Shattered Innocence: The Unraveling of My Life on My 15th Birthday

My Stepmom’s Gift on My 15th Birthday Shattered My Life into a Million Pieces

After the passing of her father, Abigail’s stepmother intervenes in her life and makes harsh choices. Abi relies on her instincts to keep her safe when faced with overwhelming odds.

My fifteenth birthday was not at all what I had anticipated. I was compelled to live with my stepmother Linda because I had no relationship with my birth mother and my father had passed away six months prior.

I’ve always thought Linda wasn’t fond of me. For the sake of my father, she pretended to put up with me, but there was a hidden resentment in every conversation she had with me.

I knew Linda would try to kick me out of the house once my father passed away, but I assumed that since I was only 15, she wouldn’t be so mean.

Linda sprang into my room on my fifteenth birthday, a cunning smile playing on her lips. She had a cupcake in one hand and a box wrapped like a gift in the other.

“Happy birthday, Abigail,” she whispered, a hint of frost in her voice that made me shudder.

Even if our relationship is strained, her act gave me a brief sense of hope since, at the very least, she remembered my birthday.

I had no idea what was about to happen.

I tentatively said, “Thank you,” and took a bite out of the cupcake she was giving me. “What’s in the box?”

“Slide it open! She remarked, “I know you’ve been talking about becoming more independent lately. “So, I thought I’d give you what you wanted.”

What freedom could she offer an adolescent? I wasn’t even able to drive yet.

I tore open the envelope with trembling hands, hope shining through.

It was a lease agreement for a little apartment across town, not a sign of celebration or affection. She had already paid the first month’s rent and the deposit, according to the note.

I stumbled, “I can’t live by myself.” “How about education? This is excessively far.”

Linda scoffed, “Well, Abi, you wanted your freedom, doll.” “It’s yours now. Itemized items can be picked up at the end of the week. Paul, my assistant, will deliver some cartons for your belongings.

“But Linda, this is Dad’s house,” I replied. “I don’t want to go anywhere.”

“Too bad,” she said. “You maintain that being a doctor is what you want to do, not helping out with the family business. As I previously mentioned, my business is flourishing and my residences are selling quickly. I only asked that you tidy the properties for me in between appointments. However, you declined.”

I had no option, yet it was true. It was not feasible for me to clean throughout the school day as Linda had requested.

“On your own, you can survive. She said, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” and she left my room.

Her ultimatum’s weight struck me like a ton of bricks. I would have to drop out of school and work as Linda’s cleaner for the real estate company if I wanted to stay. I was unable to achieve it, though. My father and I both had the same dream of becoming doctors, thus we both loved school.

I had the heart to be a doctor, dad constantly remarked. I really did miss him.

However, I had to deal with the unthinkable at such a young age: being homeless and being abandoned by the one family I still had.

I made an effort to plan out the remainder of the week. I was aware that I couldn’t drop out of school, but I also couldn’t live in that apartment—how would I pay my rent and for food?

I finally went to see my Aunt Maria. Even though she and my father didn’t get along, she was my last chance of surviving. She’s my father’s sister.

I told her everything that had happened to me as I stood on her porch. She welcomed me into her house with wide arms, providing me with the security and comfort I sorely needed.

She used to tell me, “You have a bright future ahead of you, Abi,” when we were cooking. “Don’t you let anyone extinguish that fire.”

I lived with Aunt Maria both during my academic career and during my medical school years. Since she was a spinster, there was just the two of us and Mimi, her cat. I was able to juggle school and part-time employment with her unfailing support and encouragement, which helped me to pursue my education.

Years later, I was thrown a curveball by fate while working a typical ER shift. Linda was brought in bleeding from her temple after an accident on a busy night. A motorist had sped through a red light and collided with Linda’s vehicle.

After I stitched her up, she said, “People are so reckless,” not realizing who I was. Her voice trailed off, “I’m glad I’m alive—if I could get my hands on that driver…”

“Do you think kicking out a fifteen-year-old girl is reckless, too?” I questioned while closely examining her wound.

Linda let out a gasp.

“Abigail?” was all she could say.

“Yes, it’s me, but it’s Doctor Abigail Parker now. Hold motionless, I said, causing her to flinch.

“I truly apologize. “You vanished, and I had no idea where to begin my search for you,” she stumbled.

Even though Linda was getting older, she remained icy and uncaring.

“No worries,” I replied. “I arrived at my destination. Once I have finished suturing you, you are free to depart.”

I was unable to express to Linda how much she had hurt me, despite my deepest want to shout and kick her.

That was the past; I had sworn as a doctor, and Linda was my patient going forward.

After completing the stitches, I sent her on her way. To be honest, I was relieved to see her and let her know that I had made it through, but I was also relieved when she departed.

In any case, Linda appeared to be receiving her fair share of karma. Perhaps this disaster was only the beginning of fate’s retribution for her immoral actions.