Miko used to be a down-to-earth, friendly young woman with sleek black hair that cascaded neatly to her shoulders. She had always been close with her parents, who she looked up to with immense respect and admiration. Academically and athletically gifted, Miko excelled in every area she put her mind to. Her singing talent was particularly notable, and it was no surprise when she clinched the top spot in her school's final singing competition.
Her family was incredibly tight-knit. Her mother, a savvy businesswoman, worked for a prominent company dealing in cosmetics, hair products, and clothing. Her father, on the other hand, was a hardworking construction worker known for his skill and dedication. The two of them seemed to have a deep connection, with a relationship that appeared to be as solid as a rock. Nothing seemed too trivial for them to discuss, and their shared interests and values made them an enviable pair.
Miko, caught in the middle of this loving environment, nurtured dreams of becoming a pop star. She envisioned herself dazzling on stage, her passion and energy lighting up the audience. Her life felt like a never-ending string of joyous moments, filled with a loving family and a bright future. It seemed like happiness and carefree days were all she had to look forward to.
But then, everything changed in an instant. One day, Miko's mother made a shocking accusation against her father, claiming he was having an affair. This accusation hit Miko's father hard, as he was a man deeply devoted to his family and had never strayed from his commitment. Despite the lack of any real evidence, the accusation sparked a fierce conflict. Miko's father tried desperately to defend himself, but the damage was done.
Miko's mother, despite eventually realizing that her husband hadn't been unfaithful, harbored a deep resentment. Determined to exact revenge, she decided to damage his reputation at his workplace. She set up numerous cameras and microphones around their home, obsessively monitoring his every move. Her goal was to catch him in any wrongdoing and use it against him. Her rage knew no bounds, and she began hurling accusations and threats, claiming she would expose him and even resorting to physical intimidation.
Her relentless campaign of surveillance and slander soon bore fruit. She presented the fabricated evidence to everyone, including the construction company where Miko's father worked. The fallout was catastrophic. His coworkers began to shun him, his boss turned hostile, and the company's treatment of him became increasingly abusive. Miko's father was subjected to public humiliation and eventually lost his job. The company's boss, incited by the lies and the reports from employees, physically assaulted him in front of others, further degrading him.
The loss of his job hit Miko's father hard. He felt betrayed not just by his wife but by the entire system that had turned against him. His frustration and anger grew, leading to outbursts directed at Miko, whom he blamed for the collapse of his life. Miko's mother, on her part, remained defiant, insisting that her husband's downfall was deserved, reinforcing the bitter divide between them.
The once happy household became a battleground of constant arguments and disputes. Miko, caught in the middle of her parents' escalating fights, was distressed. The arguments interfered with her schoolwork, and she found herself trying in vain to mediate and reconcile her parents. But their relationship deteriorated further, and it all culminated in a disastrous confrontation where their fight became physical. The scene was shocking and heartbreaking for Miko.
The ultimate tragedy came when Miko's parents decided to divorce. Both parents refused to take custody of her, leaving Miko abandoned and emotionally shattered. The trauma from her parents' divorce crushed Miko's spirit. She abandoned her dreams of becoming a pop singer and dropped out of school. The weight of her parents' separation felt like a crushing stone on her heart, suffocating her hopes and aspirations.
In the years following the divorce, Miko retreated into herself, becoming increasingly reclusive and apathetic. The once vibrant and ambitious girl transformed into a withdrawn, introverted young woman. She cut off all ties with her relatives, including her estranged parents who had moved on and started new lives. Miko even relocated to America, dropped her Japanese language, and began living on the streets, creating an impenetrable wall around herself. Her isolation was so complete that even those who tried to reach out to her were met with silence.
Then, one day, a turning point came in the form of Julia Chapman, a kind-hearted woman who had left her office job two years earlier. Julia took it upon herself to help Miko rebuild her life. She started by taking Miko to a place called iTint, which changed her skin tone to a rich, deep tan. Next, Miko visited Planet Optic, where her eye color was transformed into a vibrant bright green.
Julia then arranged for Miko to undergo vocal feminization surgery at Silverstone Hospital, enhancing her voice to be more lively and upbeat. At Raindrop Salon, Miko's hair was dramatically altered—it was bleached platinum blonde with a dark pink and orange ombre, styled into a playful ponytail with two bangs.
Miko's transformation didn't stop at her appearance. Julia introduced her to Closet Chic apparel, which perfectly suited her new look. With these changes, Miko began to emerge as a different person—more chatty, outgoing, and cheerful. Her metamorphosis was akin to a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Julia's support had a profound impact, helping Miko embrace a fresh start.
Miko's transformation was complete. No longer the same girl from before, she became part of Reiana's friend circle, a new social network that welcomed her with open arms. Miko's journey from a broken young woman to a vibrant, renewed individual was a testament to resilience and the power of second chances.
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Mistreated People Get a Second Chance
Ficción GeneralThe stories in this book revolve around individuals who endured a lifetime of mistreatment but have been granted a second chance.