GÜLSEREN SULTAN

2

«How is my dear son?» my dad said as he joined us at the table, looking at my brother with pride.

My half-brother, by the way. After my mom passed away when I was born, my dad didn't waste any time and married his current wife, Claudia, who gave him a son. This made him happy because, according to my grandma, he was disappointed when I was born.

«I'm fine, Dad,» my brother András, who is fourteen, replied.

«András, dear, do you want more soup?» his mom, whom I like to call Toadface, asked him. But that's a secret, of course.

I sat quietly, watching them. They didn't even notice me and ignored my presence. Even when someone praised the food, all their attention went to that Toadface sitting across from me, not realizing I’m the one who cooks dinner every day.

«Enjoy your meal, I’m full,» I said, standing up and heading towards the stairs to go to my room.

Yes, we aren't completely poor. We live a stable life and have a small beautiful house, and I have my own room. Even though it’s the smallest room in the house, it’s enough. My dad is a sneaky man and does many shady things, but they don’t care because he brings in money, and that’s all that matters to his wife and son.

«Where are you going, Veronica?» my dad asked seriously, looking at me.

«I'm going to my room,» I replied without looking at him. I never felt a father-daughter bond between us.

I continued to my room and closed the door behind me. I went to the small window and sat there with one of my favorite books, which I never get tired of reading.

I always dreamed of having the perfect family, the love I needed, and the warmth that would make me happy. But when I look at the people in this house, I know that’s impossible. So, I dive into the letters of my books to live that in my imagination.

I noticed something small moving in the garden, and when I focused, it looked like a bird, and it seemed injured.

I quickly closed my book and, without putting on my shoes, opened my door and went downstairs. But I stopped halfway when I heard my name. It seemed like my dad and his wife were talking about me.

«We can’t waste an opportunity like this,» the toadface said, and from her voice, I could tell she was excited.

«But the age difference is a little bit weird,» my dad replied hesitantly.

«No, Jovan,» she quickly and insistently responded. «Our neighbor's daughter married a man in his seventies, and you can’t imagine how rich he is. Her mom always brags about the gifts her son-in-law gives them.»

«I want it too. The man is very rich, and when he said he wanted Veronica to marry him, I was so happy. Plus, he owns several properties all over Serbia.» He paused while I eavesdropped, my eyes wide. «And a forty-year age difference isn’t too much. I’ll tell him tomorrow that we agree.»

With that sentence, I felt dizzy and was about to scream, but I quickly closed my mouth.

I forgot about the bird and everything else, and my feet led me back upstairs. If I showed my anger, I could get into serious trouble.

I closed the door and sat on the floor, putting my head in my hands. Yes, I was broken and very sad. I know girls here get married at fourteen, and they feel like I’m too old because I'm seventeen, but I won’t let this marriage happen. This isn’t what I wanted.

After crying for a good while, I made my decision. I will run away.