Ten years ago, the evening was peaceful by the river, as five-year-old Nina sat near the water's edge, brushing the hair of her beloved doll. The soft breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers, and the sun painted the world in golden hues. For Nina, the doll was more than just a toy—it was a symbol of her father's love, a gift from the demon realm that had become her constant companion.
Her golden locks shimmered in the sunlight as she smiled, lost in the simple joy of the moment. The sound of the river flowing nearby seemed to mirror her contentment, and for a brief moment, the world felt perfect.
But that tranquility was soon shattered. A group of bullies, led by Mark, an older boy with a scar on his cheek, spotted Nina and her doll. Mark's heart harbored deep resentment toward the world, and the sight of Nina's happiness, symbolized by the precious doll, only fueled his anger. He resented the love she received, believing the world had been unjust to him.
Mark, with his gang of followers, approached Nina, their intentions malicious. They could sense her attachment to the doll, and it became the target of their cruelty. Without warning, Mark snatched the doll from Nina's hands, his cruel smile widening as he held it above the flowing river.
"Give it back, please!" Nina pleaded, her voice quivering as tears welled in her eyes. But Mark only laughed, his voice cold and mocking.
He tossed the doll into the river, watching as it was carried away by the unforgiving current. The sound of Nina's sobs filled the air, her heart shattered as she watched her precious doll disappear.
As the bullies laughed, reveling in their cruel victory, Nina's small hands reached desperately toward the water, but it was too late. The river had already claimed what was most dear to her.
Just as the bullies celebrated their mischief, a small, determined voice cut through the chaos. "Hey, that's not nice!"
Six-year-old Rohan stood at the riverbank, his eyes alight with defiance. Without hesitation, he charged into the river, his clothes quickly soaked as he fought against the current. His small hands reached out and, after a struggle, he grasped the doll, emerging from the river with it in his arms.
Rohan returned the doll to Nina, offering her a warm, reassuring smile. "Here, your doll is safe now."
Tears of gratitude filled Nina's eyes as she clutched the doll to her chest. "Thank you... You're really brave."
Rohan shrugged it off, his chest swelling with pride despite his humble words. "It was nothing."
Nina, wiping her tears, asked, "Why did you help me?"
Rohan's eyes met hers, his voice steady but filled with sincerity. "Because it's wrong to hurt someone, and you looked really sad. I couldn't just stand there."
In that simple act, a bond was formed between them, one that would shape their futures in ways neither could have imagined. As the sun set behind them, Rohan's act of kindness became a cherished memory in Nina's heart—a memory that would resurface years later, guiding them through their shared journey.
As the bullies slunk away, chastened by Rohan's bravery, they began to reconsider their actions. Mark, embarrassed and frustrated, cast one last glance at the pair before retreating into the shadows, and the other bullies followed suit, their earlier cruelty now replaced with a sense of shame.
For Nina, the memory of Rohan's selflessness would never fade. It had planted the seeds of love in her heart, and though their paths would separate for many years, that moment would define their connection forever.
To Be Continued...