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Introduction
The story of Menka is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a better life despite overwhelming challenges. Born in Hawaii to a loving mother and a colonel father, Menka's life takes her across continents, through hardships, and into the arms of unconditional love. Her journey is marked by loss, betrayal, and the unwavering spirit of a woman who refuses to give up.
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: Beginnings and Endings
Chapter 2: Acts of Kindness
Chapter 3: New Beginnings and New Connections
Chapter 4: Professional Success
Chapter 5: Turning Points
Chapter 6: Betrayal and Danger
Chapter 7: Seeking Peace
Chapter 8: Rekindled Love
Chapter 9: On the Run
Chapter 10: Struggles and Hope
Chapter 11: A New Beginning
Reading Guide: Chapter Summaries
Themes And Analysis
Questions For Reflection
Chapter 1: Beginnings and Endings
A girl named Menka was born in a small place in Hawaii to a doctor named Ifa. Ifa was married to a colonel named Julio, the father of Menka. Julio passed away when Menka was 8 months old due to cancer. When Menka turned 2 years old, Ifa moved to Europe, particularly Germany, to take advanced specialty medicine courses and fell in love with a German man named Maxim. Menka grew up in Germany until the age of 7. Ifa's marriage to Maxim didn't last due to verbal and physical abuse by Maxim. Ifa and her daughter fled back to Hawaii.
"Why do we have to leave, Mama?" Menka's small voice trembled as they boarded the plane back to Hawaii.
Ifa looked at her daughter, trying to mask her own fear with a brave smile. "Sometimes, my little Menka, we have to leave places where we're not treated well. We're going back home, where we will be safe and happy."
As the plane took off, Menka pressed her face to the window, watching the land of Germany disappear below them. She didn't understand all the reasons why they had to leave, but she trusted her mother's words.
Back in Hawaii, Ifa threw herself into her work, trying to rebuild their lives. Menka grew up watching her mother tirelessly helping others, a quiet strength growing within her.
Chapter 2: Acts of Kindness
When Menka turned 13 years old, her mother helped the poor community in Hawaii with free medical assistance, provided mothers with free care and childbirth support, and helped elderly people with strokes and cancer to walk and lengthen their lives. Many loved Dr. Ifa for her kindness, and some called her a heroine.
"Mama, why do you work so hard for these people?" Menka asked one evening as they prepared dinner together.
Ifa smiled gently, pausing to brush a strand of hair from her face. "Because, Menka, everyone deserves kindness. Your father believed in that, and so do I. It's not about what we get in return, but about making the world a better place."
Menka watched her mother, feeling a swell of pride and a budding determination to follow in her footsteps.
When Menka turned 15 years old, her mother suffered from diabetes and kidney failure. However, Dr. Ifa's condition didn't prevent her from helping others. Some repaid her with goods and seafood, while others received care for free or for minimal payments.
As Dr. Ifa's health worsened, she tried calling her siblings for help, but only one or two responded, while six of her siblings ignored her calls. They blamed her for the kind of life she lived, being kind and having no financial stability. Ifa only cared about her child's life, worrying who would look after Menka if she died. After a year, Dr. Ifa passed away. Only one of her seven siblings attended the funeral but caused trouble by blaming Menka for her mother's death. Few relatives arrived at the funeral, but all the people Dr. Ifa helped and the neighbors came to aid and support Menka.
"Your mother was an angel," an elderly woman said, holding Menka's hand tightly. "She saved my life, and I will never forget her kindness."
Menka nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I will continue her work. I promise."
Chapter 3: New Beginnings and New Connections
Menka turned 18 years old and lived with good Samaritans around her, managing to run a small shop since losing her mother, Ifa. Although she was only an undergraduate in nursing, she promised herself to work harder and become a doctor like her mother one day. Menka flew to New York and worked as an insurance agent.
New York was a whirlwind of activity and opportunity. Menka found herself invigorated by the fast pace and the challenge of her new job. She worked tirelessly, her mother's legacy ever-present in her mind.
One evening, at a conference, she met Enrique. They were both drawn to a discussion about the intersection of healthcare and insurance, their shared passion sparking an immediate connection.
"You're from Hawaii?" Enrique asked, his eyes widening with interest. "I've always wanted to visit. It sounds like such a beautiful place."
Menka smiled, her heart warming at the thought of home. "It is. Maybe one day, I'll show you around."
Their relationship blossomed, but the distance between them proved challenging. They tried to make it work, but ultimately decided to part ways, promising to stay in touch.
Chapter 4: Professional Success
Menka became successful in her career, becoming a Supervisor and then a Manager in her mid-20s for a pharmaceutical company. She decided to take business courses instead of studying medicine because she believed her mother, Dr. Ifa, would be proud of her for doing what she loved and becoming successful.
As Menka's career flourished, relatives started contacting her for financial help. Menka, like her mother, believed in kindness without conditions or expecting anything in return, so she helped.
"Menka, you need to be careful," her friend Hanna warned. "Not everyone has your best interests at heart."
Menka sighed, knowing her friend was right. "I know, but I can't just turn my back on them. They are family, after all."
Chapter 5: Turning Points
One day, when Menka's company closed down, it was a devastating time for her. She needed to find a new job but was mostly turned down for being overqualified. Two companies wanted her, but the pay wasn't enough to cover her needs and university fees. She then needed to find a way. A friend invited her to join a drug enforcement and investigation agency part-time, and she was interested. She joined the agency.
Menka met Nikolas, a Greek filmmaker and entrepreneur, in a coffee shop. They both had an interest in business and finance and became friends. Their friends, including Menka's best friend Hanna and her colleague Andy, formed a financial services business that became successful. Menka completed her Master's in Business Administration while still working part-time as a detective and investigator.
"Nikolas, I never imagined myself working in this field," Menka admitted one evening as they reviewed a case together.
Nikolas chuckled. "Life has a funny way of steering us in unexpected directions. But look at you, thriving in every challenge that comes your way."
Chapter 6: Betrayal and Danger
The financial services company they formed fell into destruction when two clients committed fraud. The business friends turned on Menka and Nikolas, blaming them for the damage. Although it wasn't their fault, the other business members wanted to blame them. Additionally, a few criminals wanted Menka due to leaked information that only she knew and that could put them at risk.
"How could you let this happen, Menka?" one of the business partners shouted, his face red with anger.
Menka felt her heart pound in her chest. "I didn't know! We trusted them, and they betrayed us."
Menka was also in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend James, who had a drinking problem and frequently caused fights. Menka ended the relationship.
"I can't do this anymore, James," she said firmly, tears in her eyes. "I deserve better than this."
James looked at her, his expression softening. "Menka, I'm sorry. I don't know how to change."
Chapter 7: Seeking Peace
Menka became depressed, left the detective agency even though her life was still at stake
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