Emma walked down the dusty streets of her small Romanian village, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. The summer sun was beating down on her, causing her long dark hair to stick to the back of her neck. She sighed, trying to shake off the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind all day.

At 18 years old, Emma was the eldest of six children. She had five younger brothers, all aged between 6 and 16. They were her world, her reason for waking up every morning. Since the death of their mother six years ago, Emma has taken on the role of both mother and father figure. Her father had never been around, too caught up in his grief to take care of his children.

Emma remembered the day her mother passed away like it was yesterday. She was only 12 at the time, and the loss of her mother had rocked her world. She had been her best friend, her confidant, and her source of endless love and support. And then, just like that, she was gone.

As she walked towards the marketplace, Emma couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her heart. She missed her mother dearly, and there were moments when the weight of her responsibilities felt too heavy to bear. But she never let it show. Instead, she put on a brave face and soldiered on for the sake of her brothers.

Emma had always been a responsible and mature girl, even before her mother's passing. But losing her at such a young age had forced her to grow up even faster. She had to learn how to cook, clean, and take care of her brothers, all while trying to keep up with her studies. There were times when she felt overwhelmed, but she never gave up.

As she reached the marketplace, Emma was greeted by the friendly faces of the villagers. They all knew her and her family, and they often offered their help and support whenever they could. Emma was grateful for their kindness, and she knew that she couldn't have made it this far without them.

After buying the groceries for the week, Emma headed back home, her brothers' faces lighting up when they saw her approaching. They all rushed towards her, talking and laughing, happy to see their big sister. Emma smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Despite all the hardships they had been through, they were still a happy and loving family.

As they sat down for dinner, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had managed to keep her family together and provide for them, even in the face of adversity. She knew her mother would be proud of her.

Life may not have been easy for Emma and her brothers, but they had each other, and that was all that mattered. As they shared stories and laughed together, Emma realized that she wouldn't have it any other way. She was determined to give her brothers the best life possible, and she knew that as long as they stood by each other, they could overcome anything.

And as the night fell and they all settled in for bed, Emma whispered a silent thank you to her mother, for giving her the strength and resilience to face life's challenges. She knew that with her family by her side, she could conquer the world. That was until her entire world came to a stop when she found out some big news.

On the eve of her 19th birthday, her father came to her and sat her down at the kitchen table. Emma hoped her father finally decided to become her father again once more since he basically drowned himself in drinks along with his sorrows of losing his beloved wife. Her father rubbed his face, making himself look sober enough. 

"I want to apologize for making you grow up faster then expected, having to take care of your brothers while I was...indisposed. You had to become mother and father to the boys and I am sorry. " said her father. 

Emma was shocked at the apology that came from her father. Remembering the years she had to pass up in order to care for her brothers, the cries she let out while begging her father to step up. The fun events the village kids her age were doing that she had to skip out on. Emma didn't know if she wanted to cry, yell at her father, or even accept the apology or even all the above. 

"I know it will take time for you to forgive me, but I wanted to say that I am proud of the young woman you have become and your mother would very proud of you as well." he said. 

"Father, for 7 years I had to support our family while you drowned yourself in the liquor. The days, weeks, months and years I have begged you to step up and be the father we needed! Yet, you continued to sit there and drink! Poor Axel had to grow up without mother and now he had to grow up without a father! That is not a life worth living at the age of six!" said Emma. 

Her father sat there, the guilt weighing on him grew heavier with every word from his only daughter's mouth. 

"I know and there's nothing I can say or do to go take it all back but I am here now. Let me show you and the boys that I am here now. Please just let me show you and the boys." begged her father. 

Emma noticed her youngest brothers Axel and Benjamin watching from the bottom of the stairs into the kitchen, listening to her and their father's conversation. The look in her brothers' eyes yearned their father yet also had a bit of hatred for him as well. Emma had to decided what was best for her and her brothers. She lets out a sigh. 

" Alright. You have one chance, ONE CHANCE only to prove to me that you willingly to be here for us. You mess up even once, you are done and will no longer be part of this family. is that clear, father?" asked Emma. 

"Perfectly clear. I understand." her father replied.