The Next Chapter Room

Tag: writing

  • The Ambiguous Ghost

    The Ambiguous Ghost

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    The ghost is not fully formed. The possibility of it is there. I sense it before I see anything. Not a presence exactly. More of a shift. The room feels slightly less empty than it should. The light holds longer in the corners. The air pauses, as if waiting to be noticed. When I look,…

  • The Party

    The Party

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    It was almost exactly a year ago. We had just reconnected after a few weeks apart.The distance came from another party.A rupture.One where he had been inappropriate with another woman in front of me. Still, I was hopeful. It was his younger daughter’s party.I arrived early, at his house first. A small pre-gathering before the…

  • The Emotional Impact of Abrupt Endings: A Personal Reflection.

    The Emotional Impact of Abrupt Endings: A Personal Reflection.

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    I want to write about something quietly painful.Not to accuse.Not to analyse.Not to blame. Just to name what it felt like. Twice within a few months, the same connection ended abruptly. There was no space to stay with what was happening, no shared pause, no holding of the moment as it unravelled. What stayed with…

  • The Frosted Glass Kiosk.

    The Frosted Glass Kiosk.

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    The kiosk was made of frosted glass. You could see the outline of the person inside.A shape moving.Hands arranging something.A silhouette leaning forward when someone approached. From the outside, it felt safe.Contained.Orderly. She worked inside it. People came up to the small opening at the counter.Ordered what they needed.Exchanged a few polite words.Moved on. She…

  • Flourishing in the Second Half

    Flourishing in the Second Half

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in ,

    The WordPress daily prompt today posed a question that requires some thought. What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? As I get older, the idea becomes more appealing. I am 55 years old and have just completed my nursing degree, becoming a registered nurse. In many ways, I feel…

  • Becoming a Registered Nurse at 55: It’s Never Too Late to Start Over

    Becoming a Registered Nurse at 55: It’s Never Too Late to Start Over

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in ,

    At 55, I have just gained my nursing registration. For me, that is proof that it is never too late to begin again. For a long time, this dream sat quietly in the background of my life. At times, it was strong and clear. At other times, it was almost drowned out by the responsibilities…