Prologue
Leia
My eyelids are fluttering closed as I breathed in the briny aroma, the soft sand under my feet still damp from the retreating tide. Scrunching my nose at the salty scent, I slowly opened my eyes to a sky painted in shades of red and orange. The clouds, spread out like wisps of white smoke, looked like they were being emitted from distant engines.
The lacy waves, with their drumbeat-like rhythm, echoed my own heartbeat as the cool breeze blew away the tension from my bones. I smiled as the cool water splashed against my bare feet before retreating into the sea.
The huge trees around me swayed gently in the breeze, and I let out a deep breath, taking in the beauty of this hidden spot. This place, nestled deep inside the creek, is a secret to everyone. The creek, wild and eerie, had become off-limits due to the ghost stories and haunting legends that surrounded it. Though the tales were chilling, I never really believed them, and I hadn’t explored the creek to disprove the myths.
It was pure accident that led me to stumble into the creek, and by the time I realized where I was, it was too late to turn back. The darkness of the midnight woods and the terrifying appearance of the trees had made the ghost stories seem almost real, and I began to believe them, even if just for a moment.
I never imagined that I would one day be running into the creek to escape from my father. Gabriel, my father, was a man of few words and even fewer emotions. Since the death of his wife, he had become even more distant, focusing solely on work and money, with little regard for me. His presence in my life was minimal, and though he fulfilled his responsibilities, he was never truly there for me.
One night, things took a dark turn. My father came home late, completely drunk, and began throwing tantrums in Italian, a language I didn’t understand. His erratic behavior was alarming, and when he started screaming and causing chaos, I panicked. His rage seemed almost murderous under the dim streetlights as he chased after me, shouting in Italian.
In that moment, running away from my father felt like the only option. His drunken state couldn’t keep up with me, and I found yourself stumbling deeper into the creek. The creek, with its eerie reputation, somehow felt safer than facing my father. As you sought refuge here, the calming sound of the waves and the serene moonlit view drew me further in.
I spent the night in the creek, mesmerized by the moon’s reflection on the sea, which glittered like diamonds. The sight was breathtaking, and the gentle waves seemed to dance gracefully towards the shore only to retreat again. The beauty of the scene provided a soothing contrast to the fear and chaos that had driven me here.
When morning came, the chirping of birds and the lapping waves gently woke me. The creek had become my secret escape, a place where I could find solace away from my chaotic life and strained relationship with my father.
Today, I left work early, as the students’ request for an early departure due to upcoming exams was granted without hesitation by Marie. Working in the Russian Community of Dance and Music wasn’t what I initially aimed for; I had intended to master the piano. When the former pianist left and I volunteered to fill the role, it felt like a fortunate turn of events.
Balancing part-time work as a waiter and piano mastery was challenging, but Marie’s offer to combine work and learning was too good to pass up. Over time, I found yourself more engaged in the work aspect, enjoying the dance performances as much as I loved playing the piano. Despite my father’s initial resistance, he eventually relented, allowing me to pursue my own path.
Now, as I slipped on your black bellies and prepared to leave, the sky darkened, signaling that it would soon be evening. The creek had given my peace and clarity, and with a deep breath, I set out on my way home.
