Abstract：MINE -Chapter 1: Brianna’s PlightBrianna's heart sank as the sun began to set, and the prospect of g Refugees: A Short Story of Survival

MINE -Chapter 1: Brianna’s PlightBrianna's heart sank as the sun began to set,Refugees: A Short Story of Survival and the prospect of going home without any sales filled her with dread. "I'm doomed if I don't make any sale today," she thought, tears stinging her eyes. Determined not to give up, she started advertising her goods, pleading with passersby for their patronage.As the evening wore on, Brianna's efforts were finally rewarded when people, moved by her tears and desperation, began to purchase her goods."I am very happy right now, I was able to sell everything," she exclaimed with relief, counting her earnings. Her relief, however, was short-lived as she thought to herself, "I am very hungry and tired... I just hope she has mercy on me and gives me food today, even if it is crumbs, I'll manage."Arriving home, Brianna was met with a thunderous slap. She looked up to see who had struck her, only to be confronted by her stepsister, Lucianna. Pulling her forward, Lucianna beat Brianna, with Adriana, her twin, joining in."What's going on here?" Mr. Wilson demanded as he and his wife emerged from their room at the sound of the commotion."Dad, she came home late to cook dinner and she was even smiling like an idiot and catwalking while coming back," Lucianna replied.This statement was followed by Adriana's lie: "You know what's worse dad, we saw her whoring around with a group of men in an hotel. She even had the guts to insult me when I tried to call her and even pushed me to the ground."Brianna cried, pleading her innocence, but her protests were met with slaps and blows from all sides, until she was roughly tossed aside, met with hisses from her stepmother."Would you get up and go prepare dinner, you miserable child," Mrs Wilson "You have only twenty minutes to do so or else I'll show you the other side of me," Mrs. Olakunle warned, hissing as she walked away. Brianna shivered at the hatred she saw in her father's eyes as she stood up in pain, nearly stumbling.Bruised and beaten, Brianna made her way to the kitchen, determined to fulfill her task before the twenty minutes were up.Brianna served the food with a trembling hand. "Mother, Father, I have made dinner for you. May I join you to eat?".Mr. Wilson sneered, "You don't deserve to eat with us, you ungrateful girl."Brianna pleaded, "Please, Father. I haven't eaten all day. Could I just have a little bit of food? Even some leftovers?"Mrs. Wilson scoffed, "Leftovers? You think you're worth even a morsel of food? You're nothing but a leech in this house."Brianna's heart sank. She tried once more, "I-I'm sorry. Please, just a little something? I'm so hungry."Mr. Wilson's eyes flashed with anger, "Don't push your luck, girl! You're lucky we don't throw you out on the streets like the trash you are.Brianna's head drooped in defeat. She retreated from the dining room, her steps growing heavier with every step. "Yes, Father. I'm sorry for asking," she whispered.Back in her room, she leaned against the door, her energy drained from hunger and disappointment. It seemed that nothing she could do would ever please her family. They would always see her as less than nothing, a burden to be endured.And yet, just as she was ready to surrender to despair, she heard a soft knock on the window.Brianna turned towards the window, her eyes widening in surprise. Who could be knocking at this hour? She cautiously approached the window, a glimmer of hope stirring in her heart.As she pulled back the curtain, she saw Anastasia standing there, a bag in her hand."Anastasia?" Brianna whispered. "What are you doing here?".Anastasia smiled. "I'm here to rescue you, at least for tonight. I sneaked out and brought you some food.Brianna couldn't believe her eyes. "Food? For me?" She asked, tears welling up in her eyes."Yes, for you, my dear friend. You deserve so much more than those people give you. Come, let's eat and talk," Anastasia said, motioning for Brianna to open the window.Brianna complied, her hands trembling as she reached for the latch.As soon as the window was open, Anastasia handed Brianna the bag. "It's not much, but it's better than nothing.As Brianna opened the bag, the aroma of warm food enveloped her. Tears rolled down her cheeks, not only from the hunger, but from the kindness of her best friend. She looked up at Anastasia, "Thank you, Ana. I don't know how I can repay you for this.""You don't have to repay me, Bri. This is what friends do for each other," Anastasia replied, her voice full of warmth and compassion. "Now, let's eat before it gets cold."Brianna sat down on the bed, savoring each bite.As they ate, Anastasia and Brianna talked about everything and nothing. They laughed over silly jokes and reminisced about their childhood memories.The darkness that had surrounded Brianna just moments ago seemed to dissipate as the two friends shared the bond of true friendship."You know, Bri," Anastasia said, a twinkle in her eye, "I have an idea."Brianna looked up, curious. "An idea? What kind of idea?"."What if we ran away?" Anastasia suggested.Brianna's eyes widened. "What?".Brianna shook her head, her expression turning serious. "No, Ana. I can't. My family, no matter how cruel they are, is still my family. I can't abandon them, even if they've abandoned me."Anastasia sighed, realizing her friend was still not ready to leave. "Okay, Bri. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. My home is always open to you."Brianna smiled weakly, her heart warmed by her friend's words. "Thank you, Ana. You're the best friend anyone could ask for."With a heavy heart, Brianna watched as Anastasia disappeared into the night, leaving her alone with her thoughts.She crawled into bed, still pondering over the events of the day. The beating, the hunger, the kindness of her best friend. They all seemed to swirl in her mind, refusing to let her sleep.She closed her eyes, wishing for a better tomorrow. A tomorrow where she wouldn't be beaten, where she wouldn't go to bed hungry, where she would be accepted for who she was!.