DILEMMA

5

"Miss Minatozaki, your father needs to see you. He's waiting in his office." Her father's secretary said, glancing nervously at the girl sitting on the chair with a woman on her lap. Sana raised an eyebrow at him.

"What's it this time?" She inquired.

"He wants to discuss transferring schools with you." He replied before hurrying out of the room. Sana let out a sigh. The woman on her lap looked at her with concern. Sana gave her a reassuring smile and said, "I'll go talk to him." The woman got off her lap.

"I'll be back." Sana declared as she stood up and made her way to her father's office. Upon reaching the door, she knocked and entered. Her father stood by the window, looking out.

"You wanted to see me?" Sana spoke up.

He turned to face her. Sana took a seat, waiting for him to start the conversation. Her father observed her, noticing some lipstick stains on her neck and collar.

"Enough fun, Sana. It's time for you to listen to me." He began.

Sana remained silent, sensing what was coming. "I've given you enough freedom, but now it's time to follow my instructions." Her father continued. Sana met his gaze. "Father, I don't want to attend your chosen school. I want to do things on my own." Sana expressed.

"Oh, really? All you do is bring disgrace. Is that your definition of following your own path?" Her father retorted.

"Abide by my rules, and everything will be well." He insisted.

Sana said nothing. "You've been enrolled in a new school. You're going tomorrow." Her father dictated. Sana felt a surge of anger but kept it in check. "You can leave now." Her father said, rising and turning away.

Sana exited the office, shutting the door tightly. Fuming, she returned to her room where the woman waited for her.

The woman's smile faded suddenly as Sana unbuttoned her sleeves and advanced toward her with determination. She grabbed the woman's hair and kissed her passionately.

It's going to be a long night.

-

Mina anxiously waited in the parking lot near the school, growing increasingly impatient as her driver was already thirty minutes late. The sound of an engine broke the silence, and she turned to see the car approaching. Popping her bubble gum, she fixed her gaze on the vehicle.

The car came to a stop in front of her, and the driver, dressed in a suit, emerged from the driver's seat. "I apologize for the delay. Your mother arrived, and I had to drive her safely home to your father." He explained.

"It's okay, just shoot me a text next time if you're running late. I could use the transportation." Mina responded with a smile.

"I apologize." the driver apologized again as he courteously opened the back door for her. Mina boarded the car with a sigh, relieved to be heading home at last.

As the driver settled into his seat, fastened his seatbelt, and started the engine, they began the journey towards Mina's house— a place gifted to her on her 18th birthday, where she lived alone.

After ten minutes of driving, they arrived at their destination. Mina exited the car as the driver parked it in the garage. Making her way to the front door, she unlocked it and stepped inside her home.

Before changing out of her clothes, Mina headed to the basement, unlocking the door with her key and entering the cold room. Switching on the lights, she was greeted by her latest creation, a 5-foot-tall sculpture of a proud woman raising her fist in the air.

With a smile, Mina tilted her head and spoke to her creation, "How are you holding up there?"

A blood rolled down the sculpture's cheek, as if it were shedding tears in response.

She was crying.