「 Extra 」Works

Random: Little Aida

Unedited, Super Random

So, this is pretty much dedicated to all the people who were taught to choke on their pride. To smile and nod. Accept it and move on. But perhaps not even taught. Maybe you guys were raised into, surrounded and suffocated. From the little things- being interrupted mid-speech, never finishing a thought, getting ideas turned down. To the bigger ones- friends constantly one-upping you, family discarding your voice, and teachers doubting your potential.

You guys have a fire. Something that ignited years ago. It's been kindling ever since. Every time that ember is overlooked, it grows hotter.

Don't let it die.

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    Aida used to be a stupid, little girl. Terrified of everything and anything. A girl who'd tear up at the sight of a homeless dog and share their food with their begging little brother. On windy nights, a single screaming gust through the slightest window crack was enough to send her paralyzed underneath the bedsheets. Her natural small frame somehow gave the bigger kids a right to walk over me. Family members, even those she didn't know of, never gave much attention to her. Any appraisal went to either the siblings or cousins.

     Never Little Aida.

     According to her great grandmother, the matriarch of their family, she was never destined to lead. And being the obedient, respectful girl she was raised into, she accepted it. Familiarized it. Choked down any sign of refusal. Turned a blind eye to any notion to fire back.

     Little Aida never grew into a lady. She remained a child. A castaway. Nothing more, nothing less.

     But Little Aida has died. Years ago, with the fire that burned down her village. The flames swallowed her child dolls, her favorited hairbrush, and her knitted sweater. The raiders stole away precious heirlooms, crafted antiques, and her innocence. The chaos took her parents, her brother, and her best friend.

     From it, a new person has been birthed. Made anew and brought to life. She has been hardened by trial and error, strengthened through lies and deceit. She does not accept no as an answer and won't allow for disrespect.

     I am Hanna, and I am no child.

     I am a woman. I am recklessly persistent and fearlessly outspoken. I do not hold back what needs to be said and will never allow being talked down to.

     I am the fire that burns from an ember.