HER NAME IS OLIVIA

olivia become an olive to protect herself.

Chapter 01: Childhood of the unloved child

Growing up in a truly chaotic environment, Olivia was the firstborn daughter of perhaps the most mismatched couple one could imagine. Her mother, the eldest child in her own family, carried with her an idealistic dream of building the perfect home she had always longed for. Her father, by contrast, was the youngest son — a boy wrapped in the shell of a man, raised with indulgence and never quite taught the weight of responsibility.

Even as a toddler, barely able to string together full sentences, Olivia found herself caught in the storm of her parents’ conflicts. Some arguments were so intense that her father would leave the house, taking her along — not out of care, but simply to create space to argue more freely with her mother. These early memories etched themselves deeply into her heart, leaving behind quiet wounds. Since then, Olivia has instinctively avoided confrontation, retreating from any quarrel life might place in her path.

Olivia leaned on the pillow, her eyes absentmindedly looking out the large window, her room was located in the southeast of the house, a beautiful room decorated with stars from the sky that her father had made for her but this room was always cold… her eyelids were heavy as she remembered: A long time ago, from the days when her parents were still arguing loudly, the days when she couldn’t even sleep well, she remembered back then, the whole family of three lived in her uncle’s house, it was a big and spacious 5-storey house, she clearly remembered that place as a beautiful memory, the days when her mother taught her to read idioms, the nights when her father would tell her about his plans for a new house, the birthdays when the whole family was cozy together… she was very happy but what child understood time…

She still remembered when she was only 4 years old, back then she studied at a kindergarten near her father’s office, but every time she left she was the last one to come home, back then she always had to wait for a herself, her small eyes always had to look outside to see when her parents would arrive. Olivia at that age remembered very clearly, there were times when her mother left her with her teacher to work at the company without knowing that the teacher was a devil to Olivia… she was always afraid, every time she left she was afraid, but nothing will change… nothing. And there were also times when her father forgot to pick her up, in fact she knew he didn't forget, it was just that compared to drinking and stuffing her, making her wait seemed too easy, so 4 year old Olivia always had to wait, had to look forward to the point that she didn't have the slightest sense of security…

Chapter 02: Nightmares and Dreams

Olivia often claims she prefers her paternal side of the family, though in truth, she never holds a complicated affection for everyone. She cherishes her paternal siblings — those who played with her when she was just a child, who comforted her and shared their quiet moments with her uncle’s sharp-tongued daughters. Yet, she still recalls how that same uncle would impose his harsh, adult judgments on her, attempting to mold her thoughts when all she truly longed for was a simple, peaceful existence. She doesn’t despise her maternal family either, though what she resents is their feigned concern — the way they act as if they understand her needs, desires, or the weight of her experiences. Her disdain for some of her maternal cousins runs deeper — not all, of course, but those who deliberately isolate her, speak behind her back, or maintain a cold, distant presence.

In truth, Olivia doesn’t feel truly close to anyone — not even her own parents. Affection, for her, is laced with mistrust, disappointment, and a yearning for something more genuine.

Olivia’s years in primary and secondary school were filled with both good and painful memories. She was bullied — not once, but twice — and the fear of going to school, of facing people, grew heavier each day. Yet her mother never truly understood her. In fact, she was part of the reason for Olivia’s suffering.

Back in the early days of primary school, her mother, overwhelmed by her own anxieties, didn’t deal with them — instead, she took them out on Olivia. Every Friday night, Olivia was beaten, and her father would simply look away, letting it happen without a word. By third grade, things only got worse. Her classmates began to bully her. Her neatly braided hair was constantly pulled apart until it was left tangled and messy. No matter how many times she tried to explain, her mother always blamed her. The teachers defended the bullies. And so, she carried that fear of ridicule with her into middle school. At first, secondary school seemed like it might offer something brighter. But as soon as she entered sixth grade, she encountered a group of people who would change the course of her life. They mocked her, humiliated her, and pushed her further into isolation — and eventually, into depression.

Now, when Olivia looks back, it all feels like a horror film she somehow survived.

Chapter 03: Unripe olives

Chapter 04: Olive’s daily

07/07/2025