strate

id's

Someone sprayed

moaned in my sleep, wanting

I noticed a draft of cold air coming

insisted I get up. She argued that I was a girl and had already brought them enough embarrassment; they couldn't afford further tar

e top of my lungs because if I keep going at this rate

o my new surroundings. I was about to plunge i

t you to do it before you go to school,

early mornings. Being the only daughter brought me no

e bedrooms in the house, one of which is inhabited by my parents and the other two by my elder brothers, I was forced to s

erything while still leaving en

the hard work I put into my entire day, and if I

le I felt neglected. My mother said it was because they were tired from their hard work the previous day and deserved rest. But, that same mother coul

because I know how much she loves her children. She used to shower me with affection until a few y

ores and their own work to attend to, and they nee

ter school, I would go to the restaurant to work, without which I couldn't manage my expenses. Then

all, I enjoy the feeling of t

to give it to me, but it hurts at times not to receive the

did everything, packed my

to drop face-first on the ground when a soothing aroma overwhelmed

st rescued. Still, I dreaded having to turn around and face him

l right?" he asked,

od up, embracing myself befor

ng myself internally for being careles

rage and told myself men

lo," I said, smi

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