Alice was born into an extremely traditional English family. Her parents were deeply religious, which shaped their worldview and expectations. Although it was the twenty-first century, they firmly believed that their daughter should not wear short skirts, paint her nails, or use makeup. Her mother always adored her eldest son, Thomas, putting him on a pedestal. For her, Thomas was the pillar of the household. From childhood, his mother instilled in him the belief that he could do anything, but that he was also responsible for looking after his sister. Thomas took his mothers words very seriously.
He watched over his sister constantly and wouldnt let her make a single move without his knowledge. Every tiny misstep could be reason enough for him to lash out at her. Their parents even approved of his harsh treatment, including physical punishment. Alice felt trapped, like a bird in a cage, unsure what path to take. She wasnt even allowed to have friends. Despite this, she had numerous chores at homeshe was expected to tidy the house, cook meals, wash clothes, and manage all the domestic tasks.
When she turned fifteen, tragedy struck. Her brother suffered an accident and could not be saved. Her mother was devastated, overcome with grief. Alice mourned as well; despite everything, she still loved her brother.
With this event, Alice experienced a small measure of freedom. She managed to make a few friends. Yet her parents strictness persisted. She was punished for buying a blouse with a colour they considered too bright. She never felt warmth from her parents. They denied her the right to individuality and demanded she live according to their rules. Talking things through was never an option; every attempt ended in shouting and sometimes violence.
When Alice became an adult, she found a job and left her parents house. Today, she is a successful photographer. She no longer keeps in touch with her family. Through her journey, Alice learned that sometimes you must break free from the chains of the past to discover your own path, and that true happiness comes from embracing who you truly are.
