Sometimes, life changes in the blink of an eye. All your dreams and aspirations can disappear while you are still thinking about how to achieve them. But when life takes an unexpected turn, we must learn to adapt, find our strength and keep moving forward.

I still remember the beautiful days when my father was my biggest support, always caring for me and filling my life with love. I felt proud and happy because he supported me in all my decisions. He was the one dreaming of me becoming a successful businesswoman in our village. But then life took a tragic turn. Due to an accident, my father passed away.

My younger sisters and I could not accept this heart-wrenching news. We were devastated. My mother was holding us together. She was showing strength because if she had shown herself to be weak at that time, we wouldn’t have been able to stand steadfast.

I was the eldest, yet I did not realise that I would have to help my family come out of this trauma. Days passed, but we were still struggling to recover from the aftermath of this tragic incident.

One day, my mother consoled me and hugged me. With tears in her eyes, she said, “You are the eldest daughter. You must take responsibility now,” in a slow, trembling voice.

I knew it. I was also torn because now I had to put my dreams behind me and take on real responsibility. I was a graduate, so I started searching for jobs. I applied at several places and went for interviews, but I didn’t receive any positive response. Almost two weeks had passed, but I didn’t lose hope.

During the third week, I was lying on a mat, exhausted from the interviews and resting, when my phone rang.

I reluctantly picked up the phone. “Are you Miss Maria?” asked a woman from an unknown number.

“Yes, I am,” I answered excitedly.

“Well, we have gone through your documents and found them promising. You may join from tomorrow,” said the woman on the phone.

I couldn’t believe my ears. Tears filled my eyes. When Mum saw me, I immediately told her the good news. It was a breath of fresh air for all of us.

I joined the next day. It was a fast-paced food chain, and I worked there with all my dedication. My efforts did not go unnoticed, and I was soon promoted.

Within a year, I had saved enough money to start my own small bakery, just as Dad and I had once dreamed.

Though he was not with me, I felt his presence and his loving hand on my head, praying and wishing me good luck every day.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 4th, 2026