Echoes of a Distant Dream

Chapter 2

(Present)

The melody echoed softly through my room, each note echoing with the intimate ambiance of my dimly lit apartment. I adjusted the camera, ensuring the angle was just right, capturing only my guitar and not my face. The dim lighting of my apartment was perfect for recording, keeping my face hidden in the shadows as I preferred so that the world could hear my voice and not see the person behind it. My dream of becoming a star slightly felt possible, if only I could keep the world at bay.

As I strung my guitar, the memories of my past resurfaced, uninvited and painful. I recalled the isolation I faced at school and in the orphanage because of the scar on my face. At school, I was often the target of cruel whispers and fearful glances. “What happened to her? It's so scary,” one child had said, her voice laced with disgust. “I don’t want to be near her.” Some kids would run away from me, terrified as if my scar was a contagious disease. Others mocked me openly. “Hey, Zuko. Have you captured the Avatar yet?” one boy had jeered, his laughter echoing painfully in my ears.

The orphanage was no better. Though there are some who pitied me, there were also those who looked at me with such blatant disdain that it stung even more than the insults as I felt like I was a burden to everyone.

I pressed the record button and took a deep breath, letting the music take over. My voice filled the room, smooth and soulful, each note a piece of my heart. Suddenly, loud banging on the door jolted me out of focus.

“Michelle! Are you in there?” My landlord’s voice cut through the melody. “Open up!”

I froze, my voice faltering mid-song. I kept quiet, hoping if I ignored him, he might go away. But the banging only grew louder.

“Michelle! I’m not kidding. Open the door!”

With a resigned sigh, I stopped the recording and walked to the door, bracing myself for the confrontation. I opened it, finding my landlord looking more annoyed than ever.

“You’re behind on your rent again,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I need you out of here—now.”

“But I—I’m trying,” I stammered, my heart sinking. But it's true, though the pay in my current job is not enough, with the current number of engagements in my account where I post my song covers, I might be able to earn enough to pay for the rent. “Just give me a little more time,” I pleaded.

“No more time,” he snapped. “I’ve been patient, but enough is enough. You need to leave.”

His words landed like a blow to the gut. I closed the door slowly, feeling tears sting my eyes. I glanced around my small apartment, a place that had been my refuge but was now being taken from me. The lingering echoes of the melodies I’d created here seemed to mock my growing fear.

I grabbed my coat and stepped out into the chilly evening air. The streets were so lively with people laughing and enjoying themselves, and I felt a pang of envy. It's so unfair. Seeing others living a carefree and joyful life while mine is full of endless struggles.

Seeking solace, I wandered towards the sea. The sunset bathed the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, a fleeting moment of beauty that seemed almost cruel in my current state.

Standing by the shore, I let the cool breeze wash over me, trying to clear my mind. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something in the water. Squinting into the growing darkness, I saw a figure struggling, flailing desperately in the waves.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***