**Year: 1995**
In a small, conservative town of Riverton, nestled in the heart of the countryside, is a place where traditions run deep, and change is often met with resistance. The community is tightly knit, with everyone knowing each other's business, and societal norms are strictly adhered to. The mentality of the people is shaped by long-standing beliefs and customs, many of which are rooted in patriarchy and superstition.
The town's culture is steeped in gender discrimination. Men are seen as the breadwinners and decision-makers, while women are expected to be obedient, nurturing, and confined to domestic roles. This belief is so ingrained that any deviation from it is met with harsh criticism and ostracism. Superstitions abound, with many believing that a woman's place is in the home and that her primary duty is to serve her husband and family. Education for girls is often seen as unnecessary, and their ambitions are stifled from a young age.
Discrimination is rampant, with women facing constant humiliation and harassment. They are often blamed for any misfortune that befalls the family, and their worth is measured by their ability to bear children and maintain the household. Superstitions dictate that a woman's voice should be soft and her presence unobtrusive. Any woman who dares to speak out or assert herself is labeled as rebellious and is quickly silenced.
In this oppressive environment lives Valerie, a young woman with an inner strength she has yet to fully recognize. Valerie is the only child of Marcus and Eleanor. Marcus, her father, is a domineering figure who discriminates between male and female, often misbehaving with his wife and daughter under the influence of alcohol and cigarettes. Eleanor, Valerie's mother, endures her husband's insults and mistreatment, believing that his behavior is a result of stress and that it is her duty to tolerate it.
Valerie's home is a modest, two-story house with a weathered exterior that reflects the wear and tear of time. The paint is peeling, and the garden, once vibrant, is now overgrown with weeds. Inside, the house is dimly lit, with old furniture and faded curtains that add to the somber atmosphere. The living room is dominated by a large, worn-out sofa and a coffee table cluttered with empty bottles and ashtrays, evidence of Marcus's habits.
The kitchen, where Eleanor spends most of her time, is small and cramped. The walls are adorned with old, yellowing wallpaper, and the appliances are outdated. Despite the dismal surroundings, Eleanor keeps the kitchen spotless showing her dedication.
Valerie's room is small and sparsely furnished. The walls are bare, and the single window is covered with a thin, worn curtain that barely lets in any light. Her bed is a simple cot with a thin mattress, and the room is devoid of any decorations or personal touches, reflecting Marcus's disdain for her.
Despite the bleakness, there are a few items that bring light into Valerie's life. Valerie has to keep her worn-out books and drawings in secret, as Marcus tears them whenever he sees them. She hides them in a small, makeshift compartment under her bed. The books are tattered and well-read, each one a portal to a different world where she can escape her harsh reality. Her drawings, done on old scrap paper, showcase her dreams and creativity. A small, potted plant sits on the windowsill, a gift from Lila, her best friend, symbolizing hope and growth. These items, though few, are Valerie's treasures, providing her with solace and a glimpse of a brighter future.
The relationship within the family is strained and fraught with tension. Marcus, a factory worker by day, is often irritable and quick to anger. However, his factory job is just a front for his real source of income: an illegal business that he runs covertly. This business involves smuggling and selling contraband goods, which adds to the stress and volatility of his personality. His dominating personality and discriminatory views create a toxic environment. He believes that men are superior and that women should be subservient. His conversations with Eleanor and Valerie are often laced with insults and commands. He dismisses their opinions and belittles their efforts, reinforcing his belief in male dominance.
Eleanor, a homemaker, is a picture of quiet endurance. She tolerates Marcus's behavior, believing that his actions are a result of stress from work and his illegal dealings. She respects him deeply, despite the mistreatment, and tries to maintain peace in the household. Her conversations with Marcus are subdued, often consisting of her agreeing with him or apologizing for perceived mistakes. With Valerie, Eleanor is more nurturing, but her own resignation to her fate often prevents her from encouraging Valerie to stand up for herself.
Valerie, caught between her father's tyranny and her mother's submission, struggles to find her voice. She is deeply understanding and compassionate towards others who are suffering, traits that stem from her own experiences. Her conversations with her parents are cautious and measured, as she tries to avoid triggering her father's wrath. Despite the darkness in her life, she has an inner strength that keeps her going. She may not realize it at first, but this resilience is what helps her survive and eventually thrive.
Her story is not just about her own empowerment but also about inspiring those around her to break free from the chains of discrimination and superstition.
As the shadows of her father's illegal dealings loom large, threatening to engulf her newfound hope. Will Valerie's resilience be enough to overcome the darkness, or will the weight of her family's secrets pull her back into the abyss? The answers lie ahead, in a journey that will challenge everything she knows about herself and the world around her.
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Hidden Scars
General Fiction#The story may have some mature scenes. Read at your risk. A poignant tale of survival, empowerment, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman determined to rise above her circumstances. Valerie, a young woman trapped in a world of abuse and control...
