Chapter 13

Denied the self-sought liberation, I pondered whether I would have followed through. The desire to escape the pain in my life was resolute, yet the prospect of taking that final step remained uncertain.

I might never unravel the truth or depth of that aspect within me, so I metaphorically folded the pathway to freedom like a piece of paper, concealing it within the shadows of my mind. While the folder bore no definitive label of 'Denied,' I attempted to shield it from my own scrutiny.

During my father's punishing ordeal the previous night for attempting to flee, I harbored resentment towards the enigmatic figure from my dreams. His timely intervention prevented me from plunging to the depths of the cliff, a potential escape from this purgatorial existence. Stripped of the possibility to shield my soul from the agony within my worn body, he condemned me to endure further suffering instead.

With every punishing blow of my father's leather belt on my bare back, resent