This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, events, and locales are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to someone’s real life, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No parts of the story may be reproduced without the prior and written permission from the writer.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
Before reading the story, please take note that this is intended for bullying awareness and suicide prevention.
The devastating effects of threats and maltreatment haunted innocent lives that are never just no matter what or where the angle you try to see it.
Everyone deserves to be treated rightfully irrespective of their race, gender, culture, economic status, and etc.
The world is already chaotic due to the perversities of some individuals. While it is important that we remain kind with our actions and our words, it is also crucial that we become cautious of the people around us.
Furthermore, this involves scenes that are not suitable for young readers and there are triggering words and incidents in this story that may be inappropriate for most individuals.
Please do take consideration of that before you continue flipping the page, and kindly read with an open mind.
Thank you so much!
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AGAIN, THIS STORY INCLUDES DISCUSSIONS ABOUT BULLYING, VIOLENCE, AND THEMES THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. IT ALSO TACKLES ABOUT TRAUMA, DRUGS AND SUICIDE, AND THERE ARE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS THAT ARE REALLY DARK & I ADVISE YOU TO PLEASE STAY CAUTIOUS AND PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING. PLEASE REMAIN GUARDED, AND PRAY FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF BULLYING WHO SUFFERED.
MAY THE GOOD LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL PEACE AND ETERNAL REST.
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO'S STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH, PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THEM AND DON'T BE INSENSITIVE. BE THEIR LIGHT...
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, PLEASE REACH OUT FOR HELP, IMMEDIATELY.
THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES MAY PROVIDE AID:
National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline:
0966-351-4518
0917-899-USAP
0917-899-8727
0908-639-2672
Bantay Bata Helpline163
163
Hopeline 24/7
(02) 8804-4673
In Touch: Crisis Line
+63 2 8893 7603
Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya
0966-467-9626
Your feelings are valid. You are not alone. You are valued. And your existence matter...
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PROLOGUE
Ang araw, isang pumipintig na bola ng kahel at pula, ay bumababa sa silanganan, naglalarawan sa kalangitan ng mga kulay ginto at labis na kapulahan.
Ang kanyang huling mga sinag, parang isang ilaw sa entabladong nagbibigay liwanag sa mukha ni Ligaya. Kagaya ng lapad na ibinibigay ng langit, ay siyang lawak din ng kaniyang sinsero at totoong mga ngiti.
Siya ay labingwalong taong gulang pa lamang. Ang galak na iginuguhit ng kaniyang labi ay lumilitaw sa kanyang mga matang kumikislap sa isang kasiyahan na tila'y tumututol sa kadiliman ng mundo.
“You're not good enough!”
“Mahirap ka lang. Hindi ka bagay dito!”
“Ang mga taong tulad mo ay dapat nananatili sa bahay mong basurahan!”
“Eww, you don't even excel that much. Maybe you did something for the prof to like you.”
“Maybe your mother died because of grave poverty. What a shame!”
Ang mga boses na iyon ay nag-umpisa na tila ba isang bulong, hanggang nagsimula itong dumaloy sa hangin, lumalakas, mas matigas sa bawat sandali, at hindi na natigil ang pag-ulyaw hanggang manuot sa kaniyang buto.
Ang mga ginintuang ngiti ni Ligaya ay unti-unting napapawi. Ang kanyang mukha'y nag-ku-krus sa sakit habang ang mga salitang patuloy na umiikot sa kaniyang isipan ay sumaksak sa kanyang puso.
Hindi niya namalayang bigla na lamang kumawala ang luha sa kaniyang mga mata.
Biglang bumagal ang takbo ng oras. Tila hindi na niya nakikita ang mga taong gumagalaw. Naririnig niya ang pagkudlit ng relo sa kaniyang pupulsuhan. Hindi siya makagalaw.
Sa kabila ng kaniyang pagngiti, ay nakakubli ang mga anino na sumasayaw sa mga sulok ng kanyang mga mata.
BINABASA MO ANG
FRAGMENTS
Teen FictionLigaya, a bright and determined young maiden from a poor family, struggles to overcome the challenges of poverty and bullying as she strives for a better future through education. Haunted by internalized negativity and the constant pressure to succe...
