I came home early from my business trip to surprise my husband. But instead of a warm welcome, I found him in the garden, drenched in sweat and burying a large black egg. He wouldn’t tell me the truth, so I dug deeper myself. What I found sent my heart racing.

I hadn’t slept in days. The Chicago business conference had dragged on, each presentation blending into the next until I couldn’t take it anymore. Three years of marriage, and lately, Ben and I had been like ships passing in the night, him with his investment banking and me with my consulting work. When my last meeting finished early, I decided to surprise him with an early return.

“You’re really skipping the closing ceremony?” my colleague Linda asked, watching me pack my laptop. “The VP’s giving the keynote. Could be good for your promotion.”

I zipped my bag with finality. “For once, my marriage comes first. Ben and I haven’t had a real conversation in weeks.”

“Regina, putting love before career?” she smiled. “Must be serious.”

“It is.” I checked my phone, calculating times. “If I leave now, I can catch the 6 p.m. flight and surprise my hubby.”

“Go get your man,” Linda winked. “But text me when you land. These surprise returns don’t always go as planned.”

If only she knew how right she’d be.

The setting sun cast long shadows across our front lawn as I wearily pulled into the driveway after a long, exhausting flight. My hands trembled slightly as I killed the engine. The house stood quiet, warm lights glowing behind drawn curtains.

Something felt off the moment I stepped inside. The house was eerily quiet. Through the kitchen window, I could see dirty dishes in the sink — so unlike my usually meticulous husband.

“Ben?” I called softly, letting myself in. No answer.

The house felt different somehow. Mail was scattered across the coffee table, including several official-looking envelopes marked “URGENT.”

A half-empty cup of coffee with a lipstick-like ring of dried coffee around its rim sat beside Ben’s laptop.

Assuming he was holed up in his office as usual, I decided to check on my garden first. The tomatoes should have ripened by now, and tending to them would help me unwind after the flight.

But as I approached the garden doors and stepped into the backyard, I FROZE.

Ben stood in the middle of our vegetable garden, between the tomato plants he’d been so proud of just weeks ago. His shirt was stained dark with sweat and his sleeves rolled up as he dug into the earth like a man possessed.

But it wasn’t his frantic movements that made my blood run cold. It was the LARGE, OBSIDIAN-BLACK EGG sitting beside him.

The thing was enormous, at least two feet tall, its surface gleaming like polished glass under the evening light. As I watched, frozen, Ben kept glancing at it between shovel loads, his movements growing more desperate.

“Just a little deeper,” I heard him mutter. “Has to be deep enough to bury this thing.”

My hand flew to my mouth. Was this really happening? I blinked hard, convinced I was hallucinating from travel exhaustion. But the scene remained unchanged — my husband, digging what looked like a grave for some alien artifact in our backyard.

“Ben?” I called out softly, careful not to startle him.

He whirled around, shovel clattering against something metal in the hole. His face, usually so composed, was pale with panic. A streak of dirt ran across his cheek, and I noticed his hands were shaking.

“REGINA?” He shrieked, his voice trembling and loud. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

“I came home early to surprise you.” I took a step closer, gravel crunching under my feet. The egg seemed to pulse in the lamplight, drawing my eyes. “Though I think I’m the one who’s surprised. What is THAT thing?”

“It’s NOTHING.” His words came too fast, too sharp. He moved to stand between me and the egg. “Reggie, just go inside, honey. You shouldn’t be here.”

“Nothing? Ben, I don’t think that’s ‘NOTHING.’ What is it? What’s going on?”

“I’ll explain later. Please go inside.”

“Later?” I gestured at the hole he’d been digging. “You’re burying something that looks like it came from a sci-fi movie in our garden at sunset, and you want me to wait for an explanation?”

Ben ran his fingers through his hair, leaving streaks of dirt across his forehead. His eyes darted between me and the street as if expecting someone.

“Please, Regina. Trust me on this. I’m just doing what needs to be done. I’m handling it.”

“Handling what exactly?” My voice rose. “Because from where I’m standing, my husband is either having some kind of breakdown or—”

“I said I’m handling it!” The force in his voice made me step back. In three years of marriage, I’d never heard him shout.

“Fine.” I turned toward the house, tears stinging my eyes. “Handle it yourself. Just like you’ve been handling everything else lately.”

“Reggie, wait—” He reached for me, but I pulled away.

“Don’t. Just… don’t.”

Sleep evaded me that night. Ben never came to bed, and the couch creaked periodically with his restless movements. Around 3 a.m., I heard the back door open and close. Through the bedroom window, I watched him check on the place where he’d buried the mysterious egg, pacing around it like a sentry.

What’s wrong with him? What is he hiding from me?

Morning came too quickly. I waited until Ben’s car disappeared down the street before grabbing the garden shovel. My hands trembled as I approached the freshly turned earth. I HAD TO DIG UP THAT THING!

“What are you hiding, Ben?” I whispered, pushing the shovel into the soft dirt.

It took 20 minutes of digging before I hit something solid. The egg was surprisingly light when I unearthed it, though my arms shook with the effort.

Up close, its surface felt wrong — not like shell, but like… plastic? I twisted it slightly, and to my shock, it separated in the middle like some oversized Easter egg.

Empty. Completely empty except for more layers of black plastic.

“Regina?” Someone called out from behind.

I jumped, nearly dropping the egg. Our elderly neighbor, Mr. Chen, peered over the fence, his eyes fixed on the object in my hands.

“I saw someone in your garden late last night,” he said slowly. “Everything okay?”

“Fine,” I said quickly, hiding the egg behind me. “Just… gardening.”

His expression said he didn’t believe me, but he nodded politely and disappeared. I waited until I heard his door close before examining the egg more closely. The craftsmanship was impressive, but it was definitely artificial. What had Ben gotten himself into?

My mind raced through possibilities. This wasn’t just about a buried object. It was about Ben’s bizarre behavior and the way he was terrified when he saw me home early.

Something bigger was happening. Something that made my usually steady-handed husband dig like a madman in our backyard.

With trembling fingers, I wrapped the egg in an old blanket and tucked it behind the lawn equipment in our garage. It was out of sight, but not out of mind.

“Think, Regina, think,” I muttered, pacing the concrete floor. “Maybe this was some elaborate joke? A midlife crisis? Or something far more sinister?”

I dragged myself to the car, hoping work might distract me from this madness.

The radio clicked on automatically as I started the engine. The news anchor’s voice cut through my fog of exhaustion, making my blood run cold:

“Breaking news: Local authorities have uncovered a massive counterfeit operation targeting antique collectors. The scammers sold fake antiques, including unique black egg-shaped plastic containers, to unsuspecting buyers. Total losses are estimated in the millions…”

My coffee cup slipped from my fingers, splashing across the dashboard. The pieces started falling into place. That evening, I placed the egg on our kitchen table and waited. When Ben walked in, his briefcase hit the floor with a thud.

“Reggie, I-I can explain—”

“How much did you pay for this thing?” I cut him off.

He sank into a chair, his shoulders slumped. “Fifteen thousand.”

“Jesus, Ben.”

“I wanted to surprise you.” His voice cracked. “This guy at work, he said he knew someone selling rare artifacts. Said the egg was some ancient fertility symbol that would triple in value within a year.”

He pressed his palms against his eyes. “I used our savings. I was going to sell it and take you on that European trip you’ve always wanted.”

“The trip we’ve been saving for? That we’ve talked about for years?” My voice quavered. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“Because I’m an idiot who got scammed like some naive teenager. I was so ashamed.” He looked up, eyes red-rimmed. “Things have been so tight lately, with your mom’s medical bills and the house repairs. I just wanted to fix everything.”

“By gambling our savings on some stranger’s promise?”

“I know, I know.” He slumped forward. “When I realized it was fake, I couldn’t face you. Couldn’t admit I’d thrown away our money on a plastic egg.”

“We’ll figure this out,” I said, moving around the table to take his hand. “But no more secrets, okay? We’re supposed to be partners.”

“I filed a police report this morning,” Ben added. “They said we’re not the only ones. Apparently, this guy’s been targeting young professionals and antique collectors, playing on their financial stress.”

I squeezed his fingers. “I don’t need expensive trips or ancient artifacts. I just need my husband to talk to me, even when things get hard. Especially when things get hard.”

“What should we do with it?” Ben gestured at the egg, still gleaming mockingly in the kitchen light.

I studied it for a moment. “Maybe we’ll plant it in the garden for real. Right next to those tomatoes you’ve been trying to grow.”

“As a reminder of what not to do?” A ghost of a smile crossed his face.

“As a reminder that the only thing we need to grow is our trust in each other.” I leaned against him. “And maybe as a conversation piece. ‘Hey, want to hear about the time my husband buried a fake artifact in our backyard?!'”

Ben’s laugh was shaky but real. “I love you, Reggie. Even when I’m an idiot.”

“Lucky for you, I love idiots.” I kissed his forehead. “Now, let’s figure out how to get our money back. Together this time.”

A Florida man took a unique approach to protect his home from Hurricane Milton by strapping it down with cargo bands. His bold move went viral, leaving many eager to see if his house would survive the storm.

When Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida, bringing torrents of rain, tornadoes, and powerful winds, residents across the state prepared for the worst. The National Hurricane Center warned that Milton’s path could change, potentially putting millions of people at risk.

Florida’s Gulf Coast, which had not faced a major storm in over a century, braced for impact, and officials urged residents in high-risk areas to evacuate.

Emergency management director Cathie Perkins warned, “This is it, folks. Those of you who were punched during Hurricane Helene, this is going to be a knockout. You need to get out, and you need to get out now.”

With storm surges predicted to reach up to 13 feet and tropical-storm-force winds already lashing the coast, the outlook grew increasingly grim. As many Floridians heeded evacuation orders, others took more unconventional steps to protect their homes.

One man, Pedro Caceres from Orlando, had a different plan. Caceres decided to secure his house in a way most had never seen before — by literally strapping it down to the ground. The idea stemmed from when he lived in Puerto Rico, where he had experienced severe storms.

With Hurricane Milton looming, Caceres showed the world the unusual steps he was taking to safeguard his property. Using heavy-duty cargo straps, he anchored his house from the front yard, over the roof, and into the backyard, securing the straps into concrete that had been poured eight feet deep into the ground.

Caceres shared that the setup cost him around $3,000, including $2,000 for the specialized straps and another $1,000 for the cement. In 2004, when Hurricane Charley threatened Florida, he used the same technique.

Caceres’ daughter said, “We’re praying to God that this second hurricane holds our home like it did the first time.” The family’s faith in their unique preparation method was steadfast, despite the storm’s unpredictable strength and path.

As news of Caceres’ house-strapping method spread, it quickly went viral, with many people captivated by his bold approach to hurricane preparedness. Social media users rallied around Caceres, with one commenter writing, “We all rooting for this man.”

Another joked, “This man took HOLDING DOWN THE FORT to a whole new level.” Others were keen to see how his home would fare, with some saying, “If this man’s house survives, he will be a Florida legend.” Another social media user commented, “I want to know how it turned out…”

Hurricane Milton made landfall with brutal force, as predicted. The winds roared, the rain pounded, and homes across the state faced the storm’s full fury. But did the straps hold? Did the Caceres home survive another major hurricane?

As the storm passed and the damage became evident across the state, people online were desperate for an update. One social media user shared, “Did it work? Hopefully, yes.”

Fortunately, the long-awaited update on Caceres and his family eventually arrived. “Update for those asking from Pedro’s daughter Raisa: ‘We’re doing good just went outside our home just now to clean up and see if any damage (has) been done […],'” the reporter who covered his story posted in part.

Caceres’ unconventional approach to securing his home with straps proved successful once again, as Hurricane Milton left his house virtually unscathed. While many may stick to traditional methods, his bold idea has earned him a place in Florida’s hurricane survival lore.

This actress rose to fame for her role in “Bewitched,” where her big blue eyes and blonde locks made her an endearing character. Today, social media users are stunned to see she still looks as “stunning as ever” decades later.

“Bewitched” was a popular sitcom that charmed viewers in the 1960s, following the lives of a witch and her mortal husband. Among the show’s most memorable cast was the child star behind the character Tabitha Stephens.

Years after the show ended, the actress surprised her fans with her appearance at 60, proving that some stars never lose their shine. Take a look at how she looks now and her surprising journey over the years, including leaving Hollywood for motherhood.

A Hollywood Star’s Magical Rise to Fame

The enchanting world of 1960s television introduced countless beloved characters, but one show that stood out for its charm and humor was “Bewitched.” Among the magical antics of witches and mortals, a young star quickly captured viewers’ hearts.

At just three years old, the Hollywood actress was cast as the charming and mischievous Tabitha Stephens, sharing the screen with legends like Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead.

For the early part of the series, she shared the role with her twin sister, but the character solely became hers as the two grew. The Hollywood star appeared in over 100 episodes, remaining with “Bewitched” until it ended in 1972.

By the time the series concluded, she had already become one of Hollywood’s most recognized child actors. Despite her success, she didn’t limit herself to just one show. Beyond “Bewitched,” she also worked on numerous commercials, including a detergent ad with Ronald Reagan.

Competing against other young stars such as Helen Hunt and Jodie Foster at auditions, the child actress frequently outshined them. However, when the actress turned 8, she returned to life as a normal California kid.

Instead of joining the cast of “The Waltons” and “Fantasy Island,” she enjoyed Girl Scouts camp and landed a spot on the cheerleading squad. Over time, she distanced herself from the business, moving to Orange County and only returning to Los Angeles for guaranteed jobs.

“It wasn’t difficult for me. I continued acting and actually turned down jobs. I had a pretty easy transition away from it. I think a lot of it is in some ways I walked away from the business before maybe the business kicked me out,” the actress revealed.

A New Chapter – Motherhood and Family Life

As the magic of her child star days faded, the actress embraced a new role that would be just as life-changing — that of a devoted mother. Her first marriage to Terry Rogers in 1984 marked the beginning of this chapter.

They moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she adapted to a life far from the glitz of Hollywood, taking on various jobs, including working as a stunt double and a karaoke hostess.

During their marriage, they had two sons, Jason and Grant, but after five years, the couple divorced. This change led the actress back to California to raise her boys.

Four years after her first divorce, she married rock musician Eric Eden, and the couple welcomed a son, Clark. However, their relationship would not last, and in 1998, they divorced, prompting the actress to return to her California roots once again.

She later said “I do” for the third time to Darren Dunckel two months after meeting him in 1998. Together, they have welcomed three sons, and the actress found herself caring for a bustling household of six children. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a crazy but fun lifestyle,” the actress said of life with her boys.

“People always ask me if I’m Mormon. I only have one sister, and I grew up thinking ‘The Brady Bunch’ was the greatest show, so I always did want a big family. But ideally, I always wanted one boy and one girl, so maybe if I’d had a girl in there, I might have stopped at three or sooner, but I wouldn’t change anything,” she added.

She has frequently spoken about how much she enjoyed motherhood and prioritized family over any potential return to Hollywood.

Her hiatus allowed her to be there for her children, ensuring they were raised in a loving and supportive environment, much like the one her mother had created during the actress’s childhood.

“Scripts are sent to me all the time, and I haven’t seen anything good enough to have me gone for 12 hours a day,” she revealed. However, the “Bewitched” star did stay busy over the years. The actress took on significant charity work and became an advocate for autism awareness, prompted by her son’s diagnosis.

“I was involved with autism charities before Parker was born and then obviously once he was diagnosed, I put that as my focus. I go to board meetings [and] I volunteer. I speak at events. I think it’s important to be there for other parents who have questions,” the “Bewitched” star said.

She added, “I’ve always volunteered. I have a strong belief that you need to give back. I’m really lucky for the life I have and the opportunities I’ve had.”

As for her six children showing signs of following in her famous footsteps, the actress admitted, “So far no. […] I always said that if any of my kids were interested, I would encourage and help them and guide them. But no one ever showed an interest, so I kind of think parents should support whatever their kid’s passion is.”

A Bewitching Beauty at 60

This beloved actress is none other than Erin Murphy, the former child star who brought Tabitha Stephens to life on “Bewitched.” Now 60, Murphy continues to captivate the public.

In September, she celebrated the 60th anniversary of the iconic series on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Want to feel old? ‘Bewitched’ premiered 60 years ago today, September 17, 1964. AND little Tabitha (Me!) is 60 years old!”

In late October, she took to Instagram to share a stunning snap of herself, sparking a flood of admiration as social media users marveled at her beauty.

“Still stunning as ever 🔥🔥🔥,” one person commented. Another typed, “Gorgeous.” A third shared the same sentiment, “Absolutely gorgeous!!”

Today, Murphy is a mother of six and a proud grandmother. Asked if her grandchildren watched “Bewitched,” the actress revealed, “You know what’s funny? Not a lot. I feel weird. I’ve always felt like it’s a little self-centered to sit down and watch yourself.”

However, she added, “So if it happens to be on, I’ll let them watch. Last summer, I had two of my grandkids stay with me for the summer, so I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll put it on.’ And they loved it, so.”

Erin Murphy’s journey from child star to devoted mother of six showcases a life that evolved far beyond the spotlight of Hollywood. Though she stepped away from acting, her legacy as Tabitha Stephens endures, and at 60, she continues to captivate fans with her timeless beauty.