A way to start life
In the quiet moments before dawn, when the sun's first rays tiptoed through the tiniest fissures in the curtains, a gentle warmth began to suffuse the room where y/n lay. Wrapped in the tender embrace of sleep, she remained oblivious to the world's awakening. Slowly, ever so reluctantly, her eyelids fluttered in protest, resisting the intrusion of the sun's unwelcome brightness.
With a languid yawn that stretched her weary muscles, y/n's eyes blinked open, squinting against the sudden assault of light. Her vision, still veiled by the remnants of sleep, rendered her surroundings as hazy, ethereal forms. Gradually, the room's familiar contours emerged from the fog, and she begrudgingly realized that morning had come, and it was already 8 am.
"Oh no," y/n murmured, her voice bearing the weight of both frustration and urgency. Hastily, she cast aside the cozy cocoon of blankets and let her bare feet touch the cool, unforgiving wooden floor. The sensation, like a jolt of electricity, snapped her into full wakefulness.
"My dad is gonna kill me," she thought, a rising tide of panic coursing through her veins. The dread of facing the repercussions of yet another bout of oversleeping hung over her like a guillotine blade. It felt as though, despite her best efforts, she remained trapped in an unending cycle of sleepless nights and unyielding homework.
The teachers, she mused bitterly, were relentless. They wore an air of indifference, as though she were merely a lazy slacker, blind to the complexities of her life beyond the classroom. They swept her struggles beneath the rug as if they didn't exist at all.
To drown out the mounting anxiety, y/n sought refuge in the world of video games, her trusty iMac her gateway to adventure. From Call of Duty to Fortnite, she immersed herself in virtual battles. Yet, her computer wasn't exactly built for gaming; it stuttered and overheated like a race car ablaze. She owed the cherished iMac to her grandmother's benevolence on a past birthday, a magical escape from stress until her father had intervened, turning it into a technological tragedy.
y/n's dad was the epitome of a deadbeat father. He was constantly drowning in alcohol, his closest companion and perhaps even his lover. No matter what, he always chose the bottle over his own family. His pockets seemed to only produce a meager sum, begrudgingly handed over to y/n's mom, who was left to toil away in the kitchen and clean up after him. It was as if he held all the power, the sole ruler of their humble abode. Despite her mother's fiery declarations of leaving him, he would manipulate and deceive her, leaving her trapped in his toxic grasp.
Oh, the memories that y/n carried within her heart. Even as a little girl of eight, she knew the depths of her hatred for her father. She vividly recalled one particular incident, like a haunting melody that refused to fade away.
There she was, a little artist in her room, lost in the world of her drawings. Suddenly, her father's friend stepped into her sanctuary, his presence both comforting and unnerving. With gentle hands, he began to massage her tired little back, his words soothing her troubled soul. In that moment, y/n felt a rare sense of calm, a flicker of solace that she had never known from any man before. But as the minutes passed, the soothing touch turned sinister, sliding down her tender thighs, suffocating her innocence.
A gasp of horror caught in her throat, threatening to escape, but before it could, a pocket knife appeared, cold and menacing against her delicate skin. The man's finger pressed against her trembling lips, silencing her with a terrifying warning. Fear gripped her heart, promising pain if she dared to scream.
Once he was done with his vile act, the man fled, disappearing like a phantom in the night. Trembling with shock and fury, y/n burst out of her room, only to find her father, the very source of her anguish, blissfully ignorant and celebrating his newfound joy. He held a twelve-pack of beer, exclaiming with delight, "Isn't this amazing? He gave me so much beer!"
In that moment, y/n realized the despicable truth. To her father, she was nothing more than a commodity, sold for the price of a dozen
y/n's grip tightened as she thought about her abusive father and the way he had treated her. She tried to calm herself, but her peace was interrupted by a disturbing call from downstairs. "y/n get your ass down here, now!" her father roared, his anger evident in the shrill timbre of his voice. Y/n froze as she contemplated whether or not to comply with her father's wishes.
Y/n sat at the table, savoring her breakfast of colorful Trix cereal. She couldn't help but notice the crumpled cereal box on the counter, a remnant of its previous squished state in the cabinet. As she enjoyed her morning meal, a strange sensation tingled on her forehead, as if someone's intense gaze bore into her. Y/n knew all too well that it was her father, his icy glare piercing through her. She held her tongue, deciding to remain silent. The heavy silence was finally shattered by the arrival of her mother, carrying a plate piled high with fluffy eggs and crispy bacon. "Here you go, dear," her mother said, placing the plate in front of her father. Yet, he didn't even acknowledge her, his gaze still locked on y/n with that familiar coldness.
Finally, her father poked at his food, taking his time to savor the crunch of the bacon in his mouth. Just as he froze, his eyes turned towards y/n's mother. "You fucking cunt, you've gone and burnt the bacon!" The words spewed out of his mouth like venom. Before anyone could react, his fist connected with her mother's delicate face, leaving behind a dreadful black eye. The room fell silent, except for the sound of their hearts breaking.
Time seemed to stand still as y/n watched in horror, her heart pounding in her chest. The room fell silent, except for the sound of their hearts breaking. The sight of her mother, crumpled on the floor, blood trickling from her split lip and a dreadful black eye forming, was unbearable. The pain etched on her mother's face mirrored y/n's own anguish, fueling a deep well of rage within her.
Finally, tears began streaming from her eyes, a mixture of sadness and fury. She felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins, propelling her forward. With a fiery determination, y/n cried out, her voice trembling with anger and defiance, "You worthless piece of shit!" She jumped out of her chair, knocking it over in her haste, and lunged towards her father, ready to confront him head-on.
But just as she approached, her father's sneering grin twisted into a sinister smirk, his eyes gleaming with malice. With a swift movement, he raised his arm, delivering a brutal backhand across y/n's face. The force of the blow sent her crashing to the floor, her vision blurred with pain and tears. The room spun around her as she struggled to regain her senses.
As she lay there, a throbbing ache spreading through her cheek, y/n's eyes locked with her mother's. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. They had both endured enough pain, both physically and emotionally. They couldn't continue to live like this, trapped in a cycle of abuse and torment.
The cruel words echoed through the air, like a bitter gust of wind on a chilly winter's day. The abusive father stood tall, his face twisted with anger as he stared down at his hands stained with red. "To think my own daughter would dare approach me like this, it's absolutely repulsive, i wish i never had you" he growled, his voice dripping with venom. His last words pierced y/n's heart, aching with a pain they had become all too familiar with.
Finally, y/n found solace as she sat down at her wooden deck, positioned beside the window. The world outside seemed to fade into a blur as she gazed into the glass, her eyes fixated on the cloudy sky above. The soft hues of gray swirled together, creating an ethereal canvas that mirrored the storm within her soul. Birds, their wings outstretched, soared through the air with an effortless grace, a stark contrast to the heaviness that weighed on y/n's heart.
In this moment of respite, all y/n wanted was to escape, to drift away into a dreamless slumber and never return to the harsh reality that awaited her. The weariness of her body and the weight of her burdens tugged at her eyelids, beckoning her to surrender to the sweet embrace of sleep. But just as she was about to succumb to her exhaustion, a sudden interruption shattered the tranquility that had enveloped her.
The voice of her teacher reverberated through the classroom, cutting through the stillness like a sharp blade. "Everyone, please direct your attention to the front of the class. We have a special visitor today," the teacher announced, his tone carrying a hint of excitement and curiosity.
Reluctantly, y/n's eyes shifted away from the window and towards the front of the classroom. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a collective energy that seemed to pulsate through the room. And then, she saw her. Standing tall and resolute, a woman clad in the uniform of a sergeant. Her presence commanded attention, her gaze piercing through the sea of students with a sense of authority and strength.
"Everyone, meet Sergeant Olivia,"
the teacher introduced, "Sergeant Olivia will be in charge of the class. Please listen attentively, because this may change your life forever."
She flashed the man a smile, her eyes filled with warmth and reassurance. Giving him a reassuring nod, she silently conveyed that she was ready to speak. Y/n couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. Her sun-kissed skin had a healthy glow, and her long, lustrous black hair was elegantly tied up in a bun. With her graceful figure, she could easily grace the pages of a fashion magazine as a stunning hourglass model. But it wasn't just her looks that caught y/n's attention. There was something about her that exuded confidence and strength, making it impossible to look away.
"Good day, esteemed individuals," a voice resonated through the room, commanding attention and respect. The speaker, Sargent Olivia, stood tall and poised, exuding an air of unwavering authority. Her hands gracefully clasped behind her back, accentuating her military bearing.
"As you have been duly informed, I am Sargent Olivia, and I have been bestowed with the honor of addressing the profound impact the military can have on one's existence," she announced, her voice possessing a delicate balance of command and warmth. With a slight adjustment of her posture, she assumed a more commanding stance, ready to impart her knowledge upon the attentive audience.
"As a Sergeant, my mission is to make you a total powerhouse - both physically and mentally. So, here's the drill: we rise and shine at the crack of dawn, ready to conquer the world. We start off with some warm-up exercises that'll get those muscles fired up and ready to go. Picture this: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and a killer 5-minute plank. Oh, but we're just getting started, my friend. There's so much more in store for you!"
The mere thought of grueling exercises and waking up at the crack of dawn had everyone gulping. It was like swallowing a boulder and hoping it wouldn't get stuck. y/n could feel the weight of anticipation hanging heavy in the air, and a sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach. As Sergeant Olivia's words echoed in her mind, y/n couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt ignite within her.
"Ah, the military life, it's got perks! I mean, seriously, where else can you find such amazing benefits? We're talking about education benefits,, opening doors to knowledge and endless possibilities. And get this, you've got a whole 30 days of vacation to soak up the sun or explore new horizons. Oh, and let's not forget about the chance to travel the world, experiencing different cultures and sights. And the cherry on top? A paycheck that'll make your bank account smile, with some sweet pay bonuses thrown in"
Sergeant Olivia couldn't help but notice the excited whispers and hushed conversations among the crowd. The idea of attaining something both effortless and challenging had sparked a glimmer of curiosity in their eyes. A mischievous smile crept across Olivia's face as she felt the intrigue building around her. It was as if she had just unveiled a secret treasure, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Oh, how she relished in this moment, knowing that she had captured the attention of those around her.
As the whispers of excitement circulated throughout the room, y/n couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. The idea of escaping her troubled home life and finding a path that offered not just safety, but also a chance to make a difference, was too enticing to resist. She knew that joining the military would be challenging, but the thought of gaining skills and training that could potentially empower her and protect others ignited a fire within her soul.
Raising her hand, y/n spoke up, her voice filled with conviction. "Sergeant Olivia, I have a question," she said, her eyes locked with Olivia's. "What kind of training and skills do we need to possess in order to be considered for this opportunity?"
Sergeant Olivia's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she observed the determination in y/n's gaze. This young woman, she could tell, had the potential to be something extraordinary. With a smile, Olivia responded, "To be considered for this opportunity, you must possess a strong sense of discipline, mental fortitude, and physical fitness. The military is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to push themselves beyond their limits."
The room fell silent as the weight of Olivia's words sank in. Each student pondered their own abilities and contemplated whether they were up to the challenge.
A boy raised his hand
, "I have a question, do we get things for free?"
Her laughter filled the room, a melodic sound that echoed off the walls. "Yes, and no," she replied, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You see, on the military grounds, we've got a little something called a DD and a subway. Pretty cool, right? And the best part is, you get food for free! Oh, and let's not forget about the gear and supplies. We've got you covered there too. You'll be decked out with the coolest gadgets and guns you can imagine!"
The excitement in the room was palpable. Wide grins spread across their faces as they imagined themselves holding those powerful weapons, ready to take on any challenge that came their way.
"Heh, I knew you would like that," she chuckled, a twinkle in her eye. "But, my friend, we still need to see if you've got what it takes to join our elite squad. We need the best of the best, after all. Are you up for the challenge?"
_______________
The bell rang, signaling the end of another mundane class. But y/n wasn't in a rush to leave just yet. She lingered in the classroom, waiting for the last of her classmates to filter out, her heart pounding with anticipation. Finally, the room emptied, leaving her alone with Sargent Olivia, who wore a warm smile as she met y/n's gaze.
"Hello there! How may I help you?" Sargent Olivia asked, her smile reassuring.
Without wasting a second, y/n blurted out, "I want to join the military!" Her cheeks flushed with excitement, and her chest heaved with nervous energy.
A soft laugh escaped Olivia's lips as she shook her head. "Well, I'm glad you asked! Here are some papers you'll need to sign, and we'll also have you take a little quiz to see where you stand." She handed y/n the paperwork, her smile still radiating encouragement. It was as if y/n's enthusiasm had ignited a spark in Olivia's eyes, and it filled y/n's heart with newfound determination.
""Wait, do my parents have to sign?" Y/n's anxiety started bubbling up, causing her to feel ill.
"Oh, no need to worry about that," she reassured calmly. "This is all up to you, no need for your parents' permission."
y/n calm down a little, her breathing returning to its regular rhythm. "thank you so much Sargent Oliva"
"You're welcome." Olivia smiled before clearing her throat. "can't wait to see you on the grounds"
The atmosphere in y/n's home was suffocating, heavy with the stench of fear and despair. The air seemed to thicken as her father's angry footsteps echoed through the house, growing louder with each passing moment. Y/n's heart pounded in her chest, her breaths coming in shallow gasps, as she clutched the military papers tightly in her trembling hands.
As her father burst into the room, his face twisted with rage, y/n's body instinctively recoiled, anticipating the blows that were sure to follow. Her father's eyes fixated on the papers she held, a malicious sneer creeping across his face.
"Why, you little shit," he spat, his voice seething with venom, "you signed up for the military?" The words dripped with a toxic mix of anger and disappointment, like acid eating away at y/n's fragile self-esteem.
Before she could respond, her father's hand lashed out, the belt in his grip cracking through the air. Pain exploded across y/n's body as the leather connected with her skin, leaving behind a fiery trail of red. Each strike felt like a physical manifestation of her father's harsh words, cutting deeper into her spirit.
"You are a failure!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room, drowning out y/n's cries. "You're never gonna succeed in anything!"
Tears streamed down y/n's face, mingling with the pain etched across her features. She desperately pleaded, her voice laced with both agony and desperation, "Dad, please...stop"
"Y/n's father's words cut through the air like a knife, each syllable slicing into her already wounded heart. The pain from the physical blows was nothing compared to the emotional torment he inflicted upon her. With every insult hurled her way, y/n felt her spirit shrink further, like a flickering candle in a gusty storm.
As tears streamed down her face, y/n clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms, as if trying to ground herself in the midst of chaos. The turmoil inside her reached a boiling point, a surge of strength and determination welling up from deep within her soul.
"No," y/n whispered, her voice shaky but resolute. "No, I won't let your words define me anymore." Her words were barely audible, but they echoed with an unwavering determination that reverberated through the room.
Her father's eyes widened in disbelief, his rage momentarily subsiding as he took in her defiant stance. "What did you say?" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt.
Taking a deep breath, y/n straightened her back, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I refuse to be silenced and belittled by you any longer," she declared, her voice tinged with a newfound sense of courage. "I am capable of so much more than you will ever allow me to be."
Her father's face twisted with fury as he raised his hand once again, ready to deliver another blow......
