Ayaka Furuta and her younger sister, Hiyori, have always been incredibly close. From the moment they were born—Ayaka a year ahead of Hiyori—they were inseparable. Their bond was a constant, a bright thread woven through the fabric of their lives.
Their parents, Hisao and Asami Furuta, were the cornerstone of their world. Despite any difficulties that came their way, the Furuta family faced them together, their love and support unwavering. However, this harmony was tested when, about five years after Hiyori's birth, Asami was diagnosed with dementia. The change was gradual but noticeable. Asami, once a beacon of warmth and affection, began to shift. Her gentle demeanor turned serious, and she became increasingly unpredictable.
By the time Ayaka and Hiyori entered middle school, the impact of Asami's worsening condition was profound. The once-kind mother was now a shadow of her former self, her affection replaced with rigidity and a short temper. She would issue homework assignments at odd hours, cutting into the girls' free time, and her patience seemed to be in constant shortage. Despite Hisao's efforts to get Asami the therapy and medication she needed, the condition continued to deteriorate.
A heat stroke landed Asami in the hospital for ten days, and upon her return, her behavior had become even more erratic. She would heap an endless amount of chores and homework on Ayaka and Hiyori, criticizing them incessantly. Hiyori, in particular, bore the brunt of Asami's ire, often being labeled as "troublesome" and "unruly." The constant interruptions and the way Asami would cut Hiyori off before she could speak left the young girl feeling stifled and invisible.
At school, Hiyori was not faring any better. She was bullied and ridiculed, with Ayaka frequently stepping in to protect her sister. The harshness from home only compounded the trauma Hiyori experienced, creating a vicious cycle of abuse and neglect. It was heart-wrenching for Ayaka to see her sister suffering so deeply.
One day, Asami's frustration reached a breaking point. She accused Hiyori of bringing shame to the family and reported her behavior to Hisao, who, influenced by Asami's accusations, turned against his own daughter. This betrayal only fueled Ayaka's rage. She couldn't stand to see Hiyori being victimized by their own family.
Hiyori's suffering was compounded by public ridicule and harsh treatment. She was even told by a woman who crossed paths with her that she was a disgrace to her family and a burden to the universe. The woman's cruel words shattered Hiyori's spirit, leading her to tears and deepening her trauma. Ayaka, consumed by fury, threatened the woman with violence, her protective instincts flaring out of control.
As time went on, Hiyori's personality underwent a dramatic change. Once vibrant and full of potential, she became a shy, withdrawn shell of her former self. Her confidence was shattered, and she began to apologize profusely, her voice reduced to a whisper. She spoke mainly in senryu, a form of Japanese poetry, to avoid direct confrontation.
Ayaka's anger boiled over as she saw the extent of Hiyori's transformation. She could no longer tolerate the injustice and violence against her sister. In a dramatic turn of events, Ayaka's actions led to both of her parents spending a year in the hospital. It was a dark period, but Ayaka's resolve to protect Hiyori never wavered.
For months, the sisters lived in isolation, avoiding their parents and the pain they had caused. Ayaka was determined to help Hiyori heal, and fate intervened in the form of Mr. Kazuo Fujita, their middle school teacher. Mr. Fujita had noticed the girls' struggles and reached out to offer his help. His understanding and kindness were a lifeline for Hiyori.
Over the next two months, Mr. Fujita worked closely with the sisters. He helped Hiyori regain her confidence and find her voice again. He also recognized the need for a fresh start for both Ayaka and Hiyori, so he made them new outfits that reflected their personalities and took them to hair salons for stylish makeovers. Ayaka's deep pink hair was dyed a vibrant purple, while Hiyori's light pink hair was transformed into a soft lavender bob.
As they transitioned to a new high school, Toyohashi Nishi High School, Ayaka and Hiyori began to thrive. With Mr. Fujita's support, Hiyori found the courage to stand up to her bullies, and Ayaka's leadership skills shone through. Ayaka was elected student council president, and Hiyori became vice president. Their transformation was nothing short of remarkable.
After two and a half years, Hisao and Asami were released from the hospital. The changes in their daughters were undeniable. Hisao and Asami were struck by how much Ayaka and Hiyori had grown and changed. They apologized for their past behavior and expressed deep regret for the pain they had caused. Miraculously, Asami's dementia seemed to have improved, and the Furuta family began to rebuild their relationships and their lives.
The once-broken family found joy and harmony again. Ayaka and Hiyori enjoyed their time together, their bond stronger than ever. The pain of the past had shaped them, but it had also forged a new beginning. Their story became one of resilience and renewal, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, stronger and more vibrant than before.
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Mistreated People Get a Second Chance
Ficção GeralThe stories in this book revolve around individuals who endured a lifetime of mistreatment but have been granted a second chance.