A Story to Tell

The wind is blowing on a calm night. I close my eyes to feel the peaceful night and comforting breeze touching my skin and blowing my hair, as if whispering that everything will be okay, while I stand on my room's veranda. How I wish it could also blow my sadness away. Many people say how lucky I am to have a complete family, a house to stay in, food to eat, and the means to buy anything I want. But is this enough?

This story follows Mariam, a fresh high school graduate facing the immense pressure of applying to college. She's preparing for entrance exams at three prestigious schools, including Nakagawa, a top choice that symbolizes her future aspirations. Despite her efforts and determination, Mariam is burdened by relentless criticism from her father and others who fail to recognize her hard work and sacrifices. The narrative explores how these disparaging words and lack of appreciation affect Mariam both mentally and physically, sapping her energy and self-esteem. As Mariam juggles the stress of academic pressures and familial expectations, the story reveals the deep impact of verbal abuse on her well-being and her quest to find strength and self-worth amidst the struggle.