Heart of stone

her daily reality. The touch of the sun on her skin slowly woke her up, prompting her to stretch long, yawn, and then jump up. The golden light danced in the room, revealing an or

her, tasks to accomplish to su

ith colorful flowers and walls painted a bright cream color. Through the window, she caught glimpses of silhouettes inside, sitting at the dining table, having breakfast peacefully. The smell of coffee a

to me, she thought, clenching her fists. The memory of her parents and the home they had lost s

he vibration of her phone. She answered without looking

n a moment. I just woke

t day it is today. But well, good morning to you

eyes, a sigh es

hday. I didn't even know it was today, she murmu

because I think I'm the first to wish

replied, a slight smile grazing her lips despite herself

old it against life, are you? It's your birthday, we have to celebrat

ne to celebrate her birthday. Not when she felt that everything had been

oy my father's money, while I have to work like a slave to meet my

ight of her words hanging heavily between

your uncle to drop this matter. He will ne

ry poor, that you're not used to these sacrifices, but you don't kno

ontrol everything. You have to move forward. For you. For your future. I will be there for you, no mat

etween them. She didn't want to hear that, but a part of her

lly murmured, calmer. I will

your birthday, so you better come here as soon as possible because I hav

g "Happy Birthday," or you'll get a punch in the stomach, Liv

nch me in the stomach, so I won't sing;

I'll join you in a few minutes, s

one that belonged to her, the inheritance her father had left her before he died. But her uncle, greedy and cruel, had taken possession of every

use, though full of riches and treasures, had become a symbol of pain and injustice. She often watched others through the w

ke a reminder of what she had lost. She had never set foot in school, never known the warmth of a real family. When she fell ill, it was to her uncle that she turned,

came understanding. She vowed that one day, she would reclaim everything that belonged to her

he rarely allowed herself. Each bite was a reminder of her childhood, of moments when she was surrounded by laughter and warmth. She went to the bathroom, mentally prepa

and left her shack. The fresh morning air whipped her face, a sweet promise of renewal. She hailed a tax