o(〃＾▽＾〃)o
Though the days kept passing, and Celene faithfully drove Raeya to and from school, Raeya's heart remained unmoved. She never truly got used to the presence of that woman in her life. Celene's sweet smiles, her gentle greetings, even her warm hugs in front of others—they were all masks. And Raeya knew all too well, the face behind that mask wasn't nearly as beautiful as the world believed.
One day, gathering the courage she had left, Raeya tried to tell her father everything. About Celene's behavior when no one was watching. About the threats, the cold tone, and the sharp, cruel eyes. But just as Raeya had feared, the response hurt more than any wound she had ever received.
"Raeya! Stop talking nonsense!" Arvind's voice boomed through the walls of the living room.
"I don't want to hear this again! Celene has worked hard to be a good mother to you, and you need to start understanding that. Enough!"
Raeya fell silent, her head bowed low. Just as I thought, she muttered inwardly. Even hoping now felt like a mistake. She was beginning to learn—the more you hope, the deeper the wound.
Tired. Sad. Afraid. Those three things never seemed to leave her side. Even though Aunt Lily always stood as her protector, offering love and comforting hugs, Celene's presence suffocated her. Raeya hated that woman with all the pieces of her broken heart.
Maybe my life will always be like this, she thought. But deep down, the fragile seed of hope hadn't died completely. Maybe… one day, everything will get better. Maybe… I'll feel happiness again.
Time moved on. Final exams began. The atmosphere in class grew tense, each student lost in their own anxious thoughts. Raeya tried to focus, tried to give her best. She wanted results that would make Aunt Lily proud—someone who had always believed in her.
Raeya was always top of her class. But now, that achievement felt hollow.
"Dad won't care anyway…" she whispered, staring at her last exam paper. "What's the point of telling him? He only sees me when I mess up, when I talk back. Never when I try."
She took a deep breath and gazed out the classroom window. It's fine. I don't need his approval. I won't beg for his love anymore.
When the exams ended, students cheered with relief. Some were nervous, others hopeful, but all were glad to be done with the stressful week. Layla, Vira, and Raeya walked together toward the school gate, chatting about the questions they tackled and laughing softly—just for a moment, the world felt light.
"I'm pretty sure I messed up the last question," Vira groaned, staring at the sky.
"You messed up?" Layla raised an eyebrow and laughed. "You study like a robot! If you messed up, then I'm doomed!"
Raeya smiled faintly. "I hesitated on that math question too. Number seventeen… total trap."
"Oh my god, yes!" Layla spun toward Raeya. "The one about the train's speed, right? I read it three times and still got it wrong."
"You'll still get a good score, Rae," Vira said, looking at her sincerely. "You're always number one."
Raeya just shrugged, not wanting to talk about it. "I just tried my best."
"We all did," Layla nodded. "What matters is that it's over. Vacation's coming!"
Vira beamed. "I'm gonna sleep for a whole week. No books, no homework—just sleep!"
They all laughed softly together. But beneath her laughter, Raeya still felt empty. Her body laughed, but her soul remained curled in a dark corner—waiting for something uncertain.
That night, her world fell silent again.
She sat at her study desk, eyes blank. Who knew how many nights she had cried quietly? Maybe her tears had dried up… or maybe, her heart had started to go numb.
Slowly, she climbed into bed, and as always, Aunt Lily came to keep her company.
"Auntie…" her voice was barely a whisper, "why is my life like this? I'm so tired, Auntie… Why did I have to be the one stuck with this kind of fate?"
Aunt Lily looked at her lovingly, gently rubbing her back.
"Sweetheart, remember what I told you before. You're not the only one who has to deal with a life they didn't ask for. There are many children out there going through the same thing… even worse. But we have to learn to be grateful. Right now, you can still eat, still sleep in a warm bed, right?"
Raeya nodded slowly, her eyes starting to fill with tears.
"Not everyone is as lucky as you. Some don't know if they'll eat tomorrow. Some sleep on the streets without a roof over their heads…"
Those words echoed in her mind. Yes… Mother had said something like that too…
"If life is like a test, then remember—we've passed tests before, haven't we? We're strong, sweetheart… and we have to keep being strong."
Raeya looked at Aunt Lily with tired, red eyes. "Auntie… there are people who seem perfect. Rich, beautiful, with a complete family… But why are they still unhappy?"
"Because everyone has their own test. Some battle illness, some live with broken bodies. Some are buried in wealth but still can't find joy. Remember, sweetheart… not everything that looks beautiful is truly happy. Sometimes, what seems perfect is the most fragile inside."
Raeya went quiet, recalling the things her classmates had said—how they thought she had the perfect family. They didn't know anything. They didn't know the bitterness she swallowed every day.
"I understand now, Auntie…" she whispered, her voice steadier. "I can't give up. I'm not the one suffering the most."
Aunt Lily smiled warmly and gently stroked Raeya's hair.
"It's okay to feel sad. It's okay to complain. But never give up, okay?"
Raeya hugged Aunt Lily tightly, her body trembling—but warm.
"Thank you, Auntie… Your words always make me feel strong again…"
"You're not alone in this world, sweetheart. As long as I'm here, you'll never be alone."