Her Last Wish, My New Beginning

I was in ninth grade when everything changed. I was just a simple schoolgirl with dreams of finishing my studies and making my parents proud. My days were about going to school, doing homework, and spending time with my friends. Marriage was the last thing on my mind. I had only seen it happen in family weddings and never thought it could come into my life so soon.

My aunt, who was very close to us, was not well. Her health had started to get worse, and she often came to our home. One day, she told my parents that she wanted me to get engaged to her son — my cousin. My parents didn’t want to agree because I was still studying and too young to think about marriage. But my aunt’s illness was serious, and they didn’t want to refuse her. They thought saying yes would make her happy and give her peace.

At first, I didn’t know anything about the proposal. My parents didn’t know how to tell me. I was only in ninth grade, still a child in many ways. Slowly, I started hearing things from relatives. That’s when I realized what was going on. I remember feeling confused and quiet. I didn’t know how to react. Everything felt like it was happening without me being part of the decision.

A few weeks later, a small engagement was arranged at our home. There was no music, no decoration, no big celebration. It was just a simple tea gathering with close family members. Because of my aunt’s health, everyone wanted to keep it peaceful. My aunt smiled as she placed the ring on my finger. I could see the happiness in her eyes. She said softly that now she could rest peacefully. I didn’t fully understand her words at that time, but they stayed in my heart.

After that day, I became a quiet girl. My life changed without me realizing it. I still went to school, but my thoughts were different. I didn’t tell anyone how I felt. I tried to focus on my studies, but there was always a part of me that felt heavy.

Months passed, and my aunt’s health got worse. She came to live with us because my mother could take better care of her. She had five sons, and her only daughter was already married and living away. Her sons were still young and didn’t know how to handle her illness. My mother took care of her like her own sister. Even though my aunt was weak, she always spoke kindly and asked about my school. She loved sitting with us and talking about small things.

Those were precious days. I didn’t realize then how much those moments would mean to me later. I had started to feel close to her in a new way — not just as my aunt, but as someone who truly wanted the best for me.

After I finished my 10th-grade exams, her condition became critical. She was taken to the hospital, and everyone in the family was worried. I still remember her smile when she saw me for the last time. A few days later, she passed away. It was a painful time for all of us.

After her passing, the house felt empty. My mother cried often, and I felt something missing inside me too. I kept thinking about her last words and the way she looked at me that day during the engagement. I finally understood that she wanted to see me safe and happy before she left.

Now when I look back, I see how that time changed me. I was young, but I learned that life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Sometimes, it brings moments that shape us quietly. My aunt’s wish and her love became a part of me. She left me with a lesson about care, sacrifice, and family.

Her last wish truly became my new beginning.