Like every child on their birthday, Wallona too was captivated by the enchantment of the day. After a restless night, she awoke with eyes brimming not with sleep, but with anticipation and vitality. It was undeniably the happiest day of her life. The entire world seemed to join in celebrating her birthday - the melodious chirping of birds sending their heartfelt wishes; the sun’s gentle rays igniting the night sky like fireworks; the invigorating and sweet taste of the morning breeze resembling candy on her lips; the leaves of trees rustling in cheerful applause; and the world hushed in silent anticipation of her arrival.

Birthdays arrive every year, yet this one held a unique significance. After all, one does not turn sixteen twice! Sixteen symbolized freedom - the freedom to chase her own aspirations, to nurture her own thoughts, and to possess her own perspectives.

With a flurry of thoughts swirling in her mind, Wallona hurriedly washed up, her hands and legs moving in sync with the pulsing rhythm of her heart. Gazing into the mirror, she beheld a young woman dressed in a flowing white robe, her brown skin radiant, her black eyes and hair sparkling with anticipation. Satisfied with her appearance, she stepped forward, a smile adorning her lips, envisioning the delighted faces of her parents awaiting her outside the door, presents in hand.

With an eager click, the door swung open, but instead of warm embraces and joyful greetings, Wallona was greeted by a shroud of darkness that engulfed the corridor. Bewilderment creased her brow as she scanned the empty expanse before her. “Surely,” she thought, “her parents would not stoop to such a prank on this special day.”

Undeterred by the absence of light, Wallona ventured forward, her footsteps echoing through the dimly lit passage, casting an eerie ambiance. But fear eluded her, for who could be afraid of the unknown when surrounded by the embrace of their own unwavering spirit? Initially fearless, a seed of terror took root in Wallona’s heart, quickening her pace as anxiety coiled around her.

A beam of light pierced the darkness, bringing relief to her anxious soul. With every step, her burden seemed to lighten. Upon entering the room, she inadvertently collided with a wall, but instead of pain, warmth flooded her heart.

“Happy Birthday, Won-Won,” a familiar voice filled the room, melting her heart.

“Dad! I’ve told you not to call me that. I’m not a child anymore; I’ve grown up,” Wallona protested, a hint of maturity in her voice.

“Happy birthday, big girl,” her mother chimed in with a soft, pleasant tone.

“Thank you! Where are my gifts?” Wallona’s excitement was palpable.

“The gifts are ready, but first, let us offer our prayers to the All-Mother for blessing us with such a wonderful child,” her mother replied.

Leaving the room, they entered a serene garden, the soothing sounds of falling water and the fragrance of blooming flowers filling the air. Colors painted her vision—red, brown, and yellow—as they approached a white marble statue of a woman holding an earthen pot. The statue exuded a divine aura, its kind smile and benevolent eyes capturing the essence of motherly love.

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With reverence, Wallona and her parents shared a moment of silent prayer, their words lost amidst the rustling leaves and flowing water, creating an atmosphere of sacred tranquility.

Rising after the heartfelt prayer, Wallona’s excitement bubbled over. She hurriedly made her way to the dining hall, her anticipation reaching its peak. But her joy wavered as her eyes scanned the room, searching for the one thing she longed to see—presents. Disappointment clouded her eyes; her special day felt incomplete without them.

“Mom, Dad, where are my gifts?” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration.

Her parents approached her with mysterious smiles. Amusement danced in their eyes as they revealed a large, red-wrapped package. With trembling hands, Wallona tore it open, revealing a gleaming silver sword. Her gasp echoed in the room as she marveled at the weapon’s beauty, sunlight casting a glow upon her astonished face.

“How is it?” her mother inquired, her eyes twinkling with pride.

With tears of joy, Wallona embraced her parents tightly, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. Strapping the sword to her waist, she stood tall, a newfound sense of responsibility settling upon her shoulders.

“Now that you’re an adult,” her mother said, her tone earnest, “remember, this sword is not just a gift. It’s our blessing and hope. May it protect you as you protect it. Your father and I cannot shield you forever. Cherish our love, not just through this sword, but through your actions and choices.”

Moved by her mother’s words, Wallona nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of her parents’ trust.

As a final gesture, her mother removed a ring, a precious heirloom, and placed it on Wallona’s finger. Its dark red hue mirrored the blood flowing through their veins—a symbol of their lineage’s strength. Wallona was stunned; the ring represented the head of the family, a responsibility she hadn’t expected.

“Puzzled, she asked, “Mom, what is the meaning of this?””

“Don’t fret,” her mother said, her voice gentle, “consider it a special birthday gift for becoming the person we’ve always believed you’d be.”

With the mysteries of adulthood and her parents’ love guiding her, Wallona embarked on her journey, the echo of her parents’ blessings guiding her steps.

Suddenly, midst the poignant moment, a thunderous BOOM shattered the air, jolting them from their reverie, signaling the beginning of a new chapter.

In the dim light, the door crashed open, revealing a menacing group clad in black, their faces obscured by sinister masks. Wallona’s heart pounded in her chest as their eyes bore into her, freezing her in place. Desperate to move, she struggled against an invisible force that held her captive. Panic set in, her mind clouded with fear.

Then, a firm grip pulled her away, placing her behind the protective shield of her parents. Their presence, though terrifying, grounded her. “One, two, three,” she whispered, a mantra to quell her racing heart. With her parents before her, she felt a surge of courage. Their familiar scents, the essence of safety, brought her back to reality.

In front of her, her parents stood, armed with dinner knives, facing the intruders. The leader, a menacing figure, issued threats, attempting to instill fear. Wallona’s mother, undeterred, confronted the intruders, her voice steady despite the danger.

“You think barging into the house of a military officer won’t have consequences?” her mother challenged.

Laughter, cold and cruel, echoed in response. The thieves advanced, their intentions clear. Wallona’s mother, a beacon of strength, intercepted the leader’s attack, the clash of metal against metal reverberating in the room. With swift movements, she defended her family, her bravery shining through.

Amidst the chaos, Wallona’s focus wavered, her mind slipping into memories of past fights. The urgency of the present snapped her back. Her mother, facing multiple foes, fought valiantly, her skills evident even in the direst circumstances. Meanwhile, her father, untrained but unyielding, defended her mother with unwavering determination.

Yet, it was evident he was outmatched. The thieves overwhelmed him, his efforts futile against their ruthless assault. Pain seared through Wallona as she watched her father struggle, his protective instincts clashing against their sheer aggression. The realization hit her — she couldn’t stand idle any longer.

With newfound determination, Wallona mustered her strength, ignoring her pain. She could not let her parents face this threat alone. Gathering her courage, she launched herself at the nearest thief, channeling her past experiences into a desperate attempt to protect her family. The fight escalated, the room becoming a battleground where bravery clashed against malevolence, and Wallona stood her ground, her spirit unyielding against the encroaching darkness.