The ultimate guide to cloves: Benefits, uses, and common mistakes

By
Monica Pop
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Cloves are a versatile spice with a peculiar flavor used in the kitchen, especially in the Indian cuisine, and as a medicine. Among the rest, cloves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them extremely healthy if included in your diet, but not excessively.

They are the lower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum.

Cloves can be found in a variety of dishes, from sabzis and dals to even desserts, adding a spicy flavour and an aroma that elevates the dish to the next level.

Nowadays, they are mostly grown in India and Madagascar but are used in countries all around the world.

Besides being used as a spice, cloves are the source of clove oil, a concentrated essential oil high in volatile compounds and antioxidants.

When it comes to the health benefits this spice provides, they are many. From supporting the immune function, fighting infections, helping stabilize blood sugar levels, providing pain relief, and promoting digestive health to relieving itchy skin and fighting obesity, cloves are a powerhouse of healing properties.

Ease Dental Pain and Prevent Gum Disease

Eugenol, found in cloves, has strong antibacterial effects that can fight plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Clove oil or clove-based rinses may ease toothaches and gum inflammation. Of course, it is not a permanent solution, but a temporary pain relief, so always check with a dentist if your pain proceeds.

May Help Lower Blood Sugar

Cloves have been linked to better blood sugar control, possibly by enhancing insulin response. While adding them to meals is safe, they shouldn’t replace your prescribed treatments.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure

Cloves may help relax blood vessels and ease blood pressure, while also fighting inflammation. Adding them to food or even using clove oil in aromatherapy could support heart health.

Relieve Itchy Skin

Traditionally, clove oil’s been used to ease itching and irritation. Just mix it with coconut or olive oil before applying, and test a small spot first. If you’ve got sensitive skin, check with your doctor to be safe.

Improve Breathing

Got stubborn mucus after a cold? Breathing in steam with cloves might help open airways and soothe your throat. Add a few cloves to hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale gently. Be careful, it should be warm, not scalding.

Cloves for Weight Loss?

If you are trying to lose weight, cloves might give your metabolism a gentle boost and support the process. This is thanks to the compounds like eugenol that cloves have. Of course, consuming cloves alone doesn’t do all the work, you should as well have regular sleep, balanced diet, and exercise.

Despite the benefits they offer, overusing cloves can provide more harm than good, so make sure you avoid the common mistakes people make with this spice.

Storing Cloves Improperly

When exposed to heat, moisture, or light, cloves lose their properties. That is why it is crucial to store them the right way in order to keep their qualities. With that said, they should be stored in airtight dark glass or ceramic containers, kept in a cool, dry place like a pantry.

Overusing them

While cloves offer numerous health benefits, consuming too much can backfire. One or two cloves daily is a reasonable amount. Everything above that number may upset your stomach and stress your liver due to excess eugenol. A with any other food out there, moderation is key.

Combining Cloves with Diabetes Medication

Because they help reduce the levels of sugar in the blood, combining them with medications such as insulin or metformin — which serve the same purpose — may lower your blood sugar too much. This can lead to dizziness, weakness, and confussion.

Replacing Dental Care with Clove Use

Cloves can temporarily relief a toothache, but they don’t treat the underlying cause. Prolonged use without dental care may lead to complications so only use them as a temporary remedy.

Misusing Clove Essential Oil

Clove oil is super strong, with one drop being equal to a dozen of whole cloves. If applied directly to the skin or the gums, it may cause burns. Instead, you should mix it with a carrier oil and use it in small amounts. It is intended for aromatherapy or diluted topical application only, never for consumption.

How to Use Cloves for Wellness?

1. Clove Tea (Simple & Soothing)

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3–4 whole cloves
  • Optional: cinnamon stick, lemon slice, or raw honey

Steep for 5–10 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm.

This tea helps with sore throat, digestion, and is great during the cold season.

2. Diluted Clove Oil (For Oral or Topical Use)

  • Mix 1–2 drops of food-grade clove oil with 1 tsp carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil)
  • Use for:
    • Toothache relief
    • Minor skin irritations (patch test first)
    • Natural cleaning spray (antimicrobial)

*Undiluted clove oil can burn skin or damage tooth enamel.

3. Homemade Mouthwash

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1–2 drops clove oil
  • 1 drop tea tree oil

Gently swish in your mouth for 30 seconds.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before using cloves medicinally, especially if you have a medical condition.

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If your mouth feels dry at night, here are 8 reasons why

By
Monica Pop
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Despite having a full night’s rest, many people still get up feeling sleepy and lacking energy. One possible cause is mouth dryness, a seemingly minor issue that can impact the entire body.

Waking up with your mouth feeling like parched paper isn’t just a matter of discomfort, it can signal that something might be wrong.

This problem usually presents itself in the latter stage of sleep and is due to many interrelated factors, and while it’s not something that should be ignored, many people take little notice when their mouth becomes dry at night.

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Being aware of the causes and dealing correctly with it can significantly improve both sleep quality and general health.

1. Digestive Issues

What you eat before you sleep can affect how well your digestive system works. Some foods are particularly a bad choice for nighttime snacks, including greasy, spicy, and salty foods. The reason to avoid them before bed is that they irritate your digestive system and make it harder for the body to process meals while you’re sleeping.

These types of foods use the water of the body and can also increase fat and blood pressure, further exacerbating digestion. As the body continues to process food while you sleep, it will take fluids from other areas, which can lead to a dry mouth in the morning.

2. Liver Problems

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The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from your body. When it becomes inflamed or doesn’t work properly, toxins can accumulate in the system. A subtle sign of liver trouble is waking up with a dry mouth during sleep. If it happens often and for no obvious reason, it’s important seek medical advice.

3. Dehydration

One very common reason for dry mouth at night comes down to not drinking enough water throughout the day. Even while you sleep, your body still uses and loses water via respiration, among other basic functions. Low hydration can result in a dry mouth, so drink water consistently throughout the day to avoid this from happening.

4. Oral Diseases

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Diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities are signs of poor oral hygiene and can cause harmful bacteria to multiply in the mouth. Over the course of the night, these bacteria can accumulate and lead to inflammation and dryness.

This can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist to prevent oral infections from developing.

5. Diabetes

People with diabetes often experience dry mouth, especially at night. High blood sugar levels make your kidneys work harder to eliminate excess sugar through urine. This leads to fluid loss and dehydration. As a result, your mouth may feel unusually dry during sleep.

6. Bile Reflux

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Bile reflux can also contribute to dry mouth at night, along with other digestive discomforts. Supporting and maintaining liver health is important for managing this problem.

7. Fever

When you have a fever, your body temperature rises, causing you to lose more fluids than usual. This can lead to a dry mouth and a burning or itchy sensation. Drinking water and reducing the fever through rest or medication can help relieve these symptoms.

8. Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid speeds up metabolism, which increases the body’s need for water and overstimulates the nervous system. As a result, the mouth may feel extremely dry, even during sleep.

If you find that you often get dry mouth at night, taking a closer look at your diet, hydration, and oral hygiene habits may be helpful.

If the problem doesn’t go away in spite of this, it would be best to consult a doctor to see if there are any underlying medical conditions causing it.

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We didn’t think he would make it through the night: He kept asking for ‘Murphy…’

By
Monica Pop
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The bond between humans and dogs goes back centuries. This bond is not founded on words or vows, but on constant presence and loyalty. Sometimes, dog’s devotion is so profound that it carries people through life’s toughest moments.

Walter was so ill that the doctors feared he wouldn’t make it through the night. His breathing was shallow, and his high fever forced him to drift in and out of consciousness. Yet even in that state, he kept whispering one name over and over again: “Murphy… Murphy…”

For a while, everyone thought he had been calling for his son or an old friend. But when they asked him who Murphy was, he replied faintly, “My boy… my good boy.”

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The nurses called his daughter, who could hardly hold back her tears. “Murphy is his Golden Retriever,” she said, adding, “He’s thirteen. We left him with my brother while Dad’s in the hospital.”

Eventually, the nurse worked things out and Murphy came. A few hours later, the dog quietly entered the room, as calm and as faithful as ever, with his tail wagging slightly in greeting. Without any hesitation, he went straight to Walter’s bed and lay his head on Walter’s chest.

Walter opened his eyes and smiled. “Murphy… did you find her?” he said.

His daughter looked confused. “Who?”

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And that’s when Walter explained that years ago, he and Murphy had searched the snow for a teenager named Lizzie who had gone missing. Everyone else had given up looking—but not them. One day, Murphy barked near a ditch and refused to move on. When Walter went to investigate, they found Lizzie there, alive but weak from hunger. That memory had stayed with him all these years.

That story sounded so special, that it was quickly shared with friends and family, and it somehow reached Lizzie, who was now a grown woman and mother herself. She sent Walter’s daughter a message, saying, “My name is Lizzie. I think that’s me.”

A few days later, Lizzie came to see Walter. She hugged him tightly and whispered: “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Walter smiled, shaking his head, “No, it wasn’t me. It was Murphy.”

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When Walter died shortly after, Lizzie attended his funeral and spoke through her tears, “Murphy found me twice. First when I was lost in the snow, and again when he brought me back to say goodbye.”

Not long afterward, Murphy also passed away. The family buried him next to Walter, and upon his grave they placed a stone that read, “Murphy – Guardian Angel. Forever a good boy.”

This story is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a single loyal heart to change someone’s life. And if you’re lucky, there will be a “Murphy” in yours as well.

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61-year-old man remarries his first love, wedding night brings shocking revelation

By
Monica Pop
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Richard, 61, had been living a life of solitude since his wife died eight years ago. His children checked on him every once in a while, helping him with money and medicine, but their lives were so busy that there was little time for bonding.

He somehow got used to the thought of spending the rest of his life all by himself, until he stumbled upon a familiar name on Facebook: Anna Whitmore, his first love.

Anna was the girl he made a vow to himself to marry, but he never fulfilled that promise. Her hair was as red-bright as autumn leaves, and her laughter was contagious. At least that was how he remembered her.

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Sadly, her family decided to move places, and Richard didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye. All these years, he had no idea where she was or how her life turned out.

And now, to see her again, with streaks of gray in her hair, flooded him with the warmth of old memories. The two got back in touch, shared stories about their lives, and had long conversations over coffee dates.

Shortly after, he proposed, and she said, “yes.”

The wedding was simple. Richard had on a navy suit, and his bride an ivory silk dress. Friends murmured that they looked like teenagers.

But, the evening would take a startling turn.

As Richard helped her out of her dress, he noticed a scar on her wrist and by her collarbone. Alarmed, he asked softly, “Did somebody hurt you?”

She froze. Then she said with a voice that shook between fear and guilt, “Richard… my name isn’t Anna.”

She then went on to explain that Anna was her sister. “She died young,” she said. “Our parents buried her quietly. Family and friends always said I looked like her, spoke like her — I became a shadow of her. When you contacted me on Facebook, I couldn’t help myself. That someone looked at me the same way they looked at Anna, that was the first time it ever happened to me, and I didn’t want to let it go.”

Richard was shocked. The woman standing next to him wasn’t his old love.

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He was mad at first, but then he looked at her and understood her reasons. Eleanor, that’s what her name was, had spent her life unnoticed, overshadowed by her sister.

“All I ever wanted was to know what it feels like to be chosen, just once,” Eleanor said, asking for forgiveness.

Without saying anything, Richard lay beside her. He was torn between the memory of his first love and this woman who had taken her place.

Richard took a deep breath, and quietly made up his mind: To stay with her, to accept the present instead of grieving over the past and to start a new chapter with Eleanor, unexpected one, but theirs.

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A baby’s wail, a cop’s sixth sense

By
Monica Pop
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A young police officer starting off his job in Savannah has won the praise from many after helping a 16-month-old child found alone in gang-ridden Cuyler-Brownsville.

The photo of Officer James Hurst comforting the little boy has gone viral on Facebook, attracting thousands of likes and shares.

On May 9, Officer Hurst, who joined the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department in January, was dispatched as backup after residents reported a toddler wandering in high-traffic areas. While his training as a police officer guided his response, the father of two, one of whom has Down Syndrome, admits that his experience as a parent influenced his actions.

“This job is so much more than just chasing the bad guys, it is about serving the citizens of the communities you work in and doing what they need you to do,” Hurst said.

Savannah Police Department/ Facebook

The boy was taken to the Memorial University Medical Center.

In the emergency room, the distressed child began crying during the medical examination and that’s when Hurst asked if he could hold him.

“The boy, obviously, being so small, became very upset. He was crying. He was sobbing. I asked the hospital staff if I can hold him to comfort him and soothe him a little bit to try to calm him down, to continue getting medical care and they said that was fine. So I picked him up, minutes later, I was standing and he was asleep on my chest and with all my body armor and my gun belt, became very heavy holding this small child, so that’s when I decided to sit down on the bed and make it easier for him and me,” the officer explained.

Hurst let the boy sleep right there because he was finally feeling comfortable.

James Hurst/ Facebook

Hurst, who served in the U.S. Army as a Black Hawk crew chief before joining the police force, emphasized that his actions were nothing special. “I didn’t run into a burning building,” he told Today, “I was just there for a child.”

He added that compassion is a daily part of policing in Savannah, even if it isn’t always photographed.

“We do this type of stuff every day. It felt great I was able to be there for him,” Hurst said. “We have 605 officers that would do the same thing.”

The Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department later confirmed the child is safe and in stable condition. The case has been turned over to the Georgia Department of Family & Children’s Services for review.

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King Charles and Prince William’s furious rows ‘echo through palace walls’

By
Monica Pop
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Last year, King Charles disclosed with the public his cancer diagnosis, sharing that he’s been receiving treatments in London.

While he cleared his schedules and postponed certain royal engagements, it was mostly his wife Camilla and his son William who stepped in for him.

Although not much is known of the type of cancer King Charles has been diagnosed with, the public was glad he returned to his royal duties after spending certain time out of the spotlight.

Back in April, a source close to the family told Woman’s Day that Charles has long ago “came to terms” with the fact that he won’t be ruling the country for many years.

The source added: “As devastating as it’s been, he’s had to step away from some of his plans or leave them to William. He has no choice.

“Cancer has changed him, made him reassess what’s important, and there’s no one he’d rather spend his time with than Camilla. Stepping aside could be what gives him more time with her.”

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However, while the relationship between Charles and William appears picture-perfect from the outside, an insider reveals that there is more to it than meets the eye.

According to royal expert Rebecca English, staff have overheard arguments between King Charles and Prince William so tense they penetrated the “thickest castle walls.”

“Harsh words have been exchanged in the past, angry rows permeating even the thickest castle walls, sometimes within earshot of staff,” English wrote for the Daily Mail.

“There have also been clashes of opinion on the professional side, such as the retention of ivory treasures in the Royal Collection (William wants to burn them, Charles believes they should be kept as historical artefacts), which not so long ago resulted in a ‘frank’ exchange.”

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Moreover, a royal aide recently told the Standard that Charles and William have a “tricky relationship that goes far back.”

They added that William “never phones his Dad directly but has to schedule a call through the King’s private office.”

While that might sound concerning, Rebecca English pointed out that, according to her sources, these angry rows haven’t escalated in recent years.

Katie Nicholl explains that for William, the day he ascends to the throne is drawing nearer.

“The crown will never have felt closer to the Prince than it does now,” she told The Mirror. “His father’s illness has been a stark reminder that it’s his turn next, and it may not be too far in the distant future.”

Samir Hussein

“William has mastered that all-important skill of diplomacy, and though he’s visited many politically sensitive areas like the Middle East and Ukraine, he’s never been accused of being overtly political,” she added. “The aides I’ve spoken to and those who know him best say he is absolutely prepared.”

Royal commentator Sally Bedell Smith told People that King Charles has to “accept limitations” during his cancer treatment, The Sun reported.

“Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment,” Bedell Smith said. “As a result, William has been taking on more responsibilities, and he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected.”

According to experts, “abdication would be a significant departure from all tradition.”

BALLATER, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 11: King Charles III attends a reception to thank the community of Aberdeenshire for their organisation and support following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Station Square, the Victoria & Albert Halls, on 11th October, 2022 in Ballater, Scotland. (Photo Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Hilary Fordwich, a royal expert, argued with Fox News that when the last time a monarch abdicated, Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle, Edward VIII, it triggered “a constitutional crisis.”

British royal broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti told Fox that it is “unlikely” that King Charles will step away from his royal duties any more than “strictly necessary.”

“Of course, he is not a youngster, and the example of his late mother’s older years shows that, when needed, the royal family can accommodate sharing the burden, if necessary,” Sacerdoti said. “But just as Queen Elizabeth II continued to work well into her old age, and even when she was not entirely healthy, I am sure that the king will want to do the same and keep going as much as is possible.”

“King Charles will never abdicate through his own volition, especially as he has waited a lifetime to become monarch,” royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital.

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Things you should never keep on top of your fridge

By
Monica Pop
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Shortage space is a common issue in many studio apartments because there seems to never be enough of it.

People tend to get creative by stacking items wherever they can find a flat surface, and this is especially true when it comes to their kitchens.

A popular spot would be the top of a refrigerator. If ever a space cried out for extra storage, it is this one — big, flat and convenient. Honestly, almost anything can be found there, from boxes of cereal, to kitchen gadgets and cookbooks.

However, the question is just how safe is it to use the fridge as a shelf? Although it seems convenient, this appliance creates heat and vibrations that are not ideal for storing certain things.

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For example, heavy items stored in a high-up location can pose dangers, and combustible items should not be placed in close proximity to a heat source. What’s more, the visual clutter can make a kitchen feel more chaotic than it really is.

Ultimately, as appealing as it can be to view the refrigerator as free storage space, it may not be the best option.

So, what are some things you should avoid placing and keeping on the top of your fridge?

  • candles: they melt and can warp.
  • electronics and batteries: the heat or vibration can cause leaks, corrosion, and damage.
  • bread & baked goods: the fridge’s heat makes them go stale faster.
  • cooking oils: olive and vegetable oils go rancid quicker with temperature changes so it’s best to keep them in the pantry.
  • heavy objects: excess weight strains the compressor, reducing the fridge’s lifespan (so no heavy pots, books, or decorative plants).
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  • medications: heat decreases their effectiveness, making this a risky storage spot.
  • produce: fruits and vegetables spoil faster on top of the fridge.
  • coffee: flavor and aroma are ruined by heat and humidity.
  • wine: heat and vibration disrupt aging.
  • plastic containers: some plastics leach chemicals when heated, so best avoided.
  • delicate glass and crockery: may shatter or break under vibration.
  • electronics chargers or cables: prolonged heat can damage internal wiring.
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The good thing is that you can always consider other storage possibilities such as wall-mounted shelves and mini-organizers that will help you keep your kitchen organized and without clutter.

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When I answered the knock, police officers were standing there — ‘This can’t be right’

By
Monica Pop
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On the outside, the Johnsons led what many would describe as a perfect life. Michael, the husband, was a man many admired. He was handsome and very successful, providing for his wife Emily and their daughter Sophia.

But behind closed doors, it was a completely different story.

That morning, Michael took a three-day business trip. Before leaving, he handed Emily $100 bill. “Household money for three days. Keep receipts. I’ll review them when I return,” he said and slammed the door.

Emily was a stay-at-home mom who never really went out. Her whole life revolved around her family and keeping the house clean.

That evening, at 9 pm sharp, Michael called home. “Where are you?” he asked Emily.

“At home, going over Sophia’s homework,” she said with a shaky voice.

“Prove it. Send me a photo. Now.”

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Emily did as asked, while her daughter looked at her with pity, because this wasn’t the first time Michael to be asking for proof about everything Emily did, nor it seems it would be the last.

At 2 am, Emily was woken up by her phone. It was Michael. He called her minutes before that, but she didn’t hear the phone ringing right away.

“Why so late?” he asked angrily. “I’m sorry, I was sleeping,” Emily whispered.

“Write a five-hundred-word apology. Email it. Explain your delay and promise to improve,” Michael demanded before he cut the conversation short.

And right then and there, in the dark, Emily started typing a letter of apology because she didn’t pick the phone on the first ring.

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A faint voice drifted from the other side of the room: “Mom? Are you okay?” Sophia was awake, watching.

“I’m fine,” Emily answered. “Dad’s just concerned.”

She tried to convince herself it was love, yet the thought felt hollow, bitter.

After some time, she finished the letter in which she explained that she deeply regretted her slow response, with a promise to strive to be more vigilant…

Wednesday night, Michael called again, demanding the house and his study be spotless when he arrived.

When the call ended, Emily trembled. Was it the misplaced receipt? Her delayed response? Just yesterday, she had knocked a pen off his desk. He would notice. He always noticed.

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The following morning, there was a knock on the door, but it wasn’t Michael but two officers.

“This can’t be right,” Emily whispered.

One shook his head. “Your daughter reached out.”

It was then that Sophia stepped forward with tears in her eyes. “Mom,” she whispered, trembling, “I need to tell you something…”

“Oh, Sophia, what did you do?” Emily asked, obviously scared of the outcome of the situation.

“Your daughter has reported severe domestic control and emotional abuse. We need to investigate.”

“Domestic… abuse? No!” Emily said automatically. “Michael’s a wonderful man—”

“Mom, don’t lie,” Sophia pleaded. “I hear everything—the calls at night, the money, how he tracks you. I know.”

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Sophia even handed the officers an envelope with a bunch of evidence that showed just how manipulative her father was towards her mother. There were photos, screenshots, audio files, evidence of tracking devices. It was all there.

At that moment, Michael returned. “What’s the problem officers,” he asked.

“You are under arrest for emotional abuse,” the officer said, apprehending Michael.

“Emily,” he said, “tell them this is a misunderstanding. We’re a loving couple.”

Emily hesitated because she was afraid, but then her daughter encouraged her to tell the truth. “No,” she said. “This is not love. You don’t control someone you love.”

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Sophia felt relieved. “Mom, thank you for standing up for yourself,” she said as tears rolled down her eyes. “Now we can finally be happy.”

The word about Michael’s behavior spread, and Emily and Sophia received the much-needed help.

They could finally start their lives over, without Michael in their lives.

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