My Existence Itself Is My Threat - Part 1

I dream of far shores where my name was meant to be carved. I aspire to climb mountains where my flag was to be raised. I imagine a distant land where a song calls me home. So many ambitions—yet my existence is my greatest threat. I was always ready for adventure, Belonged to no land, no boundaries, no chains. The repeated "I" meant this life was mine— That was the plan. Seasons passed, yet I remained bound. Summer sweat soaked my cotton sleeves. Monsoon rains slid off my full-length poncho. Winter flakes brushed from my hooded jacket. Spring winds played with my dress, yet I stood still. I only wished to live— Never to apologise for my existence. But I was told: my existence was my biggest threat. They warned me of monsters before I stepped outside. Instead of guiding me, they taught me to wield a sword. I longed for maps and compasses—to set sail on my own— But was told I mustn’t go alone. I asked only one thing: tell me the monster’s name. Gasps echoed. Silence reigned. They had always spoken of my protector, Yet I had met him just the day before, promised at last my voyage. He wasn’t mighty, nor wise— Just another dreamer with uncertainty in his eyes. Curious, I showed him my maps. Had he traveled before? He laughed—"Life cannot be taught, only explored." I asked him then, does he know the monster’s name? He smiled, flicked my hair. "The seas we chart are foreign to such things." (Continued in part 2)