The Silence and the Storm: Chapter 1

The air was cold and heavy in the early morning, wrapping around the big old house that didn’t feel like home anymore. 

Every day, the quiet got smashed by the same sharp shout. “Evelyne!” Trisha called, one of her stepsisters. “Get up and help me! The house is a mess!” 

“I’m coming,” Evelyne said softly, still half asleep. I wish I could stay in bed just a little longer. 

The sun was just starting to light up the room, and outside, the birds were already busy chirping about the day ahead. 

Evelyne always had to wake up early—not just to clean, but to do all the hardest jobs her stepsisters didn’t want to touch. 

They only give me the worst work because they know I won’t fight back. Saying no would only make things worse. 

Elmira and Trisha, her stepsisters, were always trying to outdo each other and Evelyne, even if they never said it out loud. They whispered behind her back, and sometimes right in front of her, talking about how much better they were. 

But no matter how much they try, I’ll keep shining.