"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."—Carl Gustav Jung
The city pulsed with its own rhythm. Amid the crowd, Ailín paused as she caught sight of a large screen glowing with the preview for an upcoming premiere: The Story of a Life.Her name lit up among the lights.
"Is that really me? The same girl who once lived full of fears and insecurities?"A trembling laugh escaped her—part wonder, part tenderness.
"Who would have thought that at this point in my life, I'd reach a dream that once felt so far away? Everything I lived through, everything I overcame... it all brought me here."
She exhaled slowly, a warm wave of gratitude rising in her chest."Ailín... you made it. In your own way, at your own pace. But you're here."
No one around her knew, but the story they were about to watch...was the story of how she saved herself.
And then, as if summoned by that thought, a memory swept over her like a gust of wind.It all began many years ago.
Ailín, the daughter of a Spanish mother and a Chinese father, grew up between two cultures. Her early childhood unfolded in Spain—sunny afternoons, familiar streets, sweet school snacks—until, at age twelve, her family moved to her father's hometown in China.
The change was abrupt, like a door slamming shut on everything she had known.New expectations fell heavily on her: to stand out, to adapt, to not disappoint.Her father remained kind and supportive, but her mother became increasingly strict—desperate for her daughter not to be seen as inferior in a culture she barely understood.
In that pressure, Ailín's paternal grandmother became her anchor. Calm and wise, she would brew jasmine tea and say:"Ailín, darkness only has power if you fear it. Name it, look at it, and you'll see—it's not as big as you think."
That was the day Oscurita was born.Ailín imagined her as a small, mocking shadow, always lurking.
Sometimes, she felt a weight in her chest—as if Oscurita were real.A whisper dragging her into self-doubt.
Every time she felt she wasn't enough, she knew Oscurita was there, watching from the edges of her mind.The shadow didn't just haunt her thoughts. It invaded her world, like a fog she couldn't shake.
One rainy afternoon, Ailín burst through the door, soaked and shivering.Her grandmother met her with a towel and hot tea.
"Rough day?" she asked gently.
Ailín nodded, silent. Her uniform was wet, her books splattered with mud, and her heart heavy with unsaid words.
"They said I sound like a foreigner when I speak... that I'll never be one of them," she finally whispered.
Her grandmother took her hand."Being different is not a flaw, Ailín. It's your greatest treasure. You carry the voice of two worlds. Use it."
That day, something was planted inside her.She didn't know what it would grow into, but she understood this:Even darkness can be transformed by light—if you dare to face it.
Time passed, and Ailín learned to live with the voice. She adapted. She excelled in school. She became a strong volleyball player.
Thanks to her discipline, she earned a spot at a good university and chose to major in Communications. Writing was her passion, even if her family thought it was just a phase.
Now, she was preparing to try out for the university volleyball team. The program wasn't top-tier, but its sports record was strong. It was enough for her.
Tryout day arrived.The court buzzed with energy. Around her, students warmed up—soccer, basketball, badminton. Each one focused. Each one hiding nerves behind a smile.
It was the start of the school year. Every sport was recruiting fresh talent.Ailín felt small in the crowd.
Oscurita whispered:"Why are you even trying? You'll never be enough."
But this time, something shifted.Instead of retreating, Ailín paused.
She took a deep breath.Closed her eyes.
And there it was—her grandmother's voice:"Yes, you are enough."
The words filled her like still water.She opened her eyes. Oscurita didn't choke her this time.
She breathed.She felt the strength in her legs.And with a quiet smile, she stepped onto the court.She was ready.
She joined the others—serves, volleys, spikes, defense drills. Ailín performed with strength and precision. She was accepted, along with three other girls.
Students from other sports teams watched nearby. One of them, Dylan—the basketball team captain—noticed her.
He didn't know her name.But something in the way she moved—so focused, so calm—struck him.It felt like recognizing something he didn't know he was looking for.
Dylan was in his second year of engineering. Top of his class. Star of the team. Popular, charming—but guarded.
Despite the attention he received, nothing had truly sparked his interest in a long time.Vivian, the cheerleading captain, was one of his closest friends.They laughed, trained, supported each other.
But for Dylan, that was all it was—friendship.He sometimes worried she hoped for more.He tried not to dwell on it.
Ailín was thrilled.The girls welcomed her warmly. They were from different majors, but soon she felt a bond—especially with Andrea (the team captain), Valentina, and Ana.
Still, being surrounded by such outgoing, confident girls reminded her of old wounds.She had always felt... ordinary. Quiet. Invisible.
Thin, shy, soft-spoken. She'd rather fade into the background than risk being seen—and judged.
That insecurity had shaped her.Even when she knew the answers in class, she stayed quiet.Sometimes she gave her notes to others, avoiding attention altogether.
Oscurita lingered.But this time, Ailín was determined.
"You won't win today," she whispered as she walked toward her first team practice.
Oscurita didn't respond.But Ailín knew she was there. Waiting.
Still, this was her beginning.And she wasn't turning back.
Practice ended with sore arms and a full heart. Andrea praised her. Valentina offered her an energy drink.
For the first time since arriving, Ailín felt like she belonged.
But it didn't last.
The next morning, in Communication Theory class, the professor asked a question.Ailín knew the answer. She had written about it in her notebook.
Her heart beat fast.She wanted to raise her hand.To be seen.To exist.
But then, the voice came again:
"What if you're wrong? Everyone will look. They'll laugh. Let someone else do it."
Oscurita.Small. Mocking. Lethal.
Ailín lowered her hand before anyone noticed.Another student answered. Confident.Everyone nodded. Even her.
She stared at her notebook, her chest heavy.The world went on outside.But inside, something sank.
As she walked out of class, Ailín made a quiet promise to herself:
She would not stay silent again.She would not let Oscurita speak louder than her own voice.
She knew the road wouldn't be easy.She knew Oscurita would return, again and again.
But she also knew this:
Every time she stood her ground—Even trembling—Oscurita grew smaller.
And that was her true victory.
Because healing wasn't a one-time triumph.It was a choice—made over and over—to not give up.
To take one more step.Even if it hurt.Even if she doubted.Even if the shadow still whispered.
This was her beginning.And she wasn't backing down.