Hello, and welcome.
This story is loosely based on true events, used fictitiously for narrative flow.
CONTENT WARNING:
This story contains themes that may be triggering to some readers, including self-harm ideation, mention of domestic violence, family dysfunction, child abuse, mention of sexual harassment and abuse, homophobia, body shaming, drug abuse, and emotional trauma.
I won’t discourage you from reading, especially if something in these pages has already called out to you. Most of the triggering themes aren’t in every chapter (scattered around nine chapters) they do not dominate the story, and they’re not detailed. But please, proceed with care. Listen to your spirit.
I’VE MARKED THE CHAPTERS WITH THE CONTENT WARNING.
The story takes place on the African continent. However, for safety and personal reasons, I’ve chosen not to specify an exact country or location. The absence of geographical naming is intentional. Let the soul of the place rise from the language, the people, the moments.
This tale has lived inside me for years. It sat heavy in my chest when I didn’t have the words. The first sentences were born in a dark and aching place. I didn’t publish it then because I was unravelling. But somehow, I held on. And now I’m here. Still healing. Still writing. Still believing in the sacred power of stories.
Thank you for holding space for this one.
And to anyone who has ever carried a quiet truth, I hope you find a reflection of your own beautiful journey here.
If it moves you, I welcome your genuine thoughts. Feedback is sunlight to stories like these.
P.S →The poetic prose is intentional. It reflects how Makena views her world. If the other characters (the women) sound wise, that’s deliberate too, because we are intelligent like that. So, to keep the focus on them and their connections is the other reason for my keeping the geographical location ambiguous.
With heart,
shafirasharik
Copyright © 2025
To the girl I was. I see you now. I’m writing this for you.
STAI LEGGENDO
Echoes (wlw)
Storie d'amoreFor Makena, life is a quiet navigation of grief and unspoken fears, especially around a truth she barely dares to name. But everything shifts the day a single word, searched with trembling hands, cracks something open. Suddenly, she's drawn into sto...
