FRAGILE STRENGTH

FRAGILE STRENGTH CHAPTER SIX

Violet: It’s true that I haven't been doing my assignments because I am exhausted. I am so tired of being hurt every day. You are all lucky to have good parents. When will I ever be as lucky as you? I'm sorry for lying all this time. I only did it to cover up what was really happening to me. I'm trying not to cry because I don't want your pity, but the tears won't stop. The hurtful words you’ve said to me are nothing compared to the pain my family makes me feel.

Violet's pov— I looked at them and noticed my teacher seemed to regret how she treated me.

Violet: Don't worry, ma'am. I know you were just doing your job as a teacher. Excuse me.

(Violet leaves the room and cries in the bathroom.)

Violet: I just want a friend. I just want someone to talk to.

[Home]

Violet's pov— When I got home, I prepared food for my father. I was feeling very sick and dizzy. While serving the food, I lost my balance and fell, breaking the plate I was holding.

Father: Damn it! Come here!

Violet: You’re hurting me...

Father: You're a nuisance!

(He grabs her arm and slaps her).

Violet: Fine, just hurt me! Kill me if you want!

(The Father grabs her by the neck and throws her. Her head hits a hard surface, and everything goes black.)

[At Hospital]

Uncle: How is my niece, sir?

Doctor: We are just waiting for the CT scan results.

Violet's pov— I heard their voices while my eyes were closed. I slowly opened them, but my vision was blurry.

Uncle: Violet? What happened? You fainted.

Violet: Why is my head bandaged?

Uncle: Your head hit the stairs. We’re waiting for your CT scan.

Violet: Oh... where’s Papa?

Uncle: He’s at work.

Violet pov—At work? Since when did he have a job? And why is my uncle here?

Uncle: Your brother called me because he found you unconscious on the floor.

Violet Pov— They really don't care. Since my uncle thinks I just fainted, I won't tell him the truth. I don't want to cause trouble.

Uncle: How are things at home?

(Violet starts to cry)

Violet pov—It feels so good to know someone cares about me and is asking how I am. I’ve never heard that from anyone before. All I ever hear are hurtful words.

Violet: I'm okay, Uncle.

Uncle: Why are you crying?

Violet: Nothing... it’s just that you’re so kind to me.

Uncle Of course, you’re my niece. By the way, it’s Jayse's birthday on Friday. You should come.

Violet: I’m not sure if they’ll let me... I might be busy. I'm sorry.

Uncle: No problem. Just come next time, okay? Do you have school today?

Violet: Yes...

Uncle: Maybe you should skip school for now. That was a nasty hit to the head.

Violet: My teacher might get angry.

Uncle: They’ll understand. Just rest.

Doctor: Excuse me, sir. Here are the CT scan results.

(The doctor and uncle step aside to talk. The uncle returns to Feya.)

Uncle: Violet... don't be shocked, okay?

Violet: Why, uncle?

Uncle: According to the results, there’s a blood clot in your head.

Violet: Oh...

Uncle: You need to get well, Violet.

Feya pov— To be honest, I didn't feel sad or scared. Maybe this is my way out, a way to finally rest. I shouldn't think that way, but I’m just so tired. There’s no reason to fight this illness because no one loves me anyway.

Tito: I’ll visit you here.

Violet: Can't I go home?

Uncle: You're sick. You need to recover. You’ll get better, okay? I have to go now, but they’ll bring you food later.

Violet: Okay, Uncle

[in the Hospital]

Violet's pov— I’ve been in the hospital for a week, but my father and siblings have never visited me. Maybe they’re even having a party because I’m not there. But it’s actually better for me to be here, just lying down and not moving. I don't expect them to visit because I’m just a burden to them; they’d probably think visiting me is a waste of time. I’m just lucky my uncle is the one paying for my treatment. He thinks my father’s income isn't enough, but the truth is my father doesn't even have a job. My father even made up stories about it. He's the reason I'm here in the first place. I wonder what's happening at school. My teacher will probably fail me again. I’ll just try to make up for it once I get better.