FRAGILE STRENGTH

FRAGILE STRENGTH CHAPTER FIVE

The Next Morning]

Father: Hey, girl! What are you doing there?

Violet's pov—I woke up to my father’s voice.

Father: That’s what you get for always being out. Was it nice sleeping outside?

Violet's pov— The rain had stopped, and the sun was out. As usual, there was a pile of dishes for me to wash. Luckily, there was a little food left for me. After eating, I tried to put my plate in the sink, but I dropped it because I was so dizzy.

Oldest brother: You’re so clumsy!

(Slaps Violet) Clean that up, now!

Violet: Yes.

Violet's pov—My dizziness is becoming more frequent. I can't sleep at night because I can hear my heartbeat, it's so loud it feels like it’s reaching my head. I hope I can still endure this. I feel like my body is about to give up.

[Father’s Birthday]

Violet's pov— It’s Saturday, so I worked on my assignments and projects. I couldn't rest because my father would be angry if he saw me just lying down. It was my father’s birthday, and he was drinking with his friends at our house.

Father: Cook this! Hurry up, or I’ll hit you again!

Violet: Yes, father.

Violet's pov— I cooked the food for my father’s party. I felt sick, but I couldn't stop working. I’m the one who earns money for food by scavenging for recyclables. I started crying again. Almost every day, they hurt me physically or emotionally. It hurts so much to be treated this way. I never dreamed of a life like this. Ever since I was a child, they have mistreated me and made me cry every day until I got used to it.

[After hours]

Violet's pov— I woke up because my stomach was growling. I was so hungry. When I went downstairs, I saw my father sleeping. The place was a mess with broken glasses everywhere. I was happy to find some leftovers from yesterday’s party. Finally, some real food! I ate and even found some leftover cake. I put some in a plastic bag to bring to school. After eating, I cleaned up their mess and cooked rice so they would have something to eat when they woke up. My younger sister wasn't there; she lives with her husband now. They often fight over money since they’re unemployed. She only visits when they fight, and then she drinks with my brother and father.

Violet's pov— While I was cleaning, I suddenly stopped. My head was throbbing with a sharp, needle-like pain. Then, I felt something dripping from my nose. I touched it, it was blood. I was shocked. I quickly wiped it and tried to stop the bleeding. "Why am I bleeding? What is happening to me?"

[School]

Violet's pov— Before going to school, I went for a check-up. The line was long, and I knew I’d be late again. The doctor said I had a nosebleed because of extreme fatigue and stress. They took some tests and told me to come back tomorrow for the results.

Violet: Ma'am, I'm sorry I'm late.

Professor: Are you kidding me? Why are you always late for my class?

Violet: I had to go somewhere important, ma'am.

Professor: So wandering around is more important than your studies?

Violet: Ma'am, I wasn't wandering around.

(Classmates whisper and laugh)

Professor: You don't do your work, you won't bring your parents, and now you’re constantly late? Starting tomorrow, I don't want to see your face. Don't expect to pass my class.

Violet: Ma'am, please... I’m struggling so much.

(Classmates and the Professor laugh loudly)

Violet: I’m sorry, ma'am. I know you're tired of scolding me. To be honest, I’m tired of it too. I just came from the clinic for a check-up.

Professor: A check-up for what? Enough of that. Bring your parents here before you explain anything.

Violet: My parents don't care about me, ma'am. Neither do my siblings. My mother left me with my father, who does nothing but drink. I’m sorry I lied, it's not true that they’re working. My mother has her own family now. My father is unemployed and drinks every day. And while he drinks, they hurt me whenever they feel like it. I can't do my assignments because my body is so weak from the constant abuse. I have no time for myself because I’m too busy serving them. If I don't, they’ll just beat me. I have dreams, but because of them, I feel like I'm losing everything. There’s not a day they don't hurt me. My body never gets to rest. I go to school without sleep, and I show up with bruises all over my body.

(Violet takes off her jacket, revealing her bruises. The classroom goes silent.)