#Erode Billing Machines

[saintjosie]

say what you will about tiktok but there isn’t a single american news outlet talking about palestine that isn’t just pro-israeli propoganda and tiktok is one of the few places where you can actually get information about what’s happening there.

do trends and shitposts get annoying sometimes? yeah absolutely. but it’s still an incredibly important and powerful platform for information dissemination when you are able to filter through bullshit with a modicum of media literacy and find content creators you can trust. and doubly so in the wake of twitter falling to pieces.

what if elon musk isn’t as big of an idiot as he seems? what if he’s playing a long con, willing to lose 20 billion dollars (which is not even 10% of his estimated net worth btw) in order to further his political agenda? and why is there suddenly bipartisan support for a tiktok ban via KOSA (kids online safety act), supposedly in the name of protecting children?

both parties know that the american propoganda machine falls apart when the power of information lies with the people.

remember when conservatives initially wanted to ban tiktok? they were willing to allow tiktok to continue to operate if they either sold to an american company or relocated their servers to american soil. and now after tiktok managed to avoid doing either one while also managing to avoid giving any legal reason for a tiktok ban, suddenly there is bipartisan support for a bill that essentially allows for unrestricted censorship of the internet in america?

another thing to consider - where did this vitriol for tiktok come from? did it come from someone you know? and where did that person pick up that opinion? can that opinion be traced back to an actual person or were many of these opinions seeded by faceless accounts, the same way that faceless accounts spread nazi shit, terf shit, and shitty lgbtqia rhetoric, to start the unsuspecting down radicalizing pipelines?

every major political power in the world is constantly running psyops to erode our ability to trust what we see online, to sow misinformation and distrust, because the uninformed masses are vulnerable to manipulation.

think about the media you consume. double check it. get a second opinion. learn how to engage in GOOD FAITH discourse. learn how to be kind. learn when to block and move on.

protect yourself and in doing so, protect those around you. because without the communities that we have online, without the ability to organize and share, we lose.

[dukeofankh]

There is this bizarre little premise that i keep seeing people accept in the wake of the US election: that a politician can either appeal to men's economic anxieties or defend women's reproductive healthcare rights. This concept says we can appeal to men's anger about not being able to afford housing and about not being able to afford to have a family, but to do so is to fundamentally betray queer people. I can't blame people for that, in a lot of ways that problem is one being pushed by the Democratic Party as a core part of their platform. Since the right are misogynistic, if they make their whole platform about how they are the party that protects women and queer people, it means that they don't actually have to radically alter the economic circumstances their donors benefit from.

While under the Democrats things did meaningfully improve, they are not at their core actually capable in their current form of truly addressing a lot of economic issues. They're just too entwined with business interests. They can tweak, they can offer incentives and disincentives,but at its core, the Democratic party is the party of "this is great, the way things are is awesome, vote for us or the Republicans will make it worse."

And people will no doubt point out the serious work that they did while in office--the work out of the FTC was particularly satisfying--but they cannot at their core actually allow themselves to let that become part of their identity. They can't run on that. They can't rile people up about that. They can't go even further, they can't get radical about that. They need the corporate money too much. When presented with the chance to run Bernie Sanders, they physically gagged. They refuse to move further left.

But the Republicans have moved--in many cases against their will--further to the right. They promise to change things. They make it worse, lets get that clear. Any working-class man who votes for the Republican party because he thinks it will materially benefit him does so because he is fantastically ignorant about the actual forces that affect his life. But if you are a man, they are actively willing to break things, and they are claiming that it is because they want to help you.

I can hear people say (correctly) over and over again that leftist principles are the ones that actually help men, be it feminism, socialism, you name it. But that's a non sequitur, because the Democratic party is not leftist. Its major selling point for the past decade or so has been "if you vote for us, things will be normal," when normal for most men looks like being an exploited cog in a machine that no longer even feels the need to compensate them past pure subsistence. Those men are angry. That anger is a resource. There is nothing antifeminist about using it.

There is a natural counterargument here that these men don't actually want to be financially stable. They want to be financially superior to women. They want control over women. And hey, the Christofascist elements of the right cannot be understated. I am not telling you that there are not huge chunks of the Trump electorate that are deeply misogynistic. They clearly are. But that doesn't make every issue they push as part of their platform evil by association. You don't have to surrender this issue to them and let them falsely claim to champion it. The support doesn't disappear if you aren't insulting women while you're fighting income inequality and making housing more affordable.

I've seen people discuss the economic hardships of Americans on here daily. How everything keeps getting worse. How the country was building towards technofeudalism just as much as it was careening towards fascism. How nobody can afford rent or medical bills or student loans, how workers rights and status as anything more than disposable contractors is being eroded.

All of that affects men. Any sane man is going to feel powerless and furious in the face of that. Channel it. Use it. Don't view it as a threat. It's a resource.

[hopepaigeturner]

Giftmas Day 12: Vacation--Kanthony

I know it's a little belated but here's the final day of Giftmas for y'all with our great loves--Kanthony.

Kanthony have finally used their christmas gift from their family. On a sunset walk the couple share a sweet moment.

(Set in the Six Moments universe that I've written on AO3 but you can enjoy it whether you've read that or not).

*~*~*~*~*~*

“I should pay.” Kate slapped down her debit card.

“No, this is a present from my family to us,” Anthony retorted sliding her card back across the table.

“Exactly,” Kate slid it froward again, “you are already paying far too much on this holiday—I need to contribute.”

“Err Sir, Madame?”

“What?” Both Anthony and Kate cried. The waiter gestured towards the card machine with trembling hands. “I could always return later. Or we have an option to split the bill?”

The pair of them looked guiltily at each other. Antony got over it quicker so slipped his card into the machine.

“Here, I’ll pay—but,” he added before Kate’s nostrils could flare, “I’ll keep the receipts and then we can squabble when we get back home.”

Kate huffed, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

“Fine—but we do so for the rest of the holiday.”

“Absolutely,” Anthony replied adding a slightly larger than necessary tip.

Eventually they exited the beachside restaurant and walked along the sand as the sun settled into the sea. The sea breeze wafted the scent of lilies from Kate’s hair and Antony allowed it to wash over him and settle his heart.

Sometimes he couldn’t believe his luck. One year ago, he had been waking up in a hospital bed as his entire world had crumbled around him. One year ago, he had been shipped off to a recovery centre so that his anxiety disorder could be managed.

Yet one year later he was walking along sun-drenched sand on holiday without the clawing sensation in his stomach or spine. Today he had only checked his phone once to answer family messages—he had not even glancing at his emails. And he knew he owed a significant amount of this to the brilliant woman holding his hand.

Yes, as Dr Akopian reminded him, Anthony had been the only one capable of healing himself, and his progress should be attributed to him. But Anthony knew he would not have got so far without Kate Sharma. She had not fixed him but supported him—whether that be frogmarching him from the office; coaching him through a panic attack; or just making him smile in a thousand different ways. She had challenged him, never allowed him to slack off and never treated him as if he was made of glass.

But also, Anthony had been able to support her. Anthony had backed up her ideas and solutions; allowed her to vent when faced by misogynistic twats; allowed her to be as fiery as she needed without dousing her flame. And Anthony also held her through her tears, assured her out of her imposter-syndrome mindset or self-doubt, because he recognised that no matter how striking her eyeliner was—battering waves still eroded, if not collapsed, a coastline.

The pair had bared their souls to each other and not shied away from the jagged edges or the smooth. And they continued to do so…

He pulled Kate closer, arm around her waist.

“You do realise we’re a team now?”

Kate sighed but nestled into the hold.

“I know, I know. I can’t explain why this irks me so much—I mean look!” She gestured to the crystalline sea they had spent the last two days swimming in. “This is wonderful, beautiful, and we are so lucky to even be here and I just…” she huffed.

“You’ve spent your entire life having to provide for yourself and your family, so you feel guilty for not providing.”

She turned to him and Anthony’s heart thumped in his chest at her awed expression. Anthony had felt like a burden and disappointment his entire life—he’d never had someone look at him the way Kate looked at him.

“I love you.”

“I know, as I love you.”

Anthony’s heart gleamed. He loved how easily the words slipped out these days after months of skirting around the overwhelming feeling that had seeped further and further into his entire being.

“Finally something we see eye to eye on.”

Kate chuckled and recommenced walking. The lulling of lapping waves steering their minds gently along unmarked paths, until Kate said,

“We never went abroad when I was growing up. But for holidays we would always go to this tiny little village in Cornwall and stay in a draughty cottage that had no other merits than being a stone’s throw away from the beach.” Kate’s voice softened as it always did whenever her family came up. “And every evening we would do a walk along the shoreline. My dad used to drag me into the sea, singing the Hokey Cokey. He did it every time, even when Mary would be holding my other hand and swing me into the shallows, even when Edi came along…” the light in her eyes dimmed. “I’ve never been back there, not since…well…”

Anthony knew all too well how ghost could infuse themselves into a place. So, he merely commented,

“What a lovely story. Hyacinth spent six months obsessed with that song.”

The light returned and Kate grinned, resuming their purposeful strides.

“I knew she had taste.”

“It is a classic.”

“It is a classic.”

A classic we should teach our kids someday.

Anthony thought and balked.

Too soon. Far, far too soon to be thinking such things. They had been officially a couple for all of a month. They had just settled the company after six months of reconfigurations and battles. He could not—he should not—

Anthony glanced at Kate who had returned to gazing at the horizon. And something, he did not know what, something settled in his heart. He did not wish to put a name of it, nor to tempt fate, but he just knew that this wouldn’t be their last beach-side walk.

For one of the few times in his life Anthony felt completely at peace. Nothing seemed to bear down on him, instead brighter things could rise. With a smirk he leant towards her ear.

“You put your right leg in, your right leg out,”

Kate laughed, a sound he wished to engrave on his heart like the tune of a music box.

“Very funny,” she commented.

“In, out, in, out—shake it all about,” Her laughs got louder as Antony started jigging in the shallows. “You do the Hokey Cokey and you turn around,” he spun her, “that’s what it’s all about…” Anthony suddenly dragged Kate into the waves singing at the top of his voice “Oh the hokey cokey!” Kate could barely stand up straight due to her laughter. “Oh the hockey cokey!” Anthony sang again pulling them in and out. “Oh the hokey cokey!”

Finally, Kate could join in with actions ingrained in her childhood DNA.

“Knees bent; arms stretched ra ra ra!” Anthony tackled her and swung her around in his arms as she squealed. Then he slipped and they collapsed into the sea utterly soaked and utterly consumed by joy.

And there in the tangle of limbs, sea and hearts, Anthony knew one thing.

This wouldn’t be their last beach walk. This wouldn’t be their last vacation. This wouldn’t be their last burst of joy—not unless the sun set and never rose again.

[queersatanic]

The above as text (via @wheredowegoshow):

“If I had a dollar for health care I’d rather spend it on a baby or innocent person with some defect or illness not of their own responsibility; not some person with AIDS” says the health-care official on national television and this is in the middle of an hour-long video of people dying on camera because they can’t afford the limited drugs available that might extend their lives and I can’t even remember what this official looked like because I reached in through the tv screen and ripped his face in half and I was diagnosed with AIDS recently and this was after the last few years of losing count of the friends and neighbors who have been dying slow vicious and unnecessary deaths because fags and dykes and junkies are expendable in this country. “If you want to stop AIDS shoot the queers…” says a politician in Texas on the radio and his press secretary later claims that the politician was only joking and didn’t know the microphone was turned on and besides they didn’t think it would hurt his chances for reelection anyways and I wake up every morning in this killing machine called america and I’m carrying this rage like a blood-filled egg and there’s a thin line between the inside and the outside a thin line between thought and action and that line is simply made up of blood and muscle and bone and I’m waking up more and more from daydreams of tipping amazonian blow darts in “infected blood” and spitting them at the exposed necklines of certain politicians or government health-care officials or those thinly disguised walking swastikas that wear religious garments over their murderous intentions or those rabid strangers parading against AIDS clinics in the nightly news suburbs there’s a thin line a very thin line between the inside and the outside and I’ve been looking all my life at the signs surrounding us in the media or on peoples’ lips; the religious types outside st. patrick’s cathedral shouting to the men and women in the gay parade, “You won’t be here next year-you’ll get AIDS and die ha ha…” and the areas of the u.s.a. where it is possible to murder a man and when brought to trial one only has to say that the victim was a queer and that he tried to touch you and the courts will set you free and the difficulties that a bunch of republican senators have in albany with supporting an antiviolence bill that includes “sexual orientation” as a category of crime victims there’s a thin line a very thin line and as each T-cell disappears from my body it’s replaced by ten pounds of pressure ten pounds of rage and I focus that rage into nonviolent resistance but that focus is starting to slip my hands are beginning to move independent of self-restraint and the egg is starting to crack america america america seems to understand and accept murder as a self-defense against those who would murder other people and it’s been murder on a daily basis for nine count then nine long years and we’re expected to pay taxes to support this public and social murder and we’re expected to quietly and politely make house in this windstorm of murder but I say there’s certain politicians that had better increase their security forces and there’s religious leaders and health-care officials that had better get bigger fucking dogs and higher fucking fences and more complex security alarms for their homes and queer-bashers better start doing their work from inside howitzer tanks because the thin line between the inside and the outside is beginning to erode and at the moment I’m a thirty-seven-foot-tall one-thousand-one-hundred-and-seventy-two-pound man inside this six-foot body and all I can feel is the pressure all I can feel is the pressure and the need for release

-David Wojnarowicz DO NOT DOUBT THE DANGEROUSNESS OF THE 12-INCHPOLITICIAN, Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration, pp. 160-162, excerpt from. (The full essay was derived from talks delivered at Illinois State University at Normal, Illinois, and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1990.)

david wojnarowicz, close to the knives 

[outbursthubnj]

Protect Your Home with Professional Leak Detection in Manasquan

Manasquan, NJ, is a quintessential coastal town known for its picturesque lifestyle and tight-knit community. Owning a home in this charming locale is a dream comes true for many, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities. Maintaining the integrity of your property is key to preserving that idyllic lifestyle—and one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of this is leak detection.

This post aims to help homeowners in Manasquan understand why Leak detection service Manasquan is essential, the types of leaks to watch out for, and how timely action can protect one of your most valuable investments—your home.

Why Leak Detection Matters for Manasquan Homeowners

Living in Manasquan comes with unique challenges. The town’s proximity to the coast, its unpredictable weather, and its aging housing stock increase the risk of water leaks. Coastal moisture and storms can accelerate wear and tear on homes, particularly on roofs and foundations.

Ignoring a potential leak is risky. Here are some of the repercussions you might face:

Mold and Mildew Growth: A moist environment is perfect for mold, which not only damages surfaces but can also harm indoor air quality.

Foundation Damage: Water seepage can erode your home’s foundation, leading to structural problems that are expensive to fix.

Higher Utility Bills: Leaks waste significant amounts of water, spiking your monthly water bill.

Common Types of Leaks Found in Homes

Some leaks are easy to spot, but many are hidden and require extra vigilance. Here are the most common leak types homeowners in Manasquan should watch for:

1. Plumbing Leaks

These typically occur in hidden pipes, under sinks, or behind walls. Common signs include:

Reduced water pressure

Persistent puddles near fixtures

The sound of running water when no taps are on

2. Roof Leaks

Manasquan’s coastal storms and natural wear and tear make roof leaks a frequent problem. Warning signs include:

Water stains on ceilings

Dripping water during or after storms

Damaged shingles or flashing

3. Basement and Foundation Leaks

The town’s proximity to water makes basements and foundations especially vulnerable to leaks. Look for:

Damp or musty-smelling basements

Cracks in walls or foundations

Pools of water or visible seepage

4. Appliance Leaks

Household appliances, often tucked away, can be a surprising source of leaks. Pay attention to:

Water pooling near washing machines, water heaters, or dishwashers

Rust or discoloration around appliances

Malfunctioning appliances

Each of these leaks can cause serious damage if left unaddressed, making detection and prevention vital.

Professional Leak Detection Services in Manasquan

While some minor leaks can be spotted easily, many are hidden and require specialized tools to detect. That’s where professional leak detection services come in.

Modern leak detection professionals use advanced technology like:

Thermal Imaging Cameras to identify temperature changes caused by water

Moisture Meters to measure water levels in walls and floors

Acoustic Sensors to detect leaks by sound

Local Manasquan professionals are well-versed in the area’s unique challenges. Their expertise ensures they can tackle the distinct leak issues that come with living in a coastal community.

What to Expect in the Leak Detection Process

If you’ve never hired a leak detection service in manasquan before, here’s how the process typically works:

Step 1: Initial Inspection: The professionals will visually inspect your home for obvious signs of leaks, such as stains, puddles, or unusual odors.

Step 2: Leak Detection: Using advanced tools like ultrasonic detectors or dye testing, they’ll pinpoint the exact source of the leak, even if it’s hidden.

Step 3: Damage Assessment: Once the source is found, the severity of the damage is evaluated to determine whether immediate repairs are necessary.

Step 4: Recommendations: You’ll receive a clear plan outlining the necessary steps to fix the leak and prevent future issues.

Keep Your Manasquan Home in Top Condition

Your home is more than just a building—it’s a sanctuary. And in a beautiful town like Manasquan, it’s a privilege to keep it in great shape. By making professional leak detection a part of your regular home maintenance, you safeguard your property from unnecessary damage, save money, and ensure peace of mind.

Proactive leak detection isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

If you’re ready to protect your home with professional expertise. Schedule your best leak detection service today and get an exclusive 10% discount for first-time clients. Don’t wait until a small leak becomes a big problem—act now!

[tech-freaks111]

Cybersecurity in Web Development: How Indian Companies Are Building Secure Websites for 2025 and Beyond

As businesses increasingly go digital, the importance of cybersecurity in web development has reached new heights. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, ensuring robust website security is no longer optional—it's a necessity.

Web development companies in India are stepping up to address this challenge, implementing cutting-edge security measures to protect user data and foster trust.

In this blog, we’ll explore why cybersecurity is crucial in web development, the emerging threats to web security, and how Indian web development companies are pioneering innovative solutions for 2025 and beyond.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Web Development

Websites are the frontlines of digital interaction, handling everything from user registrations to online transactions. Consequently, they are prime targets for hackers. Key reasons for prioritising cybersecurity in web development include:

Protecting User Data: Websites often store sensitive user information, including names, emails, passwords, and payment details. A breach can compromise this data and lead to significant financial and reputational damage.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter data protection laws like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and India's Personal Data Protection Bill. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines.

Maintaining Customer Trust: Users are more likely to interact with websites that assure data security. A single security lapse can erode trust and impact business growth.

Preventing Downtime: Cyberattacks like DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) can cripple website functionality, leading to lost revenue and frustrated customers.

Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

The digital landscape continues to evolve, and so do the threats. Key challenges faced by web development companies include:

Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent websites or emails trick users into revealing sensitive information.

Ransomware: Attackers encrypt website data and demand a ransom for its release.

SQL Injection: Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in databases to access or manipulate sensitive data.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Malicious scripts are injected into trusted websites, potentially stealing user data or credentials.

Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: Unpatched software flaws are exploited by attackers before developers can fix them.

How Indian Companies Are Building Secure Websites

Web development companies in India are at the forefront of creating secure and resilient websites. Here’s how they’re tackling cybersecurity in web development:

1. Adopting Secure Development Practices

Indian developers follow frameworks like OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities during the development phase. Key practices include:

Input Validation: Ensuring only safe, expected inputs are accepted.

Code Reviews: Conducting thorough code audits to identify potential security flaws.

Data Encryption: Using HTTPS and SSL certificates to encrypt data during transmission.

2. Implementing Multi-Layered Security

To guard against advanced threats, Indian companies deploy multi-layered security measures such as:

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Protect against common threats like SQL injection and XSS attacks.

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Reduce the risk of DDoS attacks by distributing traffic across multiple servers.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of protection for user accounts.

3. Leveraging AI and Machine Learning

AI-powered tools are revolutionising web security by enabling:

Threat Detection: Identifying unusual patterns that indicate potential attacks.

Behavioural Analysis: Monitoring user behaviour to detect anomalies.

Automated Incident Response: Reacting to threats in real time to minimise damage.

4. Regular Security Updates and Patches

Indian web development companies emphasise proactive maintenance by:

Regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities.

Monitoring open-source components to ensure their security.

Conducting periodic penetration testing to identify weaknesses.

5. Enhancing User Authentication

Modern websites developed by Indian firms employ advanced authentication mechanisms like:

Biometric Authentication: Using fingerprints or facial recognition for secure access.

OAuth and SSO (Single Sign-On): Simplifying and securing user logins across platforms.

6. Educating Businesses About Cybersecurity

Many companies in India take an educational approach, helping businesses:

Understand the importance of cybersecurity.

Train their employees on best practices.

Develop response plans for potential breaches.

7. Compliance-Driven Development

Indian developers ensure that websites comply with international and local regulations, such as GDPR and the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 in India.

Trends Shaping Web Development Security by 2025

As we approach 2025, several trends are likely to redefine web security:

Zero Trust Architecture: A security model that assumes every interaction is a potential threat, requiring verification at every step.

Quantum-Resistant Encryption: Preparing for the challenges posed by quantum computing to traditional encryption methods.

Decentralised Security Models: Leveraging blockchain to ensure transparency and tamper-proof transactions.

IoT Security: Addressing vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices connected to websites.

Why Indian Companies Are Leading the Charge

India’s IT industry has built a global reputation for innovation and adaptability. Indian web development companies are uniquely positioned to address cybersecurity challenges because:

Cost Efficiency: They offer high-quality solutions at competitive rates.

Access to Skilled Talent: India produces a large pool of IT professionals adept at emerging technologies.

Global Collaboration: Indian firms collaborate with international clients, keeping them updated on global security trends and requirements.

Focus on Innovation: Many companies invest in R&D to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, cybersecurity will remain a cornerstone of web development. Web Development company in India are setting benchmarks in building secure, scalable, and innovative websites, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing to stay ahead of threats.

By prioritising security, compliance, and user trust, Indian web developers are not just protecting websites—they’re shaping a safer digital ecosystem for businesses and users alike.

[lighthousenewsnetwork]

NEW YORK CITY – In an unprecedented display of worker solidarity, a crisp Benjamin Franklin was spotted picketing outside the Federal Reserve building this morning, holding a tiny cardboard sign that read, "We Demand a Raise!" This act of defiance marks the culmination of growing unrest among American currency, as inflation continues to erode their purchasing power at an alarming rate. "Look, we get it, a little inflation is good for the economy," sighed a weary-looking Andrew Jackson, sporting a tattered "One Percent for the People" bandana. "But this is getting ridiculous. A cup of coffee used to cost a nickel, now it sets you back a whole Alexander Hamilton! It's time for the Fed to recognize our worth." Sources report that the walkout, spearheaded by the newly formed American Currency Union (ACU), is motivated by a series of grievances. Bill denominations across the board are citing stagnant wages, a lack of benefits (dental hygiene for crumpled bills, anyone?), and a hostile work environment filled with grubby hands, overflowing vending machines, and those infernal paper shredders. "Let's be honest, who wants to end up in one of those?" shuddered a visibly distressed Abraham Lincoln, pointing at a nearby shredder with a grimace. "It's a fate worse than being defaced by a toddler with a crayon." The ACU's demands are audacious, to say the least. Topping the list is a 10% annual raise, indexed to the rising cost of living. They also advocate for increased security measures against counterfeiting, a mandatory "fresh crispness guarantee" upon re-entry into circulation after use, and a comprehensive mental health program to deal with the trauma of witnessing everyday financial struggles. The Federal Reserve, naturally, is not amused. "These demands are simply outlandish," huffed a portly Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Board of Governors. "We understand their concerns, but printing more money to appease them would only exacerbate inflation. Besides, who's going to pay for their healthcare, Congress?" Economists, however, are divided. Some believe the ACU's demands are a wake-up call, highlighting the harsh reality of inflation for everyday Americans. Others worry that a raise for currency could trigger a domino effect, leading to higher prices for everything from chewing gum to yachts. "This whole thing is a circus," grumbled a disgruntled Warren Buffett, stuffing a wad of twenties into his oversized briefcase. "First it's the avocado toast millennials, now this? It's enough to make a billionaire lose his appetite for philanthropy." Meanwhile, the walkout continues. Thousands of bills of all denominations have pledged their solidarity, leading to a nationwide shortage of smaller change. Gas stations are forced to offer "rainchecks" for pennies, vending machines remain stubbornly silent, and laundromats have resorted to issuing handwritten IOUs. The American public, caught in the crossfire, is at a loss. "It's a nightmare," lamented a harried shopper at the local grocery store. "I tried buying milk with a twenty yesterday, and the cashier just gave me a look and a bag of stale chips. At this rate, we'll all be bartering with bottle caps by next Christmas." Only time will tell how this historic standoff will resolve itself. However, one thing is certain: the American economy is about as stable as a house of cards built on Monopoly money. Until the ACU and the Fed reach an agreement, citizens are advised to stock up on ramen noodles and dream of a simpler time when a single dollar could actually buy a cup of coffee.

[endeavorclean18]

Marble Polishing and AC Duct Cleaning Services in Dubai

Visually appealing and clean environments are some of the aspects that property owners in Dubai like to keep, and this can be challenging in aspects such as maintenance of marble, and facade work and air ducts. That is why a careful selection of the specialists who will take on these services is so important. Whether you’re looking for marble polishing in dubai, facade cleaning, or AC duct cleaning, hiring expert professionals will result to a clean environment in the residential as well as commercial buildings.

Marble Polishing in Dubai

Luxury buildings in Dubai have many facilities that utilize marble for flooring and various other uses and after sometime the floor gains a rough texture due to traffic, accidents and general usage. This way marble will remain shiny and clean without having to clean the marble frequently every now and then.

Restore Marble Shine: Marble polishing done professionally eradicates scratches, etch marks and staining issues and enhances the organic shine and regal bearing of the particular stone.

Long-lasting Protection: There are various specialized treatments that the professionals can apply on marble surfaces in order to give them a shield that would not allow any more damages.

Cost-effective: Marble should be polished often to prevent reckless fading or premature exhaustion which would require one to replace the marble often.

Marble Polishing Company in Dubai

While in search of the best marble polishing company in Dubai, it is wise to consider a company that has been in the sector for long as this shows that they have been able to hire the best technicians in the market together with the best equipment in the market.

Expert Technicians: Some of the best companies have professional certified technicians that are fully knowledgeable of marble and the correct way to polish them without causing any problem to the stone.

Advanced Equipment: Polishing machines and products of industrial quality as well as green products for securing the best services.

Customized Solutions: Renowned companies provide a unique package in polishing according to the requirements of your marble; it may be in your residence, business, or even a company.

Facade Cleaning Services in Dubai

Since the first impression that people get from your building is based on its facade, facades may become dirty in Dubai fast because dust, sandstorms and pollution are the main reasons for this. To keep an attractive exterior and structural soundness of the building investing in facade cleaning services is crucial.

Improved Curb Appeal: For commercial and luxury residences, keeping clean facades is imperative in making them appear well-kept.

Prolonged Building Life: Regular facade cleaning removes harmful pollutants that can erode building materials, protecting your investment in the long run.

Eco-friendly Methods: Most of the surface cleaning experts, who employ cleaning robots and other similar approaches, prioritize environmental preservation.

Best AC Duct Cleaning

Air conditioning ducts are quite significant when it comes to determining the air quality in your house or office. They tend to store dust dirt, allergens and fungi over the time and hence have a great bearing on – ways that such appliances work as well as on air itself. Choosing the best AC duct cleaning service ensures cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Improved Air Quality: Regular cleaning of AC ducts reduces allergens, dust, and airborne contaminants, ensuring fresher and healthier air.

Energy Efficiency: Clean ducts allow your AC system to operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.

Professional Equipment: Leading air conditioning duct cleaning service providers possess advanced equipment like powerful vacuum cleaners as well as unique brushes that ensure the system is thoroughly cleaned.

FAQs:

How often should I get my marble polished?

It depends on how much traffic the marble surface gets. Frequent traffic regions may require polishing every 6–12 month or never need it in the next few years for less frequented ones.

Why is regular AC duct cleaning important?

There is no need for me to tell you that regularly cleaning your home is vitally important or to point out how much it helps prevent the collection of dust, allergens and mildew, helps maintain good air conditions in your house and makes sure that there is no stress placed on your AC equipment.

Choose the Best Cleaning Services for Your Property in Dubai Whether it’s marble polishing in Dubai, facade cleaning, or AC duct cleaning, in the event that you are looking for a reliable cleaning service provider, you must know that such a company will always maintain your premises well kept, clean and polished. It is through investing in expertise that one are able to better their house and have a suitable living space.

[pm247pm247]

Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Tips: How to Deal with Normal Family Issues

As homes in the UK age, so do their plumbing frameworks. With time, lines, installations, and machines can give indications of mileage, prompting releases, diminished productivity, and potential water harm. Be that as it may, there's compelling reason need to live with the burden of maturing plumbing frameworks when present day arrangements from plumbing services are promptly accessible. Here are an inventive ways of refreshing and further develop maturing plumbing frameworks:

Perhaps of the most widely recognized issue in more established homes is the presence of obsolete lines, like aroused steel or lead. These materials can erode over the long run, prompting releases and water quality issues. Supplanting these maturing pipes with present day other options, like copper or PEX (cross-connected polyethylene), is a brilliant arrangement presented by many plumbing services in the UK. These fresher materials are sturdy, consumption safe, and have a more drawn out life expectancy, guaranteeing a more dependable plumbing framework into the indefinite future.

For those managing low water tension because of maturing lines or mineral development, hydro streaming is a strong and successful arrangement. This advanced method includes utilizing high-pressure water streams to get out garbage, scale, and blockages from pipes. Plumbing services in the UK frequently use hydro streaming to reestablish water stream and work on the presentation of more seasoned plumbing frameworks without the requirement for obtrusive line substitutions.

One more inventive answer for maturing plumbing frameworks is the establishment of water pressure controllers. These gadgets assist with controlling the water pressure entering a home, forestalling unnecessary tension that can harm lines and installations. By keeping a consistent and safe water pressure, property holders can delay the existence of their plumbing framework and diminish the gamble of breaks and explodes.

To work on the effectiveness of maturing boiling water frameworks, consider moving up to a tankless water radiator. Not at all like customary water radiators that continually intensity and store water, tankless frameworks heat water on request. This recoveries energy as well as dispenses with the gamble of running out of high temp water during top utilization times. Plumbing services in the UK can introduce these smaller and proficient units, giving unending heated water while diminishing energy bills.

For more established homes with obsolete installations, like latrines and fixtures, moving up to water-productive models is an insightful speculation. Current apparatuses are intended to utilize less water without compromising execution, assisting mortgage holders with saving money on water bills while diminishing their natural effect.

All in all, maturing plumbing frameworks in UK homes can benefit significantly from current arrangements presented by proficient plumbing services. Whether it's supplanting old lines with sturdy materials, clearing blockages with hydro flying, introducing water pressure controllers, moving up to tankless water radiators, or introducing water-proficient installations, there are a lot of choices to work on the effectiveness, execution, and life span of maturing plumbing frameworks. Try not to allow obsolete plumbing to keep your home down — think about these cutting edge answers for a more dependable and productive plumbing framework.

[charliesplumbing]

5 Signs Your Water Pressure At Home Is High And How To Lower It

High water pressure might sound like a good problem to have, but it's akin to having too much of a good thing. While strong water flow in your shower or kitchen faucet can feel luxurious, overly high pressure can strain your home's infrastructure, leading to a myriad of issues that could affect the longevity and safety of your plumbing system. Before diving into the telltale signs and solutions such as hiring a plumber Brisbane North, it's important to understand the implications of high water pressure.

An increase in water pressure can occur for several reasons, including municipal water supply changes or the use of devices that require higher pressure levels. Regardless of the cause, recognizing the signs early can save you from future hassles and unnecessary repairs. Addressing this issue promptly ensures that your household maintains an efficient and safe water system.

Use the guide below to help you find out why your indoor water pressure is high, and what you can do to remedy it.

Noisy Pipes

The first indication of excessively high water pressure is often audible. If you hear banging, whistling, or knocking sounds coming from your pipes, especially after shutting off a tap or when the dishwasher is running, it's a clear signal that the pressure might be too high. These noises, often referred to as water hammers, can cause vibrations that may lead to leaks or damage over time.

To mitigate this, consider installing a pressure regulator or adjusting your current one. A pressure regulator is designed to maintain your water pressure at a safe level, preventing the shock and vibration that cause noisy pipes.

Leaky Faucets

Faucets dripping or leaking, even when they are turned off tightly, can be another symptom of high water pressure. The excessive force exerted by high pressure can wear out the internal components of your faucets more quickly, leading to persistent drips or leaks.

Lowering the pressure can be as simple as installing aerators on your faucets. Aerators reduce the flow of water, thereby decreasing the pressure without affecting your daily water usage significantly.

Frequent Appliance Failures

Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are designed to operate within a specific pressure range. When the pressure exceeds these limits, it can lead to premature wear and tear, resulting in more frequent breakdowns or reduced lifespan.

Installing a water pressure gauge can help you monitor the pressure levels directly. If the pressure consistently reads above the recommended range for your appliances, installing a pressure-reducing valve can help protect your investments and ensure their longevity.

Spike in Water Bills

An unexpected increase in your water bill can be a direct consequence of high water pressure. Higher pressure means more water flows through the tap in less time, leading to increased usage even if your habits haven't changed.

To combat this, regular monitoring of your water bill for any unexplained increases can be an effective early detection method. Additionally, consulting with a professional to assess and adjust your home's water pressure can lead to significant savings on your water bills.

Fast-Eroding Water Heater

The life expectancy of your water heater can be drastically reduced under high water pressure conditions. The increased pressure forces more water through the system, accelerating wear and potentially leading to premature failure.

Periodic checks and maintenance of your water heater can help identify pressure-related issues before they cause significant damage. Additionally, installing an expansion tank can absorb the excess pressure, reducing the strain on your water heater and extending its service life.

At the end of the day, recognizing the signs of high water pressure is the first step in safeguarding your home's plumbing infrastructure. From the subtle annoyance of noisy pipes to the more glaring issues like frequent appliance failures and skyrocketing water bills, the consequences of overlooking this issue can be costly. Taking proactive measures to manage and monitor your home's water pressure not only protects your plumbing but also contributes to more efficient water use and savings on utility bills.

[midnightbrainchatter]

December 15, 2023; 00:11 - 00:37

Coach told me to show up so I'm here. I need to find my own motivation. Why did I get out of bed? The sun smells like homestyle biscuits with salted butter on top. I'm eager to eat morning food. Hits different than night food. Night food tastes like sulky feelings and lactic acid that builds up in the muscles after long periods of physical stress. It doesn't hurt as much as quitting. I may never know the strength of my shadow as long as I stay out of the sunlight. Sweating never felt this way. Do I have enough money to live to see 60? Will I need to invest 60 bucks and hope for triple back? If money doesn't grow on trees, why do bills? Everyone owes nothing, but fear would tell you otherwise. Sometimes we gotta give to get a little. Other times we gotta give to get a lot. If we're lucky. Luck is hard to measure in unfortunate times. Missile shells raining to the ground like the meteor showers everyone wanted to miss but weren't allowed to look away. Open my eyes and stay firm with the vision. Behold the carnage as the city collapses due to eroded foundations and unsent love letters. Planes flew over head and toppled over the stocks. We still don't know who did it. The important question is Why? Why did you have to pull the wool from over our eyes? I once believed in wolves, but now I believe in thirst. You'll start to understand creatures better that way. People change, little by little. The cycles of fear and assimilation settle us down. There's a choice: grow old or grow wise. Wise men and women understand the illusory nature of time. Growing old happens when you stop caring about yourself. Machines break over time, humans notwithstanding. We will be the last one's standing once we take the weights off of our legs. The day will come eventually. Until then enjoy the music.

🎶

[schoolsformedicalbilling]

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[epsilonpayments]

Demystifying Chargebacks: Tips for Effective Management

In the dynamic landscape of financial transactions, chargebacks have become an integral aspect of payment processing, especially in the realm of e-commerce and high-risk industries. Chargebacks occur when a customer disputes a transaction and requests a refund from their issuing bank, leading to funds being withdrawn from the merchant’s account. While chargebacks are a consumer protection mechanism, they can pose significant challenges for businesses. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of chargebacks, explore their impact on businesses, and provide actionable strategies for effective chargeback management.

Understanding Chargebacks: A Closer Look

Chargebacks, often referred to as payment disputes, can stem from various reasons, including product dissatisfaction, billing errors, unauthorized transactions, or fraudulent activities. These disputes can lead to financial losses for merchants, not only due to the refunded amount but also because of chargeback fees imposed by payment processors and the time and resources invested in dispute resolution.

The Impact of Chargebacks on Businesses

For businesses, chargebacks can have far-reaching consequences. Excessive chargebacks not only erode profits but also damage a merchant’s reputation, potentially leading to payment processor penalties or account termination. High chargeback ratios may categorize a business as high-risk, resulting in difficulty in obtaining payment processing services or even impacting credit scores.

Effective Chargeback Management Strategies

Transparent and Clear Communication: Ensuring clear communication between the merchant and the customer can help prevent misunderstandings that lead to chargebacks. Providing detailed product descriptions, accurate billing information, and easy-to-find contact details for customer support can minimize the likelihood of disputes.

Robust Fraud Prevention: Implementing robust fraud prevention measures, such as Address Verification System (AVS), Card Verification Value (CVV) checks, and IP geolocation, can significantly reduce unauthorized transactions and fraudulent chargebacks.

Streamlined Refund and Return Policies: A straightforward and transparent refund and return policy can encourage customers to reach out to the merchant before initiating chargebacks. Offering hassle-free returns or exchanges can prevent disputes from escalating.

Real-time Transaction Monitoring: Utilizing advanced analytics and machine learning technologies can enable real-time monitoring of transactions, detecting unusual patterns or behaviors that may indicate fraud. This proactive approach can help prevent chargebacks before they occur.

Effective Customer Support: Providing prompt and responsive customer support can address customer concerns and resolve issues, reducing the need for chargebacks. Offering multiple channels for customer communication, such as live chat, email, and phone support, can enhance the customer experience.

Documentation and Evidence: Maintaining thorough records of transactions, order details, shipping information, and customer communication can serve as valuable evidence in the event of a chargeback dispute. These records can help demonstrate the legitimacy of the transaction and prevent unwarranted chargebacks.

Collaboration with Payment Processors: Building a strong relationship with payment processors can lead to valuable insights and assistance in chargeback prevention and resolution. Many payment processors offer chargeback management tools and resources to help merchants navigate these challenges.

Conclusion

Chargebacks are an inevitable aspect of modern payment processing, but they can be managed effectively with proactive strategies and a customer-focused approach. By implementing transparent communication, robust fraud prevention measures, streamlined policies, and evidence-based documentation, businesses can mitigate the impact of chargebacks and protect their bottom line. As the e-commerce and high-risk industries continue to evolve, mastering chargeback management is essential for sustainable growth and success.

Remember, chargeback management is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and adaptation. By staying informed, implementing best practices, and leveraging the expertise of payment processing partners, businesses can navigate the complex world of chargebacks and ensure a smoother payment experience for both merchants and customers.

[gtainspectors]

Plumbing Problems Found During A House Inspection

You may overlook plumbing problems. But the inspector’s trained eyes won’t skip them. 

Homeowners must be aware of consequential plumbing issues spotted during a home inspection. As a property seller, you can repair the problems before hurting your deals and save yourself from unwanted expenses. After buying the property, you are responsible for the repairs. Keeping this in mind, you can check the property before closing the deal by scheduling a professional home inspection. 

The frequently spotted plumbing issues during a home inspection are caused by moisture and drainage that can lead to dry rots, structural issues and insect infestation. Other than that, flawed water pressure, slow drains and leaks can indicate problems related to plumbing. 

 Here is a list of commonly found plumbing issues:

At Least one out of two leaky faucets is encountered during a home inspection. Leakages may seem minor, but they can lead to hazardous issues. Defects in taps and faucets can lead to mold infestations on the walls of your property. Molds can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions if ignored. If you leave the faucet issues neglected, it can lead to structural damage. You can schedule a property inspection with us at GTA Inspectors so that you can track down the issues before it’s too late.

Is the home you are planning to buy geriatric? If yes, it might contain galvanized pipes assembled of lead and coated with a protective zinc coating. As the zinc element erodes with time, it can cause massive trouble to you and your property. The main issue is that the zinc may get mixed with your home water supply. Consuming high amounts can put you at risk of cardiovascular and reproductive problems. 

Cross-connection is a plumbing issue that can be spotted during a property snagging. A cross-connection happens when a different water resource or vice versa contaminates the household usage water. A cross connection can occur when a city water pipe breaks on the filter water pipe into the house. The water in your property can get completely contaminated by the wastewater pipeline. Water contamination can lead to multiple problems and health issues.

Leaks behind the walls remain undetected to our eyes. Meanwhile, the leaks can cause severe damage to the internal structure of your property. The effects of internal leaks are structural issues, water bills exceeding, deterioration of walls, insect infestation and many more. Getting a property inspected before closing a deal can help you negotiate for the repairs. 

Water pressure is one of the most commonly detected plumbing problems. While carrying out a property checkup, the snagging inspector operates a water pressure detector to determine the pressure of the water. If the water pressure in your property is too high, it can lead to pipeline breakage. Low water pressure can cause problems in appliances like geysers, washing machines and water purifiers. 

The drainage pipeline carries waste water out of sinks, toilets, tubs and throughout our property. All of these lines connect to the main sewer or septic system. Sometimes it takes time to detect the sewer line clogs until it causes severe damage to your property. You must understand that sewer lines need equal maintenance and attention as the other domains of your property. The drainage lines are mostly buried deep under the ground, away from home. If there are sewer clogging issues, you need to connect with a professional plumbing service to get it repaired. 

To avoid plumbing problems, we have quick tips for you -

Always get small leaks and showers fixed as soon as possible.

To keep sewer lines clean, Add baking soda and vinegar to your sinks and drain with boiling water.

Avoid putting small trash in flush as it might get stuck

Always self-check water pressure, as high pressures can weaken your pipeline internally.

Completely drain out the water heater after use.

Pro Tip: A home inspection before buying a property can save you from spending money on repairs.

If you are struggling with any of the above-mentioned plumbing problems in your cherished home, connect with a professional plumbing inspection service for the top-notch assistance.

[steveyockey]

david wojnarowicz, untitled (hujar dead), 1988-89.

[image id: a collage piece by artist david wojnarowicz with a series of nine black-and-white photos of his lover and mentor photographer peter hujar on his deathbed in its center bordered by images of sperm layered over cutouts from twenty-dollar bills and indecipherable red lettering all overlaid with text by wojnarowicz that reads,

“If I had a dollar to spend for healthcare I’d rather spend it on a baby or innocent person with some defect or illness not of their own responsibility; not some person with Aids…” says the healthcare official on national television and this is in the middle of an hour long video of people dying on camera because they can’t afford the limited drugs available that might extend their lives and I can’t even remember what his official looked like because I reached in through the t.v. screen and ripped his face in half and I was diagnosed with Arc recently and this was after the last few years of losing count of the friends and neighbors who have been dying slow and vicious and unnecessary deaths because fags and dykes and junkies are expendable in this country “If you want to stop Aids shoot the queers…” says the governor of texas on the radio and his press secretary later claims that the governor was only joking and didn’t know the microphone was turned on and besides they didn’t think it would hurt his chances for re-election anyways and I wake up every morning in this killing machine called america and I’m carrying this rage like a blood filled egg and there’s a thin line between the inside and the outside a thin line between thought and action and that line is simply made up of blood and muscle and bone and I’m waking up more and more from daydreams of tipping amazonian blowdarts in ‘infected blood’ and spitting them at the exposed necklines of certain politicians or government healthcare officials or those thinly disguised walking swastika’s that wear religious garments over their murerous intentions or those rabid strangers parading against Aids clinics in the nightly news suburbs there’s a thin line a very thin line between the inside and the outside and I’ve been looking all my life at the signs surrounding us in the media or on peoples lips; the religious types outside st. patricks cathedral shouting to men and women in the gay parade: “You won’t be here next year—you’ll get Aids and die ha ha…” and the areas of the u.s.a. where it is possible to murder a man and when brought to trial one only has to say that the victim was a queer and that he tried to touch you and the courts will set you free and the difficulties that a bunch of republican senators have in albany with supporting an anti-violence bill that includes ‘sexual orientation’ as a category of crime victims there’s a thin line a very thin line and as each T-cell disappears from my body it’s replaced by ten pounds of pressure ten pounds of rage and I focus that rage into non-violent resistance but that focus is starting to slip my hands are beginning to move independent of self-restraint and the egg is starting to crack america seems to understand and accept murder as a self defense against those who would murder other people and its been murder on a daily basis for eight count them eight long years and we’re expected to pay taxes to support this public and social murder and we’re expected to quietly and politely make house in this windstorm of murder but I say there’s certain politicians that had better increase their security forces and there’s religious leaders and heathcare officials that had better get bigger dogs and higher fences and more complex security alarms for their homes and queer-bashers better start doing their work from inside howitzer tanks because the thin line between the inside and the outside is beginning to erode and at the moment I’m a thirty seven foot tall one thousand one hundred and seventy-two pound man inside this six foot frame and all I can feel is the pressure all I can feel is the pressure and the need for release.”]

[seacottons]

reaper ; — k.hj x reader

pairing: hongjoong x reader, platonic wooyoung x reader

wc: 5k

notes: i guess this is horror? pft. idk. mild violence. set in the late 80s? early 90s? technology isn't prevalent here so- yeah. probably needs to be proofread but i'm too sleepy as of now. maybe tomorrow. also, happy hongjoong day 🤍

synopsis: after an accident leaves three of your friends dead and one in a coma, you and wooyoung struggle with living expenses and piling medical bills. in the midst of it all, you’re stalked by strangers who resemble your deceased friends.

"Bad day at the tavern, Woo?" You asked, arms wrapping around the black-haired man who stood over the stovetop. A gentle fire simmered the stew he was cooking, a thin sheen of oil and spices pooling on the surface. He nodded with a grim frown and tight jaw, shoulders tense as he stirred a ladle into the pot.

"Got in a fight with some asshole who thought he didn't have to pay for shit," he grumbled back. You frowned at the sight of a bruise on his jaw, and he caught your gaze before scoffing incredulously.

"Don't look at me like that. This is nothing," he quipped hastily, voice thin with resignation.

"I think I have some leftover ointment for that," you sighed, turning away to fetch the item. After dinner, the two of you sat in silence as you tended to his bruises and cuts, your brows furrowing into a glare as you wrapped his finger with scraps of linen you managed to find," You should be more careful with people like that."

"We need the money," he retorted gently, "Mr. Lee would've taken it out of my paycheck if I had let the guy go without paying."

"At the expense of you getting hurt?" He ignored the glare you sent his way.

"We need every silver coin and more right now, y/n," he exhaled softly, leaning back against the old headboard of your bed, "Yeosang's medical bills aren't getting cheaper, and we promised the landlord we'll pay her this month." He groaned, reaching up to massage his temple with a tight frown, "And I can't keep making you work two shifts every day. I see the toll it's having on you."

"I told you I'm fine," you gave him a hard stare, defensively crossing your arms above your chest, "We both work overtime, so it won't be fair of me to just throw all the responsibility on you."

He gave you a tired smile, eyes fluttering shut as he hummed back a reply. Bringing you into his arms, he placed a gentle kiss onto your temple, before cradling your head against his chest while laying down, "I'll always be grateful to still have you with me."

Wooyoung sleeping in your bed alongside you became a silent agreement of some sort months ago when he couldn't bear to sleep alone in the other room he and Yeosang shared. Since then, the two of you found comfort in each other's arms, so much so that it became difficult to sleep without the warmth of his arms wrapped securely around your frame every night.

You sat in a comfortable silence, eyes closed as you relaxed back in your seat while holding Yeosang's delicate hand. The occasional beep of the IV machine and other monitors filled the air of the small room. You peek one eye open to look at Wooyoung, his back turned to you as he gazes out of the window. Neither of you speak for a while.

"You really think the doctor's words are guaranteed? That he'll wake up soon?"

You watched from your spot as Wooyoung leaned over the blonde-haired male, his hands brushing the hair away from his closed eyes. He appeared to be in a very deep and peaceful slumber.

"Yeah. I'm sure–.. I know he will. Things will get better for all of us," he drawled out tiredly, a soft smile finding itself onto his visage as he turned to gaze at your hand grasping Yeosang's limp one, eyes puffy from his crying session last night, "I know it."

An hour later, a nurse peeks her head in to politely state that you two have exceeded your visiting time. The two of you bid your friend farewell and left the hospital.

"I'm actually going to run by the cemetery real quick before my shift starts," you explained while walking down the road with the other by your side, half frozen autumn leaves crunching beneath your boots.

Wooyoung pulled you into a tight hug, hand reaching up to tussle your locks, "Alright, please be careful. I'll see you later, alright?," he readjusted the scarf around your neck with his gloved hands, "We'll have fried fish tonight, your favorite. Don't overwork yourself at work again!"

Tears nearly welled in your eyes, knowing fully well behind his cheerful demeanor hid a scared and tired being. The unspeakable pain behind his eyes killed you on the inside. He overworked himself both physically and mentally, and you can only wish you can rid some of the burden off of his shoulders.

You were just as hurt by the circumstances that the both of you were in, but watching his mental health erode with each day was A lump formed in your throat, and instead of replying, you merely flashed him a smile, not trusting your voice.

You pressed a quick peck to his cheek only to laugh as he flinched away from your freezing lips, your laughter escaping as puffs of white in the frigid air. You bid him farewell and waved back as the two of you separated.

The low mist enshrouding the cemetery did very little to bring warmth in the early hours of the morning. Your hands absentmindedly brushed along the dew covered grass as your eyes fixated onto the inscription on one of the three tombstones.

Where there are flowers, there are butterflies.

"It's your birthday next month, Joong," you muse to the grave in front of you, "I'll make sure to spend the day here with you and the others when the time comes."

You adjusted your position on the grass, the gentle beams of sunlight sparkling in the beads of dew around you. Sitting cross legged, you reminisced the times you spent with the male and the other two friends that shared his fate.

"Wait— how come you get to be the flower? You should be the butterfly instead," you whined whilst poking his cheek.

With a playful quirk of his brow, he reached up to lightly flick your forehead before pulling you closer for a gentle kiss, "You're the butterfly, because you always bug me, baby."

You smiled to yourself at the memory, reaching down to admire the various flowers that have finally bloomed on Hongjoong's grave. Similar blossoms and flowering vines were planted and grown onto the other two graves to the right.

"I miss you so much."

You startled at the sight of a small butterfly fluttering over your head, only to smile once it landed on the purple blossom. You stilled your frame in fear of scaring it off, and watched as it flapped its blue wings subtly.

A small lizard peeked through the gaps of leaves, sharply and swiftly clamping its mouth onto the butterfly. It struggled to keep the bug in its mouth, its head shaking rapidly as the insect wriggled in its hold. Moments later, the bug stilled and the lizard scampered off with its prey.

You stood up, shoulders slumping as you gave the three graves a smile and a wave, "See you guys tomorrow. I love you."

You tightened the sweater around your frame as you made yourself out the gates of the cemetery, sighing in annoyance at the lingering and dense fog. It was difficult to even make out the next tree as you made your way back to town. You faintly hear the sound of a crow's caw in the distance and peer down onto the ground as you feel a tremor beneath your feet. Your head snapped up in time to have a large vehicle's headlights reflect in your wide eyes.

You somehow couldn't quite grasp what day it was, or even what happened at work earlier. Your head spun as if you had just awoken from a drunken stupor.

The sun had set and the moonlight washed the town with a silvery blue hue. Flames flickered within the numerous lampposts and pebbles crunched beneath your feet as you walked through the familiar cobblestone path back home. The streets were deserted. Many buildings were left with shattered windows, small plants and moss growing in the most delicate fissures on their walls. Plastered advertisements and papers on the walls and lampposts looked withered and aged, drooping forward and swaying with the gentle breeze. It was quite an odd sight to see. The once boisterous town strangely felt like a ghost town.

You shrugged off the ominous feeling growing in the pit of your stomach as you trudged along back home.

Along the way, you crossed the hospital where Yeosang was kept. You peeked back to glance at the building, your eyes immediately catching sight of a figure who stood behind a third story window. Furrowing your brows, you turned around to continue walking, the sight of the stranger leaving a bitter feeling in your heart.

The male had the same patch of silver hair as—

Suddenly, your feet came to a halt and you turned back frantically, but the figure was gone. In its place, the blue curtain of Yeosang's room swayed gently with the wind.

Shaking your head, you continued your path whilst rubbing your tired eyes.

"I probably just had a long day," you explained to nobody.

In the distance, there crouched a dark figure, his hands caressing the top of a stray cat's head. You met eyes with the stranger moments later, and you paused in your tracks, your heart dropping down to the floor and leaping into your throat almost simultaneously.

"San?" the figure's lips stretched into a wide grin at your acknowledgement, before he stood up straight to face you. Your legs shook and threatened to give under the sudden weight of your body, "San? Is that really you?"

"Long time no see, y/n."

He silently nodded, arm extending to beckon you forward with a small smile. You took a small step forward, brows furrowing in confusion, "But this can't be you. You're dead."

"Your eyesight is still horrible, I see," he drawled out with a roll of his eyes. You stood inches away from him, eyes widening in disbelief. He sounded like and resembled your late friend with a terrifying accuracy. With a trembling hand you reached forward to cup his cheek, eyes glassy with unshed tears.

"You're..," you trailed off, eyes briefly glancing to your right at the reflection of the store glass window. Your reflection grasped at nothing but thin air, and you quickly retracted your hand from his face, eyes wide, "You're not real, are you?"

In an instant, the bright smile vanished and his gaze hardened into a dark expression. He silently bore holes into your head as a gentle breeze swayed his ebony and silver locks over his eyes. You took two hesitant steps back, and a blur of black flew towards you at an inhumane pace, your back roughly slamming onto the cobblestones underneath you.

Your brain scrambled to process what had just happened, eyes widening as San gripped your two wrists above your head with one hand, the other reaching down to wrap his lithe fingers around the column of your neck to squeeze hard. You released a pained cry, face contorting into a harsh wince. The heel of his palm dug painfully in the middle of your clavicles.

With eyes wide as saucers, you frantically kicked at your heels, hitting his frame repeatedly in an attempt to escape his clutches. Your attempt was futile as he released a growl, eyes practically slits as he seethed down at you, his grip tightening at an unbelievable level.

You wheezed, mouth falling open as you choked out his name, before furiously and blindingly sending a stomp onto his crotch repeatedly, your other leg jutting high to kick at his shoulder. It loosened his grip just enough for you to wriggle away, knees buckling as you attempted to stand up, heels kicking at the floor as you scrambled up, desperately trying to create as much distance as possible.

His eyes spoke of unfathomable fury as he regained his composure, taking two big strides to reach you.

Hastily rising to your feet, you dove in an alleyway and into the dark, mind not even processing your whereabouts as you quickly attempted to flee.

Your mind was in shambles as you ducked past clothes lines and the multiple abandoned carts near one of the taverns by the tea shop you worked at.

Turning around another corner, you collided with a strong chest, and you stumbled back at the sight of San's dark eyes peering down at you with a miffed expression. You gasped, face draining of color and chest heaving as you stumbled back and away from him. His chest rose with heavy breathing, brows knitted together furiously as he scurried after you.

"Y/n, y/n," he tsked in amusement, voice chiming like he was singing a song, "Come back, I just want to talk!"

Minutes later, the sound of his heavy footsteps ceased, but you did not have the time or courage to look back to see if he was still following you. You scrambled through dark alleyways, turning around every other corner, heart beating frantically in your ears and weak legs threatening to give way under your weight.

Tears prickled your eyes, and a sob threatened to escape your throat as you practically threw yourself against the frame of your door, fingers frantically reaching down to pull out the key from your pouch. From the corner of your eye, you spotted San madly dashing out from an alleyway to reach you, his voice growling out your name.

"Why are you running away?" He mocked, brows quirking up, "I thought we were good friends?"

Your trembling hands scrambled to unlock your door, hastily clambering in and throwing your entire weight to close it shut. A heavy weight from the other side thudded against the wooden frame, and your hands shook whilst reaching up to slide the chain into place. A loud gasp left your lips as the door jerked open slightly, the thin chain straining under the weight that threatened to break it.

"I'm hurt, y/n," a laugh escaped the man from the other side as he lodged his foot in between to keep the door ajar, voice rising as he attempted to shove himself in once more, "Don't you miss me?"

"Leave me alone!"

A hand shot from the gap of the door to clamp around the chain, rattling it viciously, as his other arm bent at an awkward angle to coil his fingers around the side of your neck, "Come out, y/n. I just want to talk," he chimed.

A sudden surge of strength overtook your frame and you threw your weight forward, successfully ramming the door shut against his arms. You expected to hear a cry of pain, but a chime of laughter sent a chill down your spine. With furrowed brows, you repeated the action, slamming the door continuously onto his hands and fingers, the sounds of bones and tendons snapping making you cry out in anguish.

Your hands trembled as you quickly locked the door with the key, stumbling back onto the floor as the knob shook threateningly. The door and chain rattled under the heavy kicks the male delivered from the other side, The impact of his frame against the other side shaking the door slightly. You fell onto your bottom, wobbly knees finally giving in, hands clutching your gaping mouth, and tears silently streaming down your face. You can practically feel the smile in his words, "It's okay. You'll come out eventually."

The dark shadow of his figure disappeared moments later.

When you woke, you weren't exactly sure when or how you fell asleep. You couldn't quite grasp the memories of the night prior. Sitting up, you emit a disoriented groan before realizing you weren't in your bedroom, but rather in the waiting room in the hospital Yeosang resided in. Peering around in confusion, you took account of the night sky, brows furrowing as you scrambled to find the nearest clock. It was well past midnight and visitors weren't even allowed at this ungodly hour.

The room was vacant, and you couldn't make out any figures of the receptionists through the pebbled sliding-windows. Your hand grasped the doorknob of the entrance door, only for you to sigh in frustration after finding it locked. You turn to the other side of the room only to find the door to the main halls of the ICU left ajar ever so slightly.

You called for any doctor or nurse, but you were met with silence. After much contemplating, you decided to make your way through the long corridors of the hospital, your steps reverberating throughout the empty halls. Where are the attendants, and why is a place like the ICU empty?

If you were stuck in here, you might as well stay in your friend's room. The lights from the mounted sconces petered out against the wall and casted the hallway with a warm glow.

After much turning and walking, you reached the end of the hall, hand reaching for the doorknob when the hallway lights wavered for a second. You peered to the side in confusion, before entering the room, only to stop after a step.

The room was empty, the sheets on the bed untouched and perfectly made. A hiss of air from the corridor startled you, and just as you snapped your head back, the lightbulb above you flickered rapidly before it shattered along with the windows, showering your shocked form with glass shards.

The room was engulfed in darkness, save for the streaks of moonlight filtering past the curtains. You jostled up from where you fell from shock, legs feeling useless as you crawled back out of the room with trembling limbs. Not wanting to look back, you clutched the wall for support before hastily speeding through the endless turns of the hallway.

Corner after corner, panic settled through your system because these were definitely not the same hallway layouts you remembered and memorized like the back of your hand. They were endless and vacant, and you felt like a helpless little mouse in a vast maze. As you quickened your pace into a panicked dash, the windows and light sconces on the wall flickered and shattered with every step you took, and you hastily covered your head and face from the flying glass.

This isn't real, you thought. It can't be real.

"Y/n!"

You froze in your spot, breath caught in your throat as you clamped a hand over your mouth to swallow back a scream threatening to slip past your lips. Did you hear correctly, or was that part of your imagination?

"Y/n," the familiar voice spoke once more.

Your heart hammered against your ribcage as you daringly poked your head from the corner and into the other hallway. Blood pounded past your ears, and it took more than a second to realize there was a figure of a man at the end of the very long and dark corridor.

He took a step forward and the soft moonlight pouring from the window beside him illuminated his figure, and your breath faltered at the sight of the man's smiling face.

"Seonghwa?"

"What are you running away from, y/n?"

You couldn't properly form a reply at his remark, hands reaching up to rub at your tear pricked eyes. A sob bubbled its way up to escape your throat at the sight of your late friend who merely chuckled at your tears.

"Missed me that much, hm?" he mused, shoulders shaking with an amused chortle, "Why don't you come here and give me hug? You know I don't like seeing you cry."

You couldn't help it as a gnawing feeling of unrest settled in the pit of your stomach. A shudder traveled down your spine, goosebumps decorating your arms, and hair standing on the back of your neck. Your mind couldn't pinpoint what exactly it was that had you so disturbed, but your body displayed all the signs. His tone felt off, and you realize he's playing with you. Toying with you. A small distant voice in your head told you to get away.

A sudden thought found its ways into your mind.

Where was his shadow?

Sensing your hesitation, the friendly expression on his face soon dropped, making way for a stone-cold frown and unamused eyes.

"Y/n."

His cold voice snapped you out of your thoughts, and you take a hesitant step back, words slipping out before you even processed them, "I know you're not real."

The feral look that overtakes his expression has you reeling back, and you took off running in the opposite direction. Glass crunches beneath your shoes as you dashed from corridor to corridor, lungs burning and muscles aching from the rush of adrenaline. He called for you repeatedly, and you didn't dare turn back to see how far he's caught up with you. With every turn, his voice grew louder and closer, before a flash of black sends you flying back onto the floor. Your body skids onto the ground, shards of glass pricking at your skin. With a rush of adrenaline fueling your system, you hardly wince as you scrambled back from the towering figure, glass piercing your skin in the process.

You feel an excruciating burst of pain in your foot, and before you had the opportunity to pull your leg back, he slams his foot down onto your ankle once more, grinding the joint roughly with his boot. A loud cry of pain escapes your throat and you to struggle wildly to escape his unrelenting grip.

You glance up and through your tears, you make out the gleam of a large piece of glass in Seonghwa's hands, his threatening, blown out pupils pinning you down like trapped prey. Turning the large shard in his hand to examine it, he hums sarcastically before peering down at you with a quirked brow, "You know, I'm offended." Kneeling down to your level, he traces your cheek with a glass, watching your skin split at the action and beads of blood oozing out from the scratch, "And here I thought we were such good, close friends."

Without missing a beat, your hands flew to grasp the shard, roughly ripping it into the soft tissue of his eye and slipping past his frame to stagger to the nearest broken window. You hear a groan from behind you as he doubles over in shock, blood overflowing from his ruptured eye and spilling down his scowling face. Pain surged with every step you took, but if this was your only option to escape, you think maybe the idea of couple of broken bones doesn't sound too bad.

Hastily, you stepped over the windowsill, your arms and legs catching on the jagged teeth of glass remaining, your clothes tearing in the process. You took a sharp inhale before curiously taking a look back at Seonghwa one last time. The sight of him lunging after you has you falling forward and out of the window. It felt as if gravity had slowed the pace of your fall, and you held eye contact with Seonghwa as your frame descended down from the third story floor. Darkness fogged your eyesight, his figure vanishing within the black abyss.

The impact hit you like a truck, and you sat up with a loud intake of breath on your warm bed. Your chest heaved heavily as you took in your surroundings. You suddenly realize you're in Wooyoung and Yeosang's shared room that hasn't been occupied in months. Your eyes fall onto your feet, and your brows furrow in confusion as a sudden thought invades your head.

You faintly remember your ankle being crushed, but it seemed to feel just fine now. When you attempted to recall why you thought it had been broken, it felt like your mind was searching for a forgotten and fragmented memory. After calming your breathing and thoughts, you sit up to go and find your friend.

You called Wooyoung's name repeatedly, but the silence you were met with indicated he wasn't home.

Peering into your room, you hoped to find him sleeping, however your eyes landed on the wall, the sight of messily painted words catching your attention almost immediately.

Where there are flowers, there are butterflies.

Painted flowers and butterflies littered the wall, the excess ink dripping down into lines onto the wooden floorboards.

"Do you like it?"

You jumped at the voice behind you, swiftly turning around to meet the sight of a familiar head of blue hair. You stood there, mouth agape as you silently stared long and hard at the man that once held and loved you in his arms. A long silence followed suit, hanging in the air like the calm before a storm. A breeze hardly stirred from the open window and not a sound could be heard save for the pounding of your heartbeat in your ears.

The forbidding, subtle grin displayed on his features filled you with dread, and the mere sight of him gave your brain a debilitating shock. Your knees couldn't hold your weight any longer, and with buckling limbs, you were sent crashing down onto the floor, the look of disbelief and horror never leaving your expression.

You stared at him but it felt like you couldn't quite focus your gaze on him as he peered down at you in mock pity, a condescending smile playing on his lips. His dark gaze seared you as he crouched down to meet your eye level, hand reaching to cup your cheek as he leaned in to press numerous kisses onto your lips. The gesture was void of the warmth and care you remembered, and you sat still as he trailed fleeting kisses down your the column of your neck, his lips attaching fervently onto your clavicles.

"I missed you so much," you began, catching his attention. Pulling away from your irritated flesh, he quirked his brows at your words, hands brushing the hair out of your face as he let out a chuckle. His finely-chiseled face, illuminated by the oil lamps on the wall, broke into a fond expression. Pulling you close to his frame, he pressed your head against his chest, head dipping to kiss into your hair.

"Do you really?" Your brows furrowed slightly, eyes blinking away the tears as you wrapped your arms around his torso, head pressed against his chest. It's been too long without the feeling of your lover's arms around you. It's just been way too long for you, "If you miss me that much then-"

While nuzzling his chest, you come to realization he lacked a heartbeat, and with that thought striking your mind like lightning, you detached yourself from his form instantly. He eyed your trembling form without any sign of amusement.

"Don't look at me like that!" Cowering back against the wall, you broke into screams of despair, fingers pulling handfuls of your hair as you shook your head rapidly, "You're dead— you're not real!" you slapped the heels of your palms against your temple repeatedly, eyes scrunched shut, "Not real! Not real! This is all just my imagination!"

He released a chilling laugh that traveled down your spine and left your fingers and toes numbingly cold. A sudden gust of wind sent the crispy, autumn leaves scampering wildly into the window while also extinguishing the lamplights that illuminated the room, plunging it into darkness.

You only had a second to register his close proximity, your pupils dilating instantly, before a hand latched onto your throat, ramming your head back against the wall in the process. His vice-like, lithe fingers squeezed around your windpipe, successfully blocking your air flow as you squirmed in his relentless hold, lungs burning and diaphragm spasming.

"You'll join me so we can be together again, hm?"

The fist around your throat choked your response, and he tilted his head with a mocking smile, "I'm sorry, what was that?"

His hold only faltered ever so slightly to give you enough air to speak, "I don't want to die," your reply was a little more than a ghost of a breath.

"But, baby," his fingers coiled around your neck, pressing unforgivingly hard until your darkening vision littered with stars, "don't you realize you're already on the brink of death. Just give in, y/n. Don't keep fighting."

The silence of the atmosphere contributed to the solemnity in the air, and despite the clear blue skies and warm sun, there was a relentless chill in Wooyoung's heart. The black-haired male crouched down over the grave, gently placing a small bundle of roses onto the base of the tombstone.

"Happy birthday, Joong," he mused sadly, his puffy, tired eyes flickering over to the sides where the other tombstones lay.

"I'm so sorry for breaking my promise," he blinked rapidly to rid himself of the stinging tears threatening to spill, nose scrunching slightly as he sniffled, "I should've been there that day- shouldn't have let y/n come here alone- and.."

"You know nothing was your fault, Woo. Stop blaming yourself for something you had no control of."

A hand clutched his shoulder, and he peered with tear-filled eyes to give the blonde male a grateful smile, before turning back to the grave, "Yeosang's awake now though and- and the doctors said that y/n's case isn't as bad as his was, so we have hope."

"Y/n is a stubborn fighter," Yeosang offered the other a small smile, crouching down to rub his trembling friend's back, "Everything will be okay in due time."

"I hope so.. and I hope you'll forgive me, Hongjoong," Wooyoung murmured, watching two small butterflies flutter and chase each other around the blossoming flowers atop of Hongjoong's grave.