Your Daily Dose Of Happy

20/10/2024

Classic

20/10/2024

From the author of the stories you've come to love trust, dive deeper into a world of hope, resilience, and transformation. If you've loved the stories, you won’t want to miss this novel. Grab your copy now and be inspired: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKCBJY5B/

13/09/2024

Love this!

Best Comic funny😂🤣
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12/09/2024

Burnout to Breakthrough

The acrid stench of burnt coffee assaulted Raj's nostrils as he stumbled into the break room, his bleary eyes struggling to focus on the clock. 3:47 AM. The harsh fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sickly pallor over his already pale skin. His fingers trembled as he reached for a clean mug, the ceramic clattering against the counter.

"Sh*t," he muttered, fumbling to catch it before it could shatter on the floor. Success, but at what cost? Dark liquid sloshed over the rim, scalding his hand. Raj bit back a yelp, not wanting to draw attention from the few other poor souls burning the midnight oil.

The monitor's glow cast eerie shadows across Raj's gaunt face as he squinted at the spreadsheet before him. Numbers swam in his vision, refusing to coalesce into anything meaningful. He blinked hard, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms.

"Hey, new guy!" A voice boomed from behind, startling Raj so badly he nearly upended his coffee again. "Still here, huh? Good man!"

Raj turned to see Brad from Accounts looming over his cubicle wall, grinning like a shark that had scented blood in the water. "Just wrapping up some projections for tomorrow's meeting," Raj managed, forcing his lips into what he hoped resembled a smile.

"Tomorrow's meeting?" Brad's eyebrows shot up. "You mean this morning's meeting. In..." He made a show of checking his watch. "Four hours and thirteen minutes. Better make those numbers sing, kid. You know how Singh gets when the quarterly reports aren't perfect."

With a wink and a chuckle that sounded more like a threat than camaraderie, Brad sauntered off. Raj's shoulders slumped as he turned back to his computer, fingers flying across the keyboard with renewed desperation.

The first rays of dawn were creeping through the blinds when Raj finally hit 'send' on the email containing his report. He slumped back in his chair, every muscle screaming in protest. The office had come to life around him, the gentle hum of conversation and clacking of keyboards filling the air.

"Raj!" The sharp voice of his boss, Priya Singh, cut through the ambient noise like a knife. "My office, now."

Raj scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over his own chair in his haste. He smoothed down his rumpled shirt, running a hand over the stubble on his chin as he made his way to Priya's office.

Priya sat ramrod straight behind an imposing glass desk, manicured nails tapping an impatient rhythm as Raj entered. "Sit," she commanded, gesturing to the chair across from her.

Raj perched on the edge of the seat, his back rigid. Priya's steely gaze bored into him. "I've reviewed your projections for the Zhang account."
Raj's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out.

"They're... adequate," Priya continued, her tone impossible to read. "But adequate isn't what we strive for here at Pinnacle Solutions, is it, Raj?"

"N-no, of course not," Raj stammered. "I'll revise them right away, I just need-"

Priya held up a hand, silencing him. "What you need is to step up your game. I took a chance bringing you on board, fresh out of university. Don't make me regret that decision."

Raj nodded mutely, his throat constricting.

"Now," Priya's lips curved into what might have been a smile on anyone else, "go make yourself presentable. The client will be here in an hour, and I expect you to dazzle them."

Dismissed, Raj stumbled out of the office in a daze. The fluorescent lights seemed to pulse in time with the pounding in his head as he made his way to the bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face, the shock barely registering through his exhaustion.

A notification chimed on his phone. Raj pulled it out, squinting at the screen:

Weekly check-in with CPP Aisha: Today, 7 PM. Rate your current happiness (1-10).

Raj's thumb hovered over the keypad for a moment before tapping a '3'.

With a sigh, he straightened his tie and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. The face staring back at him in the mirror looked more like a stranger than the bright-eyed graduate who had walked through these doors six months ago.

The conference room buzzed with nervous energy as Raj took his seat, clutching a folder of hastily revised projections. Mr. Zhang, an imposing figure in an impeccable suit, sat at the head of the table, flanked by his team of advisors. Priya sailed into the room moments later, her stride confident and purposeful.

"Mr. Zhang, always a pleasure," she beamed, extending a hand. "I believe you've met our rising star, Raj? He's been working tirelessly on some truly innovative strategies for expanding your market share in Southeast Asia."

All eyes turned to Raj, who felt beads of sweat forming on his brow. He stood, willing his voice not to shake as he launched into his presentation. The words flowed automatically as he clicked through slide after slide of graphs and projections.

It wasn't until he reached the final forecast that disaster struck. The numbers on the screen swam before his eyes, refusing to come into focus.

Raj blinked hard, his heart sinking as he realized he'd transposed two crucial figures in his sleep-deprived haze.

"I... that is..." Raj stammered, his mind blank. The silence stretched, oppressive and suffocating.

Just as Raj was certain he would spontaneously combust from shame, a booming laugh cut through the tension. Mr. Zhang slapped the table, his whole body shaking with mirth.

"Oh, this takes me back!" he chuckled, wiping tears from his eyes. "Reminds me of my first big presentation, fresh out of business school. Nerves got the better of me, mixed up all my projections. Thought my career was over before it began!"

The room collectively exhaled, a ripple of nervous laughter spreading around the table. Raj's shoulders sagged with relief.

"Now, young man," Mr. Zhang continued, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "why don't you take a deep breath and walk us through those numbers again? I have a feeling they're quite impressive when they're in the right order."

Raj nodded gratefully, his fingers steady as he pulled up the correct spreadsheet. As he dove back into the presentation with renewed vigor, he caught Priya's eye. To his amazement, the ghost of a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur of handshakes and congratulations. By the time the last of Mr. Zhang's entourage had filed out, Raj felt as though he'd aged a decade.

"Well," Priya said, sidling up beside him, "that was... unexpected."

Raj braced himself, his muscles tensing.

Instead, Priya clapped him on the shoulder, her grip firm but not unkind.

"You handled that well, all things considered. Get some rest this weekend. I need you sharp for next week's board meeting."

As she strode away, Raj sagged against the wall, equal parts elated and exhausted. The adrenaline crash hit him like a freight train, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

The crisp night air revived him slightly as he walked to the nearby park. As he approached their usual bench, he saw a familiar figure already waiting.

"Raj!" Aisha called, waving enthusiastically. "You look like you've been through the wringer, my friend."

Raj managed a weak smile as he collapsed onto the bench beside her. Aisha, her curly hair tied back in a messy bun, peered at him with concern evident in her dark eyes.

"Rough day?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"Rough week," Raj corrected, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up, Aisha. I feel like I'm drowning."

Aisha nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Well, let's start with the basics. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your happiness right now?"
Raj considered for a moment, his brow furrowed. "Maybe a 4? At least I didn't get fired today."

"Okay, that's a start," Aisha said encouragingly. "Now, tell me one good thing that happened this week. Just one tiny positive."

Raj's mind went blank. He cast about desperately, then his eyes lit up as he remembered. "I... I messed up a big presentation. But the client was really understanding about it. He even shared a story about his own early career mishaps."

Aisha's face brightened. "That's fantastic, Raj! See, even in the midst of stress and mistakes, there are moments of human connection and grace. Let's build on that feeling."

For the next hour, Aisha guided Raj through a series of exercises. They practiced deep breathing techniques, their inhales and exhales syncing with the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. They role-played setting boundaries at work, with Aisha playing an overzealous colleague and Raj practicing firm but polite refusals.

As their session drew to a close, Aisha posed her final question. "So, Raj, where would you put your happiness level now?"

Raj's lips curved into a genuine smile. "You know what? I'd say a solid 7. Thanks, Aisha. I needed this more than I realized."

Monday morning found Raj striding into the office, a travel mug of homemade chai in hand. The familiar scent of cardamom and ginger wafted up, soothing his nerves.

"Attention, everyone!" Priya's voice rang out across the open-plan office. "I need all department heads in the conference room, now. We have a situation."

Raj watched a stream of grim-faced executives file into the room. Through the glass walls, he could see animated discussions and frantic gesturing at laptops.

An hour crawled by, then two. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, the door opened, and Priya emerged, her face a mask of cool professionalism.

"Raj," she called, crooking a finger. "A word."

Heart pounding, Raj followed her to a quiet corner of the office. Priya's eyes bored into him, unreadable.

"How much do you know about blockchain technology?" she asked without preamble.

Raj blinked, thrown off balance. "I... took a course on cryptocurrency in university? And I've been following some of the developments in smart contracts, but-"

"Good enough," Priya cut him off. "Our biggest competitor just announced a major pivot into blockchain-based supply chain management. We need to respond, fast. I'm putting you in charge of developing our strategy."

Raj's jaw dropped. "Me? But I'm not... I mean, shouldn't one of the senior managers-"

"The senior managers are all set in their ways," Priya said dismissively. "We need fresh eyes on this, someone who can think outside the box. You've got two weeks to put together a proposal that will blow the board away. Think you can handle it?"

It wasn't really a question. Raj nodded mutely, his mind already racing with the enormity of the task ahead.

"Good," Priya said, the ghost of a smile playing at her lips. "Don't let me down, Raj. This could be your make-or-break moment."

As she walked away, Raj slumped against the wall, his earlier optimism evaporating like mist in the morning sun.

The next two weeks passed in a blur of caffeine-fueled research binges and frantic brainstorming sessions. Raj's desk became a nest of crumpled papers and empty energy drink cans, his eyes perpetually bloodshot from staring at screens late into the night.

During one particularly fraught meeting with Aisha, she produced a small set of finger cymbals. "Close your eyes," she instructed. "Focus on the sound and nothing else."

The gentle tinkling filled the air, and Raj felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease. By the time the last vibration faded, his breathing had slowed, and the constant whirl of anxious thoughts had quieted to a manageable hum.

"How do you feel now?" Aisha asked softly.

Raj opened his eyes, blinking in the warm afternoon sunlight. "Like... like I can breathe again," he said wonderingly. "Thank you, Aisha. I think I'm ready to face this challenge head-on now."

The morning of the board meeting dawned bright and clear. Raj stood before the mirror, adjusting his tie with trembling fingers. The face that looked back at him was pale but determined, a far cry from the haggard wreck he'd been just weeks ago.

As he gathered his materials and headed for the conference room, a familiar figure fell into step beside him.

"Fancy meeting you here, new guy," Brad from Accounts grinned, slapping Raj on the back with unnecessary force. "Heard you've been burning the candle at both ends lately. Hope you're ready for the big leagues."

Raj took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "You know what, Brad? I think I am."

The board meeting was a blur of PowerPoint slides and probing questions. Raj presented his vision for a blockchain-based system that would revolutionize not just their supply chain management, but their entire approach to data security and transparency.

As he wrapped up his presentation, a hush fell over the room. Raj held his breath, acutely aware of the rapid pounding of his heart.

Finally, the CEO leaned forward, a glint in his eye. "I've got to hand it to you, Singh," he said, addressing Priya. "When you said you had someone working on an innovative solution, I was skeptical. But this... this could change everything."

A ripple of excited murmurs spread around the table. Priya caught Raj's eye, giving him a subtle nod of approval.

"Of course," the CEO continued, "there's still a lot of work to be done. Raj, I want you to head up a task force to flesh out the details and begin implementation. Think you're up for it?"

Raj felt a surge of confidence he hadn't experienced in months. "Absolutely, sir. I won't let you down."

As the meeting adjourned and executives filed out, offering congratulations and handshakes, Raj felt as though he were floating.

Priya approached, a rare smile gracing her features. "Well done, Raj. I knew you had it in you."

"Thank you for believing in me," Raj said, meaning every word. "I couldn't have done it without your support."

Priya's eyebrow quirked. "Oh, I think you could have. But I'm glad I got to witness it. Now, go celebrate. You've earned it."

As Raj stepped out of the office building, the warm afternoon sun kissed his face. He pulled out his phone, fingers flying over the screen as he typed out a message to Aisha:

You'll never believe what just happened. Can we meet?

Her response came almost instantly: "Absolutely! Same bench, 30 minutes?"

The park was alive with the sounds of children playing and dogs barking as Raj approached their usual meeting spot. Aisha was already there, a bright yellow scarf fluttering in the breeze as she waved him over.

"Raj!" she exclaimed as he drew near. "Your message sounded exciting. Spill!"

He collapsed onto the bench beside her, a grin spreading across his face as he recounted the events of the morning. Aisha listened intently, her eyes widening as he described his presentation and the board's reaction.

"That's incredible!" she beamed when he finished. "I'm so proud of you, Raj. You've come such a long way."

Raj nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I couldn't have done it without you, Aisha. Our sessions... they've been a lifeline."

Aisha's smile softened. "I just gave you the tools, Raj. You did the hard work yourself."

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, watching a group of pigeons squabble over a discarded sandwich crust.

"So," Aisha said finally, "on a scale of 1 to 10, where would you put your happiness level right now?"

Raj didn't hesitate. "A solid 9.5," he laughed. "Maybe even a 10."

"That's what I like to hear!" Aisha cheered, offering her hand for a high-five. Raj obliged, the satisfying smack echoing in the air between them.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the park, Raj leaned back on the bench, his posture relaxed for the first time in months.

"You know," he mused, turning to Aisha, "when I first started this job, I thought success meant working myself to the bone, never saying no, always pushing for more. But now..."

"Now?" Aisha prompted gently.

Raj's gaze drifted to a nearby family, a young couple pushing a laughing toddler on a swing. "Now I think true success is finding balance. It's about doing work that challenges and fulfills you, but not at the expense of your well-being or happiness."

Aisha nodded approvingly. "That's a powerful realization, Raj. So what's next for you?"

Raj leaned back, gazing up at the sky as it shifted from blue to a soft pink. "I'm going to give this new project my all," he said decisively. "But I'm also going to set boundaries. Make time for things that matter outside of work. Maybe even take a vacation."

"Sounds like a plan," Aisha grinned. "Just don't forget about our sessions. I have a feeling you're going to have some great stories to share."

As they said their goodbyes and Raj began the walk home, his steps were light, almost bouncy. The city bustled around him, the evening air filled with the scent of street food and the distant wail of sirens. But for once, Raj didn't feel swept along by the frantic pace. He moved at his own rhythm, savoring each moment.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Raj pulled it out, seeing an email notification from Priya outlining next steps for the blockchain project. He smiled, tucking the phone away without opening the message. It could wait until morning.

As he rounded the corner to his apartment building, Raj paused, pulling out his phone again. His thumb hovered over his parents' contact for a moment before tapping "Call."

The phone rang twice before his mother's warm voice filled his ear. "Raj! What a lovely surprise. How are you, beta?"

Raj's smile widened as he stepped into his building's lobby. "I'm good, Ma. Really good. I just wanted to say thank you."

"Thank you?" His mother's confusion was evident. "For what?"

"For everything," Raj said softly. "For your support, for believing in me. And for suggesting that positivity partnership program. It's... it's made a big difference."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then his mother's voice came back, thick with emotion. "Oh, Raj. We're so proud of you. You know that, right?"

"I know, Ma," Raj said, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Listen, I was thinking... maybe I could come home for a visit soon? It's been too long."

His mother's delighted exclamation brought a chuckle to his lips. As they chatted, making plans, Raj unlocked his apartment door and stepped inside. The familiar scent of home enveloped him – a mix of the incense his mother had gifted him and the curry he'd cooked the night before.

Raj paused in the entryway, keys still in hand, and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself in the present.

Then, with a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, Raj stepped further into his apartment. He had dinner to make, a trip to plan, and a bright future to look forward to. Whatever challenges tomorrow might bring, he felt ready to face them head-on.

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Original story: https://www.yourdailydoseofhappy.com/burnout-to-breakthrough/

Overcome burnout. A Certified Positivity Partner can help you rebalance. Learn more: https://www.yourdailydoseofhappy.com/overwhelm/

07/09/2024

It’s Complicated

The harsh buzz of Lena’s phone cut through the darkness, jolting her awake. She fumbled for the device, squinting at the sudden glare of the screen. 3:17 AM. Michael’s name flashed, accompanied by a text:

Hey, need to discuss kids’ summer plans. Can we meet tomorrow? Urgent.

Lena groaned, letting her arm flop back onto the bed. The glowing numbers of her alarm clock taunted her: 3:18 AM now. She had to be up in less than three hours to get the kids ready for school.

“Summer plans,” she muttered into her pillow. “At this hour?”

When her alarm finally blared at 6:00 AM, Lena had already been staring at the ceiling for the better part of an hour. The hardwood floor creaked under her feet as she padded to the kitchen. The coffee maker gurgled to life, filling the air with its rich aroma.

“Mom?”

Emma’s voice made her jump. Coffee sloshed over the rim of the mug, spattering on the floor.

“Honey, you startled me,” Lena said, reaching for a paper towel.

Emma, still in her pajamas, hair mussed from sleep, sidled up to Lena and wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist. “Can I help with breakfast?”

Lena stroked Emma’s hair, noticing the dark circles under her daughter’s eyes. “Sure, sweetie. Why don’t you get the eggs while I wake your brother?”

As Lena climbed the stairs, she heard a crash from Jake’s room, followed by muffled cursing that no 10-year-old should know.

She knocked on the door. “Jake? Everything okay in there?”

“Go away!” came the surly reply.

Lena pushed the door open to find Jake’s room in disarray, his school backpack upended on the floor. Jake stood in the middle of the chaos, face red with frustration.

“I can’t find my stupid math homework,” he growled, kicking at a pile of papers.

“Hey, hey,” Lena said, stepping carefully into the room. “Let’s calm down and look for it together, okay?”

Jake’s glare could have melted steel. “If Dad were here, he’d know where it is. He always helped me with math.”

Lena felt the words like a physical blow, but kept her voice steady. “I know you miss your dad, Jake. But right now, we need to find that homework. Come on, I’ll help you look.”

Twenty minutes and one tearful meltdown later, they found the crumpled math worksheet under Jake’s bed. As they headed downstairs, Emma met them at the bottom, her eyes wide with concern.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, reaching for Lena’s hand.

“Everything’s fine, Em,” Lena assured her, squeezing her daughter’s fingers. “Let’s have some breakfast, okay?”

The morning passed in a blur of half-eaten toast and forgotten permission slips. As Lena herded the kids into the car, Jake slumped in the backseat, arms crossed, while Emma insisted on sitting up front, her head resting on Lena’s arm.

At the school drop-off, Emma clung to Lena, reluctant to leave. “You’ll be here to pick us up, right, Mom? You promise?”

“Of course, sweetie,” Lena said, gently disentangling herself. “I’ll be right here at 3:15, just like always.”

Jake stormed off without a backward glance, leaving Lena staring after him, her heart heavy.

At work, Lena stared at her computer screen, the quarterly report she was supposed to be reviewing nothing more than a jumble of meaningless numbers. Her coworker, Jen, poked her head into Lena’s cubicle.

“Earth to Lena,” Jen said, waving a hand in front of Lena’s face. “You okay? You’ve been staring at that same page for like, an hour.”

Lena blinked, coming back to herself. “Yeah, sorry. Just… distracted.”

Jen’s eyes softened with sympathy. “Michael stuff?”

Lena nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

“Want to grab an early lunch? Talk about it?”

“Thanks, but I can’t,” Lena said, glancing at the clock. 11:45 AM. “I’m actually meeting Michael for lunch.”

Jen raised an eyebrow. “Oh sure! What could go wrong? Text me if you need an emergency extraction, okay?”

As Lena walked into Rosie’s Diner at 12:28, the bell above the door announced her arrival with a cheerful jingle that felt at odds with the knot in her stomach. She spotted Michael in a booth near the back, his leg jiggling nervously under the table.

Lena paused, frowning. In all their years together, she’d never seen Michael fidget like that. He was always the calm one, annoyingly so at times. As she approached, she noticed more: his fingernails were bitten to the quick, and dark circles shadowed his eyes.

“Hey,” she said, sliding into the seat across from him.

Michael’s head snapped up, as if he hadn’t noticed her approach. His attempt at a smile looked more like a grimace. “Lena, thanks for coming.”

Up close, Lena could see a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead. Her stomach tightened. Whatever this was about, it wasn’t summer plans.

“So,” she began, trying to keep her voice casual, “what’s so urgent about—”

Michael’s hand shot out, grabbing the laminated menu. “Let’s order first. You must be hungry. I hear the club sandwich is good.”

Lena blinked, taken aback. In ten years of marriage, she’d never once heard Michael recommend a club sandwich. He hated mayonnaise.

“I’m not really hungry,” she said slowly, studying his face. His eyes darted around the diner, never quite meeting hers. “Michael, what’s going on? You’re acting… strange.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but the waitress chose that moment to appear at their table.

“What can I get for you folks?” she asked, pen poised over her notepad.

“Just coffee for me, thanks,” Lena said, not taking her eyes off Michael.

“Water,” Michael mumbled, his voice barely audible.

As the waitress walked away, Lena leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Okay, enough. You didn’t drag me here in the middle of my workday to discuss summer camps or order sandwiches you don’t even like. What’s really going on?”

Michael’s leg stopped jiggling abruptly. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture so familiar it made Lena’s chest ache. When he finally met her gaze, the fear in his eyes made her breath catch.

“Lena,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “there’s a problem. A big one.”

The cheerful clatter of dishes and murmur of conversation around them suddenly felt distant and unreal. Lena’s pulse quickened as she braced herself for whatever bombshell Michael was about to drop.

“What kind of problem?” she asked, her own suspicious voice sounding strange to her ears.

Michael glanced over his shoulder, then leaned in closer. “Not here. It’s not… it’s not safe.”

A chill ran down Lena’s spine. Not safe? In Rosie’s Diner, with its checkered tablecloths and faded ’50s memorabilia?

“Michael,” she said, fighting to keep her voice steady, “you’re scaring me. Just tell me what’s going on.”

He shook his head, eyes pleading. “I will. But not here. Can we go for a walk?”

Lena hesitated. Every instinct screamed that something was terribly wrong. But the desperation in Michael’s face…

“Okay,” she said finally. “A walk. But then you tell me everything.”

As they stood to leave, Lena caught sight of their reflection in the diner’s window. She barely recognized the worried woman staring back at her, or the haunted-looking man beside her.

They walked in tense silence for a few blocks, ending up in a small, nondescript park. Michael led them to a bench partially obscured by overgrown shrubs. As they sat, Lena noticed his hands were shaking.

“Michael, please,” she said softly. “What’s going on?”

He took a deep breath. “It’s GlobeTech. They’re… I think they may be involved in something illegal.”

“What kind of illegal?”

Michael shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe money laundering or something like that.”

Lena felt the blood drain from her face. “And you’re involved?”

“No!” Michael said quickly. “At least, I don’t think so. But you know how I have access to a lot of sensitive information? Well, the FBI approached me last week. They want me to be an informant.”

Lena’s mind reeled. “The FBI? Michael, this is… this is insane. What does this mean for us? For the kids?”

Michael’s voice broke. “I don’t know. The people behind this… If they find out I’m cooperating…” He trailed off, the implication hanging heavy in the air.

Lena’s protective instincts flared. Her voice hardened. “We need to talk to these FBI agents. Now. And you better believe I’m going to have some questions for them.”

Michael nodded, pulling out his phone with trembling hands. “I’ll call the agent in charge.”

Twenty minutes later, a nondescript sedan pulled up to the curb near their bench. Two people stepped out – a tall, athletic woman with close-cropped grey hair, and a younger man with a neatly trimmed beard.

As they approached, the woman spoke in a low, authoritative voice. “Mr. and Mrs. Thompson? I’m Special Agent Cara Dawson, and this is my partner, Special Agent James Chen. Thank you for reaching out.”

Lena stood, her posture tense and defensive. “I want to know exactly what’s going on and what kind of danger my family is in. And I want real answers, not vague assurances.”

Agent Dawson’s eyes darted around the park. “Not here. Let’s find somewhere more private we can talk.”

They ended up at a small coffee shop a few blocks away. As they settled into a corner booth, Agent Chen casually scanned the room before sitting with his back to the wall, a clear view of the entrance.

Agent Dawson leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mrs. Thompson, I understand this must be overwhelming. Your husband has stumbled onto something big – a multi-million dollar fraud and money laundering operation run by top executives at GlobeTech.”

Lena’s gaze flicked to Michael, who looked like he might be sick. She turned back to the agents, her eyes narrowed. “He’s my ex-husband. And you want him to be your informant? To risk his life? Our children’s lives?”

Agent Chen spoke up, his tone gentle but firm. “Sorry, yes. We understand your concerns, Mrs. Thompson. But your ex-husband’s cooperation could be crucial in bringing down a criminal enterprise that’s hurting a lot of people.”

“I don’t care about other people right now,” Lena snapped. “I care about my kids. What kind of protection can you actually offer them? And don’t give me platitudes about taking it seriously.”

Agent Dawson’s expression hardened slightly at Lena’s tone, but she replied evenly. “We can offer round-the-clock surveillance, panic buttons, emergency protocols. In extreme cases, we have the option of temporary relocation under assumed identities.”

Lena leaned forward, her voice low and intense. “And how effective is all that? Be honest with me. Have you ever had informants or their families hurt despite these measures?”

The agents exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. Agent Chen sighed. “It’s rare, but… yes, it has happened.”

Lena felt her heart rate spike. “Then how can you possibly ask us to do this? To put our children at risk?”

Agent Dawson leaned in. “Mrs. Thompson…”

“Call me Lena.”

“Right… Lena,” she amended. “I won’t sugarcoat this. The individuals involved in this case are dangerous. Whether or not Michael cooperates, there’s a risk they might try to use you or your children as leverage. Our protection is the safest option.”

“Safer than walking away?” Lena challenged.

“At this point?” Agent Chen said softly. “Yes. These people know your husband has sensitive information. Cooperating with us gives you the best chance at long-term safety.”

Lena closed her eyes, feeling trapped. When she opened them, her gaze was steely. “Fine. But my children do not get involved in this. No briefings, no panic buttons, no protocols. As far as they’re concerned, nothing has changed.”

Agent Dawson started to protest, but Lena cut her off. “No. They’re children. I won’t have them living in fear. Michael and I will handle the security measures, but Emma and Jake stay out of this. Is that clear?”

The agents shared another look before Agent Dawson nodded reluctantly. “We strongly advise against it, but… it’s your decision.”

“Damn right it is,” Lena said firmly.

Over the next hour, they hashed out the details of the protection plan. Lena insisted on vetting every measure, demanding to know the potential risks and failure points of each.

As they left the coffee shop, Agent Chen handed Lena a small device. “This is a secure communication unit. Use it to contact us if you notice anything suspicious or feel threatened in any way. Day or night, we’ll respond immediately.”

Lena took the device, its weight in her hand a grim reminder of their new reality. “And what’s the response time? How quickly can you actually reach us if something happens?”

“In this area? Five minutes, tops,” Agent Chen assured her.

Lena nodded, tucking the device into her purse. “It better be.”

As Lena pulled into the school parking lot, her eyes scanned the area, looking for… what? Suspicious cars? Men in dark suits? She shook her head, trying to clear the paranoid thoughts.

Emma burst out of the school doors, practically running to the car. She flung herself into the front seat, immediately grabbing Lena’s hand. “You’re here! I missed you.”

“Of course I’m here, sweetie,” Lena said, squeezing Emma’s hand. “I promised, didn’t I?”

Jake trudged to the car, his face stormy. He climbed into the back seat, slamming the door harder than necessary.

“How was your day?” Lena asked, trying to keep her voice light.

“Fine,” Jake muttered, staring out the window.

As they drove home, Emma chattered about her day, her head never leaving Lena’s arm. Jake remained silent, his reflection in the rearview mirror showing a scowl that seemed permanently etched on his face.

At home, Emma followed Lena from room to room as she prepared dinner, while Jake retreated to his room, the door closing with a definitive thud.

Later that night, after checking on the sleeping kids for the third time, Lena sat on her back porch, staring at the stars. The quiet of the night was occasionally broken by the soft rustle of leaves or a distant car engine. She wondered if one of those sounds might be the FBI agents now watching over them.

As she stood to go inside, a flicker of movement caught her eye. In the shadows across the street, she glimpsed a figure – Agent Chen, she realized after a moment. He nodded once in her direction before melting back into the darkness.

Lena locked the door behind her, double-checking it out of newly formed habit. As she climbed the stairs, she paused outside Emma’s room, hearing soft music playing inside. Her hand hovered over the doorknob. For a moment, she was tempted to go in, to hold her daughter close and never let go.

But no. Emma was safe in her normal world, unaware of the dangers swirling around them. And Lena was determined to keep it that way for as long as possible.

In her own room, Lena lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep seemed impossible. Her mind raced with all the changes and challenges ahead. She needed help, someone to talk to who wasn’t embroiled in this mess.

Reaching for her phone, she scrolled through her contacts, pausing at a number her friend Sarah had given her weeks ago. Positivity Partners. It had seemed silly at the time, but now…

With trembling fingers, Lena dialed the number.

“Welcome to Positivity Partners,” a warm voice answered. “How can we help you today?”

Lena took a deep breath. “I… I think I need help finding my way. And staying strong for my family.”

The next morning, Lena sat at her desk, nervously adjusting her we**am. Her first session with her Certified Positivity Partner was about to begin. The computer chimed, and a friendly face appeared on the screen.

“Good morning, Lena! I’m Alex. How are you feeling today?”

Lena hesitated, her eyes darting to the door to make sure the kids weren’t within earshot. “Um, honestly? Terrible. On a scale of 1 to 10, maybe a 2.”

Alex nodded sympathetically. “That’s okay. We all have our low points. What’s going on?”

Lena took a deep breath. “It’s… complicated. My ex-husband is involved in some legal troubles. I can’t go into details, but it’s putting a lot of stress on our family. I’m worried about my kids, about our safety…” She trailed off, realizing how paranoid she must sound.

Alex, however, didn’t seem fazed. “That sounds incredibly stressful. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed in a situation like that. Let’s start by focusing on what you can control. What’s your biggest concern right now?”

“Keeping things normal for my kids,” Lena said without hesitation. “I don’t want them to know how serious this is. I want them to feel safe and happy.”

“That’s a wonderful goal,” Alex said warmly. “Let’s brainstorm some ways you can create moments of normalcy and joy for your children, even in the midst of this stress.”

Over the next few weeks, Lena threw herself into creating a sense of normalcy for her children. She instituted “Fun Fridays,” where they would have a special dinner and game night. But the first attempt didn’t go as planned.

“I don’t want stupid pizza,” Jake muttered, pushing his plate away. “Dad always made homemade pizza on Fridays.”

Emma, sensing the tension, pressed closer to Lena on the couch. “It’s okay, Mom. I like this pizza.”

Lena forced a smile. “How about we play a game? Jake, you can pick.”

Jake’s eyes flashed. “I pick not playing.” He stormed off to his room, slamming the door.

Emma flinched at the sound, her grip on Lena’s arm tightening. “Why is Jake so angry all the time?”

Lena stroked Emma’s hair. “He’s just having a hard time, sweetie. We all are. But we’ll get through it together.”

One afternoon, as Lena picked up the kids from school, she noticed a black SUV that seemed to be following them. Her heart raced, remembering the FBI’s warnings about potential threats. She took a series of random turns, trying to lose the tail, all while maintaining a calm facade for Emma and Jake.

“Mom, where are we going?” Emma asked from the backseat, a note of panic in her voice.

Lena forced a smile, meeting her daughter’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “Oh, I thought we’d take the scenic route home today. Isn’t it a beautiful day?”

Jake scoffed from the back seat. “You’re acting weird. Is this because of Dad?”

Lena’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “Everything’s fine, Jake. Just enjoying the drive.”

“Yeah, right.” Jake muttered unconvincingly.

When they finally arrived home, Lena ushered the kids inside, her hand brushing against the panic button in her pocket. “Why don’t you two start on your homework? I’ll bring some snacks in a minute.”

As soon as the kids were out of sight, Lena pressed the button. Within minutes, Agent Chen appeared at her back door, his expression tense.

“Lena? What’s wrong?”

Lena explained about the SUV, her voice low and urgent. Agent Chen nodded, already typing on his phone.

“We’ll check it out immediately. It’s probably nothing, but you did the right thing by calling us.”

After he left, Lena leaned against the kitchen counter, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. She jumped when Emma’s voice came from the doorway.

“Mom? Are you okay? Who was that man?”

Lena turned, plastering on a smile. “Just a neighbor, sweetie. Everything’s fine. How about those snacks?”

Emma’s eyes narrowed, doubt clear on her face, but she didn’t press further.

That night, during her session with Alex, Lena struggled to maintain her composure.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” she admitted, her voice cracking. “I’m constantly terrified, but I can’t show it. I have to be strong for them.”

Alex’s voice was gentle but firm. “Lena, being strong doesn’t mean never showing fear or vulnerability. It means facing those fears and moving forward anyway. Your children are perceptive. They might sense that something is off, even if they don’t know the details.”

Lena hesitated. “I don’t want to burden them.”

“You don’t have to share everything,” Alex suggested. “But acknowledging that you’re going through a tough time and showing them how you’re coping could actually be beneficial for them. It teaches resilience.”

The next day, Lena sat down with Emma and Jake after dinner. “Hey, guys,” she began, her heart pounding. “I want to talk to you about something.”

Emma looked at her expectantly. Jake scowled.

Lena took a deep breath. “You know how sometimes grown-ups have complicated problems?” They nodded. “Well, right now, Dad and I are dealing with some tough stuff. I can’t tell you all the details, but I want you to know that we’re working on it, and that no matter what, keeping you safe and happy is our top priority.”

Emma’s brow furrowed. “Is that why you’ve been acting weird lately?”

Lena felt a pang of guilt. “You noticed that, huh? Yeah, that’s part of it. But I’m working on handling the stress better. In fact, I’ve started talking to someone who’s helping me with that.”

Jake’s eyes narrowed. “Like a shrink? Does he think we’re crazy or something?”

“No, buddy, not at all,” Lena said softly. “Sometimes, when life gets really tough, it helps to talk to someone who can give you tools to cope better.”

Jake pushed back from the table. “This is stupid. If Dad were here, we wouldn’t need any of this.”

As he stormed off, Emma moved to Lena’s side, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist. “I think it’s good you’re getting help, Mom. Can… can I maybe talk to someone too?”

Lena hugged Emma close, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. “Of course, sweetie. We’ll find someone for you to talk to.”

As weeks turned into months, Lena found herself adapting to their new normal. Her sessions with Alex helped her develop resilience she never knew she had. She learned to find moments of joy and peace even in the midst of uncertainty.

One afternoon, as they were coloring together, Jake looked up at Lena. “Mom, are we in witness protection? Like in the movies?”

Lena nearly dropped her crayon. “Where did you hear about that?”

Jake shrugged. “Emma and I googled it on the hotel computer. It sounds like what’s happening to us.”

Lena closed her eyes briefly, cursing herself for not considering that the kids would try to find answers on their own. When she opened them, she found both Emma and Jake watching her intently.

“It’s… similar to that,” she said carefully. “But it’s temporary. And it’s to keep us all safe while Dad helps some important people solve a big problem.”

Jake’s face contorted with anger. “So it is Dad’s fault! He’s the reason we can’t go home, why we have to hide all the time!”

“No, Jake, that’s not—” Lena started, but Jake was already on his feet.

“I hate this! I hate Dad, and I hate you for letting this happen!” He kicked over the coffee table, sending crayons and paper flying, then ran to his room.

Emma burst into tears, clinging to Lena. “I’m scared, Mom. I don’t want to be in witness protection. I want to go home.”

Lena held Emma close, her own tears falling. “Oh, sweetheart. We’re not really in witness protection. We’re just being extra careful for a while. And we will go home, I promise. We just have to be brave a little longer.”

Later that night, after the kids were asleep, Lena sat on the porch, staring at the stars. She sent a text to Alex:

Tough day. I think I opened a can of worms with the kids. Need help navigating this.

The harsh buzz of Lena’s secure phone cut through the quiet of the safe house. She glanced at the clock – 5:53 AM – before answering.

“Lena? It’s Agent Dawson. Turn on your TV. Channel 7.”

Lena fumbled for the remote, her heart racing. The screen flickered to life, showing a live news broadcast. The ticker at the bottom read: “BREAKING: TOP EXECUTIVE ARRESTS AT GLOBALTECH”

The reporter’s voice filled the room: “In a series of coordinated raids across three continents, law enforcement agencies have arrested over two dozen individuals connected to what authorities are calling ‘one of the largest illegal arms operations in history.’ The multinational corporation GlobeTech is at the center of these allegations…”

A soft gasp behind her made Lena turn. Emma stood in the doorway, eyes wide.

“Mom? Is that…?”

Lena nodded, holding out her arm. Emma rushed into her embrace as Jake stumbled in, rubbing his eyes.

“What’s happening?” he mumbled.

Lena pulled him close too. “Remember how we said Dad was helping stop some bad people? Well, he just helped stop a lot of them.”

Jake’s eyes widened, a mix of pride and confusion crossing his face. “Dad did that?”

As the news continued, detailing the scope of the operation and the charges filed, Lena’s phone buzzed again. A text from Michael:

It’s starting. I love you all.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind. Lena watched on TV as Michael was escorted inside a courthouse by a phalanx of security personnel, his face plastered across every news channel.

At home, Emma and Jake peppered her with questions.

“Does this mean we can go home now?” Jake asked over breakfast, spoon hovering over his cereal.

Emma, ever perceptive, cut in before Lena could answer. “It’s not that simple, is it, Mom? Dad still has to testify and stuff, right?”

Lena nodded, grateful for her daughter’s understanding. “That’s right, honey. We’re a lot safer now, but it’s not over yet.”

As if on cue, a gentle tap came at the kitchen door. Agent Chen waited there for her. “We’ve got the secure video link set up for Michael’s call.”

The family huddled around the computer screen, Jake and Emma drinking in the sight of Michael. He looked tired but determined.

“Dad!” Jake exclaimed, his earlier resentment momentarily forgotten. “Are the bad guys in jail now?”

Michael smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Some of them are, buddy. But there’s still work to do. I have to tell the judge and jury everything I know.”

“Are you scared?” Emma asked quietly.

Michael’s expression softened. “A little. But knowing you’re all safe makes me brave.”

After the call, Lena found Emma in her room, scribbling furiously in a notebook.

“What’s that, sweetie?”

Emma looked up, a spark in her eye that Lena hadn’t seen in months. “I’m keeping a record. Of everything that’s happening. Maybe… maybe someday I can write about it. Help other kids whose parents are doing important, dangerous stuff.”

Lena felt a lump in her throat. “That’s… that’s really great, Em.”

As summer turned to fall, their lives settled into a new rhythm. The kids returned to school, now with less obvious security. Lena started working remotely, grateful for the distraction.

That evening, during Michael’s weekly video call, he shared the news they’d been waiting for.

“The plea deals are rolling in,” he said, excitement breaking through his usual cautious demeanor. “Some of the lower-level guys are turning on the big fish. The prosecutors think we might avoid a drawn-out trial.”

Lena felt a mix of relief and resentment wash over her. “So, what does this mean for us? For the kids?”

Michael’s smile faded slightly, picking up on her tone. “It means… it means you might be able to go home soon. Back to your normal lives.”

Lena couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped her. “Normal? Michael, do you really think anything will ever be normal again after this?”

He flinched, guilt flashing across his face. “Lena, I—”

“No,” she cut him off, lowering her voice so the kids wouldn’t hear. “I know you didn’t ask for this. I know you’re doing the right thing. But God, Michael, do you have any idea what this has been like for us? For your children?”

Michael’s shoulders sagged. “I think about it every day. I’m so sorry, Lena. If I could go back—”

“But you can’t,” Lena interrupted, feeling tears prick at her eyes. “We can’t. All we can do is move forward somehow.”

There was a heavy silence before Michael spoke again. “You’re right. I know it doesn’t fix anything, but I am sorry. For all of this.”

Lena took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. “I know. And part of me is proud of you for doing the right thing. But another part…”

“Wishes I’d never noticed anything?” Michael finished quietly.

Lena nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

“Mom?” Emma’s voice came from behind her. “Is everything okay?”

Lena quickly wiped her eyes before turning to her daughter. “Yeah, sweetie. Just grown-up stuff. Want to say hi to your dad?”

As Emma chatted with Michael, Lena stepped away, her emotions swirling. She was grateful for the progress, relieved that the danger might soon pass. But she also couldn’t shake the anger, the resentment at having their lives turned upside down.

Later, as she tucked the kids into bed, Jake asked sleepily, “Mom? Are we winning?”

Lena paused, considering. “You know what, buddy? I think we’re getting there. It’s complicated, but things are getting better.”

After the kids were asleep, Lena sat on the porch, staring at the stars. Her phone buzzed with a text from Alex, her Positivity Partner:

Check in tomorrow? Sounds like there’s news to process.

Lena smiled wryly, typing back:

Definitely. Good news, but lots of complicated feelings to work through.



You don’t have to feel overwhelmed. A Certified Positivity Partner can help you rebalance. Learn more: https://www.yourdailydoseofhappy.com/overwhelm/