While with the babysitter, my son called me and whispered ‘Mommy, I’m scared’

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That morning, Ben, my 6-year-old son, looked up at me and said he didn’t feel well enough for school and that’s when I called the babysitter.

I had an important meeting at work and couldn’t take a day off so I texted Ruby, our 19-year-old neighbor who babysat the neighbors’ kids whenever they needed.

Ruby, who was juggling between her studies and work, said she would be happy to spend the day with Ben. He was also thrilled with the idea of having her around.

“Ruby, I know Ben is in safe hands with you,” I said as I rushed out of the house not wanting to be late.

My son didn't feel well so I called the babysitter. — Pexels

At around 2:25 p.m., I got a no-caller-ID call at work. When I picked up the phone, I heard Ben whispering, “Mommy, I’m afraid. Please come home.”

My heart sank. “What’s wrong, honey, where’s Ruby? Isn’t she by your side?”

But all Ben answered was, “Please, just hurry up.”

I got into the car right away and headed home. When I opened the door, I noticed a figure at the bottom of the stairs.

“Hey, who are you, and where’s my son?” I asked.

When the person lifted his head, I realized I had seen that man before. It was Lionel, Ruby’s older brother.

He didn’t live in the neighborhood and I had only seen him once or twice before.

“Are you Ruby’s brother?” I asked.

He kept calm and explained that Ruby had to leave due to an emergency and asked him to stay with Ben for just a half-an-hour, but Ben got scared when he saw him and hid in his room, saying he wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers.

“Why didn’t Ruby call me?” I asked, and Lionel explained that she did try to contact me, but couldn’t reach me.

I found Ben curled up on the floor of his room.

“Ben, mommy’s here,” I said, trying to comfort him.

It didn’t take long for Ruby arrived. It turned out that one of her closest friends got involved in a car crash, and she was listed as an emergency contact. Luckily, it wasn’t anything serious.

Ruby tried to apologize for the inconvenience she caused.

Honestly, I did understand she needed to leave urgently, but I didn’t like that she didn’t alert me and scared my son.

We talked and decided to part ways for some time.

However, as time passed by, Ben started asking about her.

“Mom, why isn’t Ruby stopping by any more?”

That evening, I texted her.

She was still a babysitter, still working, and still apologizing.

“If you are still babysitting, we would like to have you the next time we need someone to keep an eye on Ben while we are away,” I said.

This experience taught me that trust can be fragile—but also that forgiveness is essential to healing.

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My autistic brother never spoke—but then he did something that left me in tears

By

Monica Pop

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My autistic brother, Keane, was diagnosed with the condition when he was four. At the time, I was a seven-year-old girl who didn’t understand much. I just knew my brother was different. I could see it in my parents’ eyes and the way they treated him and spoke of him. Things started becoming clearer to me when his teacher told my mom and dad that Keane didn’t belong to her classroom. According to her, he was better off with students “like him.”

But what did that “like him,” meant?

At the beginning, Keane was able to speak, although he never used full sentences, but when he reached four, the words became fewer, and eventually, he stopped speaking altogether.

Two years ago, our mother passed away. That meant that Keane didn’t have anyone to take care of him, and since sending him at a facility home was never an option for me, I decided to welcome him in. My husband hesitated at first, but both him and I knew Keane belonged with us.

A few months ago, I gave birth to my first child, baby boy Milo.

One morning, I put Milo to sleep and decided to take a bath while he was asleep. Keane, as always, was having his headphones on and was solving his usual puzzles sitting on the chair by the window, the one where he always sat.

I still hadn’t rinsed the shampoo from my hair when I heard Milo’s cries.

I rushed to rinse, heart pounding, soap still in my ears. But then… silence. Total silence.

When I walked in Milo’s room I froze.

My autistic brother was sitting in the armchair, holding his nephew in one arm and gently stroking his back in a soft rhythm with the other. In his lap was our cat, Mango. The cat was looking me straight in the eyes, as though she was trying to tell me not to ruin the moment.

Then, at one moment, Keane said his first words in over 20 years. “He was scared,” he said, speaking of my son. “I made him a heartbeat.”

I couldn’t believe my autistic brother said that. His words brought so many emotions that I started crying tears of joy.

I let Keane hold Milo until he calmed down and fell asleep in his arms.

In the morning, Keane followed me to the kitchen, something he had never done before. “Coffee!” he said.

“Keane, you want to have some coffee?” I asked him gently.

He nodded.

While I was making coffee, Keane turned to me and said, “I will watch Milo.”

Him looking me straight into my eyes felt surreal. He never looked anyone like that, but avoided eye contact at all cost.

Milo’s birth changed my autistic brother completely. He was now a new person. Someone I never knew existed.

Of course, whenever he watches Milo I make sure I check on them every now and then but I trust my brother and his love for my son enough to give them some time alone to bond.

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High school sweethearts planned to meet in Times Square ten years later — Instead, a 10-year-old girl approached him there

By

Monica Pop

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That dance floor represented their entire world. Two beautiful souls in an embrace that was supposed to last forever, and a promise to meet each other ten years later, no matter the circumstances, no matter the happiness or the hardships life would impose on them.

“I don’t want to go,” Sally whispered, as her mascara had smudged from crying. “What would I do without you?” she asked with a breaking voice.

“Sally, studying in Europe has always been your dream. I don’t want to be the person holding you back. You are destined for great things and I don’t want to shrink your world,” Peter answered, secretly hoping she would still change her mind and stay.

Pulling her closer to him while their fingers intertwined, Peter promised to always be there for her; for the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

“Peter, promise me you’ll never forget me. In ten years time, meet me at the Times Square.”

“If you get married by then, I’d be glad to hear how happy you are… no matter what, promise to meet me. I’ll be carrying a yellow umbrella.”

“I promise,” Peter said, squeezing her hand. “Ten years from now, on Christmas Eve, I’ll be there, waiting for the most beautiful girl with a yellow umbrella. I’ll be there.”

These two soulmates’ hearts beat in perfect synchronization. Although they were parting their ways, they knew that some goodbyes are see-you-laters.

Over the years, Sally and Peter remained in touch. But then, her letters stopped coming and Peter wondered what happened to the woman who stole his heart.

No time could change his feelings for her. His love never faded away, it just became stronger and stronger with each passing day.

The thought of meeting her again after ten years filled Peter’s heart with hope.

When the day finally arrived, he knew deep down that Sally would keep her promise of waiting for him at Times Square, carrying a yellow umbrella.

Peter stood near the towering Christmas tree. His eyes gazed through the crowds, searching for a familiar face and a distinctive laugh that still echoed in his memories.

Minutes turned into an hour, but Peter didn’t get tired of waiting. He knew it was worth it.

Then, suddenly, he heard a tiny voice calling his name from behind.

He turned around and saw a little girl carrying a yellow umbrella. Her eyes wide and recognizable.

The girl bit her lip, a gesture so hauntingly familiar it stole his breath. Peter froze for a moment, and the girl’s umbrella trembled in her tiny hands.

“I’m Betty,” the girl said quietly, “and she’s not coming.”

“What do you mean? Who are you?” he asked, although he could feel he already knew the answer.

“I’m your daughter,” the girl said, as her green eyes filled with tears.

“My daughter?” Peter barely found the strength to ask. But before the girl could say another work, a man, tall and nicely dressed, and an elegant woman approached.

“Hi, Peter, we are happy to finally meet you. We’ve heard so much about you,” the woman said.

The man, with a sorrow on his face, said, “We are Sally’s parents.”

“But I don’t understand. Where is Sally? And why this girl claims to be my daughter?” Peter asked, fearing the answers.

It was then that the woman broke down in tears. “Peter, Sally’s gone. She died of cancer two years ago. She didn’t want you to know, because she didn’t want to burden you.”

Peter’s whole world crushed. His Sally was gone – the only woman he ever loved.

“This girl is your daughter. Sally knew your mom was very sick and she didn’t want to put any pressure on you. But she regretted not telling you that she was carrying your child.”

Peter was speechless. He experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Grief settled in his heart, but at the same time, he felt a strange feeling of joy because he had a daughter, a part of Sally that was there to stay.

Sally’s dad handed Peter a diary. It was Sally’s. In it, she wrote about the promise she and Peter gave each other about meeting ten years later, and that’s how they learned he would be there, waiting for her.

Peter hugged his daughter. He held her tightly and promised to never let her go.

She was eager to share with him stories about her late mother, and he was thankful he was given a glimpse of what Sally’s life was like.

Bringing Betty to the States from France where she lived with her grandparents was a long and complex process, but eventually, she moved in with her father. They visited her grandparents twice a year, and Betty became Peter’s world.

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Twin toddlers drown after grandmother with Alzheimer’s leaves door open

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Monica Pop

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Twin toddlers, a boy and a girl, managed to get out of the house through a door their great-grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s allegedly left open, only to drown shortly after.

When Jenny Callazzo, the mom of the 18-year-old twin toddlers, Locklyn and Loreli, found her children in the murky water of the family’s pool of their Oklahoma City home. They were unconscious. Hours later, they were both pronounced dead.

Callazzo is a stay-at-home mother of six children who runs a boutique. Her husband and her grandmother also live in the family home.

Aerial footage of the home showed a pool filled with dark green water, thought to be the result of thick algae. Neighbors recall the harrowing moment they saw the distraught mother at the back of an EMS vehicle as emergency workers tried to revive her children.

A few days before the tragedy took place, the mom posted a photo of the twins playing outside which she captioned, “just want to play outside.”

Police are currently investigating how the tragic incident led the twin toddlers, Locklyn and Loreli, to drown. — GoFundMe

Police are currently investigating how the tragic incident led the twin toddlers to drown.

According to the Daily Mail, they exclude any foul play.

Family members of the Callazzo’s has set up a GoFundMe to help the family with the expenses. “These beautiful babies were taken from us too soon. Anything you can give to help with expenses would be greatly appreciated. We appreciate everyone’s love and support,” it reads.

Experts warn parents of the dangers of having a pool when there are young children in the house. Laura Gamino, injury prevention coordinator for trauma at OU Health says, “Children are attracted to water and toddlers won’t have the skills to be able to help themselves get out of water… Drowning is very sudden, and it’s very silent.”

“Sometimes people have an idea that a child will have trouble in the water and be screaming, but they can’t because their mouth is full of water. So it’s very silent, and that’s one of the scariest things about it.”

She advises moms and dads out there to build at least 4-foot-high fences around their pools with door handles unreachable for children.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.

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Trans athlete secures another state champion win amid controversy

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Monica Pop

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Verónica Garcia, a trans athlete, won her first 400-meter track and field state championship in Washington in 2024, and this year, she secured another victory, becoming a state champion in the girls’ 2A 400-meter dash for the second time in a row.

17-year-old Garcia, an East Valley High School senior, beat her own time from last year, finishing the race in 55.70 seconds.

According to the Seattle Times, she’s the first ever trans athlete to win this title.

Her participation in the competition was met with booing from the crowd who yelled, “Let’s go girls,” and “Girls’ race.”

Before the race, a man was spotted wearing a T-shirt that read “Save women’s sports.” Another person’s T-shirt read, “Keep Women’s Sports Female.”

During the medal ceremony, the ret of the competitors were cheered on while Garcia got booed by the crowd.

Reacting to the reactions from the crowd, Garcia said, “I’ll be honest, I kind of expect it,” according to The New York Post.

Verónica Garcia, a trans athlete, became a state champion in the girls' 2A 400-meter dash for the second time in a row. — @Riley_Gaines_/X

“But it maybe didn’t have their intended effect. It made me angry, but not angry as in, I wanted to give up, but angry as in, I’m going to push.

“I’m going to put this in the most PG-13 way, I’m just going to say it’s a damn shame they don’t have anything else better to do. I hope they get a life. But oh well. It just shows who they are as people.”

Lauren Matthew, a West Valley junior, finished second in 56.75 seconds.

While Matthew and teammate Quincy Andrews, who placed fifth, were absent from the award podium after the race, the crowd chanted her name when Garcia posed atop the podium.

Update from Lauren Matthew, the real state champ!🏆

XX≠XY https://t.co/XvC9iVbu4S pic.twitter.com/RHoh44uJYO

— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 31, 2025

Andrews also shared her discontent, saying Matthew “should be winning state” because “she’s the best woman.”

“She should have won state last year, and that’s taken away from her, which isn’t fair,” she told Seattle Times.

Washington has allowed transgender student-athletes to compete based on gender identity since 2007. However, following President Trump’s executive order “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sport,” federal investigations have targeted inclusive policies, including one in Tumwater School District.

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My son called another woman ‘mom’ and the truth changed everything

By

Monica Pop

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My husband’s frustration filled the room that day. He kept asking for his lucky shirt—the one he needed for his big day—but I was too busy replying to the flood of emails I was buried in.

“I asked you to wash it three days ago,” Andrew said, his voice thick with discontent that barely masked his resentment.

“I can’t do it today, honey,” I said. “I’m going over my checklist, making sure I have everything packed.”

Andrew looked at me with a dose of disbelief. “Alice, are you seriously going on yet another business trip? That would make it third time in a month.”

I squeezed Andrew’s hand and forced a smile, although deep down I felt a rush of guilt. “Honey, I promise, it’s the last one for this month, and I’ll only be away for three days.”

I wanted to promise that I would be home the entire month that followed, but knowing just how demanding my job was, I couldn’t do it without knowing that my words could easily become a lie.

I was aware I was more absent than I was at home. My colleagues often joked that I was spending more time in airport lounges than at home, and the truth was they weren’t entirely wrong.

I was so consumed with my work that it became my priority, but at what cost?

As I grabbed my suitcase, I planted a kiss on my son’s forehead. “Connor, mummy will be home as soon as possible.”

He didn’t even lift his head. His “fine” sounded as cold as ice, but I didn’t think much about it because I knew Andrew, who worked as a graphic designer and could work from home, would take great care of our son.

The business trip went even better than I expected. Unfortunately, it meant spending even more time at the office and away from home.

Once home, I rushed to Connor’s room to greet him, but it was then that I overheard my son talking to someone – my world collapsed when he called another woman “mom.”

“I’ll tell you about my day tomorrow, mom,” he said. “I’m coming to see you instead of going to school, okay?”

I froze. Who was my son talking to?

The following day, I decided to take a day off and followed after him when he left the house.

Instead of going to school, he stood in front of a house I have never seen before and knocked on the door. A nice looking woman opened the door and Connor kissed her before he gt inside.

I was quick to knock myself. When the woman opened the door I demanded to see Connor. “Who are you and why is my son calling you mom?” I demanded to know.

“I’m Sierra,” she said, disturbed and shocked by my presence.

It was then that Connor got outside.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” he asked me as though he didn’t want me there.

“Connor, why are you calling this woman mom?” I asked him, with tears rolling down my face.

“This is Sierra. She helps me with my homework. I feel safe when I’m with her.”

Sierra tried to explain that she never asked from Connor to call her “mom,” it just happened over time.

“Over time!?” I asked, totally confused. “How long has my son been visiting you?”

It turned out that Connor missed me very much when I was away so Andrew posted an ad, looking for someone to help him around schoolwork.

The truth was that my son needed a mother, but I was never there for him and that’s why he called another woman “mom.” I was so consumed with my work that I forgot my son missed my presence.

I felt guilty for being absent for so long. My relationship with my son and my husband was never the same. Was there still time for things to change? I wasn’t certain.

However, I made a decision to take things slow. I called my boss first thing in the morning, explaining that I needed a few days for myself. I wasn’t accepting that many projects, and slowly, I regained my son’s love.

This experience, no matter how painful it was, taught me to always put my family first.

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Madeleine McCann prime suspect breaks silence from prison

By

Monica Pop

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The prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, 48-year-old Christian Brückner who is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old woman in the Algarve in 2006, could walk free in September if no further charges are brought against him.

In the face of a fresh search efforts to find the missing toddler near Brückner’s cottage home in Praia da Luz where he was residing at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance, Brückner gave a chilling interview from his cell.

He’s still claiming his innocence in the case for which he’s serving prison time and says he’s looking forward to a “nice steak and a beer” upon his release.

“I’m as well-known as a colorful dog,” he said, hinting he’ll drop off the radar the moment he’s out.

Speaking to Ulrich Oppold, a journalist from German broadcaster RTL who visited him in prison, Brückner said, “The fact that I have been in prison for many years for something that I cannot have committed and that therefore, through the participation of the media, half the world considers me a cruel rapist.”

He claimed he was “assaulted by another inmate — at least one rib was broken. I now stay in my cell 24 hours a day. I don’t go out. Not even for food.”

Oppold described Brückner as “intelligent,” adding that he was emotionally distant. “I think he had prepared himself very well for our conversation. He knew exactly what he wanted to say and, above all, what he didn’t want to say.”

The search by German authorities is a massive one. Around 30 officers from the German equivalent of the FBI (the BKA) arrived in Portugal this week. They closed off roads and are scanning the area with radar equipment.

According to the Guardian, they are reportedly planning on looking where trenches were dug near the resort at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance, at wells, ruins, and water tanks. The search will include 21 pieces of land.

Madeleine McCann – four years old at the time – went missing from an apartment in Praia da Luz, in Portugal. At the time, her parents were out having dinner. Her case remains “the most heavily reported missing-person case in modern history.”

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15 things a woman should never tell a man

By

Monica Pop

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Every solid relationship is based on mutual trust, understanding, and open communication. That, however, doesn’t mean that we should utter every thought. Sometimes, the things we choose to share with our partner, no matter how honest, can lead to unnecessary tension, insecurity, and even misunderstanding.

This doesn’t mean we should keep secrets from the person we are in a relationship with, but some feelings are better processed privately before being shared.

Below are 15 things that a woman should avoid telling her man.

1. “My ex used to do that too”

Making comparisons between your ex and current partner may not be the best idea because it can be interpreted as though you are still not over the guy you once dated. At the same time, it can affect your partner’s self-confidence and lead to jealousy and resentment.

Things a woman should never tell a man. — Pexels

2. “You’re not ambitious enough”

Telling your partner they lack ambition or they are not as ambitious as you’d like them to be can sound as criticism rather than an attempt to push them. What feels to you like a lack of drive from his side may be him taking slow steps towards a goal.

3. “You’re exactly like your dad”

If your partner exhibits a habits you are not happy with, be sure to point that out without dragging family into the matter. Comparing him with his father may sound like judgement or even insult, depending on his relationship with his dad. By avoiding these sorts of comparisons, you can help put a stop to any generational trauma.

4. “I don’t need you”

Even if you are an independent woman who can do everything by herself, don’t say that in front of your partner. The truth is that men love to be needed, and telling them they are not will likely feel them useless. Making sure your partner is appreciated won’t make you weak, on the contrary, it will strengthen your relationship even further.

5. “That guy is so hot”

Commenting other guys’ appearance in front of your partner can affect their self-confidence. Imagine how you’d feel if he says another woman is gorgeous or hot in front of you.

6. “I make more money than you”

When in a relationship, success is a team win, not a competition.

Men often tie their self-worth to their ability to provide, so bringing up income—especially in a competitive way—can trigger feelings of inadequacy and even resentment.

7. “Don’t be so sensitive”

When men open up about their feelings, they expect to be understood, not judged. So, telling them things like “you are being so sensitive” can make them question their emotions.

8. “My friends don’t like you”

Telling your partner that your friends aren’t fond of him may sound like you are siding against him. Even if you want him to know how your close circle feels about him, do it in a way that won’t make him feel judged or paint your friends as his enemies.

9. “You’re not man enough”

Comments like “you’re not man enough” have a more damaging impact than you think. It pushes outdated stereotypes and makes him feel pressured to live up to unrealistic expectations.

10. “Why can’t you be more like [someone]?”

Again, comparing your partner with someone else and asking from them to be more like that other person can easily make them feel not worthy. Even if you want him to be more like someone else whose qualities you appreciate, don’t make it sound like his not good enough.

11. “You always do this”

If you tend to use this phrase during an argument, it may feel like you are also bringing up your partner’s past mistakes – probably the ones you’ve already settled. Make sure you stay in the moment without throwing in the past.

12. “You should have known better”

Saying “you should have known better” sound more like a judgement than a guidance. Telling this to your partner is as though you are telling them you are disappointed in what they have done without clarifying your thoughts on the matter. Be more open and explain what your expectations were without making them feel guilty.

13. “You’re lucky I’m with you”

If you tell your partner he’s the lucky one to have you, it means you feel of him as less worthy than you are. At the end of the day, you are with them because you choose to be, so don’t make them feel like they owe you for being in a relationship with them.

14. “Whatever”

When you are in a middle of an argument and you decide to put a stop to it by saying “whatever” it means you are brushing your partner’s feelings off and you are not concerned enough to find middle ground.

15. “Calm down”

Telling your partner to “calm down” in a middle of an argument is rarely productive, especially in the heat of the moment, because it will make them feel like their emotions don’t matter.

Don’t forget that good communication is the foundation of every healthy relationship.

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LATEST ARTICLES

She was still a babysitter, still working, and still apologizing.

“Peter, promise me you’ll never forget me. In ten years time, meet me at the Times Square.”

The thought of meeting her again after ten years filled Peter’s heart with hope.

Minutes turned into an hour, but Peter didn’t get tired of waiting. He knew it was worth it.

Peter’s whole world crushed. His Sally was gone – the only woman he ever loved.

Peter hugged his daughter. He held her tightly and promised to never let her go.

Police are currently investigating how the tragic incident led the twin toddlers to drown.

According to the Seattle Times, she’s the first ever trans athlete to win this title.

Once home, I rushed to Connor’s room to greet him, but it was then that I overheard my son talking to someone – my world collapsed when he called another woman “mom.”

He’s still claiming his innocence in the case for which he’s serving prison time and says he’s looking forward to a “nice steak and a beer” upon his release.

Below are 15 things that a woman should avoid telling her man.

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