After the Storm

14. Fat duck, ugly duck.

So a bit about my Mission Trip in Baguio, Philippines:

It was AWESOME in terms of how it really broadened my horizon and made me realise how fortunate I am. It really made me reconsider my life and attitude.

Over there, we interacted with the kids who were so adorable and friendly. I have never seen anyone so happy to see me. They even asked for all of our autographs and pictures XD. One guy even said that I look like the Korean idol he likes. (I felt so flattered.)

But most importantly, I learnt to humble myself to care for others. I realised how I had been slightly prejudiced against people who are less well of than I am. And if Jesus (someone so faultless) can love prostitutes and tax collectors, who am I (someone so imperfect and sinful) to look down on others? This trip really helped me draw closer to God.

I really want to take on a job so that I can donate money to the organisation we collaborated with there as they are having financial problems. I really hope I can find a job though.

I will really appreciate prayer whether you are Christian or not. And thanks to all those who prayed for my trip and wished me luck. Love you guys!! <3

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Now moving on to the story:

Prismatic: Spectral in colour.

Exhort: To advise, admonish urgently.

Obfuscate: To confuse, bewilder.

Synchronous: Simultaneous/in synchrony.

Felicity: Happiness/the state of being happy.

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"Lillian!" Aunt Brank screeched from the dining room.

I groaned and buried my head into my pillows.

"Lillian Linton! I demand that you get dressed and come down this instance!"

I punched one of the pillows, picturing it as Mr Ambrose's head. All that did was make it more deformed and less like my employer's appearance.

Why couldn't he be an ugly old man instead? That would make it easier on my heart and life.

Are you admitting that he is good looking?

Well, I couldn't call him ugly without lying. Even a blind man could tell that Mr Ambrose was better looking than ninety-nine percent of the male population in England.

I produced a frustrated gutteral noise from the base of my throat and changed my lying position. Life felt dull and dreary ever since I stopped work. All I did was lie around and stare blankly at the walls. Either that or unwillingly hang around my group of friends.

Gossiping with Patsy, Flora, Eve, and occassionally Ella, did help temporarily snatch my mind away from the dark depths of emptiness. However the moment I was left alone, my brain would automatically drift back to things I tried to forget.

Be happy! You're free now, remember? Free from any man!

But not free for long if my Aunt decided to force me into marriage. Besides, I wasn't excused from the law which was dictated by men. Pity, because I wouldn't be able to dismember whom I pleased. Either way, I would always be under a man unless I became the Queen of England herself.

The torturer's footsteps sounded harshly on the wooden steps. "Lillian!"

I flipped the covers over my head. Oh how I wish I could just sink into the bed and disappear for good!