prologue

Today was my ninth birthday, a day brimming with excitement and anticipation. I woke up with a beaming smile, knowing that my father had left for work early, determined to make this day extraordinary for me. He always worked tirelessly to provide for our needs, and I appreciated his unwavering commitment.

Throughout the day, I eagerly awaited my father's return, imagining the surprises he might bring to celebrate my special day. The hours ticked by, and the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the room. I could hardly contain my excitement as I glanced at the clock, eagerly counting down the minutes until my father's arrival.

Finally, the door swung open, and there stood my father, a twinkle in his eyes and a wide grin on his face. In his hands, he carried a beautifully wrapped gift and a colorful bouquet of flowers. My heart swelled with joy at the sight of his thoughtful presents.

"Daddy! You're home!" I exclaimed, rushing into his open arms.

He hugged me tightly, his love enveloping me like a warm embrace. "Happy birthday, my darling Charlotte. I wanted to make this day unforgettable for you."

We spent the evening together, laughing and cherishing each precious moment. My father showered me with affection, making me feel like the most special girl in the world. We shared stories, created new memories, and basked in the glow of our love.

As the night deepened, we found ourselves sitting side by side, our laughter fading into a comfortable silence. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, casting dancing shadows on the walls. It was a perfect moment, filled with love and contentment.

Suddenly, the room plunged into darkness, the flickering candle snuffed out. Confusion and fear seized my heart as I reached out, searching for my father's comforting presence. But all I found was emptiness and an eerie stillness that seemed to suffocate the air.

"Daddy, what's happening?" I called out, my voice trembling with unease.

Silence lingered for a moment, and then a cold voice pierced through the darkness. "We've given your father enough time to celebrate your birthday, haven't we? Now, it's time to say goodbye."

Three menacing figures materialized from the shadows, their malevolence palpable. My father stood before them, a pillar of courage, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination.

A single tear escaped my father's eye, glistening in the dim light. "Charlotte, my beloved daughter, remember that you are strong and courageous. Even in the face of darkness, let your light shine brightly."

"Dad, what is happening?" I asked my father, my heart ached seeing tears on my father's face, the other time I saw him crying is whenever we were doing my mother's remembrance.

Confusion turned to terror as the monsters closed in, their intentions clear. The next moment, the sound of a gun roared in my ears like a volcano eruption, and then the groaning of my father came next. 

"Father," I called, scared. I was left in the darkness - shaking and trembling. They took my father away from me, extinguishing the warmth of his love on the very day we were meant to celebrate. Darkness wrapped around me, suffocating my spirit, as I witnessed the unthinkable unfold before my eyes.

From that moment forward, darkness became an unwelcome companion, a haunting reminder of the evil that had shattered our lives. But my father's words echoed within me, a beacon of strength and resilience. I vowed to honor his memory, to seek justice for the light that had been stolen from me leaving me with darkness.

My uncle arrived the second and take me to his house and he promised he'd take care of me. That night ruined my life. Aside from the trauma of not being able to stay in the dark, I had to face the other side of life. My uncle who had promised to take care of me turned on me. His wife and children were not different. Life became hard, very hard. Waking up every day became a strenuous task because there was nothing to wake up to.