From Nothing to Something

In the grand office of the mafia boss, where power and luxury were reflected, a solid wooden desk took center stage. This heavy, handcrafted piece stood out with its elegant carvings, each telling a story of the owner’s power and influence. The desk, a witness to secret deals and fateful decisions, was now adorned with gleaming crystal glasses and bottles of expensive whiskey, whose golden elixir promised forgetfulness and pleasure. The two most trusted, paid girls, beautiful and semi-nude, sat next to the boss with perfect grace that highlighted their danger and allure. Their skin slightly glistened under the warm office light, and their exquisite figures were clad in thin garments that revealed more than they concealed. Their bold and exciting smiles were directed at anyone daring enough to glance their way, promising unforgettable moments for those brave enough to come closer. The mafia boss, comfortably seated behind the desk, exuded certainty and decisiveness as he poured himself a glass of the expensive whiskey. He laughed mockingly at his son before lifting the crystal glass—a gift from the woman who changed the game. He then said, “The difference between a paid girl and a whore is that to sleep with one of my girls, you need to pay from a hundred to two hundred euros per hour, while the whore will lie with you for free.” Mario always remembered her, the woman who once told him those words. 14 The son sat across from his father, his eyes reflecting a complex inner world, a struggle between the desire to stand out and the weight of his father’s legacy. Although his father’s words were sharp, he could not help but admire the strength and confidence with which everything was spoken. The mystical woman had become a legend in their circles, a story told with respect and admiration. She was a testament that even the most hardened souls could be changed, that new paths could be found even when everything seemed predetermined. The woman who changed the rules of the game! But to understand the story of Ivona, we must go far back in time, to her childhood years, when she first encountered the cruelty of fate. The summer day in the village was filled with a unique charm. The sun climbed high in the sky, pouring light and warmth over the golden fields surrounding the village. Preparations for the big village festival were in full swing, with life there playing out its daily rhythm with accelerated yet exciting energy. People were busy with the preparations—lambs bleated in every yard, decorations adorned the streets, and the aromas of freshly prepared traditional dishes wafted through the air, awakening everyone’s appetites. The air vibrated with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming events. Ivona, a young girl with straight black hair and eyes full of enthusiasm, was ready for school. Her parents, ordinary workers with big hearts, sent her off with love and good wishes. Her small body carried the dream of a better future, embracing the joy of the festival. At school, the hours flowed easily, smoothly transitioning into one another until the big break arrived—the moment everyone eagerly awaited. The corridors immediately filled with 15 voices and laughter, and the students dispersed in different directions, filled with joy for the forthcoming break. Ivona leaned on the railing of the second floor, watching her friends climb the stairs. Twelve-year-old Ivona was fully immersed in her dreams and the anticipation of the afternoon plans with her friends, engulfed by the warmth and excitement of the upcoming festival. Casually leaning against the cold railing, she watched as her classmates disappeared one by one into the school corridors, carrying with them the promise of unforgettable moments after the last bell. Her imagination painted pictures of laughter, games, and carefree moments to share, momentarily forgetting school duties and homework. This day was special— not only because it marked the beginning of the long-awaited spring holidays but also because it promised new adventures and memories to be cherished forever. In Ivona’s heart, the fire of excitement and the spark of childlike joy blazed as she envisioned all the outdoor games, jokes and secrets they would share under the golden rays of the spring sun. Her thoughts were so vivid she could almost hear her friends’ laughter and feel the touch of the winds carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the fresh greenery of the park where they planned to spend the afternoon. However, this moment of carefree bliss was interrupted by an unexpected reality. As if pulled from her sweet reverie, Ivona realized how quickly everything could change. While deep in her world of dreams, she failed to notice two classmates approaching her with quick, thoughtless steps. Their unexpected shove broke the magical thread of her thoughts, snapping her back to the harsh reality of the school corridors. Two boys, almost unconsciously and senselessly in their actions, pushed Ivona. In the moment of her fall, time seemed to 16 freeze, and the action unfolded slowly, like a scene from a film. Ivona plunged into the abyss of her own helplessness and fell to the floor with a crash that echoed in everyone’s ears. Shock and horror quickly overtook students and teachers alike. Their faces, gripped by anxiety and uncertainty, gathered around Ivona’s lifeless body. Her fall turned a carefree school day into a grim moment that would leave a deep imprint on the consciousness of everyone who witnessed the incident. This incident was the beginning of a series of events that would forever change Ivona’s life, ushering her into a world filled with uncertainty, dangers, and challenges. The moment Ivona fell from the second floor of the school building, action throughout the school froze. The crossed glances of students and teachers conveyed the same grief and horror. Ivona, the girl who was just minutes ago full of energy and joy, now lay motionless as if her life had paused in mid-air along with her fall. Her body, with broken bones and unconscious, became an object of compassion and helplessness for everyone around. The usually composed teachers could no longer hide their emotions. Their tears, mixed with the shock of what had happened, fell down their cheeks as they tried to comfort the children and maintain order amidst the chaos that had erupted. Students who witnessed the fall stood frozen in place, horrified by the sudden tragedy. The small world of school life, usually filled with carefree play, suddenly collided with the harsh realities of life. At that moment, the school was no longer just a place for learning and fun but the scene of one of the toughest moments in Ivona’s and her classmates’ lives. As they waited for emergency medical help to arrive, teachers and students stood helplessly around Ivona, who 17 symbolized their shared vulnerability and the human struggle for survival. The air was thick with tension and helplessness as everyone prayed for her survival. This day, meant to be a celebration of joy and community, turned into a tragedy that would subsequently leave its mark on the hearts and memories of everyone in the village. Ivona’s life and that of her family were overturned in a single, fatal moment. Her mother’s tears wet the hospital floor as the sun reflected in her frightened eyes, filled with a plea for mercy. Her father, a man with rough, work-hardened hands and a heart full of toil and love, stood by the hospital bed, holding his daughter’s motionless hand. One of the strongest moments in the life of this humble man turned into a prayer, spoken with all the weight and sincerity of a father. “Lord, I am a simple man, I work with my hands and live with my heart,” he began, his voice trembling with anxiety and hope. “But today I ask you, not for me, but for my daughter, Ivona. She is still so young, with so many dreams and desires. Don’t take away her chance to realize them. She is my everything, the light of my life. Please, Lord, give her strength, give her the chance to overcome this trial. Let this darkness that has engulfed her be dispersed and let her come out of it stronger and more determined.” His tears flowed down his cheeks, drops of pain and helplessness that merged with the hope for a miracle. “You know I have always believed in your mercy and justice. Please, look upon my daughter with the same mercy. Give her a chance to live, to fight, to show the world her strength. She can be an example to all that even in the toughest moments, the light of hope does not extinguish.” In that moment, when her father spoke these words with all 18 his soul, a quiet strength crept into the hospital room. Ivona, still unconscious, was surrounded by the love and hope of her parents—two powerful forces that believed she would rise again and walk the path of life with new purpose and strength. In the hospital room, painted in pastel shades of hope and consolation, little Ivona lay motionless in the bed, submerged in unconsciousness. Around her, a life support machine beat rhythmically, like a distant lighthouse in the fog, marking the thin line between life and death. Her small body was wrapped in clean, white sheets that seemed too large for her, as if shielding her from the world waiting outside. By her daughter’s hospital bed, Ivona’s mother sat in one of the two modest chairs, enveloped in a heavy silence. Her face bore the marks of worry and fatigue, echoes of the long, sleepless hours of waiting. In her hands, she held a pale pink shawl she was knitting in those rare moments when her anxiety allowed her to focus on something other than her daughter. The shawl was both a way to fill the time and a prayer, woven with wishes for a better life for her daughter. Beside her, Ivona’s father sat silently, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on his daughter’s face. In his hands, he held a rosary with a cross, its beads worn from being passed through fingers repeatedly. Each bead, polished by constant touch, carried the weight of a prayer, and the cross at the end symbolized hope and devotion. This rosary was more than just an object; it was a bridge between the man and his faith, a tool for meditation and solace in moments of worry and despair. With the rosary clutched in his hands, the father whispered prayers with tear-filled eyes, each whisper a sincere plea for his daughter’s healing. He was not merely reciting words; each prayer was intertwined with personal hopes, expressions of gratitude, and requests for strength. The cool cross, chilled by the 19 hospital air, became a source of comfort under his fingers, reminding him of the greater power that he believed could bring a miracle for Ivona. Every time his thoughts threatened to drown in a sea of despair, the rosary served as an anchor, pulling him back to the shores of hope. This continuous ritual of prayer and meditation provided a balance between the inner storm of his emotions and the peace he sought in his faith. The walls of the room were decorated with children’s drawings and pictures of cartoon characters, an attempt to bring joy and color into the sterile environment. A window let in a weak light, highlighting the dust particles in the air, dancing like stars in the beams. Despite efforts to create a cozy atmosphere, the hospital room could not hide its primary function—a place for battling illness. The medical devices sustaining Ivona’s life added a constant, monotonous sound that blended with the silence, only interrupted by the rare footsteps and whispers of the medical staff outside. After a year woven with countless medical procedures, rehabilitation, and internal battles, Ivona managed to fully recover from the trials life had presented her. Although her left arm could not fully extend, this minor limitation hardly overshadowed the joy of her return to a full life. This aspect of her recovery became not so much a reminder of weakness as a symbol of the challenges she had overcome and the strength she found in herself despite everything. On her path to recovery, Ivona turned the limited strength in her left arm into a source of inspiration. She learned to handle everyday tasks in new, innovative ways, developing skills that many with full physical ability might find challenging. Every activity requiring the use of her hands became for her not just a task, but a little journey of discovery and adaptation. 20 Her family and friends witnessed her incredible determination and positive attitude. Rather than focusing on her limitations, Ivona used their strength to show the world that true power comes not from physical abilities but from the spirit and will to move forward. This recovery was not only a personal victory for Ivona but also a lesson for everyone around her about the value of perseverance and faith. Her left hand, which could not fully open, became a symbol of her victory over circumstances, a reminder that true strength is in the soul, not in physical limitations. Ivona’s life continued with new strength and purpose. She not only returned to her daily life but also embarked on a path with greater determination and a desire to inspire others. With each passing day, she proved that despite physical limitations, a person’s spirit can remain unshakeable and overcome any challenge with dignity and courage. When the hospital became just a memory, Ivona, along with her mother and father, moved to the capital. They inhabited a stylish apartment in a spacious estate where her parents worked and maintained. The parents worked together as there was no difficulty they could not handle. In Ivona’s chest lived an unquenchable fire of dreams and hopes, which made her look at the world around her with the eyes of boundless optimism. Although fate had placed her in two modest rooms of the majestic estate where her mother and father worked tirelessly, she experienced true joy from every moment spent there. Ivona did not see the walls of her modest home as a limitation but as a starting point on her path to future success. Her dreams for the future were bright and lively—one day she would become a businesswoman, a mistress of an estate similar to the one she now called her home from a modest 21 distance. Ivona believed that with the strength of will and persistent work, every dream could become a reality.