FRAGILE STRENGTH

Hi! I’m Violet, 17 years old, and a Grade 8 student. Surprising, right? 17 years old and still in Grade 8. I grew up in a family full of trials,pure hardship. My parents are separated, so I’m here with my "great" father who does nothing but get drunk every night. My mother has a new family and left me to suffer with my father. There are three of us siblings. My older brother is jobless, just drinking with his friends, basically a dreamer with no future. And our youngest sister? She had a child early because she prioritized other things over her studies. Violet's pov— They take out all their anger and heat on me. Just a little more and my body will get used to the pain they cause. I’m slowly becoming numb. Father: Hey, girl! Are you just going to stand there staring? Where is the food? Violet: The rice isn’t cooked yet, Pa... Father: Damn it! Why isn't it ready? Didn't I tell you to cook while I was gone? Violet: Yes, Pa... I did, but— Father: You're answering back now? (Slaps her) You're worthless! Just like your mother, you're both trash! I should have never let you live! Violet's pov— I hold back my tears. If he sees me crying, he’ll just laugh and add more bruises to my body. You let me live, but you kill me every single day. Father:Ugh! Better if I just leave. At least the neighbors are useful. (He leaves to drink with his friends). Violet: Brother, sister, I cooked some food. Come and eat. Oldest brother: I’m not hungry. I already ate. Youngest sister: I ate too. Violet: But what about the food I prepared? Kuya: Feed it to the dog if you want! Violet's pov— Why do I even expect them to eat the food I prepared? They don't even like my cooking. [ Father Returns] ( knocking at the door) Father (Drunk): Why did it take you so long to open?! You brat! I’ve been knocking for so long! (Grabs her hair and jaw) Violet: Pa, you’re hurting me.. Father: Oh, so you feel pain? Why were you even born? Do you want to die? Violet:Please, Pa... let me go... it hurts... (He pushes her to the floor and continues to hit her until he gets tired and falls asleep on the sofa.) [In Bathroom] Violet: I limped to the bathroom to clean the blood from my lip. That’s where I let out all the tears I had been holding back. "Keep fighting, Violet. We’ll get through this." I was so tired I didn't realize I fell asleep on the bathroom floor. (Older Brother bangs on the bathroom door) Oldest brother: What’s with the drama? Get out! I need to shower, I’m going to be late because of you! (Grabs her arm, hitting a bruise) Violet:(Endures the pain) I have school at 12:00, so I can still prepare. Violet's pov— If you're wondering where I get money for food, I earn it myself. I sell candy at school that I make. But I don't get anything from my sales, it all goes to them. I don't even have an allowance. I endure going to school with an empty stomach. I keep asking myself why I’m going through this. I’m their family, right? But they treat me like a stranger. Violet: I can’t help but be envious of my classmates because they always have food and everything they need. They’re lucky their parents are kind and complete. Meanwhile, I only experience pain and oppression. [School] Violet's pov— I went to school with bruises all over my body. I was ashamed to let others see them, so I wore a jacket even though it was hot. I didn't mind the heat as long as my bruises were covered. Bully 1: Look at her! New style, wearing a jacket? It’s so hot! Bully 2: You’re going to smoke in there! Bully 3: Hey, don't mess with her. Who knows, she might be the daughter of a mafia boss! (They all laugh togethr) Violet's pov— I didn't let them get to me. Their words were nothing compared to the physical pain I endure at home. I let them be because they weren't hurting me physically like my family does. Their bullying felt like nothing. Professor: Class, bring out your assignments. (The Professor calls the students one by one. Everyone has their assignment except violet.) Professor: Why don't you have an assignment? Violet: I’m sorry, ma'am. I forgot to do it. Professor: "Forgot"? Again? How many times have I given you a chance? You never participate in my class. Violet's pov— The truth is, I can't do my assignments because I’m exhausted from the pain my father and siblings inflict on me. I can’t even take care of myself. I can't finish a simple assignment because I am beaten every single day. By the time I finish the chores at home, my strength is completely gone.Professor: Aren't you embarrassed by your classmates? This is your third year repeating Grade 8. Your peers have already graduated while you’re still here. I only asked for a simple assignment, and you couldn't do it. What else are you doing besides studying? Do you have a job? Violet: No, ma'am. Professor: Exactly. If you only knew, I do more work than all of you combined. All you have to do is listen and do your projects, but you can't even manage that. Violet: I'm sorry, ma'am. It won't happen again. Professor: Sigh. I’m calling your parents to come here tomorrow. Violet: But ma'am... Professor: It’s been years since I’ve seen or spoken to your parents. Don't tell me they "left the house" again? Are they always gone whenever I call for them? (Classmates whisper and laugh) Violet's pov— How can I make my parents come to school? My father doesn't care about me, and neither does my brother. I don't know anyone who can go in their place. I should have graduated high school by now, but I can't finish this grade because of their constant abuse. I fail my subjects because I can't afford the materials for my projects. My father doesn't work, and while I know my siblings have money, they only think of themselves. They don't contribute a single peso to my life or even feed me. I’m just thankful I can sell a few candies at school. Violet's pov— One time, someone said they would buy all my goods, but they took everything and didn't pay me a single cent. Still, I’m thankful for those who actually buy and like my work. But even outside, I can't escape the bullying. My classmates mock me and tell me I don't belong in this school. They even say they wish I would just disappear from this world. Violet's pov— Sometimes, I want to end my life. But I know that isn't the answer. I know God has a plan for me. Ending my life won't solve what I'm going through. It hurts, but that’s life, you have to fight. Will you allow others to oppress you? Will you let sadness win? Will you end your life before your time? Maybe it’s okay to rest for a while, and then wake up as if there are no problems.