I carry heritage

Before the storm of disaster unfurled its dark clouds over my life, there was a time when I found contentment in the sheltered cocoon of my parents' care. Despite the unconventional nature of our family traditions, I embraced each day with a sense of happiness and acceptance.

Unlike many other families, my family was unique. The daughters of Syrvoski, once we turned ten, never left home without our parents and security, never showed our face to the world, a practice that continued even into the modern day 21st century.

In our world, our attire was always modest. We covered up, even hiding our necks. We could dress how we liked at home, but outside, it was different. Every Sunday, we attended church, where it was empty except for my family and the priest. It was a quiet and solemn affair, just us and our faith.

Until we got married at the age of 18, we couldn't talk to boys unless they were family. We had to stay pure, a rule set by the Syrvoski's ancestor. And that rule hasn't changed.

I am Sirin Syrvoski, just like my cousins, I bear the weight of our family's heritage, embodied in the name Syrvoski.

Until I was nine years old, I attended a girls' convent school. After that, I began homeschooling. Initially, I felt relieved when my parents told me I wouldn't have to go to school anymore, as academics were never my strong suit. However, as time went on, even homeschooling became dull and monotonous.

I felt so alone, with no friends to turn to. I yearned to go out and watch people living their everyday lives. I wanted to be a part of that world, to see what it was like. But I wasn't allowed to leave.

Seeing me dull, my parents assumed the roles of both parents and friends. They devoted their time to introducing me to a range of hobbies and activities, with each pursuit lasting for a duration of two years.

My mom Nabi Syrvoski, she had a chic hairstyle, with her hair neatly cut to frame her face, falling just above her shoulders. Its dark hue, a lustrous shade of black, accentuated the warmth of her brown eyes. Her clothing style exuded elegance, often opting for tailored ensembles that complemented my father's refined taste.

My dad, Arther Syvorski. He is tall, his silver hair cascading down to his shoulders, neatly tied back for a polished look. Behind his glasses, his sharp, intelligent eyes conveyed wisdom and refinement. Despite his slender build, there's a strength to him, like that of a seasoned athlete. He carries himself with the grace and kindness befitting a true gentleman.

I noticed my parents making an effort to spend time with me despite their busy schedules. It made me happy to see their efforts, and I cherished the time we spent together, never feeling alone again.

As time went on, I grew accustomed to our lifestyle. In my free time, I began reading romance novels, which transported me to a different world. They showed me a kind of romance that I could only dream of, knowing that I wouldn't have it until I married someone chosen by my family.

One day, the world underwent a drastic transformation with the onset of the pandemic, and here I found myself in Seoul, separated from my parents who were stranded in Rome.

My father a native son of Rome and my mother hailing from distant shores of South Korea.

Due to an urgent matter, my parents had to stay back in Rome, so I returned to Korea with a female security guard using a private jet. My mom explained that it belonged to a friend of ours, a jet we often used whenever I traveled with my family.

Before leaving i wanted to know something. So I gathered the courage to ask my mother a question that had troubled me since childhood. I needed to know.

"Why I have to hide myself from the world?" With a deep breath, I finally asked her.

In response, she simply said, "Once they would return to Korea, they would tell me everything."

It made me feel excited at the prospect of finally learning why we continued to follow a tradition that had persisted for a thousands of years. I couldn't wait to uncover the reasons behind our seemingly unconventional way of life.

With a hopeful smile on my face, I returned to Korea and eagerly awaited my parents' arrival.

However, as one month turned into four, they were still nowhere to be seen.

The world was engulfed in a pandemic, a deadly virus spreading rapidly and forcing everyone into lockdown. Travel was restricted, and people were confined to their homes for safety.

Their prolonged absence left me feeling increasingly lonely in the house. To make matters worse, my security guard had to be hospitalized after contracting a virus, leaving me completely alone at home.

I spent my days immersing myself in 80s and 90s series and movies, finding solace in the nostalgia of bygone eras. However, the restrictions at home limited my access to information. I was treated like a child, with many websites and resources blocked, and no access to social media.

I resorted to reading novels to pass the time. But as the days passed, my patience wore thin.

Eventually, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Since my parents were not around, I reasoned with myself, that I could at least sneak onto the terrace during the daytime. What could go wrong after all.

With a slight hesitation, I took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to march towards the terrace. The thrill of breaking the rules mingled with a tinge of fear as I stepped into the forbidden territory. It was a mix of excitement and apprehension unlike anything I had felt before.

The thought of sneaking onto the terrace felt like a scene straight out of a cartoon, with me playing the role of Jerry, the mischievous mouse, tiptoeing into Tom's territory. The absurdity of the comparison brought a giggle to my lips, easing some of the tension I felt.

As I reached the door to the terrace, a bright smile graced my lips. Opening the door felt like stepping into a portal to another world. I gingerly placed one foot onto the terrace, followed by the other, feeling like an explorer embarking on a new adventure.

With cautious steps, a smile adorning my face, I tilted my head back to gaze up at the vast expanse of the sky.

Closing my eyes, I stretched out my arms as if embracing the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze. Then, unable to contain my excitement any longer, I let out a joyful scream of "aaaahh," relishing the sense of freedom and exhilaration coursing through me.

"You look excited," a calm voice i heard.

I was startled, I frantically looked around to identify the source of the voice. Then, I heard it again, clearer this time.

"Ms, I am here, right behind you."

Slowly, I turned towards the direction of the voice, my imagination running wild with every creak and rustle around me. Like a scene from a horror movie, where the protagonist is drawn towards an unknown presence in the dark. With my heart pounding in my chest and a knot of fear tightening in my stomach.

I finally laid eyes on the speaker, and I was left utterly stunned.

Chapter end