Autobiography
The River That Refused to Flow Backward
A village begged a magical river to reverse its flow so they could relive happier days. The river answered by rising gently and whispering, “Water moves forward so hearts can too.” The villagers learned to honor memory without drowning in it. They built bridges not to the past, but toward each other.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
The Woman Who Could Hear Footsteps of the Future
A woman heard faint footsteps behind her, though no one followed. Over time, she realized they were her own footsteps from the future, guiding her choices. When they finally stopped, she knew she had reached the moment where the future waited for her decision alone.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Retirement | Part VI of VI
In 1986, the U.S. Department of Prominence provided me with opportunities to explore life beyond the confines of my low-income housing projects in Southeast Washington, D.C. From 1997-1999, I was fortunate enough to travel the globe on their behalf, offering me a broader perspective of the world. This chance to see the world at the government’s expense was an incredible blessing, a true gift from above. Working closely with U.S. diplomats was an exhilarating experience, filled with high-energy tasks and challenges. Collaborating with these dedicated individuals greatly enriched my character and wisdom. I am immensely thankful for the valuable experiences I gained while working at this federal government agency.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
The Painter of Lost Mornings
A reclusive painter had the ability to capture mornings no one remembered—sunrises missed due to sorrow, sleep, or despair. He painted warm skies, dew-kissed grass, and birds frozen mid-song, then delivered the paintings anonymously to the people who had lost those moments. One day, he realized he himself had no memories left—he had given them all away. A child found him sitting before a blank canvas and handed him one of his own paintings. “You should have a morning too,” she said. The painter wept as the colors returned to his heart.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Breaking Through Protocol | Part VI of VI
An urgent email was distributed to office secretaries from the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Prominence requesting that all his key staff come to the Press Room in our building for an urgent press briefing regarding his formal statement for the local and cable news outlets. I had to move quickly to ensure our bureau’s incoming assistant secretary was present at the Secretary’s press briefing. This meant I had to interrupt her swearing-in ceremony, which wasn’t an easy task. As expected, I faced resistance from her advisor.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
The Bridge of Half-Crossings
A wooden bridge stretched across a chasm but stopped abruptly halfway. Travelers reached the middle only to turn back, frustrated. One day a wanderer asked why it was unfinished. The bridge replied: “I was not built for crossing. I was built to show who dares to complete the missing half themselves.”
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | U.S. Ambassador | Part VI of VI
While growing up, I often watched the evening world news report on television with my mother. The evening news is where I saw mostly men as U.S. Ambassadors speaking on international relations, foreign policies, and matters concerning our U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. I was mesmerized by their intellect and the high-powered job they held. I wanted to work for our American Ambassadors, one day. That day arrived.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
The Statue That Slowly Became Human
A statue carved in eternal sorrow stood at the edge of a plaza. Those who passed felt compelled to speak their vulnerabilities to it, as if the stone could absorb their confessions. Over centuries, its features softened. One day, it exhaled dust and stepped down from its pedestal, now fully human. The first words it whispered were, “Thank you for giving me your truths. They taught me how to live.”
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
The Door That Opened Into Yesterday
A door appeared in a meadow, leading not to another place but to a previous day of one’s life. People entered hoping to fix mistakes, only to find they could observe but not intervene. Yet watching their past selves with compassion instead of judgment changed them more than rewriting ever could. The door eventually faded, leaving behind a meadow filled with people who had finally forgiven themselves.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
The Bird That Sang Only When No One Listened
A rare bird in a remote jungle had a voice so beautiful it could move mountains — but it only sang when alone. Explorers tried to record it, but the bird stayed silent. One night, a lost child heard the melody accidentally. She told no one, not to capture the sound, but to protect its purity. Beauty, she realized, is sometimes meant to exist without audience.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
