Empowerment Against All Odds

Christina Lim

Description

The novel will appeal to readers because of its high stakes and pure message. If Amy West fails, Drisdale will continue to fall apart and lives will be lost in one way or another. Readers will find themselves asking how? How will she assist a town in a district the society has turned its back on? How will she upkeep the school and hospital as only one person? How will she maintain her drive with the world against her? With the constant questioning will bring the desire to keep turning pages to discover whether Amy West will fail or succeed. The refreshing message surrounding undying kindness and why it’s important to not give up on those who need you will also bring warmth to readers’ hearts.
In this novel, there’s an element of magic in Amy’s strange abilities. Other stories with the theme of ‘helping those in need’ are either very grounded in reality or solely fictitious. We read stories about fairies and super heroes that teach kindness and helpfulness all the while but in this book, there’s a perfect blend of realism, mystery and magic that makes for an intriguing read.

Sujets

• Resilience
• Redemption
• Strength
• Résilience (physique)
• Rédemption (homonymie)
• Hope
• Miracle
• Courage
• Love
• Fiction

Informations

• Publié par: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Date de parution: 21 mai 2023
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781543774238
• Langue: English

Extrait

EMPOWERMENT AGAINST ALL ODDS
 
 
A Fearless Female Battle for Drisdale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHRISTINA LIM
 
 

 
Copyright © 2023 by Christina Lim.
 
ISBN:
Hardcover
978-1-5437-7424-5

Softcover
978-1-5437-7422-1

eBook
978-1-5437-7423-8
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
 
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
CHAPTER 1
Bubbly champagne erupted from the bottle once the cork flew out.
Hands gathered to applaud this and some guests laughed. They quickly came forwards to have their portions poured by the lady of the evening.
Amy filled Mr Francis’s glass and smiled when he told her a joke. She looked up at David, who stood behind her, hand on her back and teeth bared in a grin.
“If you can’t handle it, you can always leave your leftovers with me, Mr Francis.” David said, summoning laughter from all guests. Many had already sat back at the dining table. Dessert would be brought forwards from the kitchen soon.
Amy took her seat next to David and sipped her sparkling drink. She licked her lips and then rested her glass beside her plate. Soft conversations buzzed from her guests. Most were at least twice her senior as they were acquaintances of her parents. Here and there was the occasional youngster she had invited personally, but the majority were her parents’ crowd. They needed them all here for this glorious occasion. Proud, she thought while watching her father. The man was standing, tapping the side of his glass with his fork.
“Okay, okay, settle down. I see Amy’s already had a sip of her beverage,” the greying man said. He was referred to as Dr West by many, but she knew him as the man with all the answers. Her father, the greatest medical practitioner to ever arise from this district. But she didn’t need to convince anyone of his capabilities. His awards and accolades spoke for themselves.
Amy used her napkin to wipe her mouth. She apologised for sipping early as her guests chuckled.
“No, no it’s fine. Tonight, is your night.” Her dad smiled and then raised his glass. “I’d just like to say a few words to express my . . . my pride in my daughter.”
Amy’s cheeks heated, and she felt a squeeze at her shoulder from David. Her heart rate picked up as her dad continued.
Her father’s eyes locked with hers. “You know, she had always been interested in helping people from young. Said she wanted to be a nurse, but you all know me.” He opened his arms as soft laughter emerged. “I knew she was capable of much more.” He stirred his champagne. “So of course, I did what any good parents would do and encouraged her to aim higher. Nursing . . .” He screwed his face in disapproval. “Anyone can do that. Any old average high-schooler can get a degree in nursing and work at a hospital but being a doctor?” He raised a finger. “ That takes brains. And I knew she had them. Not only that but a keen awareness of the human body that not even I was blessed with.”
Amy felt the adoring stares of the guests. She smiled at them and joined her hands on her lap under the table. “It’s nothing special, Dad.”
“You say that but I’ve seen you. Don’t forget that you worked with me during your residency.” The man smiled. “Anyway, I’m glad that she not only pursued medicine but also placed at the very top of her class. It’s not everyone who can achieve valedictorian status while studying medicine. But of course, Amy did because . . . she’s incredible. Absolutely remarkable,” he spoke over the applause that rolled in. “And I can’t wait to work alongside her at my hospital. I know she’ll do wonderful things.”
Amy forced a smile as the claps went on. David planted a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you,” she said.
“Is there anything you’d like to add, Amy? You’ve been rather quiet on your big night.” Her mother’s hands were on the table. Her dad had just taken his seat beside her.
Amy saw the waiters and waitresses bringing in their dessert. “I . . . actually do.” She took a deep breath and got up. The looks of pride and admiration were overwhelming.
With hands joined in front of her, Amy began. “Dad, I am so happy for all your encouragement.”
The man nodded.
Amy went on. “You and Mom have given me everything and more, and you two are the entire reason that I am who I am.” She rubbed her palms together. “Yes, I did complete my own fair share of hard work on my own, but I know I wouldn’t have been able to attend Starks University if it wasn’t for your contribution, so thank you.” She smiled when they mouthed a “You’re welcome.” “And of course, everyone here has also supported me in one way or another, so thanks to all of you too.” She felt a pat on her back from David and then looked at the table. A slice of chocolate cake had just been placed before her. “I know that everyone expects me to join Dad at the hospital, and while I do intend on doing so later . . .”
“Amy.” Her father stretched out her name as if warning her. He sat forwards.
Amy raised her eyes to meet his. “It’s not the direction I’m heading in right now.” She ignored the questioning mumbles. “I’d spoken to Dad about this a few times, and he’s always been against it but . . .” She noted how quickly her father’s pride morphed to disappointment. He was using his finger to massage his eyebrow while her mom folded her arms. “I have to follow my heart.” She took a deep breath. “So, I’ve sent out an application to join a program with Red Aid that sets out to the impoverished nation of Mavia next month. They need doctors over there, and I think I’d be perfect for what they’re plan –”
Her father raised his hand and got up.
Amy’s shoulders fell as he left the dining hall without another word, casting an awkward silence upon their table of guests.
She exhaled with burning eyes.
“Amy, come on.” David whispered. He showed his own displeasure with a shake of his head. Her mom was already on her way after her dad.
Amy’s eyes followed her as the woman left. “Excuse me.” She left her seat.

When Amy met her parents at the lobby, they were in quiet discussion that drew the attention of bystanders. An elderly woman seated on a floral couch was watching and guests standing at the front desk bent their backs to catch glimpse. Even the desk worker seemed engaged.
Amy walked briskly against the tiled floor, the heels of her brand-name silver stilettos clicking. David had bought these as a graduation gift. They were one of many she had received for the occasion.
“Dad.” Amy whispered as she approached. Their voices were lowered, but their gesticulations were enough to cause a scene. She held her head down to avoid stares. “Mom.”
Her parents glared her way. Judging by her father’s hand on the door handle, Amy could infer what had happened. Would her father really have left her big dinner because he disagreed with her choice?
“Amy, darling.” Her mother plastered on a smile. “It’s good that you’re here. Now we can all talk about your strange outburst of earlier.”
Amy opened her mouth, but the door pushed open from outside. She and her parents stepped back to allow the older gentleman some room, and he went on his way to the desk. Not before staring them down of course. We shouldn’t do this here, Amy thought. “There was nothing strange about it.” She opened her arms. “I’ve made up my mind,” she said to her father.
The man rubbed a hand down his face and frowned. His brows were thick with grey and his forehead lined with wrinkles. He put hands at his hip under his slick coat. “You’ve made up your mind?”
Amy grew rigid at his tone. “Dad, you know that I –”
“Amy Elizabeth West,” he whispered with teeth out. He pointed a finger at her. “Amy, I agree that the poor in Mavia need attention and care, but there are people for that and . . . they’re not like us,” he huffed. “Amy, we do our part. How much do I donate to Red Aid?”
Amy had a lump in her throat. “I . . . I know you give plenty, but you said it yourself, Dad. I have a gift for medicine and care,” she said, her brows knitting and her voice cracking. “I have these amazing senses, and I just . . .” – she looked at her hands – “I know that you’ve always wanted me by your side, but, Dad, there’s just something in me that needs to help people who can’t afford to step foot in a hospital like yours.”
Her father’s face could have been stone. “So? There are people out there already who help them. And you don’t need to be one of them.” He poked her chest.
“Okay, honey, just calm down.” Her mother held her dad’s shoulder.
Amy shook her head at his anger. “You do