It began when she was just twelve – the looks, the stares, and sometimes even downright leers – and it made Sam feel angry and frustrated, but there was nothing he could do to stop men from noticing his daughter Stella, and thinking whatever thoughts that pervs think in their sick minds.
Stella was very athletic, with an intelligent mind and a beautiful face, and she was tall so she appeared older than her years but she was just a child, and Sam knew Stella was innocent of the ways of this world and the harm that someone could carelessly cause her.
She was independent, and wanted to go on walks by herself around the neighborhood, stay overnight at her friends houses, get on social media, making Sam want to follow her everywhere and try to protect her while also wanting to support and encourage her to grow into a strong woman.
Sam picked her up after school, on a rare day that Stella had no games or practices, and drove the wrong way, coming to a stop in front of an old building with the words ‘GYM’ over the door causing Stella to ask what in the world was going on.
“You’re like a sharp bright piece broken from a star. Too sharp, too bright, sometimes, for your own good, Stella,” Sam began, “you can’t hide how special you are and the wrong kinds of people may want to control you, possess you or hurt you just because of your beauty.”
“This is a boxing gym,” Sam told her as they got out of the car, “and together we are going to learn to box and protect ourselves and maybe even kick the crap out of anybody that tries to hurt my baby girl,” Sam kissed the top of Stella’s head.
“Dad, you’re so weird,” Stella laughed, “and this sounds pretty scary to me, but it would be fun to do something together, just you and me, so I’m willing to give it a try and, by the way, there’s a Tae Kwon Do studio around here, maybe for next year?”
Copyright ©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.
Violet’s Challenge: This piece is written in 50-word increments. The literary quote I have chosen for this week is: “You’re like a sharp bright piece broken from a star. Too sharp, too bright, sometimes, for your own good.”― Nicola Griffith, Hild. If you are inspired by this line- and would like to use it in your own creation, please do and link back to this post.
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 