One more second

"One more second" is the story of Dorina as she navigates a harsh childhood at the end of Communist era of Eastern Europe. The first of three novellas, it is a proclamation to girls everywhere that they are stronger than they believe and life will always go on. It is a story about sexual discovery, trauma and how they shape a girl into a woman long before she even had a proper childhood. Dorina grew up in the shadow of the communism. Eastern Europe was overrun by them, but that era was slowly drawing to a close as nations revolted, yearning for the touch of freedom. In the midst of all this, Dorina grew up poor. Together with her family, she endured the hardships of no money, limited food, the tragic loss of her mother at a young age and an absent father. Raised by her sickly and poor grandparents, Dorina must soon learn how to handle caring for her elderly grandparents while attending school. Lost in between are the predatory men seeking innocent, unsuspecting young girls. It is no easy road, for the times are changing and far too many are slipping through the cracks. Dorina remains strong, using each experience to shape and mold her life into the woman she will soon become. Along the way she meets Teo. Teo is everything Dorina wishes in a boy. He is the one shining beacon in her life but also the one that brings her the biggest disappointments. Their journey through the years is filled with passion and hardship. Dorina is naive at heart, making her an easy mark for those with nefarious intent. Through it all she learns and grows. She discovers her inner strength and what it means to be a woman. This is her story. One of trying to find a place to fit in without succumbing to the anger and greed of a bitter world surrounding her.