Chapter 2 — The Playgrounds of Childhood

Isolde was a joyful child, full of laughter and curiosity. She loved to play and made friends easily — in fact, she was the kind of girl who would visit every classmate’s home at least once, eager to explore new games and stories. Wherever she went, she brought light and fun.

Her friendships were vibrant and full of life. But as time passed, life changed. Paths diverged, families moved, and the bonds that once held strong began to loosen. Yet, even as those childhood friendships faded, Isolde never felt alone. Her memories were filled with shared secrets, laughter under the sun, and the innocent magic of companionship.

Nature was Isolde’s second home. She built treehouses in the branches of old mango trees, leapt from haystacks in the fields with the reckless courage only children possess, and danced freely in the rain, letting the drops wash over her like tiny blessings.

Her older brother, mischievous as he was, remained her steadfast protector. No matter the trouble he stirred up, he always looked out for Isolde, ready to shield her from harm or lend a comforting hand.

Her mother worked tirelessly to provide for the family, often busy with the demands of running the household and managing their small farm. Because of this, Isolde’s memories of her mother were often brief moments: a warm meal after a long day, a rare outing to the market, or the gentle thread of a needle sewing new clothes and dresses. Her mother’s love was quiet but deeply felt — in every doll Isolde owned, in every small treat given, in every sacrifice made.

To Isolde, her mother was the most beloved woman in the world.

Yet, behind the scenes of this tender childhood were the cracks of family struggle. Her father was carefree and fond of leisure, while her mother bore the weight of responsibility alone. Isolde witnessed their arguments, the tension between two people with very different dreams.

From a young age, Isolde made a silent promise to herself: one day, she would work hard to bring her mother the happiness and peace she deserved.

Isolde Does Not Look Back