s hand. “My name is Juan, and this is my wife, Alejandra,” he introduced himself with genuine warmth.

Raven gestured for them to have a seat at their table. As they sat down, Juan continued speaking. “You may not remember us, but we will never forget you,” he said, tears glistening in his eyes. “Ten years ago, you rescued us not far from here. Thanks to your help, we were reunited with our families in Mexico.” His voice shook with emotion as he spoke.

The bikers looked at each other questioningly, unsure of who these strangers were until Juan explained further. “We were just kids when you saved us,” he said, looking at each of the weathered faces before him. “Because of you, we have grown up in our families.” He paused for a moment before adding, “Because of you, instead of being a sex slave of the rich, I’m going to start medical school in the fall with my fiancée. Thank you for all that you do!”

As they listened to Juan’s words and saw the gratitude shining in his eyes, Raven and his men shared a silent exchange that conveyed without words: it was worth it. All of the struggles and sacrifices they faced as members of the Panthers gang were worth it to see the positive impact, they had on the children’s lives they saved.

Raven sighed and with a smile on his face reached across the table and held Juan’s hand. “Just don’t tell anyone about this, son. We can only do this if we stay in the background.”

People in town viewed them as bored middle-aged men having fun riding their Harleys and getting drunk in the bar. If only they knew what they did and were not expecting any reward or recognition, these unsung heroes would be celebrated by many.

Read more

 Intriguing, bone-chilling, heartwarming, and thought-provoking short stories by various genre authors in the What If? #3 Anthology. 
https://books2read.com/u/m27NQd

Friday, July 4, 2025

Truth or Flattering Lies?

 Why People Prefer Sugar-Coated Lies Over Hard Truths


"People say I don't look a day over 40," she boasted. "Don't you agree?"
"And you believe them?"
"Well... yes. Why would they lie?"
I nod, smile, but don't say anything. I don't lie or sugarcoat, and she knows it. Her cheerful mood turns sour, quickly says bye, and walks away.
If there would be a think bubble visible over my head, she could read my thoughts,  Her face is smooth but clearly paralyzed by the regular Botox injections, she colors her gray hair and wears tons of makeup, but her turkey neck and droopy knees show her age about seventy. Why is she so desperate to hold onto what's impossible? Luckily, our thoughts are invisible.  

People instinctively protect their self-esteem. Hearing a flattering lie feels safe and boosts confidence, even if it’s false. Confronting a harsh truth can trigger shame, guilt, or anxiety, so many unconsciously opt for reassurance instead.

Truth often demands action—admitting faults and putting in effort to improve. Change is uncomfortable and uncertain. A sugar-coated lie allows you to stay in your comfort zone without facing the work required for genuine growth.

In everyday interactions, kindness and cohesion often trump blunt honesty. White lies lubricate social bonds, avoid awkwardness, and prevent hurt feelings. We’d rather preserve relationships than risk conflict by delivering unwelcome truths.

Humans evolved in tight-knit groups where harmony meant survival. Upward-trading flattery kept alliances strong. Culturally, many societies prize “saving face,” so people learn early to prioritize gentle feedback over direct criticism.

Personally, instead of sugar-coated liesI rather hear the truth that helps me look at things realistically and helps me grow as a person. 

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realismalternate historyurban fantasycozy mysterysweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.