Brush & Blades - A journey beyond worlds

Atuhi Flora's(age 15) life unfolded in the shadow of her sister's radiance. From a young age, her parents and teachers compared her to her sibling, a dazzling star in the academic and social spheres. The constant comparisons left Atuhi feeling like an overlooked satellite, orbiting in perpetual obscurity.

One rainy evening, as the gloomy clouds mirrored her mood, Atuhi sat in her dimly lit room. Piles of old, worn-out clothes lay in a corner, remnants of her sister's discarded fashion. The sound of laughter from the living room highlighted the stark contrast between the two sisters.

"Why can't you be more like your sister, Atuhi?" echoed her mother's voice in her mind, a haunting refrain that accompanied her every day. In school, the teachers' praise for her sister's achievements became a recurring theme. Atuhi, though possessing her unique talents in art, felt invisible in the sea of academic excellence her sister effortlessly sailed.

One day, as she handed her art project to the teacher, hoping for acknowledgment, the response was dismissive. "Your sister's math scores are truly outstanding, Atuhi. Maybe you should seek inspiration from her dedication." The words stung, further isolating Atuhi in the unending comparison game.

At home, every attempt to assert her individuality was met with disapproval. Clothes, toys, and even

academic performance became battlegrounds where her sister consistently emerged victorious.

Beyond the confines of her home, the cruelty of her classmates added another layer to Atuhi's suffering. Bullied for her average looks and academic struggles, she became the target of their ridicule. Water thrown at her, notes torn, and curses etched on her desk were daily torments she endured in silence.

One day, the bullying reached a devastating crescendo. A false accusation, orchestrated by her

tormentors, led to a teacher searching her bag. The stolen purse planted by her classmates shattered the remnants of Atuhi's already fragile reputation. Her pleas for innocence fell on deaf ears, and she faced not only the teacher's disappointment but also the wrath of her parents when they were summoned to the school.

Back at home, her sister's intervention spared her from the immediate consequences, but the scars of the false accusation lingered. The bullying continued, relentless and unforgiving. The weight of her sister's success, coupled with the relentless bullying, became too much to bear.

That night, fueled by a mix of frustration, determination, and the desperate need for escape, Atuhi

decided to leave the Unseen Realms that bound her.

To be continued...