Only One For Me By Yosh Episode 1A Chapter by Yosh How do things start out for our main character, Ambrož? What things lead him into his fate? TW: This story includes sensitive, distressing, and traumatizing themes related to violence, rough upbringings, and uncomfortable subjects. It is recommended that viewers exercise caution and refrain from proceeding if they are unable to engage with such content. Viewer discretion is advised. Only One For Me by Yosh ____________________________________________________________ Reading key: Anything to the side in bold is narration. Anything to the side with a "character's name:” are inner thoughts. Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions. Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track. Anything () is extra information. ____________________________________________________________ Episode 1: The day is November 23rd, 1841. It’s a Tuesday. Freshly born Ambrož is held in his mother’s arms as she lies on her bed in their family’s cottage. Ambrož’s father looms above the both of them from the side, admiring their newborn son. A joyous smile curves his lips, feeling cheerful. Ambrož’s father speaks in a jolly voice, filled with an intriguing tone. Ambrož’s father Line 1) What name have you decided on, love? Ambrož’s mother speaks in a tone of excitement. Ambrož’s mother Line 2) Let’s name him Ambrož. Ambrož’s father contemplates the name suggestion. Ambrož’s father Line 3) Ambrož… Hudec*… *The family’s surname, meaning fiddler in Czech. Ambrož’s mother corrects her husband. Ambrož’s mother Line 4) Ambrož Jirka* Hudec. We should get him baptized. *The given name or surname Jirka in Czech means farmer (the family are farmers). Ambrož’s father speaks in a tone of confusion. Ambrož’s father Line 5) Jirka? Ambrož’s mother speaks excitedly. Ambrož’s mother Line 6) He comes from a family of farmers. It suits him. Ambrož’s father smiles at the remark, speaking in an agreeable tone. Ambrož’s father Line 7) Ambrož Jirka Hudec… That’s got a ring to it! Ambrož’s mother speaks in a caring manner. Ambrož’s mother Line 8) He’s our miracle baby. It’s only fitting we give him a good name. Ambrož’s mother Line 9) I want him to live a long and happy life. Ambrož’s mother Line 10) I’ll do my best to be the best mother possible for him. Ambrož’s father happily glances at his wife, adoring her presence. He leans in to kiss her on the forehead, with her eyes gently shutting from the affectionate gesture. He then leans into Ambrož, getting a good look at his baby son. He lets out a laughter of joy, and kisses his sleeping baby. Ambrož’s father Line 11) And I’ll do my best to be the best father possible for him too. Ambrož’s mother glances at her husband sentimentally, feeling touched by their mutual promise. Ambrož’s narration: Line 12) I am my parents’ miracle baby. Line 13) After years of infertility, suddenly I was born, coming into the Hudec family. Line 14) Mother named me Ambrož, originating from Greek mythology, Ambrosia, meaning immortality. Line 15) Their intentions were to give me a name of good luck, but little did they know that it would backfire on me. Line 16) My parents were cottage workers that lived in North Bohemia. Line 17) We had an abundant sheep farm, in which my parents would shear our sheeps’ wool and distribute it to the city. Line 18) It was a mundane lifestyle, but my family was happy, even happier when I came along. Line 19) The countryside was beautiful, containing rich landscapes and friendly neighbors. Line 20) I had a great childhood, making various kinds of fond memories along the way with my family and friends. Line 21) That was until… *Almost 10 years have passed since Ambrož was born. The day is October 1st, 1851. It’s a Wednesday evening. The Hudec’s family cottage gets a knock on the door from Ambrož’s father. Ambrož’s mother swiftly opens the door for her husband, noticing the somber expression on his face. She looks at him in a manner of concern. Ambrož’s mother Line 22) Is everything okay, sweetheart? Ambrož’s father releases a deep sigh, sitting himself on their dining table. His wife seats herself in front of her husband, intently gazing at him in a worrisome way. Ambrož’s father speaks in an apprehensive manner. Ambrož’s father Line 23) I’m sorry for coming to you like this. The last thing I want to do is make you worry. Ambrož’s father speaks in a hopeless manner. Ambrož’s father Line 24) Today was another rough delivery day. Ambrož’s mother reaches for her husband's scruffy hands, caressing them gently in empathy. She speaks in a tone of understandment. Ambrož’s mother Line 25) I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Get well rested tonight. Ambrož’s father places his hands on top of his wife’s affectionately, rubbing their hands together. He speaks in an anxious manner. Ambrož’s father Line 26) I’m afraid the issue is far more complex than getting a good night's rest. *Shot cuts to 9-year-old Ambrož, eavesdropping on his parents' conversation, hiding himself behind a wall not far from the dining area. Ambrož’s mother speaks in an uncertain manner, trying to reassure her husband. Ambrož’s mother Line 27) I can bear the truth. Tell me what the problem is. A moment of silence goes on between them, with Ambrož leaning his head on the cottage’s wall in anticipation. Ambrož’s mother grimly glances at her husband, understanding what his silence is alluding to. She speaks in a tone of concern. Ambrož’s mother Line 28) Business isn’t doing well in the city, huh? Ambrož’s father drops his head in shame, feeling remorseful. He speaks in an apologetic manner. Ambrož’s father Line 29) I’m so sorry. He squeezes his wife’s hand, feeling the hard-working calluses on her palm. Ambrož’s father explains the situation in a somber manner. Ambrož’s father Line 30) The industrial textile factories are booming in the city. Ambrož’s father Line 31) It’s been that way for a while, but I thought people would prefer wool from the outskirts since that’s where the majority of all the farms are to guarantee genuine quality. Ambrož’s father Line 32) Turns out I was wrong. All of these new “European Elites” prefer the convenience of buying wool in the city, along with exploiting the poor workers there. Ambrož’s mother speaks in a distraught tone. Ambrož’s mother Line 33) What has happened to our kingdom? This is not the same Bohemia I grew up in. Ambrož’s father continues to caress his wife’s hands, trying his best to console her. Ambrož’s mother speaks in a hopeless voice. Ambrož’s mother Line 34) What do we do now? Ambrož’s father speaks in a dejected manner. Ambrož’s father Line 35) I wish I had a better answer for that. Ambrož’s father Line 36) This business is what’s kept our family going all these years. Ambrož’s father Line 37) We would gain profit from manufacturing and selling in the city, but then we’d have to use that money to continue fueling our business… Ambrož’s father Line 38) Leaving little to no money to ourselves. Ambrož’s father rubs his head in distress. He speaks in a manner of remorse. Ambrož’s father Line 39) I’m sorry for not doing something about this sooner. Ambrož’s mother looks at her husband in a sentimental manner. Ambrož’s mother Line 40) Don’t bear the blame, sweetheart. I know that you’re passionate about our business. She leans in closer to her husband to caress his face in consolation. Ambrož’s mother Line 41) We’ll figure something out. We always do. *Shot cuts to Ambrož leaning his head on his cottage’s wall in sadness, understanding every bit of his parents’ conversation. Ambrož’s narration: Line 42) Our little mundane lives in the outskirts came to an unfortunate close. Line 43) We moved to the city, having to let go of the place we called our home all our lives. Line 44) It was a gloomy day for all of us. Line 45) We poured our hearts out to the countryside, thinking this routine would last forever. Line 46) Our harsh reality slapped us in the face when we moved to the city. Line 47) It was overcrowded, gray, and unwelcoming. Line 48) Our home could barely be called a home. It was small, janky, and cold. Line 49) The only thing we had to look forward to in our days was seeing each other. Line 50) Which was something we could rarely do since Mom and Dad had to work so much. Line 51) The city got away with paying low wages as well as supplementing long, grueling hours of work. Line 52) You’d think that the working conditions would compensate for the disadvantages already spoken around in the city, but everyone got their hopes up. Line 53) Textile mills were difficult and dangerous to operate. The factory was dusty and hot, making it practically impossible to work in. Line 54) But Mom and Dad had to work fast. There was no room for delays. Line 55) Dad came home with a severed finger one day, saying it got caught in one of the machines. Line 56) I remember the tears streaming down my mother’s face upon hearing the tragic news. Line 57) I looked at my father in horror that day. I felt so bad for him. How could our lives come to this? Line 58) We were at our breaking point… Line 59) But Mom and Dad still found a way to be joyous around me. Line 60) I couldn’t understand them. How could they find any happiness left inside them? Line 61) The only time we had a break to ourselves was during the holidays. Line 62) But that caused food to be tight. We had to ration things until Mom and Dad were back to work to afford more food. *3 years have passed ever since the Hudec family moved to the city of the Kingdom of Bohemia (Prague, Czech Republic). Ambrož is 13-years-old. The day is December 25th, 1854. It’s a Monday Christmas evening. The family is gathered in the living room, trying to gather warmth by embracing each other as they eat their rations. Ambrož’s mother tries to speak in an uplifting tone. Ambrož’s mother Line 63) Next year, we’ll have a feast! Ambrož’s father speaks in a tone of excitement. Ambrož’s father Line 64) Next year, I’ll also give you a bunch of presents, Amby*. To compensate for all the years we missed. *Ambrož’s nickname. Ambrož furrows his eyebrows, feeling deeply upset. Line 65) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: They say this every year and never keep their promises. Ambrož’s mother speaks in an apologetic manner. Ambrož’s mother Line 66) I wish we could’ve had a feast for today, but we have to save food for when you go back to school, Amby. Ambrož’s mother Line 67) It’s important for you to have a full stomach as you learn. Ambrož’s mother speaks in a cheerful manner. Ambrož’s mother Line 68) You know what they say: healthy body, healthy mind, right? Ambrož’s mother glances at her son for reassurance, but he drops his head down in a somber manner. Ambrož’s mother and father look at each other in worry. Ambrož’s father chimes in, speaking in a tone of concern. Ambrož’s father Line 69) Is everything okay, Amby? Ambrož shakes his head no, speaking in a tone of despair. Ambrož Line 70) You don’t have to ask. Isn't it obvious that things aren’t okay? Ambrož’s parents look at their son in remorse. Ambrož speaks in a manner of frustration. Ambrož Line 71) Years ago, we weren’t dealing with this crap, but here we are, living in the trenches. Ambrož Line 72) This life is unbearable! How did things come to this?! Ambrož Line 73) I can’t stand it! I want to go home! Ambrož’s mother tears up, feeling ashamed for not knowing how her son felt sooner. Ambrož Line 74) I don’t understand why I’m going to school. Ambrož’s father justifies himself upsettingly. Ambrož’s father Line 75) You deserve to be educated. You have no idea how proud we are that you’re at the top of your class. Ambrož speaks in a manner of exasperation. Ambrož Line 76) I’m at the top of my class wearing shoes with worn-out soles, pants that mom has sewn up God knows how many times, and a shirt that’s too small for me. Ambrož speaks in an upsetting manner. Ambrož Line 77) I’m the laughing stock at school. All of the rich kids hate my guts. I feel utterly miserable! Ambrož Line 78) I should be doing something to help us out of this mess rather than attending school. A moment of silence passes between all of them. Ambrož’s father speaks in a tone of concern. Ambrož’s father Line 79) Are you saying you want to drop out of school? Ambrož nods his head in sadness. Ambrož’s narration: Line 80) It took a heck of a lot of convincing, but I eventually dropped out of school and started working at textile factories just like Mom and Dad. Line 81) Work was no joke. It was very difficult. But what kept me going was knowing that I was contributing to something in my family. Line 82) Knowing that I could ease their financial burdens, even just by a little bit, was enough for me to continue grinding. Line 83) Knowing that I wasn’t the only one suffering somewhat made me feel reassured too. There were plenty of other kids and families on the same boat as us. Line 84) After some years, there was talk about various ports opening up in America, allowing immigration to occur. Line 85) Slowly but steadily, people from the mills started leaving, one by one. Line 86) Influence spread like wildfire, and Mom and Dad were contemplating whether leaving was the best choice for us too. *5 years have passed since Ambrož started working with his family in the city. He is now 18-years-old. The day is August 18th, 1860. It’s a Saturday evening. Ambrož speaks in an encouraging manner to his parents as all of them eat dinner together. Ambrož Line 87) There’s a port open in Omaha, Nebraska, America. A trans-Atlantic steamship can take us there swiftly. Ambrož Line 88) So many people are leaving using the steamship or railroad systems. Why don’t we go as well? Ambrož Line 89) We’ve lived in the city for so long, and this lifestyle of constantly working just continues to persist. Ambrož Line 90) Things are so different in America. I feel like our lives would change for the better if we moved there. Ambrož’s father releases a sigh of contemplation. Ambrož’s father Line 91) I’ve been thinking of moving too. Everyone else around us seems to be doing that. It’s not like Bohemia is becoming a better Kingdom each day. It seems like things are only getting worse, actually. Ambrož’s mother speaks in an optimistic manner. Ambrož’s mother Line 92) It’s worth a shot. We should try to stash some money to the side until we sort things out enough for us to be able to move adequately. Ambrož glances at his parents in a hopeful manner. Ambrož Line 93) We can do this! Ambrož’s parents look at him in adoration. The next day rolls around, and Ambrož persists on a long shift at the mill factory, being particularly happy that day, knowing that his family will move out of Bohemia soon. The day is August 19th, 1860. It’s Sunday nighttime. He ends his shift late at night, walking home by a trail through the woods, with a rushlight by his side to shine a path. He happily thinks in his head about his parents’ plans to move through his exhaustion. Line 94) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: I am so tired from work today. I can’t wait for us to move. Line 95) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: We’ll find a cottage, similar to our old one and hopefully go back to our farming lifestyle. Line 96) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: I hope that I can finish school in America too. Line 97) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: I should probably pick up English in the meantime. I hope it’s easy to learn. Ambrož hears some shuffling in the bushes beside him. He swiftly swerves his rushlight to shine light to the direction of the sound. His hands tremble in fear, feeling scared from the unwelcoming atmosphere. He speaks frantically, blowing out his rushlight, and picking up the pace on his way home. Ambrož Line 98) Leave me alone! As Ambrož runs home, he trips on the stick, tumbling to the ground and dropping all of his belongings. He winces in pain, struggling to catch his breath. His vision starts to blur, with the dark landscape of the forest swirling in his mind. Ambrož gets hit with a sharp pain targeting his head and chest. Line 99) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: I really shouldn’t have run in such an exerting manner. Line 100) Ambrož’s inner thoughts: I can’t move my body. I’m in so much pain. Ambrož hears faint callings nearby him, echoing across his mind. The sound of the callings stings his ears, causing tinnitus to roar his senses. Ambrož aches in pain, feeling affliction take over his body. A person looms over Ambrož, with Ambrož’s vision perceiving multiple versions of the person in a blurry manner. The person speaks in a tone of concern. Person Line 101) Are you okay?! Can you hear me?! Ambrož’s eyes glisten in a hopeless manner. The person looks at Ambrož in immense worry. Person Line 102) Stay with me! I’m going to help you! The person crouches down to Ambrož’s level and bites their wrist hard enough to leave a bloody wound. Ambrož makes out the dark crimson shade of the person’s eyes through his hazy vision, along with the purple veins that accumulate on the person’s pale complexion as they wound themselves. Ambrož’s body tenses, but he is unable to move, with only his eyes expressing intense fear. The person shoves their bloody wrist into Ambrož’s mouth, grabbing ahold of Ambrož’s head to let the blood glide down his throat. Ambrož’s tongue gets hit with the metallic taste of blood as he fades into a deep slumber, completely passing out in front of the person. End of episode. Copyright ©2024 under United States Copyright office, Library of Congress. All rights reserved. This literary work is protected by the U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the work without permission is prohibited. The offender will be traced and will face the full extent of the legal ramifications as stipulated by the law. © 2024 YoshAuthor's Note
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Added on December 14, 2024 Last Updated on December 14, 2024 Tags: #romance, #mentalhealth, #adventure, #charming, #comforting, #cozy, #deep, #detroit, #enthusiasm, #dedication, #passion, #devotion, #fluff, #wholesome, #friendstolovers, #cleanromance, #originalstory Author
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