In honour of International Women's Day, I thought I would share a short story that was written a while ago... I wrote this after hearing so many stories about this topic and that inspired me to write something to raise awareness and show my support.
It is always there, time is ticking. Whether it's the sun in the sky, a watch on your wrist, time is always reminding you that it’s there and constantly moving.
Tick toc.
It’s not what you think. Things aren’t quite as simple as they should be. You grow up, you meet someone, and you marry. They tell me that it’s exciting, that I should be looking forward to it. This is one of the happiest times of my life. I should be hoping that the time will go fast and be excited that it’s getting closer, but I am dreading it.
Tick Toc.
Time is always there, reminding me that it is coming. Each time the sun goes down, I know I am one day closer. Every time I eat, I am one meal closer. Every time I go to sleep, I am one night closer. It’s too much. I shouldn’t be feeling this way, it’s wrong. I am supposed to want this. Why shouldn’t I? Isn’t this something every girl dreams of? The perfect day. The perfect dress.
It’s coming.
Tick Toc.
I should be grateful that someone is there for me. I should be happy that I am getting this opportunity. I am young (some could say too young) but in the end that won’t matter. In a few weeks, I will be getting married. I have been told that he is nice, that I will be treated well. He will give me the life all women should live. I will be comfortable. I will cook for him, clean for him and carry on his name. But first, I must learn.
Tick Toc.
I haven’t got much experience, but I’ve seen Mum doing it. She’s good. She makes my Dad happy and he's hard to please. She’s good at juggling everything, cooking food, picking me and my brother up from school. I must give up school to be a wife. It’s ok though, apparently, I don’t need an education.
It’s getting closer.
My life has been planned for me.
They tell me I am lucky, not many 14-year olds have the rest of their life ready for them.
But I am just waiting for time to be up.
Tick Toc.
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