Which fruit was once known as a “love apple” in the 18th century?

Crossroads

As I looked this woman in her face, I knew she deserved to know everything I could share. There was no reason to hold back now. She came here searching for truth, and for once, I wanted to give someone the full picture—the Darius Johnson I knew as a kid and the man I crossed paths with again as an adult.

I also knew this wasn’t just new for her. Some of it was about to blindside Duane too. But I believed our bond was strong enough to handle the truth. I picked up my cup of coffee, wishing there was something stronger in it, and began.

“Darius and I grew up in the same neighborhood,” I said quietly. “We went to the same highschool—met in art class. Back then, he was that p popular, smooth-talking dude every girl had a crush on. But his heart? It was always in his artwork.”

I could see Patrice lean forward, listening like every word was a piece of a puzzle she’d been trying to solve for years.

“He came from a good family,” I continued. “Hardworking parents, five kids total. He was the oldest—had a lot of responsibility. His folks worked a lot, so he grew up fast. But art was his escape. He used to say one day he’d paint his way out of the hood. And honestly, I believed he
would.”

I paused, taking another sip, the bitter taste grounding me.

“He struggled a little in school,” I said, “but he graduated, went to community college, got his Bachelor of Fine Arts. I remember his first big show—just a class project—but it blew up. That’s when he got his first job doing murals for a community program. It was the start of everything.”

Patrice nodded slowly, eyes glistening.

“I moved out of state for college,” I went on. “We kept in touch for a while—calls, a few visits when I came home. But after his mom passed, something changed. His dad fell apart, the family drifted, and Darius... he got hungry. Like obsessed. Fame became his drug. His sister even told me she thought he was losing himself in it.”

I sighed. “Fast forward to now—I hadn’t seen him in years. Then one day, I show up to this art class, and there he is. Only this time, he’s calling himself ‘Preacher.’ Dreadlocks, new name, new attitude. Like he’d shed his old skin.”

Patrice’s face went pale. I could almost feel her heartbeat across the table.

“He told me about his ex-wife,” I said. “That caught me off guard too. I didn’t know the whole story—but something in his eyes told me it didn’t end well.”

I saw confusion mix with disbelief in Patrice’s face. And Duane? His expression was unreadable—steady, but I knew I’d be answering for all this later. I kept going, voice steady but heavy.

“I didn’t know how much damage he’d caused, Patrice. The other women. The ghosting. The lies. He told me about all of it. Even about you.”

She blinked, like the words were too heavy to process.

“He said you were obsessed with him,” I said softly, “that he had to get away before things got dangerous. But hearing your side...” I looked down. “It’s clear he flipped the story.”

That’s when the tears came. Silent but strong. She didn’t make a sound, but I could hear her soul screaming. The woman who’d walked in confident and composed now looked like a child who’d lost everything. Shoulders slumped. Hands trembling. Heart shattered right there at the
table. I wanted to reach out, hold her, tell her she’d be okay—but I wasn’t sure she would be. None of us were okay in this mess Darius left behind.

When I finished, I sat in silence, giving her space to breathe, to ask whatever she needed. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “So... you’re saying I wasn’t the only woman he fooled? Just another name on his list? And he was married? When? Before me? After me?” Her voice
cracked. “Does he have other kids? Why would he do this? I really thought we had something real.”

Her pain sliced through me. I felt my own tear slip down.
Then came the question I knew was coming.

“Do you know how I can find him? Anything that could give me closure? Please—if you do, I’d really appreciate it.”

I looked over at Duane. His eyes said everything: This is your moment to end it all. So I did. I gave her everything I had—the email, the phone number, even his sister’s contact info. She never changed her number, still lived in that same house they grew up in.

Patrice thanked me quietly, grabbed her purse, and left the café. As the door closed behind her, I knew that was the last time I’d ever see her. I prayed she found peace—or whatever piece of him she still needed.
When I turned back, Duane’s face was stone. Calm, but I could feel the storm brewing beneath it.

I swallowed hard. “Honey, I know that was a lot. And maybe I should’ve told you about my history with Darius sooner. I just—”

He cut me off gently but firmly. “Yeah... there’s definitely a lot we need to talk about before we walk down that aisle.”

He looked out the window for a long second before meeting my eyes again. 

“Maybe we should put the wedding plans on hold for now. Figure out what trust really means between us before we talk forever.”

My heart sank. His words felt like a slow punch to the chest. My breath caught. Was my man breaking up with me?

Was this how my happily-ever-after ended?

The thought alone sent me spiraling. I held it together, just barely—refusing to fall apart right there in that café.

The ride home was quiet. Twenty minutes felt like two hours. The silence between us was heavier than anything either of us said.
And for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t sure what would happen next.

🥗 “Autumn Glow Goddess Salad”

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby kale

• 1 roasted sweet potato, cubed

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

• 1 sliced pear

• 2 tbsp toasted pecans

• Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, pinch of cinnamon, salt & pepper

Instructions:
Toss greens, sweet potatoes, and pears. Sprinkle goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and pecans. Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle. Serve slightly warm for the coziest autumn bite.

Why it’s special:
It’s packed with antioxidants, feels indulgent, and gives that “glow from within” energy — because fall isn’t about fading, it’s about radiating.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the pumpkin cross the road?
To spice things up before Christmas stole its spotlight. 🎃

Interesting Facts

• Your taste buds change every 7–10 days. That’s why you suddenly like Brussels sprouts… or maybe it’s just the olive oil and sea salt.
• Laughter boosts blood flow by 20%. So technically, that girls’ night wine giggle-fest is cardio.
• The color orange increases energy and optimism. Time to break out that pumpkin-colored scarf!
• Apples float because they’re 25% air. Proof you can be sweet and light. 🍏

The ceiling, often called the fifth wall, is gaining new attention in the world of tiny home design.

Homeowners and designers are using decorative ceilings to add character and visual depth, turning overlooked space into a major design feature.

Features like coffered ceilings provide architectural charm and an illusion of extra height — a smart solution for compact rooms.

Modular ceiling panels allow easy customization with wood, metal, or acoustic materials, improving both looks and function by managing sound and insulation.

Bold colors and patterned wallpapers on the ceiling create striking focal points, drawing the eye upward and making spaces feel larger and more refined.

By reimagining the ceiling’s potential, residents of tiny homes can cultivate a sense of luxury and spaciousness, proving innovative design can truly elevate small living.

Quote Of The Day

"You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
— C.S. Lewis

🍅 The tomato! Early Europeans thought it had aphrodisiac powers. (Who knew pasta night was so flirty?)

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