Married At Eighteen Reason Of Her Cruelty

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It was lunch time

She sat at the kitchen table, staring at the empty plate in front of her. Her stomach rumbled painfully, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Her aunt was standing by the counter now, organizing the silverware like it was an important task, carefully placing each piece where it belonged.

The silence was thick with tension, the kind that pressed on her chest and made it hard to breathe.

Her aunt’s gaze swept over her, and for a moment, their eyes met. Her aunt’s lips twisted into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

I suppose you’re waiting for lunch? *tone dripping with mock sweetness*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

*throat tightens*

The hunger was making her head spin, but she didn’t say anything. If she asked for food, she’d be reminded that she was a burden.

She should say something. She should demand food. But the words wouldn’t come. Not after overhearing everything her aunt had said.

Finally, her aunt broke the silence, her voice cutting through the air like a knife.

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

You know *says not even looking at her*

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

It’s probably a good thing Isleen’s gone. That girl was always protecting you, like some kind of knight in shining armor.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

*turns to her with a sneer*

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

She was a bad influence on you, you know~

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

She spoiled you, made you think that you were normal, that you deserved kindness. ❄❄

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

You’re not like everyone else, and she made you believe you were. ❄❄

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

Now look at you—this is the real world, not the little fantasy she created for you. ❄❄

The words stung, but there was a coldness in them, a truth she couldn’t deny. Her aunt didn’t just hate her; she resented her. She hated that Isleen had ever shown her any compassion.

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

It’s probably for the best, *her voice dripping with satisfaction*

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

Now you can stay out of her way. You’ll just be a burden on her if she comes back. You’ll ruin everything for her like you always ruin everything for me.

A burden. Always a burden. Always ruining things.

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

*smirks and turns away*

Her aunt turned away, already busying herself with something else, clearly satisfied with her verbal assault.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

*clenched fingers*

Her fingers clenched tightly into fists, the need to understand gnawing at her. She couldn’t just walk away. Not now.

Finally, her voice broke through the suffocating silence, calm and measured, almost as if she were speaking in a language that made sense to no one but herself.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

You keep saying I’m not normal *says calmly*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

But I don’t understand. What is normal? <tilts head>

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

I’ve read about it. The standard behaviors, the social expectations, the things people are supposed to do. But none of it makes sense to me.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

Why does it matter whether I fit those rules or not? *steady voice*

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

*back stiffened*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

Isn’t it better to think differently?

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

If everyone just acted the same, then nothing would be new.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

No new ideas. No new discoveries. I can calculate and predict things other people can’t.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

I can see patterns they miss. Isn’t that valuable?

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

*turns around and looks at her with disgust*

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

Stop talking like you’re some genius! You’re not special. You’re a freak. A burden.💢💢

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

I’m not asking for special treatment. I’m not asking to be ‘normal.’ I’m asking to be treated like a person *says calmly*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

The way Isleen treated me, the way people treat each other when they see each other’s worth.

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

That’s the problem with you. You don’t understand anything. You’re a robot—

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

I am not a robot *cuts off*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

I have thoughts. I have emotions. They’re just… different from yours. *says in a robotic calmness*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

You think I don’t understand that you treat me this way because you’re angry?

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

But I don’t know why. I can’t understand why you hate me so much.

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

All I’ve ever wanted is to exist without being a problem

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

I don’t owe you an explanation *snaps*

Mayra Maverick (FL Aunt)

Just get out of my sight💢 *turns away*

Astria Rodrigues (FL)

...

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