the hope

‘The Hope’ is a short fiction that reflects the lives of many rural Bangladeshi women. The protagonist Alia represents countless women who live with little but find abundance in gratitude. Her life took a difficult turn after the demise of her husband, and each day became a battle to secure a better future for her children. She was determined to educate her children, so she took on the challenge of funding their schooling by working in a local factory.

But Alia wasn’t alone in her struggles. Her eldest son, Russel, took on responsibilities beyond his years. He carried the burden of supporting the family, striving to keep his mother from the hardships of factory work and ensuring his younger sisters were cared for.

Through her children’s resilience, Alia found renewed hope. The struggles she faced felt lighter, and in their sacrifices, she discovered a happiness she never expected.