This is an introspective and tender tale about a woman in the latter stages of her life who realises that the things she believed to be encumbrances in her childhood were actually indicators of her budding leadership, capability, empathy, and inner strength.

As a young girl, the main character carried burdens she later did not appreciate. She was silent when she wanted to speak, and she carried more than most people would have guessed. For many years, she believed these were simply character traits or even faults; eventually, she comes to understand that her early years developed her resilience, emotional intelligence, bravery, and the firm foundation that goes with being someone who has great capabilities.

The protagonist has been left unnamed intentionally so that readers from different backgrounds will be able to see themselves in her story and relate to it. Her experiences are true to her in emotion, but not necessarily historical; thus the book is semi-autobiographical in spirit and has a universal message.

This book has been written for girls who are in the 13 – 15 year old age group, and particularly for those girls who have caregiving responsibilities or family pressures, or who have invisible roles. This story offers you a gentle reminder that you are likely much stronger than you have previously given yourself credit for.