Is it "monkey see monkey do" Behavior or Something Else?

 Do they mock me because I speak with an accent?

English is my second language, and I speak with an accent and often wonder why people slow down, over‑enunciate, or change vocabulary when talking to someone with an accent.

I looked into it, and now I have a better understanding of this behavior.

People often talk louder when they hear an accent because their brain interprets the situation as a potential comprehension challenge, and they instinctively try to “fix” it by increasing volume, even though volume isn’t the issue.

It’s usually not that the listener thinks the accented speaker is hard of hearing. Instead, the listener’s brain is trying to reduce its own processing difficulty by altering the communication environment—incorrectly assuming that louder speech will help. It’s similar to how people sometimes talk louder to someone on a bad phone connection. The instinct is to “fix” the communication problem with volume, even when the real issue is clarity, not loudness.

People have learned from media, school, travel, etc. that you’re supposed to slow down or simplify when talking to someone who might not share your native language.

So even without thinking, they fall into that pattern:

Sometimes it’s well‑intentioned.

Sometimes it’s awkward.

Sometimes it’s patronizing.

But it’s almost always automatic.

But why do they try to imitate my accent?

This is fascinating: when people start imitating someone else’s accent, it’s usually not mockery. It’s something much more human and much more automatic.

Why do people sometimes slip into the accent they’re hearing?

This behavior comes from a deep, built‑in social mechanism.

1. The brain is wired for “speech mirroring”

Humans naturally mirror each other’s body language, facial expressions, and even breathing rhythms.

Speech is part of that system.

When you hear someone speak with a different rhythm, melody, or vowel shape, your brain starts subtly adjusting your own speech patterns to match. It’s an unconscious attempt to sync up.

This is called phonetic convergence.

2. Mirroring builds social connection

Matching someone’s speech style is a way of signaling:

“I’m friendly.”

“I’m engaged.”

“We’re on the same team.”

It’s the same instinct that makes people adopt each other’s slang or laugh in the same cadence.

The accent shift is just a more noticeable version of that.

3. Your brain tries to reduce conversational friction

If your brain senses even a small challenge in understanding someone, it may try to “meet them halfway” by adjusting your own speech patterns.

It’s not logical — but it’s instinctive.

4. Accents are contagious

Accents have rhythm, melody, and muscle patterns.

When you hear them, your brain activates the motor areas involved in producing those sounds.

It’s similar to how:

You start tapping your foot when you hear music

You yawn when someone else yawns

You mimic someone’s posture without noticing

Accents trigger the same kind of mimicry.

5. When it goes wrong, it feels embarrassing

Because it’s unconscious, people often don’t realize they’re doing it until it’s already happened.

Then they panic, thinking it looks like mockery even though the intention was connection, not insult.

A simple way to think about it

Your brain is constantly trying to sync with the people around you.

Accents are just another thing it tries to sync with.

I hope you find this interesting, let me know what you think.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #3

 Sneak peek into a children's book

Part 3 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

Read part 2 here

3. Trust:

It feels like the author is opening the door

Letting someone read a chapter feels personal.

Readers sense transparency and generosity, which builds trust in both the author and the blog hosting the preview.

https://books2read.com/Look-I-Can-Talk-With-My-Fingers

In Spanish

https://books2read.com/u/3neQ2K

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #2

 Sneak peek into a supernatural medical mystery

Part 2 of why sneak peeks are important

Read part 1 here

2. Connection:

Meeting characters before committing

A sneak peek lets readers “test‑drive” the world, voice, and characters.

If they feel even a small spark of connection, they’re far more likely to keep going.

https://books2read.com/u/3nk6V6

Chapter Three

Enjoying the fresh air and her ability to breathe freely again without feeling the suffocating tightness in her chest, Remi strolled through the garden. The full moon hung like a glowing orb in the sky, illuminating the sloping hillside in the distance with a soft, silver glow, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The distant murmur of her aunt’s voice through the open window in the kitchen provided a soothing soundtrack to her walk, but she couldn't quite make out her words. It was like a radio playing in the background, just loud enough to be heard but too muffled to understand. She kicked off her slippers and with each step, the cool grass tickled her bare feet, sending pleasant shivers up her legs. She gazed up at the endless expanse of stars above dreamily, wondering what secrets they held.

Out of nowhere, a searing pain shot through Remi's head, causing her to stumble forward in disorientation. Her vision blurred and distorted as she attempted to shake off the sudden assault.

But then, just as quickly as it had come, the pain vanished, and Remi's senses sharpened to an almost superhuman level. She could hear every word her aunt was saying with astonishing clarity, despite being more than fifty yards away.

Her heart raced as she listened to her aunt's voice talking to her mother on the phone. "Yes, she's fine," Emily said. "She's taking a stroll in the garden. I can see her from the window. Yes, I got rid of the cat. And tonight, we'll be staying in the guesthouse."

Remi couldn't help but smile at her aunt's determined tone. As the conversation continued, Remi stood there in awe, still processing the fact that she could hear Emily’s voice so clearly from such a distance.

But when she heard her mother’s reply on the phone, she froze. “Okay, just keep a close eye on her and make sure she takes her medications.”

How could this be happening? I can hear Mom’s voice as if she was standing next to me!

The sound of crickets chirping, nightbirds singing their sharp, short tunes, and owls hooting with deafening clarity amplified Remi’s panic as she cried out in confusion and fear, “What is happening to me?”

She shook her head, trying to make it stop, and clamped her hands to her ears, unable to comprehend what was happening. “I’m losing it! I’m totally losing my mind,” she cried out. “I’m schizophrenic! Yes, that’s it. I’m hearing voices.” The realization filled her with sheer panic. Her legs felt weak, she had to sit down. But wait! She thought. I’m only sixteen. I read in Mom’s medical books that schizophrenia usually shows the first symptoms much later. Then what is it? “What a...” Remi jumped when she heard a new voice. “Dad, why didn’t I change? Dr Schwarz said it would happen, but I still feel as lousy as always.”

“I’m hallucinating!” Remi cried out and turned around frantically searching. “I hear the boy’s voice I met in the ER. I’m a nutcase, that’s for sure.” Scared out of her mind, Remi started running toward the house and stopped in her tracks when she spotted a man pushing a wheelchair on the footpath that separated her aunt’s land from the neighbor’s property. She heard the man’s voice. “I don’t know, son. I spoke to Dr. Schwartz, he said to wait until the morning and call him if there are still no changes.”

“Let’s go back, Dad. I don’t feel good.”

“Sorry, son. Let’s get you in bed and the doctor will figure out in the morning what went wrong.”

Remi stood motionless watching them as the man turned the wheelchair around with the boy. I can hear them! That’s Konrad and his father, and they’re far away. Why can I hear their conversation so clearly? She rubbed her forehead. This is madness! “Okay, calm down!” she said out loud and took a couple of deep breaths. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for all this. I'll go inside.”

She felt the rush of air hitting her face and suddenly, she was standing by the door, as if she had been teleported there. Her heart raced with fear and confusion as she cried out, "What is happening? How did I get here?" She turned back to where she had been just a moment before, estimating the distance to be about two hundred yards. "I was just over there...now I'm here." She stood by the door in disbelief, trying to make sense of what had just occurred when she spotted the man and the boy in a wheelchair. “They didn't seem to have moved an inch!” she cried out and frantic thoughts ran through her mind. Why can I see them so clearly? I can see Konrad’s oxygen tube in his nose and hear his oxygen generator humming. It’s impossible! I need to think this over before I completely lose my mind. She decided and opened the door.

Emily stood by the sink washing dishes. “How was your...” She stopped, alarmed by Remi’s bewildered expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked wiping her hands on her apron.

“Nothing!” Remi replied quickly, trying to force a smile. “I was running all the way back, and I’m not even out of breath," she lied. "I’m feeling fine, don’t worry. I think I’m going to read for a while.” She said and started walking toward the door before Emily could question her further. But then, in her mind, she heard her aunt’s voice. Something is wrong! I know it. The way she looked at me, it was as if... as if... I can’t put my finger on it, but she’s acting strange.

Remi turned back and opened her mouth to speak when she noticed with alarm that Emily was staring at her with great concern. Despite her mouth being closed, Remi heard her aunt’s voice in her mind. I guess it’s because of all that medication they gave her. Poor little angel! Why do kids have to suffer from diseases? Her worried expression changed to a loving smile as Emily spoke, “You didn’t eat any dessert after dinner. Cathy brought over homemade pudding. Would you like to eat some?”

“No, thanks. Dinner was delicious, and I’m still full. I’m going to read for a while. Good night, Authy Em.”

“Good night, dear. “I’m going to bed in a minute too. I only took a short nap today, and I’m exhausted.”

Remi hurried to her room, thinking. I heard her talking, with my ears and I saw her mouth moving. But now, she just stared at me with her mouth closed but I heard her voice in my mind... It’s insanity! Could it be that... nah, it’s impossible! How could I hear someone’s thoughts?

With a heavy sigh, she closed the door to her bedroom and settled onto her bed. Her fingers trembled as she opened her laptop, the bright screen casting a soft glow in the dark room. “Okay, calm down!” she urged herself, trying to push away the panic rising within her.

Her thoughts raced as she typed “mind-reading” into the search bar and clicked on the first result. Her eyes scanned the definition: “Mind-reading can be based on scientific techniques, such as interpreting body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. It's a skill that can be learned and honed.”

But that wasn't it. She hadn't seen their body language or expressions when she heard their voices. Could it be telepathy instead?

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, typing out the word and hitting enter. A new definition appeared: “Telepathy refers to direct communication between minds without using the usual sensory channels (like speech or writing). It's often called mental communication. Telepathy is considered supernatural because it lacks a scientific or logical explanation. It's associated with extrasensory perception.”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she read. Lack of science and logic was definitely one way to describe what she was experiencing.

In Hungarian

https://books2read.com/u/mYeLVp

Harmadik fejezet

Remi élvezve a friss levegőt és azt, hogy újra szabadon lélegezhetett anélkül, hogy érezte volna a fojtogató szorítást a mellkasában. Ráérősen sétált a kerten. A telihold izzó gömbként ragyogott a felhőtlen égen, ezüstös fénnyel világította meg a távoli lejtős domboldalt, békés és nyugodt légkört teremtve.

Nagynénje mormolása a konyha nyitott ablakán keresztül nyugtatóan hatott, de Remi nem tudta pontosan kivenni a szavait. Olyan volt, mint egy rádió hangja a háttérben, éppen elég hangos ahhoz, hogy hallható legyen, de túl halk ahhoz, hogy megértse a szavakat. Remi lerúgta a papucsát, élvezte a hűvös fű csiklandozó érzését mezítelen talpán. Álmodozva bámult fel a ragyogó csillagokra, és azon tűnődött, milyen titkokat rejtenek.

Hirtelen éles, perzselő fájdalom hasított Remi fejébe, amitől zavartan előre botorkált. Látása elhomályosodott és eltorzult. Felnyögött a fájdalomtól és ijedten masszírozta a homlokát, majd megrázta a fejét. De aztán ugyanolyan gyorsan, ahogy jött, a fájdalom eltűnt, és Remi érzékei szinte emberfeletti szintre éleződtek. Elképesztő tisztasággal hallotta a nagynénje minden szavát, annak ellenére, hogy több mint ötven méterre volt a kis háztól.

A szíve hangosan dübörgött mellkasában, ahogy zaklatottan hallgatta nagynénje hangját, amint az anyjával beszél telefonon. – Igen, jól van – mondta Emily. – Sétál a kertben. Ne aggódj, látom őt az ablakból. Igen, megszabadultam a macskától. Ma este pedig a vendégházban alszunk amig a házat alaposan kitakarítják. –

Remi nem tudta megállni, hogy el ne mosolyodjon nagynénje határozott hangját hallgatva. Ahogy a beszélgetés folytatódott, Remi megrendülve állt a hűvös fűben, és próbált magyarázatot találni arra, hogy ilyen tisztán hallotta Emily hangját ilyen messziről.

De, amikor meghallotta édesanyja válaszát a telefonban, megdermedt. – Kérlek tartsd rajta a szemed, és figyelmeztesd, hogy bevegye a gyógyszereit. –

Remi megrázta a fejét, és a füléhez szorította a kezét, nem tudta felfogni, mi történik. – Megbolondultam! Teljesen elvesztettem az eszem – suttogta. – Skizofrén vagyok! Igen, ez az. Hangokat hallok és hallucinálok. –  A felismerés pánikba kergette. A lábai elgyengültek, le kellett ülnie. De várjunk csak! – gondolta. Még csak tizenhat éves vagyok. Anya orvosi könyveiben olvastam, hogy a skizofrénia általában sokkal később jelentkezik az első tünetekkel. Akkor mi ez? – Remi felugrott, amikor új hangot hallott.

– Apa, mi lehet az oka annak, hogy a kezelés után szinte semmi változás nem történt? Dr. Schwarz azt mondta, hogy várjunk ma estig, de még mindig ugyanolyan pocsékul érzem magam, mint mindig. –

– Semmi kétség. Hallucinálok! – motyogta a feldúlt lány, és kétségbeesetten megfordult. – Hallom a fiú hangját, akivel a sürgősségi osztályon találkoztam. Őrült vagyok, az már biztos. – Rémülten futni kezdett a ház felé, és megállt, amikor megpillantott egy magas férfit, aki egy tolókocsiban ülő fiút tolt a gyalogúton, amely elválasztotta nagynénje kertjét a szomszédétól. Most meghallotta a férfi hangját. – Nem tudom, fiam. Beszéltem Dr. Schwartzcal, azt mondta, hogy várjunk reggelig, és hívjam fel, ha még mindig nincs változás. –

– Menjünk vissza a házba, apa. Nem érzem jól magam. –

– Végtelenül sajnálom, fiam. Legjobb lesz, ha pihensz, és reggel majd beszélünk az orvossal. –

Remi mozdulatlanul állt, és figyelte őket, ahogy a férfi megfordította a kerekesszéket a fiúval. Tiszta őrület. Hallom őket! Ez Konrád és az apja, és messze vannak. Miért hallom ilyen tisztán a beszélgetésüket? Megdörzsölte a homlokát. – Oké, nyugi, nyugi! – mondta hangosan, és vett néhány mély lélegzetet. – Biztos vagyok benne, hogy van ésszerű magyarázat mindenre. Bemegyek. –

Szélfúvást érzett az arcán, és hirtelen az ajtó mellett állt, mintha oda teleportálták volna. Szíve a félelemtől és zavartól gyorsan dobogott, majd hirtelen felkiáltott: – Mi történik? Hogyan kerültem ide? –  Visszafordult oda, ahol egy pillanattal korábban állt, és körülbelül kétszáz méterre becsülte a távolságot. – Éppen ott voltam... most itt vagyok. –  Hitetlenkedve állt az ajtó előtt, és próbálta megérteni, mi történt, amikor meglátta a férfit és a fiút kerekesszékben. – Ők egy centit sem mozdultak! – mormogta, és eszeveszett gondolatok futottak át az agyán. Miért látom őket ilyen tisztán? Látom Konrád oxigéncsövét az orrában, és hallom az oxigéngenerátor zümmögését. Ez lehetetlen! Át kell gondolnom ezt, mielőtt teljesen elvesztem az eszem. – Mélyeket lélegzett, és kinyitotta az ajtót.

Emily a mosogató mellett állt, és megfordult egy tányérral a kezében, amikor meghallotta Remi lépteit. – Milyen volt... – Megállt, megriadva Remi zavarodott arckifejezésétől. – Mi a baj? – kérdezte, miközben megtörölte a kezét a kötényében.

– Semmit! – Remi gyorsan válaszolt, és kényszeredetten elmosolyodott. – Egész úton futottam, és még csak nem is vagyok kifulladva – hazudta. – Jól érzem magam, ne aggódj. Azt hiszem, olvasni fogok amig elálmosodom. – mondta, és elindult az ajtó felé, mielőtt Emily tovább kérdezhette volna. De aztán gondolatban meghallotta nagynénje hangját. Valami nincs rendben! Tudom. Ahogy rám nézett, olyan volt, mint... mintha... Nem tudom, de furcsán viselkedik.

Remi visszafordult, és kinyitotta a száját, hogy beszéljen, amikor riadtan vette észre, hogy Emily aggodalommal mered rá. Annak ellenére, hogy a szája csukva volt, Remi tisztán hallotta a nagynénje hangját az elméjében.  Azt hiszem, ez a sok gyógyszer miatt van, amit adtak neki. Szegény kis angyal! Miért kell a gyerekeknek betegségekben szenvedniük? Aggódó arckifejezése szeretetteljes mosolyra változott, amikor megkérdezte: – Vacsora után nem ettél desszertet. Cathy házi pudingot hozott. Szeretnél enni egy kicsit? –

– Nem, köszönöm. A vacsora finom volt, és még mindig tele vagyok. Olvasok egy darabig. Jó éjszakát, Emi néni. –

– Jó éjszakát, drágám. Pár perc múlva én is lefekszem. Ma csak egy rövidet szunyókáltam, és fáradt vagyok. –

Remi elgondolkodva sietett a szobájába. Hallottam, ahogy beszél, a fülemmel, és láttam, hogy mozog a szája. De most csak csukott szájjal nézett rám, de hallottam a hangját a fejemben... Ez őrület! Lehet, hogy... Nem, ez lehetetlen! Hogyan hallhatnám valakinek a gondolatait? Nagyot sóhajtott, becsukta a hálószobája ajtaját, és letelepedett az ágyára. Ujjai remegtek, amikor kinyitotta a laptopját, a fényes képernyő lágy fényt vetett a sötét szobára. – Oké, nyugodj meg! – sürgette magát, és megpróbálta elnyomni a benne feltámadó pánikot.

Gondolatai sebesen száguldoztak, amikor beírta a – gondolatolvasás – szót a keresősávba, és rákattintott az első találatra. Szeme a definíciót pásztázta: – A gondolatolvasás tudományos technikákon alapulhat, mint például a testbeszéd, az arckifejezések és a hangszín értelmezése. Ez egy olyan készség, amelyet el lehet sajátítani és gyakorlattal finomítani.

De nem ez volt az. Amikor nagynénje, anyja, Konrád, és az apja hangját hallotta, nem látta őket. Lehet, hogy inkább telepátia?

Ujjai cikáztak a billentyűzeten, begépelte a szót, és megnyomta az mehet billentyűt. Megjelent egy új definíció: – A telepátia az elmék közötti közvetlen kommunikációra utal a szokásos érzékszervi csatornák (például beszéd vagy írás) használata nélkül. Gyakran mentális kommunikációnak nevezik. A telepátiát természetfelettinek tekintik, mert nincs tudományos vagy logikai magyarázata. Ez az extraszenzoros észleléshez kapcsolódik.

Keserű nevetés hagyta el az ajkát, miközben olvasott. A tudomány és a logika hiánya határozottan az egyik módja annak, hogy körülírja azt, ami velem történik.

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Lemme See That #1

 A sneak peek into a supernatural thriller

The emotional impact of a sneak peek

1. Curiosity:

The “I need to know what happens next.”

A preview activates the brain’s natural desire for closure.

Readers get just enough to be intrigued, but not enough to be satisfied.

That tension keeps them thinking about the story long after they stop reading.

Let me know if you'd like to read this book after reading a small part of it.

https://books2read.com/MESSENGER-by-Erika-M-Szabo

Chapter 4

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t come earlier.” Luke apologized and bent down to kiss her forehead.

“What happened?” Lauren managed to whisper, trying hard to hide the dreadful feeling her premonition triggered. The raw emotion was more painful than her physical injuries.

“A client called. He was arrested and I was with him trying to figure out his defense.” He sighed, sitting down on the bed facing Lauren. “Nothing for you to be worried about, though. How are you feeling?”

“Everything hurts, but I’ll be okay. More importantly, the baby is fine.” She baited him for an answer she didn’t get the day before.

“Yes, I’m so glad there’s no lasting damage. I spoke to the doctor on my way out last night, and she assured me of your full recovery.”

Lauren noticed the lack of emotions in his eyes when she mentioned the baby. It made her wonder if her husband even cared. Luke smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, which made Lauren even more suspicious.

She tried hard to hush the bitter feeling. “I don’t understand why the person who broke into the office beat me so brutally. I don’t even know if it was a man or a woman. Without saying a single word just knocked me unconscious as if wanting to kill me. The detective said the person might have been looking for drugs, but nothing is missing.”

“Maybe someone disturbed him, and he got away,” Luke speculated.

“But if someone else was there too, why didn’t they call for help? I was on the floor, bleeding until Marcia found me.”

“I don’t know, darling, and we may never find out,” Luke announced reaching for his phone, which was ringing in his pocket. He looked at the screen. “It’s the office. I must take this call.” He looked at his wife for approval.

“Sure, no problem.” Lauren nodded and reached for the orange juice on her table to take a sip. She listened to Luke talking to someone in a hushed voice. “Do you have to go?” She asked when Luke ended the call.

“Unfortunately, yes. There’s another crisis at the office.” He scratched his chin nervously. “I’ll stay if you want. To Hell with the office and clients, you’re more important.”

“No, there’s not much you can do here but sit with me. The nurses keep an eye on me, and things could be a lot worse. I’m alive, and I’ll recover in time.”

Nodding, Luke glanced at his phone. “It’s ten o’clock, I hope I can be back in the afternoon to stay with you.”

“Sounds good. Go get your work done. We both know what you’re like if you’ve got something still to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Go.”

Lauren felt exhausted, every part of her body and mind cried for rest and sleep. Luke won’t be back for a while; I must rest and think. She rang for Tammy and with her help, she got to her bed. Tucked in and feeling relatively comfortable, she closed her eyes and sunk into a dreamless sleep.

Her phone woke her an hour later. “I’ll be in later than I thought.” She heard Kathy’s voice. “The police put a seal on the office door, I can’t get in to pick up the candles and book. We don’t really need the book because we know the spell, but I don’t have all the herbs and candles we need. I’ll have to stop at the magic shop in Brooklyn, so it will take a while.”

“Don’t worry. Be careful. The traffic is brutal this time of day.” Lauren mumbled.

On the verge of falling asleep but too tired to open her eyes, she felt the nurse checking her vitals and then walking over to the IV pole changing the IV bag. Later she heard Marcia’s muffled voice talking to the nurse outside the door, and then she tiptoed into the room and sat down on the chair beside her bed.

Lauren recognized the tune of her phone, but before she contemplated opening her eyes, Marcia answered it on the first ring. “She’s asleep,” She whispered. “No, she’s fine. She needs as much rest as she could get. When are you going to get here?” She was quiet for a few seconds and said before disconnecting the call, “I have to go home but I’ll try to come back later.”   

 Lauren was oblivious to the world for a few hours when a loud noise woke her. Her eyes popped open and saw the Raven on the windowsill. The black bird stared at her with its black pearl eyes and made a loud “kraa”. Not again! Please, what do you want now? She begged silently, a dreadful feeling flooding her.

Suddenly, Luke’s sinister, sneering face swam into her mind as a powerful vision, his eyes glowing with anger and hate. Behind him lurked in a haze, a longhaired figure. Lauren strained to make out the features of the blurry figure, but the vision disappeared within seconds. Lauren had no way of being certain if she was dreaming, or if it was a premonition her grandmother warned her about to pay close attention to. Eyes closed yet wide awake and her nerves on edge, she tried to make sense of her terrifying vision.

A nurse entered her room. Lauren watched her through half-closed eyes, uncertain why that specific nurse gave her a bad feeling. Nurses came and went all the time, but there was something telling her to be wary—most likely her strong intuition. With a syringe in her gloved hand, the nurse made her way over to Lauren’s bed, grabbed the IV tube and injected something into it. Lauren watched her eyes open just enough to see under the protection of her eyelashes. A nurse would never inject anything into the line before wiping it with alcohol. She’s not a nurse. Thoughts were popping in her mind sending her nerves on edge. If she finds out that I’m awake, who knows what she would do before I can call for help. I can’t defend myself, not with broken ribs.

With eyes still half-closed, Lauren slowly reached over to her left arm under the blanket where the IV needle was taped to her hand, trying to make her movements seem as natural as she could. Ever so slowly she pulled the tape off and pulled the IV needle out and pinched the tubing, not wanting whatever had just been injected into the IV to go into her body or to drip on the bed. Fortunately, the possibly pretend nurse didn’t seem to notice.

After a few seconds of a heart-pounding wait, the nurse walked away, not checking to make sure the IV was still attached. I wish I could see her face. She moved her head slowly and managed to look at the woman’s back before she reached the door. Lauren observed the surgical cap on her head and the ribbon of her mask tied over it. I’ve never seen a nurse without a stethoscope and she’s wearing low heel pumps. Nurses wear sneakers or clogs. Now I’m sure she came to kill me! Lauren screamed in her mind and took a deep breath to calm herself. Thanks to her messenger, she knew she had to be suspicious of everything and everyone. She heard the door open and sighed in relief when she saw Marcia walking in.

“What’s wrong?” Marcia asked and rushed to her bed.

“Thank God! I’m so glad you’re here!” Lauren cried out. “I have to get out of here, now!” She tried to sit up but the sharp pain in her side made her fall back to the pillow.

“Wait! Let me help you. What do you mean you have to get out of here? You’re in no condition to go anywhere!”

“I have to. I have a strong feeling that someone is trying to have me killed and it might be Luke.”

“What? Why?” Marcia cried out.

“I just had a premonition and I have a strong feeling that it’s Luke.”

“Luke? I never trusted the guy, but to kill you? A premonition? What did you see? Tell me! You’re scaring me.”

 “I don’t know for sure but… he’s been distant and cold. He’s changed since… I don’t… we’ve been married for so long. I don’t know what’s really happening and why. I just know I’m in danger and I must get out of here and away from him. A woman dressed as a nurse had injected something into my IV line just now. I’m unsure and confused. I’m scared! I must get away.”

“Should we call security or the police?”

“And tell them what? What could they do to protect me based on my suspicion and feeling without any proof? If I’d tell them about my vision, they’d most likely admit me to the psych ward. No, I must leave and go to a safe place. You can help me.”

“You might be right. I’ll do anything, but how are we going to get you out of here?”

“Find Tammy. I trust her. She’ll help us. I’m still not convinced it’s Luke, but premonitions never lied to me before. All I know is that I’m not safe here and there’s only one place Luke doesn’t know about. Now I’m glad I never told him about the summerhouse I inherited from Grandma. It’s not too far from here, about a two-hour drive up to the Catskill mountains.”

“Right, I’ll go find Tammy!” Marcia turned and hurried out the door.

Kathy! She didn’t call. Lauren grabbed her phone and dialed. After a few rings, the call went to voicemail. Lauren didn’t bother leaving a message, disconnected and sent her a text. Kathy, where are you? Are you okay?

Marcia came back trailed by Tammy. Lauren told her everything she knew.

Tammy looked at her wide-eyed, terrified. “You’re right. You’re in danger here! I’ll do anything I can.”

Lauren remembered. “I closed the IV line to save what she’d injected in it. Would you put it into an evidence bag and about half an hour after we leave, call this detective.” She handed the card to Tammy. “I want to know what she injected into the tube.”

Tammy sprang into action right away. “Of course, I’ll do as you asked. To get you out of here is easy. I’ll get a wheelchair and when you’re ready, I’ll create a little commotion on the other end of the hall and Marcia can push you to the elevator.”

Marcia agreed. “Great! My car is in the ER parking lot. Nobody will pay attention to us if I wear scrubs and Lauren changes her clothes.”

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

Milestone

 This huge step is worth celebrating

Over 1 MILLION views

A milestone is a clearly defined point in a project, plan, or personal journey that marks significant progress toward a larger goal. A checkpoint that shows you’ve completed an important phase and are ready for the next.

What a milestone usually does

Signals progress:

it shows that a key task or stage is finished.

Marks achievements:

Highlight meaningful accomplishments along the way.

Sending a warm hug to the authors who contributed to the success of the blog!

Their posts and books live on these pages, finding new readers every day.

A little bit about me

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.
Born in a small town in Hungary, Erika grew up with a deep love for literature and storytelling. Always seen with a book in her hand from a young age and soon began creating her own intricate worlds and characters. Her gift for storytelling is evident to all those who know and encouraged her to pursue her passion.

As she grew older, Erika's thirst for adventure and new experiences led her to travel the world. She lived in various countries, soaking up their cultures and traditions, and absorbing them into her writing. Her travels also allowed her to meet a diverse array of people, whose stories and perspectives she wove into her novels.

Despite her literary success and acclaim, Erika remains a humble and down-to-earth person. She often speaks of her belief in the power of words to connect and heal, and her writing reflects this deep empathy and understanding of human experience.
After having negative experiences with publishers, she started her own company to help authors with book formatting, cover design, and navigating the complexities of the publishing industry http://www.goldenboxbooks.com

Erika is also the founder of #OurAuthorGang, a group of writers blogging together. This diverse group showcases the power of collaboration and the potential it has to elevate individuals and create something truly special such as the What If? Anthology Series

Some of her notable works include: "Protected by the Falcon": The first book in "The Ancestors' Secrets" series. This urban fantasy/magical realism novel introduces readers to a world of clan mysteries and ancient traditions.

The "Unbroken Curse": A historical fantasy that explores an ancient curse cast by a powerful witch sixteen hundred years ago, affecting families across generations.

“The Seven Cozy Shorts” includes seven novellas ranging from paranormal fantasy and unconventional relationships to futuristic love stories.

Some of Erika’s books are also published in Spanish, Hungarian, and German, as well as in audiobooks.
In addition to her novels, Erika has authored several children's books that emphasize moral values, acceptance, and friendship. Titles such as "Pico the Pesky Parrot" and "Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers" aim to educate and inspire young readers.

Erika's complex career reflects her passion for storytelling, art, and supporting fellow authors in bringing their creative visions to life.

My heartfelt thank you to readers for their continuous support! 

1 Million Views

 Guess the date

I started this blog in 2017 with a group of fellow authors. We took turns posting about a variety of topics such as hobbies, travel, pets, cooking, reading, and writing. We even had contests and enjoyed ourselves. 

However, in 2019, the group fell apart, and everyone went their separate ways. I continued to post occasionally on my own, but it wasn't the same without the camaraderie, so I stopped updating the blog in 2022.

Ever since then, I have been writing and have successfully published a few books. In 2023, I started the What If? Anthology Series with a new group of writers, and we recently released our fourth book.

It then occurred to me that I had forgotten about my blog, but upon checking the STATS after 2 years of inactivity, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it still had a strong following. People continue to visit and read the old posts, so I decided to keep the blog going.

~Erika M Szabo

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Thank you so much for reading the posts and the books presented on the blog. Readers rock!

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It Is Believed that Spirits Communicate with The Living

Do you believe spirits communicate with the living? 

Spirits are believed to communicate with the living primarily through mediums, signs, and subtle forms of perception, depending on the belief system. Across traditions like Spiritualism and Spiritism, communication is seen as possible because the soul continues to exist after death and can interact with the physical world. 

Core Ways Spirits Are Believed to Communicate

1. Mediumship (Mental or Physical)

Mediums act as intermediaries who receive impressions, messages, or sensations from spirits.

Mental mediumship involves clairvoyance, clairaudience, or intuitive messages.

Physical mediumship includes phenomena like rapping, table tipping, or other physical signs.

Spiritualism considers mediumship the central method of spirit communication. 

2. Subtle Signs in Daily Life

Many people believe spirits send gentle, symbolic signs such as:

A familiar scent

A song that appears at the right moment

Feathers, butterflies, or animals behaving unusually

Repeating symbols like rainbows or numbers

These signs are interpreted as reminders of presence or love. 

3. Séances and Structured Spirit Circles

Historically, séances were used to invite communication through knocks, movements, or messages. This practice became widespread in the 19th century with the rise of Spiritualism. 

4. Spiritist Mediumship (Kardec’s Approach)

Spiritism teaches that spirits communicate through mediums to offer guidance, moral lessons, or knowledge.

Communication is seen as part of a scientific and philosophical study of the spirit world. 

5. Intuition and Inner Impressions

Some traditions say spirits communicate through:

Sudden thoughts

Emotional impressions

Dreams

These are viewed as subtle, internal messages rather than external signs.

How People Prepare for Communication

Spiritist and Spiritualist practices emphasize:

Meditation to quiet the mind

Positive mindset to avoid fear-based interpretations

Creating a sacred space with candles, photos, or meaningful objects

These steps are believed to make communication clearer and safer. 

Why These Methods Are Believed to Work

Across these belief systems, the underlying idea is that:

The soul survives death.

Spirits retain consciousness and individuality.

They can interact with the living world through energy, intention, or resonance.

Mediums or sensitive individuals can perceive these interactions.

Do you agree?

But Why Spirals?

 Why do spirals show up in nature and in every culture?

Spirals appear in every culture because they are one of the most universal patterns in nature, and humans across time have repeatedly recognized, copied, and spiritualized them. At the core, spirals symbolize growth, cycles, movement, and connection to the cosmos, which made them meaningful even for cultures that never interacted. 

1. They are everywhere in nature

Humans in every environment saw spirals constantly:

Seashells and mollusks

Sunflower seed patterns

Hurricanes and whirlpools

Fern fronds unfurling

Galaxies and cosmic structures

Because these patterns were so common, ancient people naturally adopted them as symbols of life, order, and the universe. 

2. They express universal human ideas

Across cultures, spirals came to represent:

Growth and evolution

Life cycles (birth → life → death → rebirth)

Spiritual journeys

Energy and movement

Interconnectedness

Celtic, Native American, Hindu, Buddhist, and Caribbean Taíno traditions all independently used spirals to express these ideas. 

3. They follow mathematical laws that humans intuitively recognize

Spirals like the golden spiral and Fibonacci spiral appear in:

Nautilus shells

Pinecones

Tree branches

Galaxies

These patterns reflect natural efficiency and harmony. Even without formal math, ancient people noticed the beauty and order of these shapes and used them in art and architecture. 

4. They emerged independently in isolated cultures

Archaeologists have found spiral carvings:

In Neolithic Europe (e.g., Newgrange in Ireland)

Among the Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest

In Polynesia

In ancient Caribbean cultures

These cultures had little or no contact, yet all used spirals—strong evidence that the symbol arises from shared human experience, not cultural exchange. 

5. They helped track time and understand the cosmos

Some spirals were used as astronomical markers, such as the Sun Dagger in New Mexico, where sunlight interacts with spiral carvings to mark solstices. This shows spirals weren’t just decorative—they were tools for understanding the universe. 

The deeper reason: humans think in spirals

Spirals mirror how humans understand life:

Not linear

Not perfectly circular

But cyclical with progress, returning to familiar places with a new understanding

This psychological resonance made spirals a natural metaphor across cultures.

Author Erika M Szabo, find me on Google