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By Mohamed Miah In the ancient world, rivers like the Euphrates coursed through the heart of civilisations, nurturing life, creating boundaries, and holding spiritual significance. Today, those same lands remain battlefields of control—places where wars are fought, civilisations are erased, and the seeds of future conflicts are sown. But what if these wars, genocides, and
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What’s something most people don’t know about you? If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ve probably gotten used to my musings on charity, family, and the joys of life—but today, I thought I’d let you in on something a little more personal. Something most people don’t know about me: I have OCD.
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Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive? When it comes to lazy days, the answer depends on the weather, and how I’m feeling. But if I had to choose, I’d say they usually leave me feeling more rested than unproductive. There’s something about slowing down and embracing those simple pleasures that can feel
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When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why? When the word “successful” comes up, there are countless names and faces that might flash through your mind. Entrepreneurs, athletes, visionaries, or perhaps even historical figures. But for me, the first name that stands out is Sir Alex
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What makes a good neighbor? What does it mean to be a good neighbour? For me, it boils down to one simple rule: live and let live. It’s a balance between respect, boundaries, and a sense of community—without invading anyone’s personal space. We all need a peaceful place to retreat after a long day, and
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What could you try for the first time? When I first thought about answering the question, “What could I try for the first time?” my instinctive response was simple: I’m content. I’ve tried most things in life, for better or worse, and I’ve come out the other side stronger, evolved, and secure in myself. It’s
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What principles define how you live? When I sit down and think about the things that shape how I live, it’s a bit like trying to find order in chaos. Life throws all sorts at you, but there are a few principles that I try to hang on to, even when things get messy. First
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What have you been putting off doing? Why? Exercise. That’s the one thing I’ve been avoiding, though it haunts me daily. If I’m honest, it’s more than just avoiding—I’ve been putting it off because I can’t seem to do it the way I used to, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow. Let me take
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When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)? When you’re the eldest of your siblings, there’s an unspoken understanding that responsibility comes early. From a young age, I always felt like I had to be the one in charge, the one thinking ahead. I wasn’t just playing with toys—I
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If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to? If I had a million pounds, I’d know exactly what to do with it—but it all depends on how that money came to me. Let’s say it was pure luck. Maybe I won the lottery, or someone left me an
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What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail. We’ve all been asked that classic ‘what would you do if you were guaranteed not to fail?’ question at some point. It’s funny really, because the answers people come up with can be quite wild. Some would pick the winning lottery numbers, others
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What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself? Retirement used to be this golden dream, didn’t it? A quiet life after decades of hard work, watching the sunset with a cup of tea in hand. But if you ask me, that dream has become a bit of a fantasy, something that only the
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By Mohamed Miah There’s something deeply unsettling about the way time governs our lives. From the moment we wake up to the chime of an alarm, to the endless cycles of work and productivity, we are tethered to a system that feels inescapable. But what if I told you that time, as we know it,
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By Mohamed Miah In 1969, the world watched in awe as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. The event was hailed as a triumph of human ingenuity, scientific progress, and the limitless possibilities of space exploration. It marked the culmination of years of effort to push the
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Who are your favorite artists? When someone asks me, “Who’s your favorite artist?” my immediate reaction is, “It depends.” Art is so much more than paint on a canvas—it transcends mediums, from music to photography, from film to football. So, to give you a proper answer, let me break it down across different forms of
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What is your favorite hobby or pastime? When someone asks me about my favourite hobby or pastime, I pause for a moment—not because I don’t have one, but because I feel like I’m drawn to so many different things. At different points in my life, I’ve found joy in everything from cooking to capturing a
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By Mohamed Miah They lived on the edge. Artists, scientists, writers, thinkers—some of the most brilliant minds in history, they burned so intensely that it consumed them. For many of these geniuses, creativity wasn’t just a product of intellect; it was a force born out of madness, rage, and an overwhelming drive to create. Behind
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What would you do if you lost all your possessions? What would you do if you lost all your possessions? It’s a big question, isn’t it? Most people would panic, immediately thinking about the inconvenience, the loss of comfort, or the cost of replacing what’s gone. But for me, the answer is quite simple: nothing.
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What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind? It’s never easy to admit when you’ve been misled, but here I am, confessing my past naivety. If there’s one topic I’ve dramatically changed my mind about, it’s Brexit. And honestly, it’s embarrassing. I fell for the lies, the deceit, and the shiny promises
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Tell us about a time when you felt out of place. There’s a certain discomfort that comes over me whenever I find myself in the background, following someone else’s lead. It’s not that I mind listening or learning from others—there’s always value in that—but it’s in those moments when I know I should be the
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Your life without a computer: what does it look like? Imagine a world where the most complex piece of tech you carried in your pocket was a Nokia 3310. A world where the idea of working on a computer all day was something only a select few did. For a 90s kid like me, this
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What skill would you like to learn? As I sit down to reflect on the skills I want to improve, two areas immediately come to mind—photography, particularly film photography, and storytelling through writing. Both are important to how I express myself, and each brings its own set of challenges that push me to grow, learn,
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What details of your life could you pay more attention to? When it comes to reflecting on the details of my life that need more attention, it all starts with my faith. As a Muslim, the core foundation of my life is deeply tied to the five pillars of Islam, and I feel that making
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I James, Jim, and John were three peas in a pod. Everyone knew them as the inseparable trio, always together, yet always different in their own ways. James was the fun one, the one everyone wanted to be around. He would light up any room, bringing smiles and energy wherever he went. Jim was quieter,
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What’s your #1 priority tomorrow? As Sunday evening rolls around, the weekend vibes are starting to fade, and there’s a looming reality we all face—the workweek is just around the corner. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Ugh, here we go again!” But let’s be real—whether you’re gearing up for work, college, school, or just
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In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled? In a world where shortcuts and easy gains often tempt us, there’s something truly satisfying about earning an honest, halal living. For me, hard work isn’t just about clocking in the hours; it’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing I’ve earned my
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What’s the trait you value most about yourself? When asked what trait I value most about myself, the answer comes easily: empathy. In a world that often feels cold and divided, empathy is what keeps me grounded. It’s the trait that makes me care deeply about the people around me and stand against injustice in
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List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter. Ever since I was young, creativity has been in my blood. I love thinking deeply, critically, and expressing myself through various forms of art, but let’s face it—creativity doesn’t always pay the bills. As much as I love immersing myself in writing and photography, there’s
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What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in? I’ve always been deeply proud of my cultural heritage. Being both British and Bangladeshi means that I carry both worlds within me, though it wasn’t always easy to balance that. I have countless fond memories from both the UK and Bangladesh,
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What brands do you associate with? Growing up, I never had the luxury of fancy brands. Coming from a poor household, I watched as other kids in school flaunted their Nike sneakers and flashy sportswear, and it wasn’t easy. I remember longing to fit in, to be part of that club where status was stamped
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What could you do more of? In life, we often ask ourselves, “What could I do more of?” For me, it’s become clear: more exercise, more walking, and more time spent behind the lens of my camera. There’s something beautifully simple yet powerful in the act of walking—a form of exercise that’s as ancient as
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Growing up, I’ve been given a lot of advice. The tricky part? Actually listening and taking it to heart. It’s funny how advice often sticks more deeply after life has knocked you down a few times. One thing’s for sure: my dad’s words seem to echo
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What things give you energy? Have you ever stopped to think about what truly energises you? I mean, what makes you feel alive, driven, and ready to take on the world? It’s easy to lose sight of these things when life gets busy, but recently, I’ve been reflecting on this. So, here are some of
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I Jiya tugged at the handle of her wardrobe, staring blankly at the array of perfectly arranged clothes. Each item had its place, each fold meticulous—just like her mother taught her. She closed the door and sighed, feeling the familiar weight of anxiety settle in her chest. Every morning began like this—a routine that felt
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What’s your all-time favorite album? Music, to me, is like a time machine. The songs, albums, and artists we listen to at different stages in life reflect not only our tastes but also the emotions, experiences, and growth we go through. When people ask, “What’s your all-time favourite album?” the question feels almost impossible to
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Which topics would you like to be more informed about? In a world where information is at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume we’re well-informed. But how often do we question the sources we rely on? For me, the days of watching TV news and reading newspapers are long gone. Mainstream media, with its political
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What would your life be like without music? Growing up, music was a constant companion in my life, evoking deep emotions and creating a soundtrack to my experiences. I was especially captivated by Bollywood, with one of the first tracks that truly made an impact on me being Jumma Chumma. The energy, the power of
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How do you celebrate holidays? Holidays have always been about more than just a break from the daily grind. For me, they are about connecting deeply with my faith and those closest to me. As a Muslim, my main celebrations revolve around Ramadan and the two Eids, but I also take advantage of English bank
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Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail. Let me take you on a journey through some of my most memorable culinary disasters. You see, cooking and I haven’t always had the most harmonious relationship. In fact, we were more like frenemies for a good while. But, like with any great saga, there’s growth,
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Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life. Looking back on life, there are so many lessons I wish I had learned earlier. Like most people, I think about how much smoother things could have gone if I’d just listened to my parents more. But here’s the catch—if I hadn’t made those
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What are your favorite types of foods? It’s funny how our tastes change over time, and food is no exception. When I was younger, like many kids, my diet revolved around plain, comforting junk food—burgers, chips, pizza, and nuggets. There was something about the simplicity of it all, and at that age, that was enough
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How often do you walk or run? When it comes to walking or running, I have a simple answer: I don’t run unless I have to. It’s just not something I naturally gravitate towards. Walking, however, finds its place in my day through necessity—whether it’s for errands, shopping, or simply moving about at home. But
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Do you see yourself as a leader? Leadership is often painted as a role of power, decision-making, and commanding authority. But for me, leadership is something different—something more personal and intentional. It’s about listening to people, really hearing what they have to say, and understanding their strengths. My approach is to highlight those strengths while
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What’s your favorite word? We all have that one word. That one expression we lean on, whether we’re trying to smooth things over, make someone feel appreciated, or just get what we need without sounding rude. For me, that word is “thanks.” Close behind, waving its polite little hand, is “please.” Now, I know what
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What are you doing this evening? After a busy day of navigating work, my evening will start with that satisfying feeling of closing the laptop and transitioning into family mode. Once I’m done with work, the kitchen becomes my domain, where I’ll be preparing dinner for the family. Cooking, for me, is more than just
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What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you? In my life, I’ve encountered all kinds of people, and over time, I’ve become pretty clear on what really rubs me the wrong way. A lot of this comes down to personality traits that are not just annoying, but deeply revealing of a person’s
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Describe your ideal week. I try to balance the demands of work, faith, family, and everything in between. It’s not always perfect, but this rhythm helps me stay grounded and, most importantly, content. Monday: Mindful BeginningsMondays are all about setting the tone for the week. I like to start early, beginning the day with Fajr
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By Mohamed Miah In the natural world, untouched by human hands, harmony reigns. Ecosystems function with an innate balance, a give-and-take that sustains life in ways we can barely comprehend. Predators and prey, plants and pollinators, oceans and forests—each element plays its role in maintaining this delicate equilibrium. But when humans intervene, driven by greed
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Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why. For me, Eric Cantona was the epitome of an athlete. He embodied everything I admire in a sportsman. He was a maverick—determined, skilful, and unpredictable. On his day, he was simply unplayable, almost magical. Watching him play was like witnessing poetry in motion. You didn’t
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By Mohamed Miah In the world of mathematics, there exists a simple yet perplexing problem known as the Collatz conjecture. On the surface, it appears as a straightforward sequence, but for decades, it has defied solution, leaving even the brightest minds scratching their heads. However, what if the Collatz conjecture was never meant to be
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How do you relax? In the whirlwind of daily life, carving out moments of relaxation is essential. For me, this tranquility starts with the simple joys of family. Sharing a home-cooked meal with my wife and children or unwinding with them at the end of a busy day offers a comforting sanctuary. These cherished moments
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By Mohamed Miah In our vast existence, every atom plays its part. We often view death as an end, a cessation of life, where our physical forms disintegrate and return to the earth. But what if death is not an end, but a continuation—a transformation rather than a termination? What if, as our bodies break
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If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be? If I had to give up one word, it would be “okay.” It’s a word I use far too often, and it tends to lead me into situations where I’m saying “yes” when I really should be setting boundaries.
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By Mohamed Miah In a world increasingly dominated by science and technology, it’s easy to view numbers and equations as the ultimate arbiters of truth, stripped of any deeper meaning beyond their cold, calculated precision. Yet, for those who look closer, particularly through the lens of faith, mathematics reveals itself as more than just a
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Are you holding a grudge? About? In my younger days, I often found myself holding onto grudges. Back then, I saw it as a form of determination—a way to protect myself and ensure that I wasn’t taken advantage of or overlooked. Holding onto a grudge felt like a way to maintain control, to settle scores,
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By Mohamed Miah In human existence we often pride ourselves on the advances that set us apart from the animal kingdom—our intellect, our civilisations, and our capacity for reason. Yet, beneath these layers of sophistication, there lurk primal instincts that we share with our animal counterparts. The struggle for dominance, the drive for reproduction, and
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Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home. As someone who has always cherished the ties to my heritage and the allure of exploration, my travels have taken me on journeys that are as varied as they are meaningful. The furthest I’ve traveled in the world has brought me not only across
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What does your ideal home look like? My ideal home is a perfect blend of modern technology, comfort, and style. It’s a place where I can relax and enjoy time with my family, surrounded by the things I love. The house is filled with smart home gadgets, seamlessly integrated for convenience. The design is sleek
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How are you feeling right now? I’m feeling a mix of excitement and a little bit of overwhelm right now. I’ve recently launched a website that I’m truly passionate about, where I get to share pieces of my heart—my photography, poems, and short stories—with the world. Creating this space has been a dream come true,
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Why do you blog? I blog because it allows me to document and share the many layers of my life, reflecting both my passions and my identity. Through “The Narratives,” I create a space where I can explore and express what matters most to me—from the nuances of my family life, my love for photography,
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What brings a tear of joy to your eye? Every time I reflect on my family, it brings a tear of joy to my eye. The thought of my wife, who has been my partner for over 19 years, fills me with immense gratitude. We’ve grown together, facing life’s challenges hand in hand, and built
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Chapter 1 Stuart sat on the porch of his suburban home, the glass of iced tea in his hand growing slick with condensation as he watched the sun dip below the horizon. The sky was awash with shades of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the neatly trimmed lawn. This peaceful setting was a stark
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
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I drop you home and make sure your smile doesn’t fade. A piece of my heart remains with you. I remember the good times and all the games we played. It’s hard remaining honest and true. I get home and find all the things you made. Even having all your things, it doesn’t stop me
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In moonlight’s glow, her radiance would soar, Lips like roses, elegance she wore, Through nights, we’d share our dreams, our fears, Till dawn would break, wiping our tears. Beneath the sun, a library’s embrace, Or a college bench, our secret space, Her coat, a gift, to keep her warm, A hug exchanged in the morning’s
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One day, my eyes will cease to wander, One day, I’ll stop searching for you, One day, I won’t needlessly ponder, One day, I may not care about you. But today, I still seek you in every passing car, Today, I still wonder where you are, Today, I still pray you’re safe and
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In youth, I pondered questions deep, At four or five, my thoughts would sweep. Money and the homeless, I’d contemplate, Hoping for a world where all could partake. Within my home, a tempestuous scene, My parents’ volatile bond, often unseen. Dad, battling demons, bipolar and more, In the 80s, medication was a scarce shore. Two
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In a bustling city filled with gadgets of all shapes and sizes, there lived a smartphone named Jack. Jack was sleek, shiny, and very proud of himself. He could do it all—take photos, play music, write notes, and make calls. “I’m the best,” Jack often said to himself, “Why would anyone need anything else?” One
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
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In Gaza’s wounded heart, where children’s laughter dies, Where screams and tears are louder than the bombs that fill the skies, Parents mourn their children, lost in the unjust fight, Palestinian brothers and sisters, brave and strong, will never give up their right. In the West Bank they defy, courage shining in their eyes, Fearless,
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James walked briskly up the steps to the entrance of the small hotel, barely noticing the chipped paint on the once-grand door. It had been a long day at work, and all he could think about was collapsing into the comfort of his room. The doorman, an old man with a perpetually furrowed brow and
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Rahul’s house sat nestled in a quiet, tree-lined avenue in East London, a classic terraced house with a charm that spoke of history. The red-bricked façade was neatly kept, with tall, slender trees casting dappled shadows over the front steps. Inside, the house was clean and tidy, a reflection of his mother’s meticulous nature, but
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The Old House The old house sat on a hill, surrounded by overgrown woods and shrouded in mystery. It had once been part of a thriving village, but now it stood alone, its windows dark and its paint peeling. The war had swept through the area, leaving behind a ghost town. A group of soldiers,
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You can now buy any of my prints. If something here catches your eye, get in touch or visit the-narratives.front.photography.
The Narratives - Mohamed Miah 