Chapter 1: Loss and Beginnings. Episode 1: Ava's story

As the rain continued to pour heavily outside, Ava's gaze remained fixed on the window, her mind drifting back to that fateful night—the night that had forever changed her life.

She was just 13 years old, returning from a carefree summer vacation to her hometown. The journey had started like any other, with her father behind the wheel and her mother and younger brother sharing the car with her. It had been a late-night drive, and the rhythmic hum of the tires on the road had lulled her into a peaceful slumber.

Then, without warning, a deafening crash shattered the tranquility of the night. Ava was jolted awake, disoriented and terrified. She felt a searing pain on her face and realized she was drenched in blood. Panic coursed through her as she frantically searched for her family.

Calling out their names, she received no response, only an eerie silence punctuated by the relentless rain. Amidst the wreckage, she discovered her mother's ring and her father's pen, both now stained with blood. Clutching these precious mementos, she staggered through the darkness in search of her loved ones.

Her heart sank when she saw the car, partially submerged in the river, its headlights casting an eerie glow in the blackness. It was a scene of unimaginable horror.

The distant sound of an approaching accident soon drew the attention of locals from the nearby area. Concerned strangers hurried to the scene. One of them knelt beside Ava, his voice gentle as he asked, "What's your name?"

Ava, shivering from fear and the cold rain, managed to reply, "I'm Ava." Her voice quivered as she clutched the ring and pen tightly.

The strangers did their best to offer comfort and assistance, calling for emergency help, but Ava couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of loss. She knew, deep down, that her parents and brother were gone.

Soon, Ava found herself in a hospital bed, still a child in every way, her face marred by scars from the accident. She called for the doctor, her voice trembling, and asked about her family. In an attempt to shield her from the harsh reality, the doctor told her that they had gone to get food for her. But Ava's intuition gnawed at her heart.

As days passed, the truth couldn't remain hidden. The doctor gently broke the devastating news to Ava, and she wept for her irreplaceable loss. However, she held onto her father's words, the words that urged her never to give up.

Ava had no remaining family, no grandparents or relatives to turn to. When she shared this with the doctor, they made the difficult decision to send her to an orphanage. Now, Ava was a beautiful 17-year-old girl, living in the orphanage with her birthday just around the corner. When she turned 18, she would be free to leave and start a new life.

Sitting by the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass and the leaves of the tree sway in the stormy night, Ava couldn't help but reflect. Tomorrow marked the beginning of a new chapter, a life filled with fresh challenges and possibilities. She knew she had to honor her parents' memory by living a life of strength and resilience, no matter how heavy the rain might fall.

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