...“Volume One”...

...Day's of Peacefulness...

...Prologue: Beneath the Silence...

In the quiet town of Panalines, where the mountains kissed the sky and the fields swayed to the whispers of the wind, life thrived in simplicity. The town was small and unassuming, but its beauty lay in its raw, unpolished charm. The people here valued contentment over ambition, living lives enriched by tradition and hard work. Among these modest homes stood the Lannesè family's house, a humble abode that radiated warmth despite its worn-out walls.

It was in this house that Selene Lannesè, the second of four siblings, grew up. She learned early on the weight of responsibility and the quiet strength needed to endure life’s trials. Her family wasn’t wealthy, but they made do with what they had. The creaking wooden floors echoed their struggles, while the simple meals on their table spoke of careful budgeting and frugality. Despite this, the love within their home was unwavering—a bond that held them together through even the toughest times.

Selene wasn’t like most girls her age. While others spent their free time joining school clubs or chasing fleeting trends, Selene dedicated herself to balancing academics and household chores. She excelled in her studies, not because she sought recognition but because she believed that her success might ease her family’s burdens. She was a top-ranking student, a quiet achiever who avoided the spotlight. Humble and low-key, Selene never boasted about her accomplishments, preferring to keep them to herself.

Yet, beneath her calm and composed demeanor, Selene struggled in silence. Adolescence brought with it a myriad of challenges—academic pressure, financial difficulties, and the growing realization of her family’s sacrifices. She often felt the sting of loneliness, the kind that came from shouldering more than she could share. There were fleeting moments of admiration for someone she dared not approach, whispers of self-doubt that crept into her mind, and the gnawing emptiness of knowing she couldn’t afford the luxuries her peers took for granted.

There were times when Selene felt overwhelmed, but she pressed on. She found solace in the small victories, like her siblings’ laughter, a heartfelt smile from her parents, or the pride they expressed in her achievements. These moments gave her the strength to carry on, even when her burdens felt unbearable.

In her quiet moments of reflection, Selene began to realize that life wasn’t just about perfect grades or silent sacrifices. She longed for something more—a dream she couldn’t yet define, emotions she was too hesitant to express. Within her silence lay a story waiting to unfold, a journey of growth, discovery, and self-acceptance.

This is the story of Selene Lannesè—a girl whose unspoken struggles and untold dreams would shape her path toward finding her true self. Behind her quiet strength and humble nature lay a world of emotions and secrets, a tale waiting to be uncovered. And it all begins here, in the quiet town of Panalines, where her silence speaks louder than words.

To be continued...

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...Plagiarism Warning:...

...This work is an original creation. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or plagiarism of this content is strictly prohibited and punishable by law....

...Credits:...

...All artwork used in this novel is credited to their respective creators. If any art is used, proper acknowledgment will be provided....

...Content Warning:...

...This novel contains themes and scenes that may include mature or adult content, intended for readers aged 18 and above. Reader discretion is advised....

...Chapter 2: Innocence and Dreams...

In the peaceful province of Panalines, life unfolded at a steady, unhurried pace. The mornings were kissed by golden sunlight, and the air was fresh, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and ripened fruit. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the land thrived in its simplicity. The fields stretched endlessly, the mountains stood as silent guardians in the distance, and the people lived in harmony with nature, their hearts grounded in tradition.

On this particular Sunday morning, the Lannesè family was enjoying a rare moment of togetherness. The wooden cart that carried them across the countryside creaked under their weight, yet it moved steadily, taking them down well-worn paths lined with lush trees. The sun bathed everything in a warm, gentle glow, and the world outside felt vast and open, full of possibility.

At the front of the cart sat Selene, a little girl of six years, with wide, curious eyes that reflected the sky above her. Her hair, dark as midnight, was tied back in a simple braid, and her small face was framed by her mother’s soft hands. Despite her youth, there was something about Selene that felt timeless—an old soul wrapped in the innocence of childhood.

"Mommy, mommy!" she cried, her voice a cheerful melody as she bounced in her seat. She leaned forward, her hands clutching her mother’s sleeve. "I don’t want to grow up!"

Her mother, smiling softly at the sight of her little girl, turned to meet her gaze. "Why is that, my love?"

Selene, with her round eyes gleaming with playful mischief, pouted and hugged her mother’s arm even tighter. "Because I just want to stay in your arms forever! It’s so comfortable here." She giggled as if the idea was the simplest, most perfect wish she could make.

Her father, sitting at the front of the cart and guiding the horse along the path, chuckled. "Are you sure, Selene? You don’t want to grow up and become something special, like a princess?"

"No!" Selene replied, shaking her head firmly. Her voice was full of the innocent conviction only a child could possess. "I just want to be with you, Mommy, forever."

Her mother laughed softly, the sound rich with love and warmth. "Ah, my sweet girl," she said, brushing a strand of hair away from Selene’s face. "You can’t stay little forever. One day, you’ll grow up and become a beautiful woman."

Selene’s eyes softened, her gaze drifting toward the open fields outside. The mountains, towering and majestic, seemed to whisper secrets to her, secrets that only the wind could understand. She sighed, her small face scrunching up in thought. "Then... I’ll ask God to let me stay small," she murmured seriously. "So I don’t have to grow up."

Her mother smiled, the warmth of her love filling the air between them. "As you wish, my darling," she replied softly. "But remember, you’ll always be my little girl, no matter how big you get."

Despite her mother's reassuring words, Selene’s heart still clung to the idea of remaining in that safe, secure moment, nestled in her mother’s arms forever. She looked out the cart’s window at the world around her, the sweeping landscape filled with rice fields that glimmered under the sun, the smell of earth and greenery thick in the air. Everything seemed so perfect, so constant.

As the cart continued its journey, the mountains in the distance became mere silhouettes against the sky, and Selene could feel her mind drifting toward the future—one that seemed both distant and close at the same time. The thought of growing up, becoming someone different, didn’t quite fit in her heart, but she knew, deep down, it was inevitable. Yet for now, she clung to the innocence of her youth, cherishing the moments of simplicity and love, like the warmth of her mother’s embrace.

It was a fleeting thought, a wish that could never be granted. But for a moment, just a moment, Selene was content to dream.

To be continued...

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...Chapter 3: The Weight of Responsibility...

Selene, now 11 years old and in Grade 6, was nearing the final stretch of her childhood. The carefree days of her early years were slowly fading away, replaced by the weight of growing responsibilities and expectations.

One morning, the peacefulness of her sleep was shattered by a loud, familiar voice.

"Selene!"

The voice cut through the silence like a whip. Selene groggily opened her eyes, still tangled in the warmth of her blankets. "You lazy peasant! Wake up and get yourself ready already!"

It was Mariette, her older sister, who had always been the more acted like a disciplined one, even though in reality she really just had a bad attitude towards the relationship with her siblings. Selene, still half asleep, stretched and let out a quiet groan. She rubbed her eyes, the remnants of sleep still clinging to her.

"Ugh... you lazy brat, we’re gonna be late because you move like a snail!" Mariette scolded her again, her voice sharp and impatient.

Selene sighed, frustrated but too tired to argue. *Absolutely, my day is ruined again*, she thought, feeling a twinge of annoyance at the familiar routine.

Without saying a word, Selene dragged herself out of bed and silently began getting ready. Mariette was right—every morning, it was the same chaotic rush. Yet, despite the early morning stress, Selene never pushed back, knowing full well that her sister's words, though harsh, were a reminder of the responsibilities she had to shoulder.

The cycle continued day after day—Selene always getting up late, rushing through her morning routine, and always feeling as if she was chasing the clock. But one day, something inside her clicked. A realization, subtle yet powerful, spread through her mind like a spark catching fire.

*I need to change.*

It wasn’t something she had planned, but there it was, clear as day. And from that moment forward, Selene made the decision to take control of her mornings, to not let them slip away in frustration. Slowly, she adapted—changing her routine, becoming more disciplined, more focused. What once felt like a burden, became a habit, and then a part of who she was. The lazy, careless girl who once lingered in bed now stood tall as a responsible, hardworking student.

By the time her elementary school graduation arrived, Selene’s transformation was complete. The shy, scattered girl had blossomed into a determined young woman, someone who embraced her responsibilities with grace. And the culmination of her hard work paid off when she was named the valedictorian of her class. The pride in her parents’ eyes was undeniable as they draped a medal around her neck. But as the applause echoed in her ears and the warm congratulations flowed, something lingered—a feeling that gnawed at her heart.

*What was it?*

*Despite my achievement, something felt... empty.*

Selene couldn't quite place it. It wasn’t a sense of regret, nor was it dissatisfaction with her accomplishments. It was as if the applause was for something greater than just the accolades themselves. Something deeper, something she had yet to fully understand.

As the years passed and Selene moved on to junior high, the challenges only grew. The pressure to succeed intensified, and with it came the lessons of adolescence—the awkwardness of discovering who she was, the struggles of fitting in, and the increasing weight of responsibilities both at school and at home.

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By the time Selene reached Grade 10, she had become a far cry from the girl who once hesitated at every turn. Now, she stood as a quiet yet resilient young adult, someone who had learned to balance her academics, household duties, and the unspoken duties of being the oldest sibling.

One morning, the weight of responsibility shifted once again.

"Sofiale!" Selene’s voice rang through the quiet house, firm but tired. "Wake up, we're going to be late!"

Her younger sister, Sofiale, groaned from beneath the covers, her words muffled but clear. "Hmmm... it's too early..."

Selene stood beside her sister’s bed, arms crossed, tapping her foot. "I said wake up!" she repeated, trying her best not to sound frustrated. "I’m almost ready, and you’re still lying there like a log!"

"So what?" Sofiale muttered, the blanket pulled tightly over her head, not at all moved by Selene’s urgency.

"Geez, get up already," Selene sighed in exasperation. "Mom’s gonna scold you, well not only you but, if we’re late again, okay? Just listen to me for once!"

"Who cares about you?" Sofiale retorted, her voice sharp, though half-hearted.

Selene flinched, feeling the sting of her sister’s words, but she didn’t let it show. She simply turned and walked away, knowing there was no point in fighting it.

Her younger sister’s bad temper was nothing new, and Selene had long since accepted that she would often carry the weight of their sibling relationship. She had learned to shoulder the burden of responsibility, even when it felt like she was the only one doing so.

Walking into the living room, Selene found her little brother waiting by the door, his backpack already slung over his shoulder, ready to go. Despite everything, Selene smiled softly at him.

"Come on, let’s go," she said, her voice calm but tired.

"How about sister Sofiale, Sister? Isn't she coming with us?" Her little brother Albert asked.

She sighed and responded, "don't mind her."

And as they stepped outside, the cool morning air greeted her like an old friend. The weight of responsibility was heavy, but it was hers to bear. She couldn’t change the way things were, but she could continue to do her best—every day, no matter the circumstances.

Sofiale would learn, in time. For now, Selene would keep pushing forward, just as she always had.

To be continued...

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