“I’m leaving for school Mom!” Syndesi hurriedly put on her socks and shoes.

“Have you checked that you have brought everything? Wallet, money, textbooks, water bottle, jacket?”

“Yes Mom, I prepared them last night. I’ll be off then.”

“How about the cookies?”

“Oh my, I totally forgot about it!”

“You left it in the kitchen. Here you go! It would be a pity if you forgot to bring the cookies to school after you woke up early to bake them.”

“Thanks for the reminder Mom! I gotta catch the bus or I’ll be late. Love you.”

“Love you too. Byeeee.”

(She’s already old enough to go to school by herself. Oh how she has grown. But to me, she will always be my precious Syndesi...)

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.

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Syndesi sprinted for the bus stop as she saw the bus turning the corner from 100m away.

She dashed with all her might, struggling to catch her breath as she panted heavily. But she was almost there. It’s right in front of her. Just 10m away from the goal.

“I can make it in time!” Syndesi thought.

Mustering every last ounce of her strength, she reached the finish line.

“I did it!”

But she forgot to flag for the bus as she was running and the bus zoomed past the bus stop.

Petrified.

She was completely flabbergasted. It took her 2 whole seconds before she processed what had transpired.

She waited for the next bus that took an eternity to arrive. Stood in a crowded bus. Alighted and boarded the train. Ran up an uphill slope leading to school and finally managed to make a clutch comeback at the school main gate.

A 30min delay in travelling time but she was just in time.

“Phew!” Syndesi breathed a sigh of relief like a long day had ended.

With such talent, there was no doubt she could become a marathon runner. No, even an Olympic athlete wouldn’t be an exaggeration. I mean...she was only 7 years old.

There was only one obstacle left between her and success: Stairs.

After declaring victory over the enemy, the sore legs were hanging by a thread, ready to throw in the towel anytime. But they pressed on with sheer determination and willpower till she was in front of Class 1-A.

She couldn’t wait to share the cookies with her classmates. Taking deep breaths, she regained her vitality and entered the room.

Syndesi may have opened the door to hope but for another, it was the gates of hell.

What you‘re about to see was never meant to be in the original story. But this is crucial. Without first understanding this, you’ll not be in the position to help Syndesi. Follow me as we take a step into a living hell.