Antolena's laughter echoed through the apartment, infectious and carefree. She was eight years old, with a wild mane of curly brown hair and bright green eyes that sparkled like emeralds. Her parents, Emma and Ryan, smiled at each other, grateful for this little bundle of joy.
Their 9th-floor apartment was a cozy haven, filled with family photos, colorful rugs, and the aroma of Emma's cooking. Antolena loved helping her mother in the kitchen, learning the secrets of traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Summer afternoons were spent playing in the park, chasing butterflies, and picnicking with friends. Antolena's imagination ran wild, creating fantastical stories and adventures. Her parents encouraged her creativity, nurturing her love for art, music, and literature.
As the sun set, the family would snuggle up together, reading books or watching movies. Emma and Ryan cherished these moments, knowing their daughter's childhood was a fleeting treasure.
But amidst the happiness, subtle cracks began to form. Emma and Ryan's disagreements grew more frequent, their voices hushed but tense. Antolena sensed the tension, her sensitive heart absorbing the emotions like a sponge.
One evening, as they sat down for dinner, Antolena asked, "Mommy, Daddy, why do you fight?" Emma and Ryan exchanged a guilty glance, their smiles forced.
"We're just discussing grown-up things, sweetie," Emma said, stroking Antolena's hair. "We love you no matter what."
Antolena's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. Why did her parents' love seem to fade when they argued? Why did their smiles disappear?
As the night drew to a close, Antolena drifted off to sleep, her heart heavy with concerns. Little did she know, these worries would one day consume her.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Mask
Short StoryWhen Antolena's world shatters with her parents' separation, she must navigate the complexities of love, family, and identity. Behind the mask of perfection, she hides her pain. But when Alex enters her life, she's forced to confront her emotions an...
