The Life of Ebony Ibre

Dear Reader

I am in a difficult place in my life. I am sad, afraid, and full of regret. I have made two grave mistakes in my life, and both have now come to haunt me. I have to fix this, and it seems that the only choice I have is not an option I wish to take.

Part of me does not want my story to be told. It should be buried deep down, so that all will forget, and no one can find it. But there is another part that is beckoning me to write. To tell my story, because we both know that if I don't, I will forget and live in my own deception. My dear reader, please forgive me for not introducing myself. I am aware of and do respect this old custom, but for now, my name is not important. No, for if you wish to know who I am and understand my present situation, then the best way for you to get to know me is with a question.

Do you have someone special in your life? Like your spouse, friend, or pet? If so, I want you to imagine that your special one was stolen from you. Not murdered, just kidnapped. What would you do? How would you get them back?

Now ask yourself, if you had to decide whether to put your life in the hands of another to save the one you love, would you do it?

However, before you answer this, there is more to consider. This "another" is a stranger to you; he threatens to replace you in the eyes of your loved one; he outshines you in everything that he does. He is your rival, and a reminder of a dark past that you have been trying so desperately to forget... to fix, which is why you distrust him... why you hate him.

Now you may answer. Would you do it?

Since this is a hypothetical question, of course, it would be a yes. But in reality, would you side with your enemy? Your rival!? Or would you search for another way?

The special one in my case is my father. He has been by my side since the beginning of my existence. His trust, approval, and respect mean the world to me. Yet, I have let him down more than once, through my own self-indulgence and naivety towards temptation!

I... I could have made it right. In fact, I was in the process of doing so, when he came... my rival. Then everything changed.

I was hurt and became bitter. How could I prove my worth to my father, and gain his trust again, if I'm constantly being overshadowed by another more gifted than I! It was in my anger and desperation, that I made a just man my enemy.

Now, we must work together. Something that neither of us want to do... 

You don't have to answer my inquires; they're hypothetical after all. I just needed someone to talk to. So, I can think what is the best thing to do. But if I were to be honest with myself, I already know what the right thing to do is. So, I guess I'm really writing to gain sympathy more than anything; so that, when you hear my story, your criticism of me won't be as severe.

Regardless of the decision I make, I will save my father and put an end to my suffering.

My name is Ebony Ibre.

This is my conundrum.

This is my story.

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