The End

Growing up, Sofia was the oldest daughter in her house. Both her parents were working professionals, so she took care of her little sister and brother.

“Sofia, after you are done with school, remember to help your sister with her homework, and look after your little brother too. Your dad and I will be late today.”

Sofia had to help her sister with school while looking after her little brother and preparing dinner for everyone. After finishing the dishes, she would wait happily until her parents got home, then do her homework.

“Sofia, is everyone in bed?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Did you help your sister with her homework? Her teacher called, saying she is having a hard time with math. You must teach her. I don’t have time for that. You are the older sister. You must take care of your siblings.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Now go to bed.”

There was no praise for her hard work. Mommy and Daddy are busy; I must give my all to make them proud. Sofia would stay at least another two hours doing homework and studying, preparing for her classes.

Her parents expected her to become an engineer. Both her parents were hard on her. After school, she had to help with the household chores. She had to take care of her siblings and help them with their education. She had to be the top student in both academics and sports. She was the older daughter after all.

The most challenging subject for Sofia in high school was Physical Education. She tried many sports to find one in which she could excel. However, she was never the top competitor. Sometimes she would stay late in her room, training for P.E. She would do cardio and simple sets of body weight training. She would time herself for maximum repetitions on crunches, push-ups, squats, handstands, and pull-ups.

“Okay, I’m improving. I’m sure I can get an A and beat everyone in my class.”

“What are you doing?”

“Mom, I’m studying for my PE class. We have exams this week. I think I can get better grades.” Sofia was Happy to see her mom catching her working hard.

“What a waste of time. Make sure you get a good grade, and don’t make too much noise. Your dad and I need to rest.”

“Yes, Mom.” Is it a waste of time? Then why am I doing this? Nevertheless, if I receive a bad grade, you will force me to improve. That week, Sofia managed to perform well for her PE class, getting high scores.

“Dad, look at my grades report.”

“Good job. I’m going to bed.” He patted Sofia’s head lightly.

“Thank you!” That meant the world to her. She was closer to making her parents happy and proud.

She managed to have good grades in middle school and high school. She tried different sports and subjects to find the one in which she could excel and make her parents proud, but no matter how hard she tried, she never reached the top. Her parents never praise her, support her, or even attend Parents’ Day or sports events. Sofia was there for her siblings, but no one was there for her.

She failed the entrance exam and was not accepted at the university of her parents’ choice. Sofia was ashamed of not being able to meet her parents’ expectations.

“You really can’t do anything right.” Her parents were apathetic towards her.

“You will study accounting; it will be easier to get a job. After you are done with your education, you will have to find a place to live; you are not staying here as a free loader.”

She still had to take care of her siblings, who were average in every subject. For her parents, Sofia was the one to blame for her sibling’s performance.

Sofia studied accounting. She managed to graduate from college with good grades. Sofia had an office job and was living away from home. She lived in a small apartment with nothing but a cat. She had no furniture, a mattress for a bed, and utensils in the kitchen for one person. Her sister would call her to ask for favors or money, her little brother would text her back after a few months, and her parents would call her to blame her for her sibling’s failure and to resolve their issues.

She was miserable. No money, no friends, or lover, no future. She couldn’t say no to her family. However, that’s what life was for her. Her role was to take responsibility and support the rest of the family. After every interaction with her family, she felt like crying.

Her life was a mess. She was now in her mid-30s, holding a low-paying job that offered no opportunities for improvement, and living alone in a small apartment. But Minoru was with her. The small tuxedo cat that she found a couple of years ago on the streets. Minoru didn’t like her much. She let Sofia pat her only in certain moments, especially when she wanted to be fed. If Sofia tried to grab her to hug her, Minoru would run or scratch her until Sofia let her go. Sofia could only pat her when Minoru wanted. For most of the day, Minoru would be far from her, sleeping next to the window. However, that was Sofia’s life, always craving for affection.

I’m so tired. It is already 6 pm and I’m still on the train on my way home. Minoru will be hungry. Oh, a text message. It’s my sis, I wonder what she wants… She wants me to go with her later tonight to do her nails… uuuhhhhh… I want to get home and get to bed. “Sorry, sis, I’m still on my way home from work. I’m pretty tired. I don’t think I can make it.” Hopefully, she will understand.

"No worries, the appointment is in 3 hours; you will get plenty of rest. I look forward to seeing you soon." Uuuuhh… is she going to ask me to pay for her nails too? Oh no, I missed the exit, no no no no, not today. I want to get home. I’m gonna have to walk… It’s already 7 pm; I missed my Jujitsu class, and it’s getting darker. These heels are killing me. I don’t know these streets well. It’s evening already. It is so dark.

Out of nowhere, she saw a man standing in front of her. He looks high and erratic.

“Hey, hag, I need some money, do you have any to spare?”

I’m terrified, so I quickly open my bag and give the man the cash I have. “Please, take this; there is no need to hurt anyone.”

“UHH! That’s all?”

He quickly grabs my arm and pulls off my purse with all his strength. I quickly reached for my pepper spray and sprayed it in his eyes.

“AAAAH! I’m gonna kill you fucking bitch!” he screamed.

I take a self-defense class. If running is an option, that should always be my priority, especially if the attacker has a weapon. While turning, I inhale all the oxygen I can and put all the energy and strength left in my legs to make a quick run, but suddenly my left heel breaks, causing me to lose my balance and twist my left ankle.

Shit, I’m in the ground. The man was already over me. I grab his body with my legs, put space between him and me. With both my hands, I grab his left arm to sweep him over, but I can’t. My arms feel weak, and my trunk feels warm. I smell blood. I take a quick look around. He stabbed me at least twice. My clothes were soaked in blood. My limbs feel numb. My mouth is full of blood. It is hard to breathe. The asphalt feels rough and cold. My body hurts. Everything is becoming dark… I could hear someone shouting, and the man running… I hear some shots… Minoru is going to get mad. She doesn’t have food… I feel certain relief… I’m done… I felt like crying… It’s finally over… There is no more pain.